Hello Greenwood Families!
I hope this letter finds you safe and well and enjoying summer the best you can. As we look to continue planning for the start of the 2020-2021 school year, there are many questions. Recently, the WI Department of Public Instruction released an 87-page book of guidelines and recommendations for a safe reopening of schools this fall. School Districts are charged with taking this information and applying it to the needs and situation of their own community. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are the main concern and top priority with all of our planning. The district sent out a survey to our families asking about the start of the school year. Through this survey, we know that the thought of sending kids back to school raises some concerns and the thought of virtual learning at home leaves questions about employment and the overall quality of learning. These are all things that we will be keeping in mind as we move forward in the planning for the upcoming school year. The school board will make a decision on the start of the school year at a special board meeting on Monday, June 29, at 7:00 pm.
Over the past couple weeks, our technology committee has been meeting to discuss our technology needs. Some decisions have been made to ensure our students have the resources needed to enhance learning. All students will be given a device to use for learning. Students in grades 4K-8 will receive Chromebooks. Students in grade 9-12 will receive laptops. These devices will be used for everyday instruction, whether in person or online. Grades 4K-3 will use a platform called Seesaw for their course activities. Grades 4-12 will use Google Classroom. Staff will be spending time from now until the start of the school year familiarizing themselves and being trained for these resources. More information about the Chromebooks, laptops, and learning management systems will be shared as we move through summer. Putting these tools in place will give the School District of Greenwood a better opportunity for more equitable service to our families no matter what happens with the reopening of our schools. Through past surveys, we know that internet access can be problematic for our families. We continue to explore ways to help combat this issue and hope to have some options for our families in the future.
At present, the WIAA has not made any decisions regarding the fall sports season. In addition, the school board will revisit opening district facilities at the July 13 board meeting.
Please remember these are uncharted territories for all of us. We will be making informed decisions based on recommendations from our state and local health officials as well as the members of our community. Greenwood is an amazing community and our commitment to ensuring a solid education for our children is outstanding. Thank you to all that have reached out to offer thoughts and ideas. This collaboration only makes us stronger. Please continue to watch email, the District webpage and Facebook page for updates and feel free to contact the school office with any questions.
Sincerely,
Todd Felhofer
District Administrator/7-12 Principal
Joe Green
Elementary Principal/Director of Teaching & Learning
See the letter here: https://5il.co/hi8t