District Communications
District communications including weekly updates, COVID-19 & more.
Sept. 3, 2020 Updates
Dear WSD families,
We hope you are your children are happily anticipating and preparing for a safe, healthy start to the school year. We know you are receiving quite a bit of information this week and we wanted to share some important updates and reminders.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
- September 4 – Veggie VanGo at the district from 9am – 10am & WSD Virtual Learning Cooperative material pick up from 9am – 10am (for full remote learning students ONLY).
- September 8 – First in-person learning day for students in Group A.
- September 10 – First in-person learning day for students in Group B.
- September 14 – WSD Virtual Learning Cooperative (WSDVLC) begins.
SAFE REOPENING SCHOOL PLANS
What you need to know to start this school year.
POWERSCHOOL REGISTRATION REMINDER
Thank you to everyone who has already registered their student on PowerSchool. Every student MUST be registered in our new online system, including students who have signed up for the full remote learning (WSDVLC) option. If you did not receive your PowerSchool information letter in the mail or you are having trouble navigating our new system, please contact Linda Casier at the JFK Elementary office (655-0411) or Angie Small at the Middle High School (383-6106).
FREE INTERNET FOR STUDENTS
Our district has joined the Xfinity Internet Essentials Partnership Program, which will cover the cost of the service for the duration of the school year. Families who already have Xfinity service can use WSD-program to transfer the payment of their current service to our district. Please let Emily Hecker know if you need help securing and/or paying for at-home internet.
WSD VIRTUAL LEARNING COMMUNITY UPDATE
Remote Learning with Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative Start Date Pushed Back to Sept 14. We are working with them now to learn more and will communicate with affected families when we have more information.
21C AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
Due to Covid-19, 21C afterschool programs will look and feel a little different this year.
We are hoping to pilot a few in-person programs beginning the week of October 5th using the models below. There will be no after school classes in-person on Wednesdays, however virtual opportunities will be explored. If you have any questions, please email Suzanne Skaflestad, 21C Director: sskaflestad@wsdvt.org
JFK 21C Afterschool Covid-19 Model: The goal is to keep interested students within their school day classroom (homeroom) for afterschool opportunities on the days they
are in the school building. (Mon/Tues and Thurs/Fri). We want to work with the school day structure as much as possible. Teachers and other staff that are available and interested in teaching afterschool will be assigned to a specific classroom (homeroom) based upon the level of interest/need of students in that classroom (homeroom). This model allows for the JFK 21C afterschool to take place without combining students across grade levels.
WMHS 21C Afterschool Covid-19 Model: The goal is to keep interested students within their school day PODS for after school opportunities on the days they are in the school building. (Mon/Tues and Thurs/Fri). We want to work with the school day structure as much as possible. Teachers and other staff that are available and interested to teach afterschool will be assigned to a specific POD based upon the level of interest/need of students in the POD.
The Library Welcomes You program for middle school students will also look a little different this year. Maeve Poleman will be overseeing the library program from 2:35-4:30. She will provide additional supervised support to students after school in classrooms within the POD structure from 2:35-4:30. She will also be available virtually for students on Wednesdays. Maeve is looking forward to supporting our students after school in meaningful ways.
THRIVE licensed afterschool program
Thrive is the City of Winooski’s state-licensed, 3 STAR childcare/enrichment program that runs from 3 PM – 5:30 PM. This school year, children can attend Thrive After School 2 days per week, on their in person learning days (either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/ Friday). Thrive staff will be available at 2:45 to pick up students enrolled in Thrive. The cost will be $36, and we accept state child care subsidies as well as offer scholarships to families in need. Thrive will be following all health and safety guidance from VT state agencies as well as Winooski School District. Click here to learn more and register today: https://www.bit.ly/thrive2021 or please call or email Kate Anderson, Thrive Director: 802 233 8188 / thrive@winooskivt.gov.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UPDATE
Please read these updates about the district’s School Resource Officer position.
STUDENT MEALS
When school resumes, our district is authorized to provide five days worth of meals a week per student. This means that all children who will be attending school two days a week are eligible for three meals per week through off-site distribution.
