Dear WSD Families,
Our school year is winding to a close while many aspects of our future remain uncertain. This can be a confusing and stressful time — for you, for our families, for our students. In the midst of this turbulent time you are exhibiting extraordinary kindness, innovation and strength. I am grateful for each of you showing up every day and doing your best, despite all the challenges of our “new normal”.
And finally, after what felt like a long winter, spring has arrived in Vermont. Spring is a time of warmth, renewal, and hope. Our middle and high school teachers created this video with an important message for their students, but the rest of us should certainly take it to heart!
Many thanks to Matt Gile for his impressive editing work, Mikayla Kelemen and Randy Argraves for their incredible musical talents, and all the other teachers, staff and administrators who poured their hearts into this song of support and solidarity with our learning community!
I have some important information and updates to share with you.
Final Week of School
We have shifted the last student day to Wednesday, June 10th at 11:00am. We would like to celebrate the last day of a very challenging year with a last “Hoorah”! We invite all students and their families to come out of your homes safely for five minutes to bang pots and pans, and cheer for the last day!
End of Year Activities and Summer Programs
We wanted to provide an update regarding the most recent guidelines and information shared by the Agency of Education regarding end of year activities and summer programs.
Celebrating the Class of 2020!
Following the guidance provided, 12th grade graduation will not be celebrated traditionally with an in-person ceremony. While we are mourning this loss for our students and their families, we understand that this decision was made for the health and safety of all Vermonters. The Senior Graduation Planning Committee, which includes Principal Jean, Karen Greene, Heidi McLaughlin, and a dozen members of the class of 2020, are committed to celebrating this important milestone in a way students will always remember.
On June 13 from 10am-12pm we will be holding WSD’s first-ever mobile graduation procession. WSD Board President Michael Decarreau, Superintendent Sean McMannon, and Principal Jean Berthiaume will be riding behind a mobile float, safely delivering diplomas to each graduate in Winooski. Students and their families will be assigned a time to wait in front of their homes wearing their cap and gown. An online radio channel will be announcing each students’ name and the commencement address. More details to follow soon!
Watch for the class of 2020 on local television channels as well – WCAX and NBC5 will be sharing photos and names of our seniors throughout the month of June. We’ll share the dates and times those programs will air in the coming weeks.
Summer Learning and Enrichment Programs
We are working on a plan to offer modified summer programs to a reduced number of Winooski students. We are carefully considering every aspect of our plan to ensure proper health procedures are in place. Programming will primarily be conducted outside to mitigate person-to-person contact and improve ventilation. Participants should expect changes to the format, structure and scheduling of all programs.
We are hoping to offer:
- JFK Summer School for incoming 1st through 5th graders. Due to social distancing requirements we will not be able to serve as many students as normal.
- JFK Newcomer Academy
- Shader Croft programming for ELL middle and high school students
- THRIVE with a focus on childcare, and priority for younger children and children of Essential Workers
All programs are contingent on our ability to access sufficient Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and safely staff all programs. We will share details regarding registration as soon as we have more information.
Kindergarten Registration and Screening
We are working on our plan for kindergarten registration and screening, with guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education. We are asking all families with a student who will be 5 years old by September 1st, please call 802-655-0485 or email Linda Casier [email protected] to share your contact information. As our plans develop, we will share the information with families directly.
Next School Year
Many of you have questions about the reopening of school in the fall. We are carefully balancing the need to plan with waiting to use the most current public health data. Our school leadership team is working closely with the Agency of Education (AOE) and the Department of Health (DOH) to keep our entire school community safe as we prepare for a return to in-person learning.
We Still Need to Stay Home, Stay Safe:
Governor Scott relaxed the “Stay at Home” rules to allow group gatherings limited to 10 people or less, with careful physical distancing and hygiene requirements. Vermonters participating in outdoor recreation and fitness activities should “arrive, play and leave.” All playgrounds on the school grounds and across the city of Winooski are still closed until further notice. Please remind your child(ren) to follow all safety precautions.
Important upcoming dates
- Monday, May 25th, Memorial Day – no school
- Friday, May 29 from 9-10am at Winooski School District: Families are invited to pick up Veggie VanGo produce, Skinny Pancake meals, toys from Wow Toyz and art supplies for elementary students from Shelburne Museum (while supplies last).
- Wednesday, June 10th at 11am – 11:05am – Last day of school! The entire Winooski community is invited to join us for a Last Day Hooray! Safely stand outside your home, maintaining necessary physical distancing, and make some noise for our students. Bang pots and pans, play an instrument, or just shout, “You made it, WSD!”
- Saturday, June 13th from 10am – 12:00pm Mobile Graduation Procession to celebrate the class of 2020!
Find more information on our website www.wsdvt.org/covid19 – and remember, we are here to support each other, so if you need help, reach out! I hope everyone has a restful, fun and sunny Memorial Day weekend, you deserve it!
Thanks,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent