March 12, 2020
Good Afternoon OASD Families,
I am writing to update everyone regarding Coronavirus planning. The events of last night (NCAA Tournament games played limited fans, NBA games suspended) and today's decision by the WIAA to limit fans at all remaining winter sports season tournaments have started to cause many new questions to be asked. In addition, I understand that the State Health Department is holding a conference call with county departments across the state today.
Our pandemic preparation and response plan is available online at www.oasd.org/Emergency. Please take some time to read it in its entirety. It includes a plan for the continuity of instruction in the event of a shutdown which is included at the back of the pandemic plan. The plan includes:
- Virtual learning for grades 4-12. At the primary level (PK-3), learning will occur via hard copy learning assignments or digital resources.
- Support for our students with disabilities toward their IEP goals as well as support for our students who struggle with mental health to the fullest extent possible.
- Arrangements to provide support for families who count on OASD to provide breakfast and lunch on a free or reduced basis. We also have plans to be reaching out to community partners in this regard in the event of a shutdown.
- In the event of a closure, all teachers will be expected to communicate with families via Skyward Messaging.
In addition to communicating with district staff and families, we are currently preparing high-level FAQ communication regarding the district response that will be shared with community agencies and local governments for their information and support in the event of a closure. That communication is also attached.
We are living in unprecedented times right now. With that said, the speed with which this evolved has increased almost daily over the past week. I heard recently that as communities the best way to fight this pandemic is through a pandemic of kindness. We will get through this together. We have an amazing team across our district and a community that I know will pull together to support one another and our kids.
If there are OASD school closings due to COVID-19, the district will share information and updates in as many ways as possible to ensure families and the community have access to the information. In addition to the text, voicemail, and email updates that our families will receive, we also share information in these locations:
- www.oasd.org/Emergency
- Facebook: @oconomowocschools
- Twitter: @oconschools
- Instagram: oconomowocschools
- With local media organizations
Please follow the Oconomowoc Area School District on social media to ensure you receive urgent or emergency updates.
Sincerely,
Roger J. Rindo, Ed.D.
Superintendent