March 13, 2020
Dear OASD Staff and Families,
I know this continues to be a challenging time for each of you and your students, and there continues to be new changes and shifts almost daily as the Coronavirus pandemic evolves. Without question, we are living in an unprecedented time.
Over the past few weeks, the Oconomowoc Area School District (OASD) has been working closely with area Health Departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay informed on the most current information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of our students, staff, families, and community remained a top priority as we worked in response to COVID-19. The more we learned about community transmission, and the need to flatten the curve of the pandemic, the clearer it became that putting students together in our schools at this time runs contrary to that health and safety priority.
Now, I believe, is the time for our school community to make an important shift. All school and district building sites in the OASD will be closed next week, Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. Continuity of instruction will occur through virtual learning for grades 4-12 and via hard copy learning assignments and digital resource options at the primary (PK-3) level.
Why am I making the decision today?
Challenging times like these require difficult decisions. Please know that as a District we considered multiple scenarios, but concluded that the health of our children and families, staff and their families, and the most vulnerable in our homes and our community is of utmost importance. As a result, we must support all efforts to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our community and our region.
CONTINUITY OF INSTRUCTION
Next week the Oconomowoc Area School District will be moving to virtual learning for grades 4-12. At the primary level (PK-3), learning will occur via hard copy learning assignments and digital resources.
- March 16-17, 2020, will be treated as non-school days for students (consistent with how a snow day is treated). On these days, our teachers will be finalizing their online instructional planning.
- Wednesday, March 18, 2020, all district-wide online instruction will begin.
- March 21-29: OASD Spring Break
I am asking that you reinforce with your children that this is not a vacation; rather, it is school in an alternative setting. Teachers will communicate learning objectives and provide instructional materials and assignments which will require completion. Teachers will also be assessing student learning.
What if my student doesn't have a computing device or internet connection?
We understand that transitioning from the classroom to the cloud will require computing devices for all of our students. Schools are currently working to identify student needs regarding technology use. If you are in this situation, we are asking you to contact the OASD Technology HelpDesk (262-560-2126 or helpdesk@oasd.org)
What about my child who requires Special Education services?
Instructional staff who provide services to our students with disabilities will make every effort to deliver the support indicated in each student's IEP utilizing the platforms available. Staff will be communicating with families regarding their child's IEP services during any sustained school closure. When services return to the classroom setting, IEP teams can meet to determine if additional services are needed.
Students with IEPS and Virtual Learning Days
Online content and instruction must be made accessible to all students, including students with IEPS, during virtual learning days. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires an IEP team obtain student data that supports the identification of appropriate supplementary aids and services necessary for a student with special needs to participate in virtual learning days.
For students with disabilities who do not use an online platform for learning or for whom an online platform is not appropriate, teachers shall provide parents/caregivers with appropriate educational materials and learning activities for student use.
OASD FAMILIES UTILIZING FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM
We are establishing a plan to provide meals for all students who are in need. We will be alerting food pantries to increased community need. "Blessings in a Backpack" will include 2 weeks of food. If this is a worry for you, please contact your school social worker so we can help you access district and/or community resources. If any community member or business would like to donate, please contact any of the OASD social workers listed below.
Families that qualify for free or reduced lunch can pick up a full week of breakfast and lunch "Grab and Go" meals at Oconomowoc High School East Campus. Pick up dates and times are as follows:
- Sunday, March 15: 4 –6 p.m.
- Monday, March 16: 7 a.m.-9 a.m. or 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
This program will allow families an easy food pick-up plan while school is not in session. District social workers will be on hand to help families through this process. If you do not have a vehicle, please contact your school social worker for delivery arrangements. If school remains closed after spring break, meals will again be offered at the same time starting Sunday, March 29, 2020.
- Erica Lannan (Oconomowoc High School): 262-560-3128 or lannane@oasd.org
- Nicole Mara (NHI): 262-569-4953 or maran@oasd.org
- Jessie Mueller (SLI): 262-560-4300 ext. 4313 or muellerje@oasd.org
- Jordyn Ginsberg (GRN and MDV): 262-560-8108or ginsbergj@oasd.org
- Erin Lee (IXO and PKL): 262-560-8234or leee@oasd.org
- Katherine Konle (Summit): 262-560-8310 or konlek@oasd.org
OASD EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Beginning Saturday, March 14, all District activities and events in our school buildings & the OAC will be cancelled until further notice. Contact your school sites to confirm any scheduled events planned for Friday, March 13, will be held.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT RESOURCES
Attached is the OASD FAQ that will include additional resources and important information for families as we work together during this time of district closure.
OASD will continue to monitor the status of the Coronavirus and will communicate our plans for after spring break during that week. Again, these are challenging times, but we will get through this together. We have an amazing team across this district that is prepared to provide quality continuity of instruction and support services to our students, and a community that I know will pull together to support one another and our kids.
With OconPride,
Roger J. Rindo
Superintendent
OASD Pandemic Plan Preparation and Management FAQ English [PDF]
Dr. Rindo Letter to OASD Staff and Families Spanish [PDF]
OASD Pandemic Plan Preparation and Management FAQ Spanish [PDF]
