Dear OASD Families,
As we head into the Thanksgiving break, I wanted to take a minute to reach out to our OASD families. As a District, we have much to be thankful for despite the incredible challenges our families, schools, and communities have faced over these past six months. Our students have shown tremendous resilience in the face of many challenges and have demonstrated optimism that has inspired me daily. Our faculty and staff have been committed and equally resilient, and they continue to be flexible as they work incredibly hard in an increasingly anxious environment. Our parents and guardians have been understanding, and patient as our health services team have worked through staff and student positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines. Nothing about the past six months has been easy, but I am so thankful for the efforts and problem-solving spirit that have continued to help us get through this together.
I am also writing to ask OASD families for help as we all head into this Thanksgiving break. Active COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise in our communities at increasingly high rates. Earlier this fall, we held our internal case numbers steady, but as the community spread has increased, so have the cases in our schools. The OASD wants to keep our schools open, with as much face-to-face interaction with teachers as possible. However, with cases continuing to spiral upward, continued face-to-face instruction is at risk.
As Superintendent, I am asking everyone to consider actions over the coming Thanksgiving holiday. Please wear a mask when you are out. Please continue to maintain social distance whenever possible. If you feel sick, please stay home except to receive medical care or get a COVID-19 test.
Below are letters from Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow and Waukesha County Health Officer Benjamin Jones, and the City of Oconomowoc. These letters share a common concern regarding the rise of COVID-19 in Waukesha County, in our Oconomowoc community, how traditional Holiday activities post a high risk of transmission, and how we can help keep our community schools and businesses open.
I understand that these are challenging and uncertain times. Thank you for your support during this unprecedented school year. I know that nothing about this has been easy, and there is frustration, stress, and anxiety among families and students. I wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Stay well, everyone,
Roger J. Rindo, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Thanksgiving Letter from Waukesha County Health & Human Services