District Communications
District communications including weekly updates, COVID-19 & more.
WSD Family Updates August 20th, 2020
Dear WSD Families,
I hope you are all well. Our teachers and staff are back for inservice this week, and while things feel and look very different this year, we are all very excited to welcome students back to our learning community.
Below are some important updates and information.
Last Tuesday, Governor Phil Scott, Secretary of Education Dan French, and Vermont State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso made a strong case to reopen schools for full in-person learning.
This week, 16 school districts covering Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, the Champlain Valley Superintendents Association (CVSA), have agreed to assess the hybrid model after four to six weeks of school. WSD will work closely with the CVSA, the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), and the Agency of Education (AOE) to determine whether to stick with the hybrid model, move toward more in-person instruction or transition to more remote instruction.
With the current low numbers of COVID-19 cases in our area, we believe transitioning to full in-person learning is possible. The Department of Health has shown expertise in responding to positive cases of COVID-19, helping to build confidence for our students and staff to return.
We will be using the first four to six weeks of school to learn the COVID-19 health expectations and procedures, our A/B pod routines, and assess social-emotional, literacy, math and other essential skills.
Following guidance from the AOE and VDH, our measured approach allows for schools to minimize risk and develop new routines. If our district is able to safely phase into a fully in-person learning environment, full remote learning through VTVLC will still be offered for families who choose that option.
This planned phased approach will only be attainable if the spread of the virus can remain contained and the guidance from the AOE and the VDH does not change.
The criteria to phase-in more students to in-person instruction:
- Sufficient staffing levels
- No or low COVID-19 activity in our community
- The ability to maintain compliance with the guidance from VDH/AOE
- New routines must be efficient, assessed, and adjusted to meet the needs of our students
Superintendent McMannon and the WSD leadership team will work in close collaboration with the VDH, using their guidance based on a number of factors, including the level of community transmission and other indicators used to assess the status of COVID-19 in our area during every step of the phased-in planning process.
VEGGIE VANGO – TOMORROW (FRIDAY 8/21)
The Vermont Foodbank will be in our district tomorrow with the Veggie VanGo produce drop. Community members are welcome to come to pick up cottage cheese, corn, cauliflower, oranges, peppers, and hopefully milk.
Please remember to maintain physical distancing (6-feet) between yourself and others and wear a cloth face mask. Do not come if you are feeling unwell. (You can send a friend or family member to pick up your share of food, if necessary.)
The produce drop will still be held in the same place near the main entrance in front of the school. Please park your car and walk up to join the line along the fence. There is overflow parking next to the middle-high school.
POWER SCHOOL REGISTRATION
As we prepare for the start of school, we need each family to update and complete their yearly registration forms. This year our school has switched to PowerSchool. All families have received a PowerSchool letter with their student’s SnapCode, which will automatically populate most required information. Please log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and complete each form that is listed. You will need to verify or add information and then click submit at the bottom of each page. Please note this works best on a computer, using a Chrome Browser.
Every student must register by August 28th, before returning to school. This new system replaces the first day packet that has gone out in previous years. If you have any questions please contact Linda Casier at the JFK Elementary office, or Angie Small at the Middle High School.
REMOTE LEARNING OPTION
WSD is partnering with Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative’s (VTVLC) Collaborative Online School to provide remote learning for students. We will not be using Discovery Education as previously stated. The model will look different for students in K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. All K-12 WSD students are eligible for the remote option. Read more about the remote learning option here.
If you are interested in the fully remote learning option for your child, please fill out this form today (8/20). If you are not interested in the fully remote option, you do NOT need to fill out the form. Once you have signed your child up for the VTVLC remote learning option, Andrea Wheeland will follow up with more information.
For more information on the reopening of the WSD schools, please visit this website: https://sites.google.com/wsdvt.org/wsd-reopens/home
STUDENT MEALS
There will be no more student meals available until September 8.
If you are experiencing food insecurity due to the pause in meal provisions, we have grocery store gift certificates available to help. Please call or text Emily Hecker (802-338-7061) for more information.
When our regular student meal service resumes on September 8th, breakfast and lunch will be available for all students at no cost. When students are in-person at school meals will be provided in the classroom.
During our hybrid learning model when students are learning from home, rather than in-person at school, breakfast and lunch will still be available. Individually-packed breakfast and lunch meal bundles will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays while school is in session. Students will receive two-days worth of meals on Wednesday and three-days worth of meals on Friday.
