Reopening Schools 2020-21
June 2020
As we look forward to the 2020-21 school year, we are committed to keeping you informed and engaged as we work to reopen schools in the fall. Last night, we presented a Reopening of Schools plan to the School Board, sharing a framework for operations and instruction models based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control, Department of Public Instruction, and Portage County Health Department. With the School Board providing permission to move forward with this framework, we will continue our work to prepare as safe a learning environment as possible for your return. You may view the School Board meeting here.
We are planning and working to bring staff and students back in a traditional classroom learning model with enhanced safety and health protocols in place to reduce the risk of virus exposure. Based on the feedback we have received and seen, we know that for some of you, the thought of returning to school creates fear and uncertainty, while for others, the thought of returning to a year of E-Learning creates questions around employment, the education of your students and overall classroom success. We do not believe these are fair burdens on either end of the spectrum and are committed to finding equitable solutions.
Planning and reopening will continue to require a flexible and fluid approach as the information we need to make informed decisions becomes available knowing the information may change between now and September, or even after the school year has started. As we evaluate staffing needs and available resources, employees that have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19, are caring for an individual who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19 or have childcare issues due to COVID-19, are asked to please notify Director of Human Resources Beth Bakunowicz, 715-345-5512 or bbakunow@pointschools.net by July 15, 2020.
As we continue to drill down into the minutia of how these frameworks are safely implemented with fidelity, I want to thank those who have personally reached out to share your perspectives. This continues to be new territory for schools and we know that we are stronger and more effective for students and our community when we work together.
In the coming weeks and months, we remain committed to keeping you informed on the progress of our work and any changes that may be required. Please continue to watch your email and our website for additional updates and decisions as well as clear guides and information for staff ahead of your return.
Thank you for your support, your flexibility, your candid and respectful reflections, and your ongoing commitment to education.
Sincerely,
Craig Gerlach, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Public School Works COVID-19 Training
A Public School Works COVID-19 training course (COVID-19, How to Protect Yourself and Others) has been added for each employee to complete. The course must complete by August 31, 2020. Educational Assistants that were assigned and completed the course in April are not required to re-take the course.
The following Staff Guidelines outline current expectations for District staff returning to work throughout the summer.
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues may have caused you extra stress, concern and anxiety. Please be reminded that the confidential Employee Assistance Program continues to be available to you and your family at no cost. Additionally, if you are under the District’s health insurance program, confidential on-line therapy is available to you at a low cost.
Returning to Work
If you have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19, are caring for an individual who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19 or have childcare issues due to COVID-19, please notify Director of Human Resources Beth Bakunowicz, 715-345-5512 or bbakunow@pointschools.net. Employees experiencing one of the above must notify Human Resources by July 15, 2020.
Contact Us
Email: info@pointschools.net
Website: www.pointschools.net
Location: 1900 Polk Street, Stevens Point, WI, USA
Phone: 715-345-5456
Facebook: facebook.com/pointschools
Twitter: @pointschools