2021-22 School Year Re-Entry
Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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COVID-19 Testing, Contact Tracing + Quarantines
Why does a 10% internal infection rate or 750 community cases trigger Level 5? Shouldn’t the threshold be higher for all virtual? How high should it be? Was the threshold set by CDC? Why isn’t the threshold for all virtual higher?
10% of our students infected with any illness within a 7 day period would indicate a very serious outbreak that would necessitate the Health Department coming in to investigate.
What were the results of the 2021-22 School Year Preparation Survey?
More than 7,400 responses were collected. Of those, approximately two-thirds indicated that masking was an important mitigation factor for keeping students and staff safe.
How are mitigation levels determined?
Mitigation levels are determined based on the community COVID-19 infection rate as well as the district’s infection rate (when available; after students and staff return to district buildings). Please see slide 6 in the Re-Entry Presentation or page 4 of the Re-Entry Plan for details.
How will we transition between levels?
A transition of mitigation status will be flagged after observing a seven-day trend. If a trend continues into day 10, transition planning may commence. Confirmation of the need to transition will be made on day 14. This process will typically be used to transition from level 3 to 2 or from level 2 to 1. If community and/or district infection rates require consideration of level 4 or 5 mitigation strategies, a special meeting of the Board of Education will be called to deliberate. Administration reserves the right to recommend maintaining level 3 mitigation strategies despite high community infection rates. Conversely, if Administration recommends level 4 or 5 mitigation strategies, the School Board reserves the right to maintain level 3 mitigation strategies. In short, the baseline for mitigation is level 3.
Why are we using this transition process?
The goal of this process is to establish an expectation of mitigation measures in the Wauwatosa School District. Constant transitioning of mitigation levels could be disruptive to students, faculty, staff, and community. Consistent review of baseline mitigation measures will be ongoing and potentially modified based on additional health factors (e.g., community vaccination rates).
What level of autonomy does each school building/principal have?
The district believes in providing schools flexibility in maintaining experiences like field trips, school assemblies, and other traditional milestone events. If the district is at a certain mitigation level, but a specific school is at a lower infection rate level, the principal has the discretion to proceed with these experiences. For example, if the district is at a level 3 in infection rate, but school X has an infection rate of level 2, the principal of school X reserves the right to plan and carry out school assemblies and large school events or approve classroom-specific field trips.
Have we ruled out a hybrid instructional model involving partial in person instruction in level 5 versus strictly going virtual?
If medically advised to have students and adults in school buildings in level 5, hybrid could be an instructional model.
At Wauwatosa Montessori, the Upper Elementary classroom is a mixed age classroom with students from 4th, 5th and 6th grades. There will be a group of students who are eligible for the vaccine (those who have turned 12) and a larger group of students who are ineligible. How will the district navigate a Level 2 recommendation inside of a mixed age classroom while keeping all students safe?
Due to Montessori’s instructional model and multiage classrooms, all students in grades 4-6 (including those vaccinated) will be required to wear masks. Solutions that would allow for unmasked, vaccine eligible students would compromise the Montessori’s learning environment. Times where no masks would be permissible would be during outdoor and select 6-8th grade events. Ms. Imperiale, Principal at Wauwatosa Montessori School will communicate details with families.
What supports are available for students enrolled in WVA?
To support elementary students, a Wauwatosa School District guide teacher will:
To support middle and high school students, a Pearson learning advisor will:
How will student arrival and dismissal be handled? What about movement in the hallways?
Students in levels 1-2 will not be required to physically distance themselves during arrival, travel in hallways, and dismissal. Starting with level 3, students will be expected to mask and physically distance themselves during arrival and dismissal. Elementary students will be expected to travel in certain patterns and, at the elementary level, class cohorts.
Can my student access instruction via Zoom?
Students who are quarantined due to an exposure to COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 will have access to observing live instruction via Zoom. Uniquely designed engagement for the online learner accessing instruction via Zoom may vary depending on the instructor. Additionally, special education case managers and related service providers will work with families to ensure special education services and support are provided during quarantines. Students who are absent for a non-COVID-19 related reason will not be permitted to access instruction via Zoom.
