March 22, 2021
Dear Shorewood Families,
As we approach Spring Break, I want to provide information and reminders about school operations in the final quarter of our school year. With the District’s community COVID-19 burden level criteria met, all K4-6 grade students have had the option to be back to in person instruction and all 7-12 grade students have had the option to declare for in-person instruction that will begin April 12.
With our schools operating in-person, decisions about moving temporarily to remote instruction will be based on two operational criteria: 1) adequate staff and substitutes to maintain instructional programs and operate schools safely; and 2) student attendance. Temporary periods of remote instruction will be used, as needed, to address quarantine and mitigation protocols.
The District Nurse, School Principal, Superintendent and the North Shore Health Department will collaboratively make these decisions. The District will also continue to work closely with the North Shore Health Department on COVID-19 testing, quarantine, and contact tracing procedures.
We are very thankful that all District staff have had the opportunity to schedule or receive a first vaccination dose. Second vaccination shots are scheduled on Wednesday, March 24 for many teachers and staff. We know that some colleagues may feel ill as a result, and administrators are working on plans to cover classes with substitute teachers as needed on Thursday.
I want to remind families that should we be unable to adequately staff classrooms, the school day will proceed with asynchronous instruction for students. Communications about this will be sent out by 6 am the morning of the change via text message, voice mail and email, similar to a snow day. We will do everything we can to operate in-person. I just wanted to make you aware of the possible changes that may occur as early as this week due to the vaccination schedule for classroom teachers.
I also want to reiterate the importance of maintaining mitigation measures as you plan your Spring Break activities. Masking, social distancing and hand sanitizing continue to be three effective ways each of us can keep ourselves and each other safe. With the increasing prevalence of COVID-19 variants across the country, please be conscientious of these mitigation measures wherever you go.
Our vigilance to these protocols will help us continue to keep COVID-19 at low levels in our area and keep our students in school. Thank you for doing your part!
Sincerely,
Bryan Davis
Superintendent, Shorewood School District