On Wednesdays, families can pick up three days’ worth of meals, two of which will be frozen so they can be saved until Monday and Tuesday, if students are remote on those days. We will continue to do off-site distribution at the three sites.
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
Students enrolled in the fully remote learning option (VTVLC) will be able to pick up five days’ worth of meals. WSDVLC students must pick up their meals from the school district on Wednesdays from 9am to 10am.
FALL SPORTS
Middle School and High School (JV and Varsity) soccer practices will begin on Tuesday, September 8th. Coaches will inform the students in their program about practice times and locations. Soccer games will HOPEFULLY start around 9/25 and conclude at the end of October.
Each student will receive an Athletic Handbook. The last 4 pages will need to be filled out and signed by parents and guardians before they can start the season. Coaches will hand these out and there will be copies here at the school. Students will be required to wear face coverings (mask or gaiter) at all times during soccer events.
Students who have yet to sign up can email the following coaches:
- Middle School Boys Soccer (grades 6-8): Lucas Dunn ldunn@wsdvt.org
- Middle School Girls Soccer (grades 6-8) : Mikayla Kelemen mkelemen@wsdvt.org
- High School Boys Soccer (grades 9-12): Steve Feiss stephenfeiss@gmail.com
- High School Girls Soccer (grades 9-12): Roger Prescott rprescott@drm.com
- If anyone has any other soccer-related questions please email Athletic Director Dennis Barcomb, dbarcomb@wsdvt.org
More information about fall sports from the Agency of Education.
We look forward to welcoming your children back to our learning community next week!
Take care, Sean McMannon
Virtual Town Hall for All Schools
Join us for a virtual Town Hall via Zoom to learn more about our plans for reopening our schools and our learning models.
Families will learn more about our plans for reopening school, the hybrid learning model, and what all of this means for your child. Please bring your thoughts, questions, and concerns!
- Who: All English as a preferred language families in the WSD
- When: Wednesday, September 2, from 6pm – 7:30pm
- Where: https://wsdvt.zoom.us/j/98281193228
BACK TO SCHOOL PLANS FOR THE 2020/21 SCHOOL YEAR
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WSD’S BACK TO SCHOOL PLANS FOR THE 2020/21 SCHOOL YEAR
WSD’S SAFE REOPENING PLAN VIDEO!
Please watch this reopening plan video with very important information about what school will look like when we reopen this fall. We suggest you watch the video with your child! (This video was created by high school student David Klinker in partnership with the Reopening Committee Comm. team & COVID-19 Coordinators).
CLICK THE HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
STUDENTS’ ASSIGNED ENTRANCES
Due to the capital project construction, there are only three entrances/exits to the building.
All grades have been assigned a specific entrance during their in-person days to help with daily temperature health checks.
- JFK Entrance: 2nd – 5th graders
- Central Entrance: PreK – 1st graders, 6th – 8th graders, and ALL late students
- MHS Entrance: High school students
STUDENT START TIMES
Please do NOT drop your child off before 8am. There will be no supervision and is against our health protocols.
- We suggest that students arrive at 8am or 8:30am, based on where they live in Winooski. This scattered start time will reduce wait times during the health check. These times are NOT mandatory and are only a suggestion to allow for flexibility as needed.
- The east/west start times will change monthly. For example, in September students who live on the east side will come at 8am, in October, students who live on the west side will come at 8am.
- After completing the health check, students will go directly to their classrooms.
- From 8am – 9am students will engage in quiet study, silent reading, or independent work under the supervision of their teacher.
- Direct instruction and attendance-taking will start at 9am so that students who arrive later do not miss out.
STUDENT MEALS
Starting Sept. 8, our district is authorized to provide five days worth of meals a week per student. This means that all children who will be attending school two days a week are eligible for three meals per week through off-site distribution.
