Dear HGSD Parents, Staff and Community, June 19, 2020
WELCOME to summer! I sincerely hope all of you are safe and healthy and finding time to enjoy a beautiful Wisconsin summer. It certainly is a unique time and not a typical summer, but we will forge ahead and get through this together.
We have formed a REOPENING COMMITTEE to begin creating our reentry plans. This committee will work with the recommendations coming out next week to develop the procedures and policies we need in place to ensure students and staff are safe. Next week the Department of Public Instruction will be releasing guidance around returning to school. The focus of this guidance is to provide considerations for us to plan and implement a safe, efficient, and equitable return to school in Fall. DPI expects schools to reopen in the fall, but the department also expects changes to school operations to address risk factors to control the spread of COVID-19, the educational needs of students who are not able to return to school due to health concerns, and changing conditions due to the pandemic. It is likely that we will need to provide access to remote learning throughout the year to some students in addition to the regular school operation.
Additionally, the HGHS Athletic Department has been meeting with our building and grounds supervisor and our athletic trainer to begin discussing the framework for reopening facilities after July 1 for our student athletes. We will be meeting with our Head Coaches next week to discuss formally the reopening procedures for each of the sports based off the recommendations from our State and local government organizations.
August 2nd remains the date for our formal graduation. Using the DPI guidelines coming next week, we will finalize a plan and get information out to you. With all the work related to reopening of school in fall, co-curricular activities, and graduation, we will continue to provide weekly updates so families can plan accordingly.
Like all of us, your children may be troubled by the death of George Floyd and the subsequent events and unrest in our country. As students grapple with these social justice issues and deal with the coronavirus pandemic, please know our staff is here to support students in need. Additional resources have been added to our website link titled:
Resources for Parents during COVID-19 School Closure
We know that all students deserve the opportunity to become their best and remain committed to this goal. 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); or David Hickmann, school social worker (dhickmann@hgsd.k12.wi.us).
Reminder to high school students who earned an incomplete grade- they must complete the essential standards of the course by June 23rd to earn a passing grade. If a high school student does not earn a passing grade by that date, they will not earn credit for that course. Please reach out to your student's instructor if you have any questions.
Summer Hours: Starting June 29: All buildings and the district office will be open Monday – Thursday 8-3. All offices are closed on Fridays. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. In the meantime, stay safe, healthy and enjoy the summer!
Sincerely,
Chris Peterson, Scott Fritz, Heather Zizis, Jason Cole, and Tracy Bandt