March 17, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This communication is an update from my March 13 communication regarding the District’s planning and the recent school closure. In response to the pandemic, as of today, Governor Evers directed the Department of Health Services to issue a mandated school closure for all public and private schools indefinitely.
During the school closure period, I will continue to update you with Parent/Guardian letter(s) on changing school conditions. Also please monitor our District’s social media platforms (COVID-19 resource web page, Facebook, Twitter sites) for regular updates. During this closure we are diligently working to balance the prevention, suppression, and control of this infectious disease amongst our school community with the needs of students for continuation of learning. We understand that this situation has created much anxiety and many unresolved questions about the future of the school year. Please know that we are working closely with the Department of Public Instruction to resolve these issues. I also encourage you to use the following resources to support your student(s) as they cope with this situation.
Over the past few days, I have been incredibly proud of how our staff has been deeply engaged in an effort to continue educational services for our students. These plans will look different depending on the grade level in which your student is enrolled. Additionally, please know that we will continue to refine these plans as needed. Our plan is not intended to duplicate the face-to-face experience; however, with your support, it can make a difference for student learning during this closure. To assist you in better understanding and supporting expectations of student(s), we have developed a Flexible Learning web page. This page will provide information for grades 4K-12. If your student has special education needs, their case manager will be in contact with you individually to discuss the plan for services during this school closure. Special education staff are working hard to do the best they can to develop creative solutions to support your child. Additionally, your student’s principal and/or teachers will regularly communicate with you. We understand that this process and plan are very new to all students, staff and you. We all need to do our very best to fulfill these plans. If you have questions, please communicate with your student’s teacher or principal.
With spring break travel in two weeks, returning to school protocols for students who have traveled domestically and/or internationally are being discussed. At this time, we do not have any directives from local/State/federal agencies for self-isolation due to exposure, however, we anticipate this will likely occur. Given these ever changing conditions, traveling domestically and/or internationally will likely extend a student’s absence from school for up to potentially 14 days. We completely understand that this is a difficult social, emotional and financial topic to anticipate. With important decision-making timelines ahead, we will keep you informed. If you have travel plans, please follow the CDC recommendations for travelers.
At any time, if your student has had close contact with a person with a high level of exposure or has been tested for COVID-19, please contact the school nurse. Mrs. Sundelius serves all elementary schools and can be reached at (920) 766-6100, ext. 3308 or at sundeliusm@kaukaunasd.org. Mrs. Jansen serves River View Middle School and Kaukauna High School. She can be reached at (920) 766-6100, ext. 5250 or at jansene@kaukaunasd.org. For public health reasons, this is an essential expectation.
As our planning progresses and conditions change, we will communicate with our school community. Please join us in taking the necessary precautions to reduce risks in these unprecedented times.
Sincerely,
Mark Duerwaechter, Superintendent
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