March 16 Update
Dear Families and Friends,
In an attempt to keep everyone updated during this time, we want to provide what we have recently learned. Please be mindful that information is constantly changing—we received new guidance as of this morning from the Connecticut Commissioner of Education. We will keep you informed to the best of our ability.
Home-based school instruction update:
Based on new information and instruction we received Sunday from state officials we have been compelled to amend original our plan for supplemental instruction. Via executive order Governor Lamont closed all public schools through March 31st. In addition, new guidance from the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that school closures may last longer and indicated that we will be required to implement distance learning should this happen . For these reasons, please note that the work that has been sent home in packets or emailed is now mandatory for students. This work should be adequate to get students through the next two weeks. If you were unable to pick up a work packet, it will be mailed to you via USPS. If you need an emailed packet printed, please contact either the WES or WMS office and it will be mailed to you, as visitors are not permitted at this time.
During the next two weeks we will continue to work on our distance learning program based on continuing guidance from the CT State Department of Education, which is actively working to put our entire state online with distance learning, as well as paper-based packets for those who do not have access. Beginning today, Spectrum is offering free internet service to families in need to help support distance learning. Please call 1-844-488-8395 for more information and instructions on how to set up this service.
Food distribution update:
We also understand that there is great concern for our food-insecure students. We share this concern. Beginning Thursday, March 19, breakfast and lunch will be offered to all students in K through 8. Pick up for this week (March 19 and 20) will be at the Woodstock Middle School main entrance front lobby doors on a grab and go basis between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. In order to help us appropriately plan, we ask that you help us by emailing caf@woodstockschools.net if you would like to take advantage of this service; however, this is voluntary and any student who comes to the school will be provided food. In the coming days we will announce a more concrete plan for pick up moving forward.
As we continue to get updates from the multiple agencies involved in our decision-making process, we will keep you informed via email and text. Please also frequently check the Woodstock Public Schools website for any updated information: www.woodstockschools.net.
Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate these uncharted waters. Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors. We are a strong community and will remain one.
Sincerely,
Viktor Toth, Superintendent
Kristen Elliott, WMS Principal
Jenna Demers, WES Principal
Kim Wilson, Director of Student Services