Dear WSD Families and Staff,
Thanks to your efforts in making Vermont the most highly vaccinated state in the country, Governor Scott’s State of Emergency ended in June. Even though not all Winooski students will be able to start the school year eligible for the vaccine, our success means that we will be able to return to full in-person learning this fall.
While this is very good news overall, there will still be a need for some precautions: carefully following stay home when sick procedures; universal mask wear when inside the building; and continued surveillance testing and contact tracing. The following guidelines are based on advice from the Agency of Education and the Vermont Department of Health:
Stay Home When Sick
This is the #1 action you can take to keep everyone safe and our schools operating normally. All students and staff should stay home if they:
- Show symptoms of COVID-19;
- Have a fever (temperature greater than 100.4°F);
- Or, are currently in quarantine due to close contact with an individual with COVID-19 or in isolation due to testing positive for COVID-19.
If symptoms begin while at school, the student or staff member should be sent home as soon as possible, and the individual should be isolated from other staff and students until they can go home.
Masks
We will require universal masking for all students and staff when indoors for the first 10 instructional days of the school year. Once we are certain that at least 80% of our age-eligible students are fully vaccinated, masks will no longer be required for students ages 12 and up. Masks will still be required indoors for students younger than 12 (grades Prek-5th grade), as they are not eligible to be vaccinated at this time. Because our students PreK-12 share many common spaces, all students and staff will still be required to wear masks when in the hallways, gym, or restrooms. Masks will not be required outdoors.
Masks are currently required for all passengers on buses per federal regulation, regardless of age or vaccination status.
Contact the WSD COVID hotline if you have any virus-related questions at 802-556-2243.
Surveillance Testing and Contact Tracing
The VDH will offer surveillance testing for both students and staff. Our district will participate to the best of our ability, and we encourage students and staff to take advantage of this free program as well. The WSD will also continue to participate in contact tracing as requested by the VDH.
Construction Updates
We are very excited for teachers and staff to begin setting up classrooms in the new middle and elementary school wings in a little over a week. While there have been a few frustrating delays due to supply chain issues, such as some furniture delivery, overall progress has been right on target.
This week, district leaders met with the construction team and the State Fire Marshal to complete testing to ensure our campus is a safe environment for all. Our construction team, district leadership team, and School Resource Officer Jason Ziter have also been working on student drop-off and pick-up procedures for this school year. More information will be shared next week.
As this message is being written, finishing touches are being completed in all new building spaces. We can’t wait to share the bright, new learning spaces full of natural light and thoughtful touches with our students, staff, and community. Expect video tours of our classrooms in the coming weeks.
Multi-Stakeholder Group Dialogue on School Safety Models
At the May 12, 2021 Board meeting, the WSD Board approved a proposal by Julian Portilla, the Director of the Champlain College Center for Mediation and Dialogue, to create a Multi-Stakeholder Group and provide recommendations about school safety models. Read more about the progress updates on the MSG here.
Last Day for Student Meal Kits is August 18
Because our school district will be providing meals to students in person once school starts, our Wednesday meal kit distribution will end on August 18. Until then, we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, August 11, and on Wednesday, August 18 at our different meal kit distribution sites:
- WSD, 60 Normand Street: 9:30 – 10:00am
- O’Brien Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave: 10:15 – 10:45am
- Family Center, 87 Elm Street: 11:00 – 11:30am
Summer School Wrap Up
We’re always proud of our summer programming, but this year was truly exceptional. Watch this nice video about our collaboration with Shelburne Farms to find out what learning on the farm has been like for students: Summer School WCAX
Expanded Preschool Options
Winooski School District is making plans for expanding our preschool options. If you live in Winooski and are a parent or guardian of children ages birth to five, please complete the Winooski School District Parent/Guardian Needs for Preschool Survey
PTO/Boosters Golf Tournament
The Winooski PTO Boosters are inviting you to join them for a Golf Tournament. Limited to 22 Teams.
When: Saturday August 21, 2021 8am Registration and 9am Shotgun start.
Where: At the West Bolton Golf Course 5161 Stage Road, Jericho
How: You may also purchase: 50/50 Raffle, 4 Mulligans per person @ $5 each up to 16 per team. The entry fee is $360.00 per foursome. Lunch is provided after the tournament at the golf course. If you would like to enter a four-person team, please contact Chris Freije at (802) 310-2057 or email: [email protected].
Thank you,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent