Important Upcoming Dates:
- November 25-27 – No School
- Find the WSD’s updated school calendar here.
- Flu Shot Clinic – Tuesdays and Thursdays in December
Dear WSD Families,
Gratitude.
I am incredibly grateful that schools in Winooski are open. Across the country, students still aren’t able to learn together in-person, due to high rates of COVID-19. To date, there have been no known positive cases of the virus in our schools. This shows that our students, parents, and staff are carefully following the challenging and often frustrating safety procedures so we can remain together as a learning community. Our district is committed to continuing with our current learning model as long as health data allows. Please continue to remain vigilant in adhering to the health precautions so we can all stay healthy and our schools can stay open for in-person learning.
Personally, I am incredibly grateful for my family who continue to be flexible, supportive, and reminders of what is really important throughout these crazy times. Both of my college-aged daughters, Brenna and Ani are home for a “different” Thanksgiving with just our four-person, nuclear family pod. Jen, my wife and long-time vegetarian tried to convince me this was the year without a turkey but the childhood memories of wafting garlic-pierced turkey and tryptophan-induced slumber won out and I will be roasting a “small” twelve-pounder.
For the first time in 20 years, we will not be celebrating with my father and in-laws, however, we are finding creative ways to stay connected with our loved ones in light of Governor Scott’s temporary restrictions on travel and social gatherings. For example, we will be playing online CodeNames and Clue, reading stories to my nieces, and of course the annual “I am thankful for…” circle via Zoom.
Lastly, I am so grateful for your support. You are all making countless sacrifices so that our community can stay healthy and our students can remain in school. Thank you!
Health Screening Update
Due to the recent restrictions on out-of-state travel and multi-family gatherings, we have updated the student health screening. Before sending your child to school, please read through the Health Screening requirements to ensure your child is in compliance.
While out-of-state travel and gathering in multi-family groups require a 14-day quarantine or 7-day quarantine followed by a negative COVID19 test before returning to in-person school, gathering in pre-established “pods” related to education or child care remains allowable, according to updated guidance released by the Agency of Education on Monday.
School Budget (FY22)
The WSD School Board will be meeting on Wednesday, December 2 at 6:30pm to discuss the budget for the next school year (the fiscal year 2022). Find the meeting link here. I highly encourage all members of the Winooski School District community to participate in these meetings.
During next week’s meeting, our leadership team will be presenting on specific areas of our school, including student enrollment, staffing levels, special education, and English Language Learners (ELL) programming and a baseline level services budget.
In light of the economic depression brought on by the pandemic, our district leadership team plans to propose a baseline level services budget – meaning no additional funding will be requested for new positions or optional services. It is important to note that union-negotiated salary increases, health care costs, and property tax rates, can have a significant impact on the budget, even without any added positions or services.
Community members are also encouraged to attend virtual meetings on December 9,16, 30 (if needed) & January 6, 2021, all at 6:30pm. More information and invitations to those meetings to follow.
Winter Transportation
Last budget season we heard from many community members who requested more accessible and direct student transportation during the winter months in the mornings and afternoons. The WSD board earmarked funds for this service in our current school year budget. The transportation was supposed to begin next week, Monday, November 30th, and run through March 26th. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide this service until STA/Mountain Transit can employ drivers.
Winter Sports – There’s Still Time to Sign Up!
WMHS is planning for a limited basketball season, per Vermont Agency of Education guidelines. Practices are scheduled to start Monday, December 14 and games could begin as early as January 11. Due to health and safety restrictions, there will not be any spectators allowed but we are exploring options to live stream games.
Students who are interested in participating can still sign up. High school and middle school students must fill out the linked forms and return to WSD Athletic Director, Dennis Barcomb ([email protected]).
Stay Connected
For more school-specific highlights, remember to read our Middle High School news and JFK weekly Elementary newsletters.
Thank you,
Sean McMannon, Superintendent