COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Resources & Information
Meal Distribution
Current Status in Vermont
COVID-19 Info Translated
Center for Disease Control: COVID-19
Stop the Spread of Germs
April 16, 2020: Learning Materials, Veggie VanGo & More
Dear WSD Families,
I hope this message finds you well. I have a few quick reminders about tomorrow’s material distribution and Veggie VanGo, as well as April break and our new meal schedule.
Learning Materials
Our third round of material distribution will take place tomorrow Friday, April 17 from 9 – 11am.
- Kindergarten through 4th-grade students will receive iPads and Chromebooks.
- You must come pick up your student’s device so they can have access to all aspects of remote learning. If you are unable to pick up your student’s device let their teacher know before the end of today (4/16).
- Middle high school advisors will let students know if they have materials to pick up. All high school art students will receive art supplies.
- Use this document to find the distribution site where your child’s materials will be.
- Please read this document for health and safety guidelines when picking up materials from distribution sites. *Remember to park your car in the lot and come on foot to receive your child’s materials. We cannot safely allow anyone to drive up to receive their materials.*
Veggie VanGo – Vermont Foodbank
The Vermont Foodbank will be at the Winooski School District tomorrow Friday, April 17 from 9am to 10am with fresh produce for Winooski families. Please park in the school parking lot, get out of your car, and wait in line for your share of produce. Remember to follow health and safety guidelines regarding physical distancing and wearing cloth masks. (We realize that some families will need to get produce from WSD, then go to another site for their student’s learning materials. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.)
Winooski Food Shelf
Starting this Saturday (April 18) through the end of May, the Winooski Food Shelf will be open every Saturday. Residents can access each Saturday. Wednesdays will still be the second and fourth Wednesday and residents can only access one per month.
April Vacation
April break starts Monday, April 20 until April 24.
Enjoy the break, stay safe and remember to follow public health guidelines. Here are a variety of resources to assist families and caregivers in engaging PreK-12 students.
Meal Service *please note the schedule change for meal service during April break and beyond.*
Meals will continue to be provided during April break, however, the schedule will change to Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 10:00am at the three meal distribution sites:
- O’Brien Center – 32 Malletts Bay Ave
- Winooski Family Center – 87 Elm Street
- Winooski School District – 60 Normand Street
Students will get two servings of meals on Monday and Wednesday and three servings on Friday.
Spring Sports
The Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) Activity Standards Committee will make a final decision regarding the 2020 spring sports season on April 30. While they recognize that it remains unlikely we will be able to reconvene in-person activities this spring, given the rapidly changing health concern notifications, they will gather any relevant information and review any possible changes between now and April 30th before making a final decision.
You can also find all this information and more on our website.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to keep all students safe, healthy and learning to their fullest potential.
Take care,
Emily Hecker, WSD Communications and Development Director
Audio Translation (4-16-2020 Update)
April 10, 2020: Continued Learning Information & Material Distribution
Dear WSD Families,
I am so proud to be part of the Winooski learning community. Over the past few weeks, our faculty and staff have been collaborating to cultivate continued learning, opportunities for connections, and ongoing support for all WSD students. Our students have approached our new learning environment with open minds – ready to meet the new challenges presented with curiosity and HEART.
While distance learning can’t replace the classroom experience, we do believe all students can learn and progress during this time away from our building. We appreciate your partnership and support as we continue to develop this new style of teaching and learning.
I have a few updates and useful information to share with you.
Online Expectations for Students and Tech Help
- Two documents with our Online Meeting Guidelines for Students and Online Meeting Information and Guidelines for Families have been mailed to all student homes. Please remind your child about our HEART expectations and what they mean in our new remote learning environment.
- Our Technology Integrationist put together this technical help guide for student’s Chromebooks and iPads (for teachers and parents). If your child runs into an issue that’s not in this guide, contact [email protected].
Wearing Face Coverings/Masks: New Information on the Spread of COVID-19
The Vermont Department of Health, following guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), recommends that all Vermonters wear cloth face coverings when outside the home. While medical-grade masks must be saved for medical professionals, you can make your own cloth face covering. When students pick up meals and learning materials they can expect WSD staff to be wearing masks or face coverings. We encourage students and their families to wear face coverings as well.