Students who have chosen the fully remote option are encouraged to pick up meals on Wednesday and Friday, as well.
Meal distribution sites will remain:
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
In order to make school meals more accessible, we would like to know what times work best for your family.
Please fill out this survey on the best meal pick-up times for your family.
DENTAL PROGRAM UPDATES
Due to circumstances related to COVID-19 and because we want to maximize the time your child is in school learning, we have come to the difficult decision to put the transportation component of the school dental program on hold for the fall semester.
If your child(ren) is on the schedule for dental care this fall, Vermont Dental will contact you.
Parents/Guardians will have 2 options to choose from:
- You may keep the appointment or reschedule the appointment if you are able to get your child to VT Dental, or:
- You may choose to delay dental treatment for your child(ren) until the spring semester or when transportation is provided by the school again.
The WSD Tooth Tutor Tracy Towers and School Nurse Katharine Monje will assist families with accessing emergency treatment when needed.
Tracy will be at our district on both Tuesday and Friday mornings and will assess students with dental needs. Teledentistry will be used during the week whenever possible.
Please feel free to call Nurse Katharine at 802 383 6094 if you have questions or concerns about your child(ren) dental needs. We will reevaluate this for the spring semester and as needed in the meantime.
We look forward to a safe, healthy school year that helps your children deepen their love of learning!
Sean McMannon
Student Meal Time Preferences Survey
Family Update on Meals August 18
There will be no more student meals available until September 8.
If you are experiencing food insecurity due to the pause in meal provisions, we have grocery store gift certificates available to help. Please call or text Emily Hecker (802-338-7061) for more information.
When our regular student meal service resumes on September 8th, breakfast and lunch will be available for all students at no cost. When students are in-person at school meals will be provided in the classroom.
During our hybrid learning model when students are learning from home, rather than in-person at school, breakfast and lunch will still be available. Individually-packed breakfast and lunch meal bundles will be available on Wednesdays and Fridays while school is in session. Students will receive two-days worth of meals on Wednesday and three-days worth of meals on Friday.
Students who have chosen the fully remote option are encouraged to pick up meals on Wednesday and Friday, as well.
Meal distribution sites will remain:
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
In order to make school meals more accessible, we would like to know what times work best for your family.
Please fill out this survey on the best meal pick-up times for your family.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work through our reopening plan together.
Full Remote Learning Option for the 20/21 School Year
If you would like to choose the full remote learning option, please fill out this form.
Winooski School District Full Remote Learning Option K-12
Winooski students in grades K – 12 may choose a fully remote option for learning instead of in-person learning. WSD is partnering with Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative’s (VTVLC) Collaborative Online School to provide remote learning for students. The model will look different for students in K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. All K-12 WSD students are eligible for the remote option.
Commitment and Time Frame:
We must enroll students in the remote learning option by August 20, 2020. Once we enroll your child in the Collaborative Online School they will be committed for the first semester. They will have the option to return to in-person learning or stay with the remote option for the second semester.
If WSD goes to a fully remote model at any point during the semester students who have chosen the in-person model will continue to work with their WSD teachers. Students who have chosen the remote option will continue to work with the teachers through VTVLC.
Who will teach students:
K-8: Students will be supported by an WSD teacher unless the numbers are too great. If this happens, some students will be supported by a non WSD teacher.
9-12: Students will sign up for classes through VTVLC, and the classes will be taught by teachers from around Vermont.
Family Supports:
- Winooski teacher Andrea Wheeland is our Virtual Learning Coordinator and she can be reached at awheeland@wsdvt.org or 802-242-1319,
- Andrea will be the liaison between the Collaborative Online School and Winooski students and families.
- WSD will provide technology and logistics support to families.
- Students receiving special education, 504 or English language support will continue to receive those supports through Winooski School District.
Program Descriptions:
K-5: The K-5 program will use materials designed and presented by VTVLC and will begin with a fairly consistent schedule.
Students will:
- Build community and relationships with their peers during daily synchronous community meetings.
- devote a minimum of 30 hours per week to learning
- perform most of their school work off-line—reading books, writing, and completing activities and projects
- spend 15–30 percent of each school day engaging in virtual learningies
6-8: The 6-8 program has subject area courses based on the grade level of the student. Students will:
- follow a prescribed schedule, customized to individual student needs
- devote a minimum of 30 hours per week to their studies
- spend 50–75 percent of each school day engaging in virtual learning activities
9-12: High School students will select courses from the Course Catalog
Students will:
- follow traditional school calendars and have their learning facilitated by Vermont licensed educators
- devote a minimum of 30 hours per week to their studies
- spend 50–75 percent of each school day engaging in virtual learning activities
Resources:
- VTVLC Video link
- VTVLC Elementary Link
- Middle and High School VTVLC Link
- If you have additional questions please contact your school principal or Virtual Learning Coordinator Andrea Wheeland, awheeland@wsdvt.org
Frequently Asked Questions:
What days and times are students getting instruction through the remote learning option?
Students will be receiving work in weekly chunks and the schedule will be created in conjunction with the teacher(s) and VTVLC.
Will students in full-time virtual learning receive computers?
Yes, all WSD students will be provided with a device for classwork.
How will my child be kept accountable for their coursework?
All students who are using the remote learning option will receive grades and continuous feedback from their teacher(s). Teachers will be able to monitor and assess student classwork and activities in real-time. Parents will be able to stay updated on attendance, grades, and assignments just as they do when students are in in-person classes.
What happens if my child’s or family’s health situation changes and I need to enroll my child in remote learning after the deadline or at a later date?
We will determine whether we are able to provide a remote learning option to students on an individual basis. Please contact your child’s principal if you want to begin a conversation about this option.
Can my child take P.E., Health, Music, and Art as part of their coursework online?
K-8 Students enrolled in remote learning will have instruction in P.E., music, and art online and will have activities and projects they complete at home. Students in 9-12 may elect to choose these options when they enroll.
Do you provide a curriculum for students with special needs?
WSD will continue to offer services through Special Services to remote learners. The program will provide accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology support for students with disabilities according to current Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans developed by the school district’s IEP and 504 teams. ELL students will also be provided support in accessing their virtual content.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my gifted/talented child?
The program is flexible in order to meet children where they are in any given subject and will take them where they want to go. Our teachers will work directly with parents and students to ensure proper placement into the curriculum.
Can my child participate in sports and extracurricular activities offered by WSD?
Yes! Remote learning students are able to participate in all extracurricular and sports offered by Winooski School District. Your child’s school will inform you about what extracurricular activities are on offer.
WSD Family Update – August 14, 2020
Dear Winooski Families,
The Winooski School District (WSD), along with fifteen neighboring districts across Addison, Chittenden and Franklin counties adopted the hybrid model for school instruction with a public announcement on July 23rd. The hybrid model is not perfect for families or staff, however it achieves a middle ground in balancing family and staff needs. Learning will be a blend of in-person at school and remote/virtual learning. This approach is student-centered, focused on social-emotional needs, and designed to keep our students learning at a high level. Most importantly, a hybrid model affords the ability to offer in-person learning in the safest environment possible while adhering to the best practices of the guidance issued by the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). We continue to follow the educational guidance from the VT Agency of Education, and the health guidance from the VT Department of Health experts on COVID-19. We believe that we must do what is best for our students, the community and our staff, and that includes, in part, educating students in the school. If circumstances change, we will reconsider our approach.
Our three reopening teams composed of teachers, support staff, students and administrators have worked tirelessly since late June to build these plans knowing there is no perfect solution for everyone involved but trying our very best to keep students at the center of our planning.
Yesterday, three days prior to teachers reporting to work, the Winooski Education Association (WEA), the union that represents both teachers and support staff announced they “cannot endorse the current hybrid model at this time, nor any model that incorporates regular, in-person instruction district-wide.” The full statement can be read here. I would urge you to read their statement and contact WSD school board members with your impressions:
- Tori Cleiland: tcleiland@wsdvt.org Alex Yin: ayin@wsdvt.org
- Mike Decarreau: mdecarreau@wsdvt.org Margaret Bass: mbass@wsdvt.org
- Matt MacNeil: mmacneil@wsdvt.org
Two weeks ago we told parents that we would send out our WSD Reopening Plan and announce the groups or pods that your child(ren) will be in with the guiding principle that students in the same family will attend in-person instruction on the same days. The WSD Reopening Plan outlines:
- Health Considerations: Health Screenings, Contact Tracing & Student Medications
- School Building & Operations: Meals, Transportation, Cleaning
- Continuity of Learning: JFK, WMS & WHS Hybrid Learning Plans, WSD Supported Remote Option, Home Study via State of VT and Child Care
- Social Emotional Well Being: Attendance, SEL K-5 and 6-12
- English Language Learners (ELL): Overview of ELL services
- Special Education: Overview of special education services
Please click here to find your child(ren’s) in-person instruction days: WSD A & B Groups or Pods
- A Group or Pod will attend on Monday & Tuesday
- B Group or Pod will attend on Thursday & Friday
We know this is a challenging time for everyone, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support.
