We are nearing the end of the second week since our return to school, and I wanted to offer a status update to our school community. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a logistical challenge for schools that is unprecedented, and we are doing our best to maintain an acceptable level of service to our families. Suffice it to say, this is becoming increasingly difficult. The purpose of this communication is to alert our families to the fact that there will be disruptions to service that will occur as a result. 

Some of you may have already had your child’s teacher out for quarantine, or had a student in a classroom with an unfilled substitute vacancy. You may have noticed your child’s school bus running late, or being driven by someone you don’t recognize. The harsh reality is that the District is being challenged to maintain normal staffing levels due to a number of employees who have been required to quarantine for 14 days. In addition, we still have a significant number of unfilled positions within our support staff. 

If you have extra time, we could use your help. We have many part-time work opportunities that align with your student’s schedule. Visit our district website to learn more.

Fortunately, we have employees in every corner of the District who are expanding the scope of their work to meet immediate needs. We are asking more of our employees than we ever have before, and we could not be more grateful for their efforts. Our people are doing the best they can to keep our buildings open, and to keep everyone safe. 

We wanted to make you aware and be honest with you about the challenges we are facing as an organization. Many of you have taken note of schools across the state, and even in our backyard, who have had to shut down due to outbreaks. We will continue to do everything in our power to keep our buildings open, but we need your help. Our health and safety guidelines are designed to keep our students and staff safe, but they are less effective if they are not enforced outside of school. 

How can you help?

• Please continue to monitor your students for symptoms and keep sick students at home. 
• Please continue to encourage your students to socially distance whenever possible, wear masks and wash their hands regularly. 
• Please consider driving your student(s) to school whenever possible. 
• Continue to access up-to-date COVID-19 information on the District website.

These are simple, common sense strategies that will help us keep our doors open for all our students.

As always, thank you for your patience. We are all in this together. 

Bolt Up!

Matt Wandrie – Superintendent