Panther Nation Newsletter #11
November 5, 2020 #PANTHERSTRONG
Message from the Principal
As I've said many times since the beginning of the year, our Panther team have done a remarkable job of managing a large community of students/teachers and steered clear of Covid interruptions throughout the 1st nine weeks. Our diligence paid off, until now. Unfortunately, two events this week require us to take action in response.
First, we were forced to quarantine 78 students and 5 teachers this week due to exposure to an individual within that cohort who tested positive. The entire cohort of 83 will be conducting themselves remotely (either teaching remotely or attending classes) until November 16th. We have no reason to believe that the exposure will lead to other positive tests. We're simply being cautious with our larger cohort of the remaining 500 students who are currently still in-person.
Second, the number of active cases in Teller County continues to rise significantly. This factor forced the district's hands (according to our phase chronology that was established at the beginning of this school year). You saw this week that we moved to Phase 3, Medium Control. And, now, just a week later, we will be moving to Phase 3, High Control beginning Monday, November 9th.
Phase 3, High Control, means that we will be severely restricting the cohort size that is in-person on a given day. Students A-L will attend consecutive days each week, and students M-Z will attend different consecutive days each week. The only exceptions are those students who are already on a designated list known as "significantly impacted learners." These SIL students will remain in-person learners each day.
You can see the schedule below-- which will remain in place at least until our winter break which begins December 16th. Students may only attend on their designated day. Otherwise they will be remote. Students who attempt to "break into" a different cohort will be sent home.
This places a tremendous emphasis on our students responsibility to engage with their teachers remotely as they'll only see their teachers in-person just 14 times during the remainder of this semester. Now, more than ever, parents must be checking in with their students every day to ensure that they are engaged and on-top of their learning.
Stay tuned. We will be watching the Teller County numbers very closely. If they continue to rise after Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas...we will be again forced to make adjustments according to the Reintegration Phase Chronology that you can find on the WPHS website (https://wpsdk12.org/uploads/forms/School-Reintegration-Plan.pdf). It might be a good idea to re-familiarize yourself with it. This will also affect our ability to re-engage with activities and athletics. So, pay close attention for further announcements.
As always, please contact us with questions. Otherwise, we'll talk to you again next week.
Mr. Burr
PHASE 3 - High Control Learning Schedule
Updated Home Football Game Procedures!
Kevin Burr, Principal WPHS
Joe Roskam, Head Football Coach/AD
151 Panther Way
Woodland Park, Co 80863
719-686-2067
Game Day Information
Game Time: 6:00 PM
1) Admission: Adults- $5 Students- $3 Seniors (over 60) $3
2) ALL TICKETS SHOULD BE PURCHASED THROUGH www.gofan.co No tickets will be available at the gate.
3) Parking and Entrance: Attached you will find a map explaining parking for each team.
- South Gate Entrance: Only authorized vehicles are permitted to use the South Road (gated) entrance and park inside the stadium. Vehicles must obtain authorization through the WPHS Activities Office and include (but not limited to):
- Maintenance and emergency vehicles
- Vehicles with handicapped permits that call ahead (686-2016) to reserve space.
- Officials, team buses, and other game operation staff
4) Masks: All patrons will be REQUIRED to wear a mask or face covering throughout the game.
5) Seating: Home seating is on the west side of the stadium. Visitor seating is on the east side of the stadium. Please practice the 6 feet apart mandate. Families are to sit together.
6) Pets: Pets (with the exception of service animals) are not permitted at any District athletic facilities.
7) Safety: Families are expected to sit together and practice social distancing. Children and students under high school age are expected to be supervised by their families. Un-supervised students/children will be required to leave.
8) After Game: After the game, fans will need to exit the stadium immediately through the same entrance they entered and are not allowed on the field.
9) Concessions: No concessions available at this time.
10) Dressing: A visiting team may use our Auxiliary Gym for dressing.
11) Press Box: Each team is allowed to have one person in the press box in addition to the announcer. Everyone in the Press Box is required to wear a mask.
Contacts: Principal—Kevin Burr—719-686-2067
Head Coach/AD—Joe Roskam—719-686-2067
Counselor's Corner
We are grateful to partner with Pikes Peak Community College Admission Counseling team to host Financial Aid 101 and FAFSA Completion Virtual Events. Both informational events will be held virtually via Zoom. FAFSA VIRTUAL LINK
FAFSA Completion is designed for any student and family who needs help completing the FAFSA Application. To prepare for a FAFSA Completion event, please come prepared with the following checklist - view the items a student should bring to the session.
- November 10, 6:30-8:30pm
Learning Spotlight --- Sociology: Criminology Class
Order Your Senior Supplies!!
1-ALL SENIORS NEED TO PURCHASE A CAP & GOWN THIS YEAR. YOU CANNOT WEAR ONE FROM THE PAST AS THEY WILL BE DIFFERENT AND WON’T MATCH.
2-Look through the catalog to find items you would like to celebrate your graduation. Most seniors will send graduation announcements to notify friends and family of graduation. Note - most will send presents! Pick other items to celebrate your senior year (t-shirts/hoodies/sweatpants/beanies/etc)
3-Class Rings – go to www.jostens.com to design your custom class ring. Print the order form and bring it on the 10th or 13th. If you have any questions, please contact our Jostens representative at joe.adducci@jostens.com.