Distance Learning Update from Superintendent McMannon

Dear WSD Families,

Yesterday evening Governor Scott announced that all Vermont schools will remain dismissed for in-person instruction through the end of this school year. This difficult decision was made to protect the health and safety of all Vermonters, primarily to lessen community spread of the virus. While I believe this is the right step to take, I am still deeply saddened. I feel that I can speak for our entire staff when I say that we really miss having your children in the building. We too were looking forward to a wonderful spring of learning, celebrations, school assemblies, field trips, and opportunities to connect, in person, both in and out of the classroom. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about our world. It is changing the way we work, socialize, celebrate, and go to school.  It has also provided new opportunities to approach learning. You already know that Winooski is a remarkable community. We are fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated faculty who will ensure that remote learning is engaging and that students feel supported. It is now an exciting opportunity to create a ‘new normal’ together. Once we push past the fear of the unknown the possibilities for innovation and new learning are endless. 

We are expecting more guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education and the Governor’s office about what all of this means for our students. 

Here is what we do know:

• Remote learning will continue and move from the maintenance of learning to the continuity of learning, as previously shared.
• Meal service will continue. 
• Our faculty and staff care deeply about our students and will continue to ensure our students feel supported and engaged. 

We are still waiting on guidance on the following questions (you likely have more and we will do our best to provide answers in the coming weeks): 

• What will graduation celebration look like? (We expect more information by May 8).
• Will there be summer school?
• How will learning assessments be conducted?
• What will online learning look like now?
• How will special education services for students with disabilities and services for English Language Learners (ELL) be provided?

This weekend, we will share details about a second set of learning materials for pick-up next Wednesday and Thursday, and how we plan to return any student belongings that were left in the building/lockers.

While there remain many unknowns, the strength, creativity, and love of the Winooski community will get us through this together. 

Sincerely,

Sean McMannon, Superintendent