October 13, 2020

Dear WDP Families,

Our goal is to return to in-person learning as soon as possible to meet the educational and social/emotional needs of students in a manner that is safe for both students and staff. After much consideration, we have decided that we will return to Scenario A beginning on October 19th. The amount of time that we were in Scenario C (remote learning) allowed for all individuals previously in quarantine to return to a “safe status” unless they had an additional “close contact” since that time.  

Increasingly as cited through studies, it is believed that schools in session are not significant contributors to community spread. While we believe it is safe in schools while using mitigation strategies, it is behaviors outside of the school environment that are most often a cause of concern. Please continue to practice safe behaviors at all times!  We are committed to continuing our practice of mitigation strategies which proved effective during our initial start of the school year.  In order for us to be able to successfully continue in person instruction, it is imperative that each individual do their part to stay safe and healthy. Please ensure that you follow the protocols below with fidelity:

  • Avoid potentially unsafe situations, particularly large group gatherings
  • Check your family’s health at the start and end of each day
  • Wash hands regularly
  • Wear a face covering (Required in all school buildings)
  • Maintain social distancing as much as possible
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well

We have planned for the possibility of moving between our scenarios and are ready to make the transition. We will do our best to continue practicing mitigation strategies and to support staffing needs. All mitigation strategies that were in effect at the beginning of the school year are still in place upon re-opening.  Additionally, we will not be alone in our practice of in-person learning as we will be joining three of our neighboring districts along with several others in the more immediate area. It is also our goal to be a good community health partner in helping curb the spread of COVID. The Health Departments no longer have the capacity to quickly identify positive case contacts in order to maximize mitigation efforts. As a District, we work quickly to identify potential exposure and work to quarantine close contacts. We know quarantining is a challenge for families and students, but it does help to limit exposure to others.

Important information to note:

  • Free breakfast and lunch for all students, ages 18 and under, will continue to be available daily at each school.  It will also be available for pick up for remote learners utilizing the schedule below, beginning on October 19:
  • Westwood:  12:15 - 12:45 p.m. for daily pick-up
  • Hemlock Creek:  12:30- 1:00 p.m. for daily pick-up
  • High School: 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. for daily pick up  (Bulk meal pick up will not be available until further notice.)
  • Students originally enrolled in our remote option will continue in that model.
  • Students originally enrolled in our in-person option will return to that model.  
  • Co-curricular activities, previously scheduled, will continue with stringent mitigation strategies in place.
  • Please continue to notify your child’s attendance office if your child tests positive for COVID-19 or needs to quarantine because he/she is considered a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.   Families of students who are identified as close contacts will receive a separate phone communication with details on quarantine, along with a follow-up letter.

Further updates will be forthcoming from our principals and teachers over the upcoming days as needed.   In addition, please continue to reference the COVID 19 page (2020-21 School Operation Plan) of our district website for more information.  Thank you in advance for your grace and understanding as we continue together through this journey.

Together with Pride and Excellence,

Dennis Krueger

Superintendent