Can my student participate in LAUNCH?
Students and staff participating in LAUNCH will follow Wauwatosa School District mitigation measures.
What social emotional supports are in place for children this year?
Our schools offer social-emotional support for all of our students, especially those who are transitioning back to in-person learning for the first time since schools were shut down in March 2020. Students’ home schools will develop and communicate specific plans for reacclimating students socially and emotionally to in-person learning through a variety of supports.
These supports may include, but are not limited to, beginning-of-the-year transition activities, strategic scheduling, adult/peer support systems, providing students with multiple opportunities to share their reality (voice), a social emotional check-in system, and making sure students/families know about and can easily access all student services resources (school counselors, social workers, adult building mentors, Aurora Student and Family Assistance Program).
What academic supports are available for students?
Academic support will be available for all students, with an emphasis on providing support to those transitioning back into in-person learning. We will use a universal screener assessment (SK-8, 9-12 as needed) to determine students’ academic needs and follow DPI’s Multi-Level Systems of Support to provide equitable services, practices, and resources to every learner based on their needs. Additional details will be provided by building principals directly in the coming months.
What supports are available for children with an IEP?
IEP meetings will continue to be held virtually. If a parent/guardian requests an IEP meeting be held in-person, district protocols for visitors will be followed. In-person meetings will only be allowed in levels 1-2 and proof of vaccination will be required. Staff members who are traveling between buildings may attend in-person meetings via Zoom. For students with disabilities who may require additional accommodations or consideration, IEP teams or 504 teams should be reconvened for consideration.
Will co-curricular activities be available for students?
Co-curricular activities will continue to be offered to all eligible students. Activities should be held outdoors whenever possible. To maintain co-curricular activities, the district will engage in regular COVID-19 testing. The testing protocol will minimize the need for students to quarantine.
How will the district ensure the safety of student athletes?
Students involved in sports must follow the most recent WIAA guidelines at all times. Transportation to and from competitions will require masking of student-athletes. Coaches and advisors are expected to maintain seating charts to assist with contact tracing protocols. As a result of the 3-foot physical distance required on buses, the number of vehicles available from transportation companies has been limited. Parents/guardians are encouraged to drive student-athletes to and from competitions, as long as they have signed a transportation liability waiver. Please communicate and coordinate with your student-athlete’s coach to ascertain the frequency in which your service will be necessary. Student-athletes are not allowed to drive to and from competitions on their own.
Can students in WVA participate in co-curricular activities?
Resident WVA students are eligible to participate in athletic and extracurricular activities. These students will be subject to all WIAA guidelines, along with district requirements and policies. They will be designated to participate at Longfellow Middle School/East High School or Whitman Middle School/West High School.
Will spectators be allowed at athletic events?
Spectators of all indoor activities are required to wear masks and maintain physical distancing of at least 3 feet. The seating capacity of indoor athletic venues is limited to 50% when the district is at a level 3 or 4. The seating capacity may increase to 100% at levels 1-2. In levels 1-4, spectators for outdoor activities will have the option of wearing masks. We will continue to encourage physical distancing. Spectators of outdoor activities are recommended to maintain a physical distance of 3 feet. In levels 1-4, there will be no spectator limits on capacity. In level 5, we will follow the local health authority guidelines for spectator limits, capacity, and mask requirements.
In conjunction with the district’s Food Service, pre-packaged food options will be made available to spectators. Further, a cashless exchange system will be made available with the assistance of the district’s Business Office. Additional information about this system will be provided when available.
What is the definition of a “large school event?”
A large school event is one that is attended by 100+ individuals within the same indoor space.
Are large school events allowed?
Large school events (e.g, back to school, open houses, meet the teacher, parent/teacher conferences, assemblies, concerts) are permitted in schools under levels 1-2, as well as in level 3 based on individual school infection rates. For school dances, guests are allowed with proof of vaccination and agreement to comply with masking requirements.
