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. 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