Take care,
Superintendent Sean McMannon
WSD Family Update – August, 6, 2020
Dear Winooski Families,
During these trying and uncertain times I hope you are finding moments to relax, reflect, exercise and laugh with your family and friends. Last week I was able to find some time and mental/emotional space to begin processing all that has happened. I want to share my reflection, thinking and some of the data and resources used throughout this journey to make decisions to meet our purpose of safely reopening WSD schools for all students, staff and families and putting student and staff health, safety, and wellbeing as our primary guiding belief.
Each one of us comes with our own biases, background and opinions about the “best” way to reopen schools. I have heard just about every opinion about what the right decision is and let’s be honest, there is no “right” or “correct” decision. My role is to balance the needs of families and staff. A hybrid model is the middle option for a reason, it considers many factors and finds a middle ground in balancing family and staff needs. While Mill River UUSD, serving communities outside of Rutland, has decided to go with a K-12 fully remote learning model, our neighbors in the Champlain Valley School District are receiving intense pressure from a variety of stakeholders, including local pediatricians, to open in-person for more than two days per week. Some people are very scared of contracting the virus and believe remote learning is the best method of ensuring physical health and safety. Others believe the health data clearly points toward a more robust opening of in-person instruction, and not opening school poses a greater health and safety risk to our children.
In mid/late July over 200 or 50% of our families responded representing over 400 of our PreK-12 students to a survey about Learning Models (In-Person, Hybrid, Remote) preferences
On a scale of 1-5 with 1 being the least comfortable and 5 being the most comfortable…
- In-Person: 32% of parents/caregivers were comfortable with this model (4 & 5 combined)
- Hybrid: 55% of parents/caregivers were comfortable with this model (4 & 5 combined)
In the last two weeks 149 or 37% of our families, representing 262 of our PreK-12 students, responded to a survey asking “At this time, are you planning to choose the fully remote learning option for your child(ren) in the coming school year?
-
- 68.8% said No
- 20% said Yes
- 11% said Maybe
Below is a description of the current hybrid learning model and full remote learning plans by school as developed by members of the District Reopening Committee. Our overarching goal in assigning students is to allow for students from the same family to attend on the same days to facilitate a more consistent family schedule.
JFK Elementary
The JFK Reopening team, in conjunction with the District Reopening Committee, has been working this summer to develop a comprehensive hybrid learning plan for our students, staff and families for this fall. Most students will be divided into two equal sized learning groups, with one group attending in-person school on Monday and Tuesday (Pod A), and the second group attending in-person school on Thursday and Friday (Pod B). Most students will be participating in remote learning on Wednesdays and on the two days when they are not scheduled to be in school. All JFK teachers and staff will be supporting students during their in-person and remote learning. Wednesday will be a remote day for all staff to allow for a thorough clean of the building. You will be notified by Friday, August 14th of your student’s placement in Pod A or B.
Winooski Middle-High School
Middle School: We want to keep our students, staff and community as safe as possible while also providing the in-person learning opportunities we know to be valuable. We are trying at both the middle and high school to keep student groups at 12 or less.
Pod A students and teachers will attend school in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, September 8th. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday Pod A students and teachers will be working remotely.
- Pod B students and teachers will attend school in-person on Thursdays and Fridays beginning Thursday, September 10th, 2020. Pod B students and teachers will work remotely on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays starting on September 8th.
Pod assignments are being organized to ensure children in the same household are attending in-person school on the same days. This information will be shared with families by August 14th.
We are looking forward to planning robust hybrid programming for students in this hybrid learning environment. This will look and feel different than our emergency remote learning last spring, as students will be using their in-person learning experiences to guide their remote enrichment, collaboration, and independent practice. Teachers and students will work together to determine the best balance of synchronous (live) learning and asynchronous (on your own schedule) learning opportunities for at-home learning days.