Will visitors be allowed for theatre and dance performances?
Spectators of all indoor activities must wear masks and maintain physical distancing of at least 3 feet. The seating capacity of indoor venues is limited to 50% when the district is at a level 3 or 4. The seating capacity may increase to 100% at level 1 or 2. Regular COVID-19 testing will be conducted for student participants.
Can high schools hold dances?
In levels where large school events are allowed, dances will be permitted. Students may invite guests who are able to (1) provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination AND (2) commit to wearing a mask throughout the event. For school assemblies, adherence to space capacity strategies is strongly encouraged.
Are field trips allowed?
Students will be allowed to participate in traditional field trips in levels 1-2, as long as students/classrooms are not mixed with other groups. If buses are needed for transportation, students must be masked at all times and a seating chart must be provided to the Nursing Department to support contact tracing, if necessary. In level 3, field trips are permitted based on individual school infection rates.
Will my student get a Chromebook?
This school year, all students in grades JK-12 will be issued a Chromebook mobile computing device. Elementary school students will not need to take their Chromebook home. Each elementary school classroom has a cabinet for Chromebook storage and devices can be left in the school overnight. If the need for extended asynchronous learning arises at an elementary school, students will be able to take the devices home to continue their education via our virtual platforms. Middle and high school students will be able to take their Chromebook home nightly to use for educational purposes.
What if I have issues with my child’s Chromebook?
Please review this Chromebook FAQ. If you are still experiencing problems, please view this Student and Family Technical Support information.
Will students receive free lunch for the 2021-22 school year?
Yes! In the 2021-22 school year, all students will receive free meals regardless of family’s income status. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will reimburse the district for all meals served; there will be no extra expense to the district for this program. Free meals are provided to all families participating in both in-person and virtual options. We will continue to serve our families when school is not in session due to quarantine or closure.
How will students maintain physical distance during lunch?
In levels 1-3, students will be required to maintain at least a 3 feet of physical distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the need to quarantine. The district acknowledges that 3 feet is the greatest extent physical distancing can be expected in our schools due to the physical layout of our buildings. In level 4, students will be required to maintain 6 feet when possible and food service will switch to a grab-and-go model.
Middle and high school students will be allowed to choose where to sit for meals. The Wauwatosa School District recommends that students maintain physical distancing and will provide the space to do so. If necessary, building principals will identify alternate areas for lunch seating. Students in 6th grade must follow elementary guidelines for cafeteria seating.
When should I stay home from work? When can I return?
Illness guidelines for staff when symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 OR when staff test positive for COVID-19 are the same as for students. Please see the district’s Illness and Exclusion Guidelines.
If symptoms are consistent with COVID-19, staff members are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test to return to school/work OR stay home for 10 days from the onset of symptoms. If symptoms are NOT consistent with COVID-19, staff members may return when they feel better or as their illness requires.
Are staff members required to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
The Wauwatosa School District does not require employees to receive the vaccine, nor can we advise individuals on whether they should be vaccinated. Please contact your primary care physician if you have questions.
What type of leave is available for employees?
Emergency Paid Sick Leave expired June 30, 2021.
Employees who have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis should apply for FMLA by submitting the FMLA Request Form to Human Resources. The district will cover the cost of the absence and not deduct sick time.
Employees who need to be absent to care for a parent, spouse, child who has COVID-19 should apply for FMLA by submitting the FMLA Request Form to Human Resources. They may also use their own sick time.
FMLA cannot be used for quarantine periods.
Employees may also use sick time to cover any other COVID-19 related absence (ex: caring for a child in quarantine).
Can I work from home if I’m sick?
Virtual working options are not available for employees who have a COVID-19 related absence, unless the staff member was exposed while performing job-related duties and a quarantine is necessary. The Wauwatosa School District’s ideal employee/employer relation is in person. In rare cases, Human Resources will approve requests for virtual working options that do not affect student instructional delivery methods.
How do I request an N95 mask?