Access to playgrounds and recreation fields
Governor Scott and the National Parks and Recreation Association have recommended that all schools and municipalities close their playgrounds and other outdoor recreational spaces to limit the spread of COVID-19. We understand how important these places are for children. But, following guidance from public health officials about physical distancing, limiting in-person social interactions, and concerns around transmission of the virus being spread through surfaces, Winooski School District and the city of Winooski will be temporarily closing playgrounds, play structures, basketball courts and recreational fields starting April 7. Here is a full list of closed parks in Winooski.
Learning Materials
Our third round of material distribution will take place next Friday, April 17 from 9 – 11am.
- Kindergarten through 4th grade students will receive iPads and Chromebooks.
- It is very important that you come pick up your student’s device so they can have access to all aspects of remote learning. If you are unable to pick up your student’s device let their teacher know before Thursday.
- Middle High School advisors will let students know if they have materials to pick up.
- Use this document to find the distribution site where your child’s materials will be.
- Please read this document for health and safety guidelines when picking up materials from distribution sites.
Veggie VanGo
The Vermont Foodbank will be at the Winooski School District on Friday, April 17 from 9am to 10am with fresh produce for Winooski families. Please park in the school parking lot, get out of your car, and wait in line for your share of produce. Remember to follow health and safety guidelines such as physical distancing and wearing cloth masks.
April Break
The Agency of Education has instructed all school districts to adhere to their established regional calendars. Therefore, April break will be from April 20 – April 24 as planned.
We encourage students, families and teachers to enjoy some downtime so we can all be refreshed and ready to dive into our Continuity of Learning work after break. Remember to adhere closely to social distancing and other public health directives during April vacation.
Meal Service *please note the schedule change for meal service during April break*
Next week, meal services will continue each weekday, 9:30am – 10am, at the three meal distribution sites:
- O’Brien Center – 32 Malletts Bay Ave
- Winooski Family Center – 87 Elm Street
- Winooski School District – 60 Normand Street
Meals will continue to be provided during April break, however, the schedule will change to Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 10:00am, still at the same sites. Students will get two servings of meals on Monday and Wednesday and three servings on Friday.
You can find all of this information on our website: https://www.wsdvt.org/covid-19/ and thank you for working with us as we work to keep all students safe, healthy and learning to their fullest potential.
Take care,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent
Audio Translation (4-10-2020 Update)
April 2, 2020: Continued Learning Information & Material Distribution
Dear WSD Families,
We hope you are all staying healthy, and that you and your children have settled into a healthy routine. For many of you the prospect of being responsible for your children’s education for the next few months adds stress to an already uncertain situation. We want to reassure all parents: Our teachers are just as committed to developing exciting, engaging student learning opportunities as ever. We do ask for your patience and partnership as we all figure out what this new learning process looks like.
The past few weeks during the “Maintenance of Learning” period our teachers have focused on maintaining students’ learning by reviewing previously taught lessons and skills. Starting the week of April 13th we will move into the “Continuity of Learning” phase of remote learning. This means we will be introducing some new learning and developing new skills. Administrators and teachers are working together with the guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) as we continue to create our Continuity of Learning (COL) Plan. What this looks like will differ by grade level and may include a combination of paper and online work. We will share out more information about it next week.
In addition, we just received guidance from the Secretary of Education that school districts should follow their approved calendar so the week of April 20-24 will be school vacation. Do not expect the regular communication you have been receiving from WSD staff.
Below is important information about picking up new learning materials and food distribution, including our Veggie VanGo produce drops.
Learning Material Distribution
We will hold our second round of learning material distribution for students next week. Details below:
- Monday 4/6 and Tuesday 4/7 from 9am to 11am at our three meal sites (listed below).
- Use this document to find the distribution site where your child’s materials will be.
- Families may choose either Monday or Tuesday. You may ask someone else to pick up your student’s materials if you are unable to make it.
- All JFK Elementary students will get work packets. 5th grade students will be given Chromebooks. If your 5th grader already has a Chromebook at home and you don’t feel it will be necessary for us to provide one, please let their teacher know. Our goal is to make devices available for K-4th grade students in the coming weeks, but we are waiting on orders for chargers and other equipment that are currently not readily available. Those devices will be handed out during a third round of learning material distribution later in April.
- Not all Middle or High school students will be receiving materials. Students can expect to hear from their advisors if they have materials to pick up.
- Please read this document for our health and safety guidelines when picking up materials from distribution sites.
WSD Meal Distribution
WSD continues to provide meals from 9:30am-10am, Monday – Friday, for all students, children, and teens at three sites:
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm Street
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Avenue
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand Street
Veggie VanGo
On the first and third Friday of each month, from 9am – 10am until the end of the school year, we will continue to provide fresh produce to the Winooski School District community. Our next produce drop is this Friday, April 3. We will let you know what produce is available on our Facebook page the day before the drop. The next Veggie VanGo dates are: April 3, April 17, (May 1 is pending), May 15, June 5 and June 19
Childcare for Essential Workers
If you are an eligible essential worker and need assistance locating available childcare, you can call Amy or Sue on the Child Care Resource referral line – 802-863-3367 ext. 365. You can also complete this form from the state of Vermont or call 211 ext. 6. Click here for more information on the Child Care Resource website.
Essential Needs Resources
We know that many families struggle to make ends meet, and that the COVID-19 pandemic has made their situations even more complicated. We have compiled a list of resources and plan to update this list as new information becomes available.
We are in this together,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent
Audio Translation (4-2-2020 Update)
March 27, 2020: Vermont Schools to Remain Dismissed for the 2019/20 School Year
Dear WSD Families,
Yesterday evening Governor Scott announced that all Vermont schools will remain dismissed for in-person instruction through the end of this school year. This difficult decision was made to protect the health and safety of all Vermonters, primarily to lessen community spread of the virus. While I believe this is the right step to take, I am still deeply saddened. I feel that I can speak for our entire staff when I say that we really miss having your children in the building. We too were looking forward to a wonderful spring of learning, celebrations, school assemblies, field trips, and opportunities to connect, in person, both in and out of the classroom.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about our world. It is changing the way we work, socialize, celebrate, and go to school. It has also provided new opportunities to approach learning. You already know that Winooski is a remarkable community. We are fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated faculty who will ensure that remote learning is engaging and that students feel supported. It is now an exciting opportunity to create a ‘new normal’ together. Once we push past the fear of the unknown the possibilities for innovation and new learning are endless.
We are expecting more guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education and the Governor’s office about what all of this means for our students.
Here is what we do know:
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Remote learning will continue and move from the maintenance of learning to the continuity of learning, as previously shared.
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Meal service will continue.
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Our faculty and staff care deeply about our students and will continue to ensure our students feel supported and engaged.
We are still waiting on guidance on the following questions (you likely have more and we will do our best to provide answers in the coming weeks):
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Will we have a graduation? (We expect more information by May 8th).
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Will there be summer school?
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How will learning assessments be conducted?
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What will online learning look like now?
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How will special education services for students with disabilities and services for English Language Learners (ELL) be provided?
Next week we will share details about how to pick up a second set of student learning materials on April 6th and 7th, as well as how we plan to return any student belongings that were left in the building/lockers.
While there remain many unknowns, the strength, creativity, and love of the Winooski community will get us through this together.
Sincerely,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent
Audio Translation (3-27-2020 Update)
March 26, 2020: WSD Response to “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Order
Dear WSD Families,
Yesterday, Governor Phil Scott today issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order to minimize all unnecessary activities outside the home to slow the spread of this virus and protect the public. We wanted to share some information about how the Winooski School District (WSD) plans to address student meals, childcare, and distance learning as it relates to Governor Scott’s Addendum.
- Student Meals
As long as the WSD has sufficient staff to prepare meals and run our meal distribution sites, we will continue to provide student meals in the same manner we have so far. Find meal distribution details here.
- Childcare for Essential Persons
Childcare for essential persons is an essential service under Addendum 6. WSD has contacted all the Winooski staff and families who are essential workers who requested child care this week, and most have already found child care. We are working with the remaining families to connect them to local providers.
- Continuity of Learning
Per the initial Executive Order, school districts should begin planning for an extended period of school closure. The decision to extend school closure will be made and communicated soon. We are working on a Continuity of Learning Plan to transition from the maintenance of learning. We will be preparing to make this shift for Monday, April 27th. We are also working on a plan to provide fresh learning materials to students next week and will share those details soon.
Although most of our staff have transitioned to working from home, you may still call any main office phone line including 802-655-0485 from 7:30am – 4pm, Mondy-Friday to speak to District Office Executive Assistant, Krista Parisi. Calls will then be rerouted to the intended person or team and voicemail will be checked frequently.
Thank you,
Sean McMannon, WSD Superintendent
Audio Message From Our Nurses (3-26-2020)
March 25, 2020: Meal Distribution for March 25
Dear Winooski Families,
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Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
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O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
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Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
Dear Winooski Families,
We want to keep you informed about local resources to help support your family during these difficult times. As information is coming quickly and the situation changes frequently, we appreciate your patience with our numerous communications.
If you are in need of food you may go to the Winooski Food Shelf located at 24 West Allen Street in Winooski.
They are open today, March 25th from 2:00-4:00pm and will have dry goods, meat, and toiletries. They will also be open Saturday, March 28th from 9:30-11:00am and will have fresh produce, bread, and deli items. If you would like to access the Food Shelf for the first time, please bring a piece of mail with your Winooski address.
Please note, if your family already went to the Food Shelf on March 11, you can’t go again today, but you can go again on Saturday. They have a new procedure in place that asks all food shelf clients to please wait outside the location and pick up pre-packaged bags that will be made available. Please remember to stay six feet apart from other Food Shelf clients or staff.
Take care,
Emily Hecker
WSD Communications Director
Audio Translation (3-25-2020 Update)
March 25, 2020: Meal Distribution for March 25
Dear Winooski Families,
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Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
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O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
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Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
Audio Translation (3-25-2020 Update)
March 23, 2020: Message from the Department of Health
We have new translations on COVID-19 in 11 languages on our webpage: www.healthvermont.gov/covid19 in the “Translated Materials” section.
Below is a shortcut to the documents:
What You Need to Know About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
in Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | English | French | Kirundi | Nepali | Somali | Spanish | Swahili | Vietnamese
March 22, 2020: Learning Materials and Meals for All WSD Students
WSD Learning Materials Pick-Up and Meal Distribution
Thank you to all WSD families who joined us Friday to pick up student learning materials. We appreciate your patience and kindness during this challenging and rapidly-evolving situation.
If you were NOT able to make it on Friday, please see the information below about learning material pick-up. To make things easier on everyone, we will hand out student learning materials at the same place and time as our meal distribution. We highly encourage all children in Winooski to participate in our FREE meal program. More info can be found below.
PreK-5th grade
If you haven’t picked up your PreK-5th grade student’s educational work materials you may pick them up on Monday, March 23rd from 9:30am – 10am. All student materials need to be picked up at the meal distribution site location closest to your home. Use this document to find the distribution center where your child’s materials will be.
Middle/High School Students
Your student’s advisor will reach out IF your student still has work to pick up.
Middle and high school students need to pick up their materials on Tuesday, March 24th from 9:30am – 10am.
Use this document to find the distribution center where your child’s materials will be.
Meals are available to all children in Winooski, Monday – Friday, from 9:30am – 10am. If there is a barrier to your child participating, please let me know at 802-388-7061.
You may pick up meals from the following locations:
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
If you have questions, please contact:
For Middle/High School students, Angie Small: 802-383-6106 [email protected]
For JFK Elementary School students, Linda Casier: 802-383-6025 [email protected]
Take care,
Emily Hecker, WSD Communications and Development Director
Audio Translation (3-22-2020 Update)
March 19, 2020: Important information about distance learning materials, Veggie VanGo and student meals for Friday (3/20)
Dear WSD Families,
Winooski School District is committed to nourishing our students’ bodies and minds during this time of school dismissal.
