Important Upcoming Dates
- Veggie Van Go at the WSD: August 20 from 9-10am
- First student day: August 25, 2021 for most students
- WMHS Mandatory Orientation for 6th Graders, 9th graders and 10th graders: Wednesday, August 25th from 8:00am-12:15pm
- First student day for PreK: September 7, 2021
- Updated 2021-2022 Calendar
Dear WSD Families,
I hope all of you enjoyed the summer break. It has been a very busy summer here at the district and we are very excited to welcome students back next week.
Our learning community has been through a great deal in the last eighteen months. I am incredibly proud of how we all came together to take care of one another. No matter what challenges arose, we kept our amazing students at the center of everything we did and now our students need us more than ever.
As a learning community, we have a choice to make this year about how we approach our work. I am choosing to reflect, learn, and plan to use the trauma from the past eighteen months as a lever for growth. What we did together amidst intense stress for each one of us and continue to do is amazing, and makes us stronger, smarter, and more compassionate. I will admit, it has taken me a few months to get to this place and everyone has to move at their own pace. A few early morning wakeboarding sessions with my family, bike rides on the Causeway and intentional reflection time moved me to this exciting place of feeling like we can handle whatever arises and continue to guide our students along their paths.
We would not be able to do this work without you and the support of our community and the families that make us all #WinooskiStrong.
Our building has changed dramatically and continues to change every day. These are the best kinds of changes but they do cause some disruptions. Teachers are settling into their new classrooms despite delays in furniture being delivered. The new spaces are a physical embodiment of a fresh, new start to a fresh, new school year. We’re very excited for our students to see the new spaces next week!
Lastly, for me, this is the “The Year of the Lotus”. The Lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures, especially in eastern religions, as a symbol of enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition and all the trials and tribulations we have been through together. And even when its roots are in the dirtiest, most difficult, and complicated waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower. WE GOT THIS!
Take care,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent
Student Meals
Student meal kits ended this week. The new cafeteria will be finished on August 30, so for the first few weeks of school students will have meals delivered to their classrooms.
Health Office Reminders
Our school Health Office nurses Liz and Katharine are so excited to see students back again next week. Please complete and/or update the registration process in PowerSchool which includes important information for the Health Office. If your child requires medication during the school day, please contact the Health Office at 802-383-6094 or 802-383-6040.
Liz and Katharine also wanted to share that one of the most important things you can do to keep everyone healthy next year: Keep your child home if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 and check in with their doctor for the next steps. Thank you!
Afterschool
We are so excited to launch our Afterschool Program for the new school year! 21C Afterschool flyers are tentatively scheduled to go out the first week of September. Classes will begin the week of September 20 (or sooner). Stay tuned!
Updates – Student Drop Off and Pick-Up
As anticipated, our student pick-up procedures have changed slightly. JFK Elementary students will now be dismissed at 2:50pm, and WMHS students will be dismissed at 2:55pm. Our top priorities are safety and making our campus as welcoming as possible for all students. Read the attached procedures carefully and let us know if you have any questions.
We’re Hiring!
Are you a caring, enthusiastic, and flexible individual who enjoys interacting with children and youth? Do you want to help make a difference in your community? If so, we want to hear from you!
The Winooski School District (WSD) is looking for substitute teachers and paraeducators to work on an “as needed” basis in all subject areas and grade levels. Full day and partial day shifts may be available Monday through Friday. Learn more and apply here.
Let’s Stay Connected – Communication for the 2021-22 School Year
We know there is a lot to keep track of this year as we ease back into full-time, in-person school once again. Based on feedback from our Communication Survey, we have designed a communication plan to help keep you informed without feeling overwhelmed. You can expect weekly communication from our district on Thursday afternoons. Both WMHS and JFK principals will also share weekly updates that will be included in our weekly district updates. JFK will also continue to send home their weekly update in students’ backpacks every Friday. Please be patient as we continue to update the district website (www.wsdvt.org). Our IT staff are busy preparing for our students’ return. The site will be updated with new staff and updated info once school opens.
Find school-specific communications below:
- WMHS Family Communication – Welcome from Principals Jean and Kate, meet new Athletic Director Coach Jackson, and more!
- JFK Family Letter (coming next week)