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Dear Parents and Families,
As we wind down this year I hope that you can have some time of rest this summer. We have begun work on what school might look like in the fall. We are changing protocols for cleaning and logistics. We are also working on different options depending on what the parameters will be for student attendance. We want to be back together in a safe manner for all.
Summer School
We are offering online only summer school through Education Galaxy for students in grades K-8. Please see this form for information on the subjects available in each grade and details. Students would be working at their own pace so it is applicable for students of all abilities. Students interested in summer school may keep their chromebooks.
Tractor safety certification is available for students who have reached the age of 12 or older when the course begins. Please see the flyer for more information
Food for families
We will continue food delivery for families through June 26th. In June any location where food is dropped off without a person to pick up will need a cooler with ice there to put the lunch in.
Facilities
As a reminder our facilities are closed through June 30th. We are discussing what it might look like for facility use after July.
Chromebook and item return
You should have received information from your respective buildings regarding the return of chromebooks and any textbooks, etc. If you need information please contact the building office. We are working to be safe and still maintain social distancing guidelines.
Graduation
With the graduation ceremony tentatively set for July 10th, county health department guidance will allow for some individuals with families to enter a student at a time. Students will walk across the stage and receive the diploma. This is subject to change. We will continue to finalize this process.
These are difficult times. If you or a loved one needs support during this time, Great Rivers 2-1-1 offers free, confidential community information, referrals and crisis line services 24 hours/day. Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to talk to an information and referral specialist.
Sincerely,
Jenny Starck
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Dear Parents and Families,
I hope to answer some questions, and give a timeline on answers to other questions. Even though the Wisconsin Supreme Court reversed much of the Safer-at-Home order, the decision specifically continued the closure of school grounds through June 30, 2020. The Chippewa County Health Department is working on any possible orders or guidance going forward. This will include possibilities for a graduation ceremony. We have tentatively set July 10th as the date to do whatever level of graduation that we would be allowed to do. They have said they plan to issue more information by early next week.
Parent Survey:
Every spring we conduct a Parent Engagement Survey to allow parents to provide feedback on your experience with your child’s school. Our education is very unique at this time. We would appreciate any feedback on our district overall, as well as during this time of school closure and challenges. This feedback helps us identify areas of success and prioritize areas for growth. Thank you for your assistance with this. Link to Parent Engagement Survey We have extended this survey until May 22, 2020 to give parents additional time to provide feedback.
Student Learning:
We are very happy with the engagement of our students and families with these difficult times and the work that everyone has been doing. On Monday the school board approved the grading plan which will use a pass/no pass system during the school closure. This is consistent with what many other area schools are doing.
We are currently working on several learning scenarios for summer and fall, depending on any parameters that may be placed on schools at that time. This includes not only cleaning procedures, but office and traffic procedures as well.
Chromebook and item return:
You will receive information from the respective buildings regarding the return of chromebooks and any textbooks, etc. We are working to be safe and still maintain social distancing guidelines. If you think your student may be interested in summer school, you may keep your chromebook. We will have more information out next week regarding possible summer school courses.
These are difficult times. If you or a loved one needs support during this time, Great Rivers 2-1-1 offers free, confidential community information, referrals and crisis line services 24 hours/day. Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to talk to an information and referral specialist.
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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Dear Parents and Families,
Thank you for your continued work with your students and teachers. I am amazed every day by the stories shared of the work your students are doing and the engagement that continues to happen. I will plan to provide an update each Friday for the rest of the school term just to provide any information that I am able to.
Thank you,
Jenny
Every spring we conduct a Parent Engagement Survey to allow parents to provide feedback on your experience with your child’s school. Our education is very unique at this time. We would appreciate any feedback on our district overall, as well as during this time of school closure and challenges. This feedback helps us identify areas of success and prioritize areas for growth. Thank you for your assistance with this. Link to Parent Engagement Survey This survey is open until May 13, 2020.
End of School Year
The Cadott District received a waiver for instructional hours/minutes for the 2019-2020 school year. This allows flexibility with online learning and the barriers that many have experienced. It is assumed we would complete our regular calendar. The last day for Seniors will be May 22nd and for all other students will be May 29th.
Ongoing questions:
There are many items that we are still working through as we get guidance and regulation updates. There are often more questions than answers, but I will attempt to give the best information I have at this time.
Graduation
I participated in a superintendent’s meeting this afternoon and yesterday this guidance was shared from the Department of Health. Chippewa County department of health has said that they will provide more guidance to the county school districts on Tuesday next week. The school board will discuss possibilities at the May 11th regular school board meeting.
Summer School
We are beginning to plan for some virtual summer school options. If we are able to do some level of face-to-face instruction in July or August we will work on modifications to allow this.
These are difficult times. If you or a loved one needs support during this time, Great Rivers 2-1-1 offers free, confidential community information, referrals and crisis line services 24 hours/day. Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to talk to an information and referral specialist.
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Dear Parents and Families,
Thank you for your continued work with your students and teachers. I am amazed every day by the stories shared of the work your students are doing and the engagement that continues to happen. I will plan to provide an update each Friday for the rest of the school term just to provide any information that I am able to.
Every spring we conduct a Parent Engagement Survey to allow parents to provide feedback on your experience with your child’s school. Our education is very unique at this time. We would appreciate any feedback on our district overall as well as during this time of school closure and challenges. This feedback helps us identify areas of success and prioritize areas for growth. Thank you for your assistance with this. Link to Parent Engagement Survey This survey is open until May 13, 2020.
Video-based instruction
During online learning there are times that it would be helpful for small groups of students to see each other. This will allow other students to see your home or where your student is working. Please see the Passive Consent Form. You would only need to contact us if you decide that you do not want your child to use video access during instruction. Please contact Deb Yeager by May 8, 2020.
These are difficult times. If you or a loved one needs support during this time, Great Rivers 2-1-1 offers free, confidential community information, referrals and crisis line services 24 hours/day. Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to talk to an information and referral specialist.
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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Dear Parents and Families,
I am hoping to provide some clarity where it is possible and answer some questions and provide timelines. All of the items below will be discussed at the May 4th Committee of the Whole school board meeting and the May 11th regular school board meeting. There will be more specific information after that time.
Grading: We have drafted a pass/no pass type grading system for the remainder of the school year. All students will receive feedback from teachers. This still encourages student participation, but takes into consideration the barriers to learning that many families are experiencing. More details will be shared after school board discussion.
School calendar: At this time we plan to follow the regular school calendar. This would end school on May 22nd for Seniors and May 29th for all other students. If we do any June summer opportunities they will be virtual. We are still discussing this option.
Safer-At-Home Order extension
There has been some confusion because the Governor’s order extended safer-at-home through May 26, 2020. It also closed schools for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. In clarification the school year is defined as through June 30, 2020. This means that we would not be able to open any of our school grounds until after that time.
These are difficult times. If you or a loved one needs support during this time, Great Rivers 2-1-1 offers free, confidential community information, referrals and crisis line services 24 hours/day. Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to talk to an information and referral specialist.
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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Dear parents and students,
With recent changes in Governor Evers' Shelter in Place order, the school libraries may now start to circulate library materials to students through the school meal program. Starting 4/28/20, items will start going out on Tuesdays and Thursdays to students who receive school meals on the busses--if they choose to participate in these services.
If you would like your child to have access to school library materials, please read the "Letter Regarding Circulation of Library Materials" in the right sidebar menu for more details on how he/she can request and receive items from the school libraries.
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Dear Parents and Families,
Yesterday the Governor announced that we would not be returning for the remainder of the school year. We are disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to have students in the buildings but will do our best to provide instruction while keeping everyone safe.
This week we began our work on providing learning opportunities for students. Some families have had difficulty participating in learning online. We are working to overcome barriers where we can assist you. Unfortunately, we are not able to help with your internet access at home. I know it is not convenient, but I have seen more students in the high school parking lot taking advantage of the internet there.
If you need textbooks or materials from your child’s locker please contact the office. They will work with you to get that accomplished. If you are not receiving free meals and would like to be added to the list, please
These are difficult times. If you or a loved one needs support during this time, Great Rivers 2-1-1 offers free, confidential community information, referrals and crisis line services 24 hours/day. Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255 to talk to an information and referral specialist.
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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Parents and Families,
The district’s Chromebooks are set up with the apps and extensions that are essential for your students to learn and succeed with their online learning. The Chromebook by nature, however, is a device that requires a fast and consistent internet connection to be completely functional.
While the district cannot guarantee the speed of your Chromebook while on various configurations of home WiFi networks, it has done all it can in order to give your children the opportunity to be connected for their online learning on the district’s devices.
If you are experiencing a slow internet connection at home, the district encourages you to use the school’s WiFi and it has made this available to you in the North parking lot (lot outside the district office) for connecting with your classes and downloading/uploading for offline access on your Chromebook.
Here are some additional things you should know about WiFi and internet on your Chromebook.
Thank you for your understanding as we continue to try to best teach your children during this difficult time.
Please see our Chromebooks and Slow Internet document for steps you can take to get the most out of your school issued Chromebook.
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Dear Parents,
Please see the attached update on how we are progressing with distance learning.
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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Dear Parents,
Thank you for your patience as we work to provide learning experiences for your students. Things may need to change a bit as we evolve, but here is our updated plan for learning.
Jenny
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Parents and Families,
During these unprecedented times, I want to take a minute to thank our families and staff who are supporting each other and adapting to frequent changes. Please see the attached document with up-to-date information.
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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Parents and Family Members,
During these unprecedented times, I want to take a minute to thank our families and staff who are supporting each other and adapting to frequent changes.