On Wednesdays from 9-10am, families may pick up three days’ worth of meals, two of which will be frozen so they can be saved until Monday and Tuesday, if students are remote on those days. We will continue to do off-site distribution at three sites:
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
Students enrolled in a fully remote learning option (WSDVLC) will be able to pick up five days’ worth of meals. WSDVLC students must pick up five days’ worth of meals from the school district on Wednesdays from 9am to 10am.
WINOOSKI HAS HEART DURING COVID
Below are our HEART During COVID-19 expectations for all families. These expectations will be sent home this week as refrigerator magnets to serve as friendly reminders throughout the next few months.
WHMS and JFK Welcome Back Information
- Winooski Middle School Welcome Back Information
- Winooski High School Welcome Back Information
- JFK Elementary School Welcome Back Information
WSD Family Updates August 27, 2020
Dear WSD families,
It’s hard to believe that students will start back in just over a week. Our teachers and staff are busy preparing to welcome everyone back safely. Here are some important updates and information.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
- August 28 – Deadline for updating your child’s PowerSchool registration if you have not already done so.
- August 31 & August 1 – In-person kindergarten screening. Call to reserve your spot.
- September 4 – Veggie VanGo at the district from 9am – 10am & WSD Virtual Learning Cooperative material pick up from 9am – 10am (for full remote learning students ONLY).
- September 8 – First in-person learning day for students in Group A.
- September 10 – First in-person learning day for students in Group B.
WSD’S SAFE REOPENING PLAN VIDEO!
Please watch this reopening plan video with VERY important information about what school will look like when we reopen this fall. We suggest you watch the video with your child! (This video was created by high school student David Klinker in partnership with the Reopening Committee Comm. team & COVID-19 Coordinators).
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE FOR ALL SCHOOLS
Join us for a virtual open house via Zoom to learn more about our plans for reopening our schools and our learning models.
- When: Wednesday, September 2, from 6pm – 7:30pm
- Where: https://wsdvt.zoom.us/j/98281193228
POWERSCHOOL REGISTRATION REMINDER
Thank you to everyone who has already registered their student on PowerSchool. Every student MUST be registered in our new online system before the end of this week, including students who have signed up for the full remote learning (WSDVLC) option. If you did not receive your PowerSchool information letter in the mail or you are having trouble navigating our new system, please contact Linda Casier at the JFK Elementary office (655-0411) or Angie Small at the Middle High School (383-6106).
STUDENT MEALS
When school resumes, our district is authorized to provide five days worth of meals a week per student. This means that all children who will be attending school two days a week are eligible for three meals per week through off-site distribution.
On Wednesdays, families can pick up three days’ worth of meals, two of which will be frozen so they can be saved until Monday and Tuesday, if students are remote on those days. We will continue to do off-site distribution at the three sites.
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
Students enrolled in the fully remote learning option (VTVLC) will be able to pick up five days’ worth of meals. WSDVLC students must pick up their meals from the school district on Wednesdays from 9am to 10am.
FALL SPORTS
Middle School and High School (JV and Varsity) soccer practices will begin on Tuesday, September 8th. Coaches will inform the students in their program about practice times and locations. Soccer games will HOPEFULLY start around 9/25 and conclude at the end of October.
Each student will receive an Athletic Handbook. The last 4 pages will need to be filled out and signed by parents and guardians before they can start the season. Coaches will hand these out and there will be copies here at the school. Students will be required to wear face coverings (mask or gaiter) at all times during soccer events.
Students who have yet to sign up can email the following coaches:
- Middle School Boys Soccer (grades 6-8): Lucas Dunn ldunn@wsdvt.org
- Middle School Girls Soccer (grades 6-8) : Mikayla Kelemen mkelemen@wsdvt.org
- High School Boys Soccer (grades 9-12): Steve Feiss stephenfeiss@gmail.com
- High School Girls Soccer (grades 9-12): Roger Prescott rprescott@drm.com
- If anyone has any other soccer related questions please email Athletic Director Dennis Barcomb, dbarcomb@wsdvt.org
More information about fall sports from the Agency of Education.
We are excited to welcome your students back to our school, in-person and online, in a little over a week!