Staff members who would like to request N95 masks may do so through Froedtert. Employees must use this link to fill out the respirator questionnaire (an OSHA requirement, 29 CFR 1910.134). Clearance forms are sent to Human Resources and the employee will be notified of clearance. Buildings and Grounds will schedule fittings after clearance is granted. Staff who are already cleared do not need to resubmit a form.
When should I keep my child home from school? When can they return?
Please review the district’s Illness and Exclusion Guidelines for details.
How long will my student need to quarantine if exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual?
Please review the district’s Illness and Exclusion Guidelines for details.
Did we experience challenges with infections and quarantines of students participating in co-curricular activities last year?
We had positive athletes that resulted in whole teams needing to quarantine and clusters of positive cases.
Why are we regularly testing student-athletes, band and orchestra students? Wouldn’t testing students with symptoms be more important and/or sufficient?
Our goal with regular testing students in high-risk co-curricular activities is to prevent large quarantines and offer as many chances as possible for our students to engage in the activities they love. This year, DHS has provided schools with the option to test students regularly without any cost to the student or to the district. Testing students in high-risk activities is beneficial because we know athletes are in close contact with each other when they practice and play, and we know choir, theater, and band are high-risk activities due to the aerosolization of respiratory particles. We know those groups are at high risk of spreading COVID-19 within their team/group. By frequently testing those who are at highest risk to contract and spread COVID-19, we would be protecting the other students and staff they would come in contact with during the school day.
What will regular testing of student-athletes, band, and orchestra students look like?
We will share additional information about regular testing as it becomes available.
How will the district communicate with families and students about the changing learning + mitigation levels?
The Wauwatosa School District will communicate the status of the community and district infection rate weekly on the 2021-22 School Year landing page. This page was designed to house relevant information for the 2021-22 school year. We will also continue to send updates directly via email and SMS message as necessary.
Building principals will send communications via email and text regarding building-specific protocols as needed.
How do I submit a question to the district about the Re-Entry Plan?
Please use this form to submit a question.
How do I email the School Board?
Please direct your message to publiccomment@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us. School Board members receive all messages sent to this address.
How will Recreation Department programming be handled?
The Recreation Department will adhere to the same school-based mitigation measures as the Wauwatosa School District.
How does the district define guest speakers, visitors and volunteers?
A guest speaker is a person invited to provide a one-time speech or keynote presentation. A visitor is a person who must enter the school to participate in a meeting or confer with a district employee. A volunteer is a person who routinely works directly with students or supports staff members.
Are guest speakers, visitors or volunteers allowed in district buildings?
School visitors and volunteers are allowed in schools under levels 1-3 only. Visitors and volunteers must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
In level 4, visitors and volunteers are allowed by appointment only. Volunteers will be allowed in school buildings, but they may not work directly with students in level 4. Guest speakers are allowed in levels 1-3, but must maintain 6 feet of physical distance from students and provide proof of vaccination.
Does my student have to wear a mask?
Masks are required for all individuals in levels 3-5. Masks are only required for unvaccinated individuals or those who are ineligible to receive the vaccine in level 2, and they are optional for all individuals in level 1.
How do I apply for a mask exemption for my student?
If a student has an existing 504 or IEP, that team will meet to evaluate a “no mask” request on a case-by-case basis. However, if a student does not have an IEP or 504 in place, they will need to be evaluated by the Nurse and Principal. To begin, the family will be required to complete the Request for Face Covering Accommodation form.
While a student is going through the evaluation process, they will have the option to wear a mask and continue to attend in person, or they can stay home and the teacher will provide homework until a decision is made.
Will the district provide masks for staff and students?
The district has made the following types of masks available at all buildings:
Face shields are available via work order. N95 masks are only available for staff members with physician approval.
What type of masks are permitted?
Masks should fit snugly to the face and completely cover the mouth and nose. Masks should be without gaps or holes. If using a cloth mask, there should be at least two layers of fabric. Masks that have vents, that are made of mesh material, or have holes are not permitted.