Dear HGSD Parents, Staff and Community, May 14th, 2020
I hope this week’s letter finds all of you doing well. As we continue to work through these unprecedented times I continue to be proud of the work and stamina each of you have. I realize that we are all experiencing virtual learning fatigue. Thank you for your continued efforts to do the best you can.
By now, most of you have seen that The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down almost all of the “Safer at Home Order,” Executive Order 28. The Court did not, however, strike down the section of the Safer at Home Order that closed public and private K-12 schools. That section of the Safer at Home Order, as well as the defined terms referenced by that section, remain applicable and enforceable.
Therefore, the Court’s decision does not reopen schools, which will remain closed through June 30th, the end of the current school year. The DPI will continue to provide updates as they become available.
A few reminders and updates this week:
- Please know that we are mindful of the impact a situation like this can have on our students' mental wellness. Remember that our pupil service staff continues to be available to meet student needs. Please contact Tracy Bandt, school psychologist (tracy.bandt@hgsd.k12.wi.us); Amanda O'Connell, elementary school counselor (aoconnell@hgsd.k12.wi.us); Jessica Luecke, middle school counselor (jluecke@hgsd.k12.wi.us); Dale Nennig, high school counselor (dnennig@hgsd.k12.wi.us); or David Hickmann, school social worker (dhickmann@hgsd.k12.wi.us).
- We will continue to serve free grab and go lunches for children under age 18 through the month of June.
- We have begun focusing on a virtual component for summer school in July and August. While this is not our ideal plan, some virtual offerings and opportunities for students is better than nothing at all. Those offerings and sign-ups will be coming out soon.
- Graduation is still a work in progress. We are still hopeful to have some form of in-person ceremony on one of our alternative dates, July 12th or August 2nd. Our graduates and their accomplishments is a top priority for us. We will do whatever we can to make it a celebration.
- We have started looking at what the reopening of school might look like in September. We are working with the Sheboygan County Health Department on possible procedures and scenarios which would need to be in place in order to reopen. For example, we may need to take the temperature of every student and staff member upon entering the buildings daily. As you can see, a process like this will take some considerable planning to effectively implement. The guiding principle to this process will be the safety and health of our students and staff.
As we move through this, I will continue to communicate any new information that we receive. As I stated last week, we sincerely miss seeing your children and our staff. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or support at any time.
Sincerely, Chris Peterson, Scott Fritz, Heather Zizis, Jason Cole, and Tracy Bandt