Owen-Withee School Board Discusses District Reopening this Fall
Thursday, July 16th, 2020 -- 9:01 AM
-The Owen-Withee School Board heard a presentation to begin their meeting on Monday.Jason Plante, Vice President at Market & Johnson, was on hand to meet the board and discuss the planning for the upcoming building referendum. Jason shared a communication plan/schedule and the successes that Market & Johnson have had in the area in recent years. The board also heard an update on the summer projects. District Administrator Bob Houts reviewed the list of summer projects that the board had approved back in May and the status of each. Many of the projects have been completed, several are “in process” and the hallway project is projected to start this week. The board also discussed reopening plans. The three administrators discussed the process they have undergone in the past couple of weeks and the data they used to make decisions on the return to school this fall. CDC, State Health Department, County Health Department, DPI guidelines as well survey data from parents and staff were used to develop a plan to bring students back to school 4 days per week, with one day of virtual learning to make a 5 day school week. Middle School and High School students will be on a “block schedule”, going to even classes on even days and odd classes on odd days.
There will be no locker usage. Students will carry materials with them. Lunch and breakfast will be served/eaten in classrooms. Elementary students will be in classroom groups and follow their usual schedule. Specials (like art, music, guidance, PE, etc) will be done in the classrooms rather than in the specialist’s room. Lunch and breakfast will be in the classroom. These steps will reduce exposure and reduce group gathering time to help prevent the spread of COVID 19. The board had suggestions regarding the one day per week to not have face-to-face instruction. The admins will discuss, looking at pros and cons, and bring back to the board in August.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.