High School:
At the High School level, the reopening committee has been working on rapid-prototyping models of learning that would have the best learning outcomes for students while having the least health risks to students, family, and staff. We realize that there may be a limited window of time this academic year to have face-to-face instruction as the pandemic evolves. We want to seize the start of the year to set foundational practices and expectations to carry us through the entire year should we have to be off-campus doing fully remote learning for months.
We are assessing four versions of a hybrid model that would try to minimize the numbers of students and teachers in the High School. These proposals include two days on-campus, in class learning and 3 days off-campus (remote). The goal would be to have teams of teachers who support the same students both during the on-campus and off-campus days to make the learning as rigorous and as supportive a system as possible both academically and social-emotionally. This would have the benefit of aligning with the Middle School. The sorting of students into A and B pods will be completed by August 14th.
Full Remote Learning Option
We have selected Discovery Education and the VT Virtual Learning Cooperative as part of our full remote learning plans. Details about how these will work, how to let us know if you want to select one of these options and how to enroll will be coming by August 21st.
Teachers will arrive for Pre-Service on Monday, August 17th and we will have a full three weeks to refine our reopening plans. We are only a month away from the first day of school on September 8th, there are still many unknowns, and we have also made tremendous progress on our reopening planning.
Finally, there is much for us all to do in challenging circumstances. We need each other. We know that you may be struggling with childcare needs, economically supporting your family, educationally supporting your child(ren) and I want you to know that we are here for you and we are in this together! We can do this and we will be stronger, smarter and proud of what we will have accomplished for our students!
Additional WSD Updates
Antiracism Work
Winooski School District will raise the BLM flag August 7 at 4pm.
Join the Facebook Live stream at https://www.facebook.com/winooskilearns and watch live on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/WinooskiLearns/
Middle School teacher Mugabo W’Ishema Thierry Uwilingiyimana will speak at 4pm.
Winooski Students for Antiracism representatives will be speaking at 4:10pm.
Please join in online and support our students!
The WSD School Board will present their response to the demands of the Winooski Students for Antiracism (WSA) at the August 12 board meeting. Please join this meeting to learn more about how our district is moving forward with this important antiracism work.
Capital Project Updates
We are excited to share that our district will receive a $57.8 Million Direct Loan Investment from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Facilities Loan Program. This investment will save Winooski taxpayers approximately $11 million! Read the full press release.
We know this is a challenging time for everyone, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support.
Take care,
Superintendent Sean McMannon
Safety Reminders Following Break
November 29, 2020 Dear WSD Families and Staff, We hope you were able to relax over the last few days and find some creative ways to observe your favorite traditions within our challenging circumstances. On November 13, Governor Scott’s Executive Order suspended...
WSD Updates 11.25.2020
Important Upcoming Dates: November 25-27 - No School Find the WSD’s updated school calendar here. Flu Shot Clinic - Tuesdays and Thursdays in December Dear WSD Families, Gratitude. I am incredibly grateful that schools in Winooski are open. Across the country,...
Family Updates 11.19.2020
Important Upcoming Dates: Monday, November 23 - early dismissal at 11am (JFK parent-teacher conferences) Tuesday, November 24 - early dismissal at 11am (JFK parent-teacher conferences) November 25-27 - No School Find the WSD’s updated school calendar here. Flu Shot...
Friday, November 20, 2020
WHS a Gold Standard School for Financial Literacy Education
Nov 18, 2020, Palo Alto, Calif. - Next Gen Personal Finance, a leading non-profit provider of financial education curriculum and teacher professional development, has recognized Winooski High School as a Gold Standard School for requiring all students to take at least...
Mohamed Diop, Behavior Interventionist
What do you do at WSD? I’ve been working here since 2015. I started as the study hall coordinator for the high school. The following year our middle school advertised a Behavior Interventionist position and I went for it. Currently, I am a middle and high school...
WSD Updates 11.12.2020
Important Upcoming Dates: November 16 - No School November 17 - 5th grade returns to increased in-person learning Monday, November 23 - early dismissal at 11am (JFK parent-teacher conferences) Tuesday, November 24 - early dismissal at 11am (JFK parent-teacher...
WSD Family Updates 11/5/20
Important Upcoming Dates: Monday, November 23 - early dismissal at 11am (JFK parent-teacher conferences) Tuesday, November 24 - early dismissal at 11am (JFK parent-teacher conferences) November 16 - No School November 25-27 - No School At this time there are no plans...
November 6, 2020
October 30, 2020
Still Need More Information?
Contact us at info@wsdvt.org or fill out the following form.