January 25, 2021
Dear Shorewood Parents and Guardians,
As we start a new semester, I would like to first and foremost express how grateful I am for the partnership of our staff, families, and community members during what was a very unique first semester. All of us have made extraordinary efforts to support our students in a very difficult environment, and I thank you all for your continued commitment.
In many ways it feels like the start of a brand new school year. Our elementary schools are welcoming back some students today and our burden level from our Friday report on January 22 was 342, marking the first step toward SIS being able to transition to our hybrid model. Below is an update on learning model recommendations at each school and the earliest possible dates that each school could begin hybrid learning:
Burden Level for January 22: 342
Elementary Schools - Burden Threshold <800 - Hybrid model began today, Monday, January 25
SIS - Burden Threshold <400 - Last week was our first Friday burden level report under a 400 burden level. If the burden level report on Friday, January 29 is under 400, we will begin a two-week transition at SIS to start hybrid learning on Monday, February 15.
SHS - Burden Threshold <300 - We have not yet had a Friday burden level report with a burden level under 300 at this time. We will need two consecutive Friday burden level reports under 300 to begin our two week transition back to school. The earliest SHS would begin hybrid learning would be Monday, February 22nd.
Our district and school administrators will continue to monitor our community burden levels and will keep you posted on how our transition back to in-person instruction is progressing.
Shorewood School District Inclement Weather Closing Procedures
This year, weather closing procedures have been adjusted to apply to both students in remote and in hybrid or full face-to-face in-person learning models.
If school is closed due to inclement weather, students who are scheduled to have in-person instruction will maintain their schedules but receive that instruction virtually. For example, if a student is scheduled to attend an AM third grade class in person on a day with inclement weather, that student will instead attend the AM third grade class virtually for that day. Therefore, we will not have instructional days off for snow or cold days. We will maintain our schedules and conduct class virtually. If a student receives specialized in-person services, those services will be rescheduled for a later date.
For more detailed information on the District’s process in determining and proceeding with inclement weather closures, view the Inclement Weather Closing Procedures on the District website.
What might appear to be a simple decision involves the consideration of many different factors, and the decision to cancel school is only reached after seeking the counsel of many sources. The District’s first priority is and will always be to ensure the safety of Shorewood students, parents, and staff. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Bryan Davis
Shorewood School Superintendent