District Communications

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

1. JFK 3rd Grade Field Trip to Shelburne Farms: CANCELLED
2. JFK Fun Fair, Friday, March 13th, 4:30-6:30pm: POSTPONED
3. Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest, Saturday, March 13th: CANCELLED
4. WHS Advisory Representative Retreat at Rock Point in Burlington, Sunday & Monday, March 15-16: POSTPONED
5. WMHS Band, Chorus & Orchestra Performance, Tuesday, March 17th: POSTPONED
6. Winooski Youth Wellness & Substance Use Prevention Forum: A Community Conversation, Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00 – 8:00pm: POSTPONED
7. JFK 2nd Grade Field Trip to Flynn Theater, Wednesday, March 18th: CANCELLED
8. WHS College Pathways Thursday, March 19th: CANCELLED
9. WMHS Parent/Teacher Conferences, Thursday, March 19, 12-8pm: CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED
10. WMHS Parent/Teacher Conferences, Friday, March 20, 12-3pm: CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED
11. Winooski Talent Show Dress Rehearsal, Friday, March 20: POSTPONED
12. VT Drama Festival in Montpelier, Saturday, March 21st: CANCELLED
13. JFK 1st Grade Field Trip to Flynn Theater, Monday, March 23rd: CANCELLED
14. WHS Science Field Trip to ECHO Center, Tuesday, March 24th: CANCELLED
15. WMS ELL Field Trip to Cairns Arena, Wednesday, March 25th: CANCELLED
16. WHS Science Field Trip-Winooski River Sampling, Thursday, March 26th: CONTINUE AS SCHEDULED
17. Winooski Talent Show Performance, Friday, March 27th, 6:30pm: POSTPONED
18. 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:

• 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.

Thanks, Sean McMannon
– WSD Superintendent

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. You can keep up to date with the latest here:
   • https://www.wsdvt.org/covid-19/
   • VT Dept. of Health: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus
   • Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Thanks, Sean McMannon
– WSD Superintendent