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Forward Together: 2021-2022 School Year

The SDMF will continue to consistently monitor the situation and take direction from the Waukesha County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Anytime we have 15% of an educational unit (classroom, grade level, middle school house, or school) with an infectious disease we are required to consult with the county and respond as needed. That could result in a temporary shift to virtual learning and other changes. At 10% we are watching closely and taking internal steps as well.

Strong plans are able to adjust to changes while providing a framework that is defined, yet flexible. We will continue to monitor COVID data throughout the year and will adjust as needed should transmission rates increase in our schools, and/or public health orders change. We will continue to provide families and staff with updates on COVID-19, and share additional information or guidelines provided by public health officials.

Updates

January 7, 2022

I hope you had an enjoyable winter break. We are happy to have students back in classrooms and ready to learn. This message comes at a challenging time. Our schools are again taxed with a COVID-19 surge in addition to increasing illness related to the cold and flu. The health of our students and staff is a top priority for us, and we want to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

Based on conversations with the Waukesha County Health Services and the endorsement from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, we will immediately begin to implement the new CDC guidelines related to COVID-19 isolations and quarantines. We hope this will support our students and staff by allowing those well enough to return to school within the updated guidelines.

Updated SDMF protocols for COVID-19 isolation and quarantines here.

Updated SDMF Mitigation protocols

I’m asking everyone to do all they can to keep our schools open for in-person learning.

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well. Students and staff who are experiencing the following symptoms are expected to stay home: Cough, temperature of 100.4°F or higher, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Report positive COVID-19 results on the Student COVID-19 Report Form
  • Consider wearing a mask at school. While not required, SDMF strongly recommends mask-wearing for students and staff.

I appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

Sincerely,

Corey Golla
Superintendent of Schools


January 3, 2022

We closely monitor the SDMF COVID-19 dashboard and track cases at our schools, classrooms, and community. With the rapid increase in cases of the new Omicron variant throughout the country, we could potentially experience an impact on staffing in our schools. As with most industries, we may experience higher staff absences and must be prepared to shift to a virtual learning model, if necessary, either at the school level or districtwide. In the interest of our staff, students, and families, we will make every effort to avoid that decision and we will continue to communicate any changes as soon as decisions are made.

I’m asking everyone to do all they can to keep our schools open for in-person learning.

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well. Students and staff who are experiencing the following symptoms are expected to stay home: Cough, temperature of 100.4°F or higher, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Report positive COVID-19 results on the appropriate COVID-19 reporting form:

Student COVID-19 Report Form

Staff COVID-19 Report Form

  • Consider wearing a mask at school. While not required, SDMF strongly recommends mask wearing for students and staff.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Corey GollaSuperintendent of Schools

The image below outlines the mitigation protocol. The SDMF will consistently review student impact, staff impact, and burden rate - the scale of community transmission - adjust as needed.