Government : VS School Update: Wednesday

This is Wednesday and we continue to adjust to our new reality.

The administrators and directors met with staff yesterday to both share how we will move forward during this time of closure and gather input from staff about how we can continue to serve our students and community.

Closure - We are officially closed through Sunday, April 12. The closure may extend beyond the April 12th recommendation, depending on the COVID-19 impact across our community, state and nation. We will continue to reassess and share with others in a timely manner.

Access - The buildings remain open today and again this evening from 5-7 so students can collect personal items as well as high school students get their laptops and other learning supports. Later tomorrow, we will disengage keycard access to all but a few essential staff members including custodians, directors and principals.

Activities - The state associations have put the spring season "on hold" for several weeks. This means many competitions have been cancelled. All coaches and activity sponsors have been directed to have no contact with students over the next few weeks. We realize that students may still access the athletic complex for pick-up soccer games or other physical activity but they are not doing this under the direction of an adult.

Meals - We have been approved to offer grab-and-go meals. We anticipate starting on Monday and are finalizing details to have pick-up points at Tilford and Shellsburg Elementary buildings along with busses delivering to several locations in the two communities plus Garrison. Watch our website and Facebook page for more details.

Student Learning - Teachers have or will be sharing resources for students to continue their learning and practice their skills. We anticipate teachers will continue to share opportunities throughout the closure.

Parent-Teacher Conferences - We will not have spring conferences. Elementary teachers are communicating with their students' parents and secondary teachers are considering how they can share more about their students with parents.

Daycare - Happy Time continues to operate out of Tilford and Creative Kids continues to operate out of Shellsburg. They are following the guidance issued by the state including how they continue their regular hours and their cleaning routines. School districts are being encouraged to make sure families have reliable childcare during this time.

Information - We will continue to post information on the school's website: https://www.vscsd.org/vscsd-updates/ It has the most accurate and up-to-date information about the school. Please continue to monitor the CDC's website at https://www.cdc.gov/ for information about COVID-19.

Thank you for your patience as we work through these challenging times.

Respectfully,

Mary Jo Hainstock

Superintendent