Important Upcoming Dates
- Veggie Van Go at the WSD: August 20 from 9-10am
- Last day for Student Meal Kits: August 18
- First student day: August 25, 2021 (look for Smart Start info for 6th and 9th-grade students)
- Updated 2021-2022 Calendar
Dear WSD Families and Staff,
As we shared last week, the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) and the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) recently provided guidance around COVID-19 that will allow all students to return to in-person learning this school year.
Our district will not be offering any formal virtual learning option this year. This does not prevent student teams from creating unique learning opportunities for students based on special needs. We will work with families on a case-by-case basis.
As a reminder, due to the circulating and highly contagious Delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends universal indoor masking by all students (age two and older), staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.
Our district will continue using many of the same protocols we used last year to protect our learning community from spreading COVID-19. These will be familiar to our students and their families, such as:
- Make sure everyone washes their hands
- Make sure everyone wears a mask indoors.
- Request that everyone cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, and then washes their hands.
- Stay home if sick.
- Call your primary care provider if you or your child have symptoms of COVID-19.
- We will continue to follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Vermont Department of Health with all of our cleaning and disinfecting in our buildings.
The best way to keep students safe and healthy is to make sure they are vaccinated if they are age 12 or older. Vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing the most serious effects of COVID-19, including against the Delta variant. The sooner your child gets a first dose, the sooner they will be closer to full vaccine protection. There are several upcoming walk-in school-based clinics happening near Winooski including Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, and Essex.
A full list of clinics, clinic hours, and registration information can be found at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine
Throughout the pandemic, we have worked together to help keep our learning community safe and healthy. Please review this information with your child to make sure they are ready for the first day of school.
Student Drop off and Pick Up Procedures
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we continue to fine-tune our drop-off and pick-up plan. Our top priorities are safety and making our campus as welcoming as possible for all students. Read these procedures carefully and let us know if you have any questions.
With gratitude,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent