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: [email protected] Alex Yin: [email protected]
- Mike Decarreau: [email protected] Margaret Bass: [email protected]
- Matt MacNeil: [email protected]
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