Take care, Sean McMannon
Sewing the Way Through Uncertainty
In July Winooski Middle School student, Ivy Resmer reached out to WMHS Co-Principal Kate with a question. She said that she had been making cloth face masks since the beginning of the pandemic, and had currently made over two-hundred. She wanted to know if Winooski schools had enough face masks to start the school year, because if not, Ivy wanted to chip in with her homemade creations.
The district had already ordered a large supply of cloth face masks but Co-Principal Kate said that it would be wonderful to h
ave student-made masks that were designed for and made by students.
Ivy agreed and figured that in the months leading up to school she could make a lot of masks for students and teachers.
Ivy’s generosity sparked another great idea. What if the school offered a student-led workshop to teach students and community members how to make masks? Ivy found the experience empowering, trying to focus on a helpful task during tumultuous times, and she felt other students might feel the same way. At the time of this publication, a series of mask-making workshops is planned for the last week in August. Many thanks to Ivy and her mom, Cathy, for helping to keep our learning community safe during these uncertain times.
We asked Ivy a few questions about her mask-making project:
Where did you learn how to sew?
I learned how to sew a few years ago, but I didn’t find it too interesting, and back then my mom had a very old, clunky, hard-to-use sewing machine, so I just couldn’t get into it. I sewed a coaster or two before I lost interest.
Where did you get the idea to start creating masks?
I got the idea to start sewing masks from my mom, who, from the get go, was sewing masks for her coworkers at UVMMC using a youtube video for help.She taught me a few weeks later, and it stuck. A big game changer was the new sewing machine.
Did it help you pass the time while you were quarantined?
Yes. I spent hours and hours sewing masks. It gave me something useful to do that I knew was desperately needed.
How many masks have you made so far?
So far I have made 260 masks.
WSD Updates – 12/17/20
Important Upcoming Dates: WSD Fully Remote Learning 12/9 through 12/23. The current plan is for all students to return to the previous in-person schedule 1/4/21. December 23 through January 3 - No School Student Meal Kit distribution - Tuesday, 12/22 from 9-10am and...
Student Meals During Remote Learning and Break
While the School District is fully remote, we are still committed to providing healthy meals for our students, and all children in Winooski. In order to better meet the needs of our families, our food service providers will be offering "make your own meal" kits so...
Student ChromeBook or iPad Repair
If your ChromeBook or iPad and needs to be fixed, please tell your teacher. The people in IT have a way to give you a replacement even though we're all working remotely. This Google Doc will tell you more. Here is the short version: 1. Tell your teacher what...
Fully Remote Learning Extended through 12/22/20
Dear WSD Staff and Families, December 13, 2020 - I am writing to you this evening with some important information. Throughout the entire weekend, the WSD COVID-19 Response Team has been working closely with the Vermont Department of Health (VDH). Unfortunately, at...
WSD Updates: 12/10/20
Important Upcoming Dates: WSD Fully Remote Learning 12/9 through 12/16. The current plan is for all students to return to the previous in-person schedule 12/17 (details below). December 23 through January 3 - No School Find the WSD’s updated school calendar here. Flu...
Student Meals During Fully Remote Learning
Dear WSD Families, While our district is fully remote, student meals are still available. In order to better meet the needs of our families, our food service providers will be offering "make your own meal" kits so that students can make their own meals at home with...
Fully Remote Learning Model – Starting 12/9/20
Dear WSD Families, December 7, 2020 - I am writing to you this evening to let you know that another member of our learning community has a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. At this time, we have no reason to believe there is any evidence of transmission occurring...
12-04-2020
COVID-19 in the WSD – Updates
Dear WSD Families, Staff, and Community, December 2, 2020 - I am writing to let you know that another member of our learning community has a probable positive case of COVID-19. At this time, we have no reason to believe there is any evidence of transmission occurring...
Positive Case of COVID-19 in the WSD (12.1.20)
Dear WSD Families, Staff, and Community, December 1, 2020 - I am writing to let you know that a member of our learning community has a probable positive case of COVID-19. While we hoped that everyone in our district would stay healthy and COVID-free, we expected that...
Still Need More Information?
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