To help us support this goal, tomorrow, Friday, March 20th at Winooski School District, (60 Normand Street) you may pick up:
9am to 10am: Fresh produce
All community members may pick up onions, potatoes, and oranges from Veggie Van-Go. This will be available at the main/middle lobby entrance. Please note, Veggie Van-Go is only available from 9am to 10am.
9am – 11am: Meals for children
Prepared meals will be available for all children and teens ages 0-18 in Winooski – please note, children do not need to be registered students in our district to receive meals. Tomorrow, student meals will be available specifically from 9am to 11am ONLY at the WSD. (Meals will also be available at the Winooski Family Center and O’Brien Community Center at 9:30am.) Meals will be available at the elementary school entrance.
9am – 11am: Distance learning materials
Our teachers have been hard at work creating distance learning plans for all Winooski students. Learning materials will be available at the middle-high school entrance.
- JFK elementary students will have learning packets to bring home, which include math and literacy worksheets as well as necessary school supplies.
Middle and high school students will receive:
- Chromebooks and chargers for all middle school students and any high school students who don’t have their device yet. More information about remote learning plans will be shared tomorrow.
- musical instruments for all middle and high school band and orchestra students.
- art supplies (if students have art class this semester)
- books, journals, reading materials, and other supplies depending on your student’s classes
Student distance learning materials will be organized by school and alphabetized by students’ last names. If you have students at the elementary, middle school and high school, please let our staff know so they can provide you with all the necessary materials.
Pick-Up Procedures:
- Please be patient and trust we are all doing our very best.
- For the health and safety of everyone involved, we highly encourage you to pick up your fresh produce, student meals, and learning materials from your car.
- We will have staff ready to bring you everything you need, straight to your car.
- There will be three stations as seen on the map below.
- Cars must be single-file. No parking will be permitted.
- If you walk to the district for pick-up, please practice social distancing by keeping a distance of six feet between yourself and other people in line.
If you are unable to pick up your students’ Chromebooks and learning materials tomorrow they will be available for pick up at the other food pick up sites, the O’Brien Center and the Winooski Family Center on Monday, March 23rd from 9:30am-10:00am. We will choose the location closest to your student’s registered address.
(Please note: FREE internet is available from various providers during this time. Find more information below.)
If you have questions, contact me at [email protected] or 802-338-7061 and I’ll try to find you an answer.
And please take care of yourself and your loved ones,
Emily Hecker
WSD Communications and Development Director
Audio Translation (3-19-2020 Update)
March 17, 2020: Update about student meal distribution
The Winooski School District (WSD) is committed to strengthening our community by providing healthy and well-balanced meals to all of our students year-round. As has been announced, WSD schools and afterschool programs will be closed to students starting Wednesday, March 18.
While our school building remains closed, we will continue to feed our students.
Our food service providers, The Abbey Group, will be preparing bagged meals (breakfast and lunch) out of our WSD production kitchen, where they prepare meals in a safe and sanitary environment. To practice recommended social distancing students must pick up their meal package and leave immediately. Students will be handed their meals by WSD staff or volunteers, following USDA meal distribution guidelines. Socializing or waiting at food pick-up sites is not allowed.
All children and teens (age 18 and under) can receive meals at no cost. No registrations or applications are required. Meals are also available for people with disabilities who are over age 18 and participate in school programs for the mentally or physically disabled.
All meals will be familiar to students, following typical WSD breakfast and supper menus.
Meal distribution will begin Wednesday, March 18, and continue through Friday, April 3. (Monday through Friday. No delivery will be made on weekends.)
Meals will be available for pick-up at the following locations from 9:30am – 10:00am:
- Winooski Family Center, 87 Elm St.
- O’Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave.
- Winooski School District, 60 Normand St.
Our Veggie VanGo program will still be running but on a slightly different schedule. We will communicate any updates as they become available.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Jaycie Puttlitz ([email protected]) or call (802) 338-7061.
Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones,
Emily Hecker, WSD Communications & Development Director
Audio Translation (3-17-2020 Update)
March 16, 2020: Update from Sean McMannon, Superintendent
WSD Families & Staff, just a quick communication to keep everyone updated:
- WSD is open tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17th for all PreK-12 students. No student is required to attend school tomorrow. 21C Afterschool and Thrive programs will be open tomorrow.
- Starting Wednesday, March 18th, WSD is dismissed and all school-related activities are cancelled. Dismissal means that WSD staff will continue to report to work but students should not come to school.
- Do not expect learning resources and materials to come home with your student(s) tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17th. I am giving principals, teachers and staff Wednesday through Friday to organize plans for the maintenance of learning through April 6th. These plans will be ready by Monday, March 23rd.
- Our food service plan will provide daily Monday-Friday breakfast and lunch. Specific times, pickup and delivery information will be sent out tomorrow. We still plan to run our Veggie Van-Go sponsored by the VT Foodbank and Backpack programs, and will communicate specifics later this week.
Please continue to do your part by practicing these everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Thanks and take care, Sean
March 15, 2020: Update from Sean McMannon, Superintendent
WSD Families & Staff,
We find ourselves in a rapidly changing, uncharted situation. We are grateful for the guidance and support that we have received from the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Agency of Education, and the Governor’s Office.
On March 15 at 3:20 p.m., Governor Scott announced that statewide school closure will occur no later than Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The purpose of this message is to provide you an update of the actions the Winooski School District (WSD) will take as it relates to Governor Scott’s School Closure announcement.
First and foremost, student attendance at school on Monday and Tuesday is a family decision. For these two days, WSD’s attendance procedures will be waived, and no student will be penalized for not attending.
Secondly, Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled for this Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 are postponed and will be a priority later this school year to be rescheduled.
Third, your district leadership team will be working with our teachers and support staff to plan for the support of our students and families during the closure of school. To be clear, our primary areas of focus include the wellbeing of our students, families and staff. The plan that we are developing will strive to encompass all of the components that Governor Scott has referenced in his statement/press conference. Starting on Wednesday, March 18th, our food service team, The Abbey Group will begin making takeaway meals for families. The exact details on the schedule and pick-up/delivery options are still being sorted out. More specifics will be announced as soon as they are known.
Lastly, thank you for your patience and flexibility as we move forward. You can expect regular communication from WSD so that we are keeping you informed. Also, all information will be on our website, wsdvt.org. We are doing all we can to make sure these priorities are taken care of to the best of our abilities.
Sean McMannon, WSD Superintendent
Audio Translation (3-15-2020 Update)
March 13, 2020: Update from Sean McMannon, Superintendent
Dear WSD Families & Staff,
This morning, superintendents from Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties participated in a meeting with Dr. Mark Levine the Commissioner of Health from the Vermont Department of Health and Vermont’s Education Secretary, Daniel French. We learned that Governor Scott will be holding an important press conference at 5:30 p.m. today that should provide new and specific information for all Vermonters to follow. We anticipate that the guidance will include broad-based health recommendations, information on potential school closure and/or dismissal, the role of schools in mitigating COVID-19, updated travel recommendations and what individuals can do to keep safe including social distancing. The press conference will be broadcast on WCAX and WPTZ. Once the Governor has provided direction, our district leadership will determine the next steps for our schools and we will be back in touch with families and staff as quickly as possible.
Thanks, Sean McMannon
-WSD Superintendent
March 12, 2020: Update from Sean McMannon, Superintendent
WSD Staff & Families, as you know the COVID-19 situation has evolved rapidly. WSD still has no confirmed cases of the virus. There is a confirmed case in Chittenden County. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our high-risk community members, including older adults and anyone with chronic (long-lasting) medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, we have compiled a status list below of upcoming events. We used guidance from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make decisions about postponing, cancelling or continuing with events. This list is for the next two weeks and will be updated as needed. Also, I have included some information about school closure and student attendance.
School Closure Planning
School will remain open for regularly scheduled PreK-12 classes, 21C after school activities, THRIVE and school-sponsored athletics and clubs. The VT Agency of Education (VTAOE) has issued guidance on school closure and we will continue to work with the VTAOE and the Department of Health (DOH) on this topic.
In the event of school closure we will continue to provide food service and are working on a plan to provide access to appropriate learning resources for all students in the event of school closure.
Student Attendance
I have received many questions about what will happen if a parent/guardian keeps their student(s) out of school. We respect the decision of parents/guardians to do what they believe is best for their student(s). We are required by law to keep attendance records and will continue to log all absences. Parents/guardians will continue to receive 5-10-15-20 day absence letters. At the 20 day absence point we need to make a referral to the State’s Attorney. We will include in the referral the dates of absences and what we know about why the student was absent. Also, I have requested guidance from the State’s Attorney office and I believe they will provide direction to us about how to approach this in a reasonable manner given the circumstances.
Status of Upcoming Events
- JFK 3rd Grade Field Trip to Shelburne Farms: CANCELLED
- JFK Fun Fair, Friday, March 13th, 4:30-6:30pm: POSTPONED
- Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest, Saturday, March 13th: CANCELLED
- WHS Advisory Representative Retreat at Rock Point in Burlington, Sunday & Monday, March 15-16: POSTPONED
- WMHS Band, Chorus & Orchestra Performance, Tuesday, March 17th: POSTPONED
- Winooski Youth Wellness & Substance Use Prevention Forum: A Community Conversation, Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00 – 8:00pm: POSTPONED
- JFK 2nd Grade Field Trip to Flynn Theater, Wednesday, March 18th: CANCELLED
- WHS College Pathways Thursday, March 19th: CANCELLED
- WMHS Parent/Teacher Conferences, Thursday, March 19, 12-8pm: CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED
- WMHS Parent/Teacher Conferences, Friday, March 20, 12-3pm: CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED
- Winooski Talent Show Dress Rehearsal, Friday, March 20: POSTPONED
- VT Drama Festival in Montpelier, Saturday, March 21st: CANCELLED
- JFK 1st Grade Field Trip to Flynn Theater, Monday, March 23rd: CANCELLED
- WHS Science Field Trip to ECHO Center, Tuesday, March 24th: CANCELLED
- WMS ELL Field Trip to Cairns Arena, Wednesday, March 25th: CANCELLED
- WHS Science Field Trip-Winooski River Sampling, Thursday, March 26th: CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED
- Winooski Talent Show Performance, Friday, March 27th, 6:30pm: POSTPONED
- New England Regional CYO Basketball Tournament, Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 29th: CANCELLED
Lastly, PLEASE continue to take these everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Thanks, Sean McMannon
– WSD Superintendent
Audio Translation (3-12-2020 Update)
March 10, 2020: Update from Sean McMannon, Superintendent
WSD Families & Staff, I was notified late Monday night that three of our students and two parents stayed in a hotel in Boston over the weekend and later found out that there were confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the hotel two weeks prior to their stay. Parents kept their students
A few important reminders and resources:
- Upcoming planned events at WSD such as the Fun Fair, Free Throw Contest and Talent Show will continue as planned but could change. I will do my very best to provide timely information and decision-making about these events.
- Take these everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs (Stop the Spread of Germs poster):
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Who is at Higher Risk? Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
- If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
- You can keep up to date with the latest here:
Thanks, Sean McMannon
– WSD Superintendent
March 1, 2020: Information from Sean McMannon, Superintendent
WSD Families & Staff, as you are well aware, there has been an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel or new coronavirus (COVID-19). As of March 12, 2020 there are two confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Vermont. The VT Department of Health is the lead state agency during this outbreak and coordinates with VT Agency of Education who sends information to local school districts. There are several useful links below and the Dept. of Health website can be translated into several languages at the bottom right of the webpage.
The Winooski School District (WSD) continues to “deep” clean our building and will place additional hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes across classrooms and offices. We will be sending home a hard copy of the preventive actions listed below later this week with students. The most important things we can all do are to take these everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of all germs including coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Cough into your elbow, not your hand.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
https://education.vermont.gov/
https://www.healthvermont.gov/
https://www.cdc.gov/
Thanks, Sean McMannon
– WSD Superintendent