Safer At Home
Due to the Governor’s order we will continue to operate with essential staff, but staff will be encouraged to work from home or remotely when possible. We will still provide the food service meals for families beginning March 30th. This is free for any child 18 and under. If you haven’t signed up and are interested, please complete this form. Our school buildings will be closed to the public with the exception of deliveries and maintenance vendors/contracts. If you need to contact someone you can use email or phone to leave a message.
Online Learning Survey
We are working to develop plans to provide remote learning and connection opportunities with our students. Please complete this Technology Survey by April 1st to better assist us in developing appropriate plans to support students and families as we move forward.
Student Senior Scholarships
If your Senior has scholarships to submit, please mail them to Student Services, ATTN: Deb Yeager, 426 Myrtle St. Cadott, WI 54727. They must be postmarked by the due date. They can also be submitted via email to Deb Yeager at yeagerdj@cadott.k12.wi.us. They can contact Deb at that email or by phone (715) 289-3795 ext 4541 with any questions. Do not drop them at the high school office.
The information below has been shared previously but is included as a resource:
Spring concerts
These concerts are recorded and available on our website at these links: (available until March 27, 2020)
Junior High Spring Choir
High School Spring Choir
Treble Choir
Junior High Band
High School Band
Jazz Band
There are also online resources through the school library site available to families.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Starck
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Food for children during school closure
We will be providing a grab and go type lunch and breakfast for any children 18 and under during the school closure. This is free for everyone and not limited to families in free and reduced lunch status. This will begin March 30th after spring break week. Please complete the survey so that we can plan to meet your needs. We will have pick-up available at the Jr/Sr High school commons. We will also be delivering to areas of the district and homes as we are able. More information will be shared once we know the delivery areas.
Online learning capacity
On March 17th the Governor extended the school closure indefinitely. We are working to provide learning opportunities for families in a structured way. We will be sending a survey to all families to determine your ability to access online content in your home. Once we have that information we can determine next steps to provide access and opportunity for all students.
Spring concerts
These concerts are recorded and available on our website at these links: (available until March 27, 2020)
Junior High Spring Choir
High School Spring Choir
Treble Choir
Junior High Band
High School Band
Jazz Band
There are also online resources through the school library site available to families.
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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Dear Parents & Guardians,
The Cadott School District will be providing bagged breakfast and lunch meals to children 18 or younger during the upcoming school closure. Meal service will begin Monday, March 30th.
If you have interest in participating please respond to the survey below by Monday, March 23rd, 2020.
Bagged Breakfast and Lunch Meals Survey
Thank you,
Jenny Starck
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This afternoon the Governor implemented more restrictions on groups and bars/restaurants. In addition, he removed April 6, 2020 as the reopening date for schools and they will be closed until further notice.
We received specific clarification from DPI that there was not a change in the closing date of schools which continues to be March 18, 2020 at 5:00pm. We will still plan to be in session tomorrow. As of right now, there are still no cases in Chippewa County. We are working closely with Chippewa County Department of Health as we make these decisions. School tomorrow will allow us to finish up instruction and provide some optional activities for students during the closure.
As a parent, you have the ability to excuse your student from attendance if you are not comfortable sending them to school.
Thank you again for your understanding and patience in these ever-changing times.
Sincerely,
Jenny Starck
Superintendent
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We know that there are some confusing messages from other districts around the Governor ordering the immediate closure of schools. This specific question was asked of DPI and this is the response.
Does the March 16 order from DHS prohibiting mass gatherings for 50 or more people require public or private schools to close immediately?
No. The DHS order issued on March 13 specifically closing public and private schools as of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 continues to apply. Schools may remain open regardless of the number of pupils and staff present in a school facility until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18. At that time, public and private schools must close both for instructional and extracurricular purposes, and may not host mass gatherings of 50 or more people for any purpose.
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Parent/Staff/Community Update:
We have some answers as we move forward in these unique times. There are still areas where we will be working to provide clarification.
School this week
As of our meeting at 9:00am this morning, Chippewa County did not have any confirmed cases of Covid-19. We would still plan to have school through the end of the day on Wednesday, March 18th. Beginning March 18th all after school and extra-curricular activities are cancelled. Parents have the option of excusing their student(s) if they are not comfortable sending them to school.
Building Availability
For staff, the building will operate similar as during a break or summer, other then no availability to outside groups during the closure. Year-long staff will continue to work or they may use accumulated leave time. We are not to have any instruction or extra-curricular activities during this closure. We will plan to still have the School Board Committee Meeting on April 6th, but will move the location from the Conference Room to the Jr/Sr High School Library. We will plan to re-open on April 6th to a regular instructional schedule unless we receive further direction from the state or county health department.
School lunches
We are working on a plan to have school lunch available for any students beginning March 30th. Parents please watch for a survey regarding your family participation in this.
Online Instruction
We will not be requiring students to participate in online instruction or work that is sent home. We are encouraging teachers to send learning activities via paper or online for students to try and keep students engaged during the time they are not attending school. We do not have enough reliable online access for our families to insist on this participation. In addition, for students with special education needs, there might not be a way to effectively address their IEP goals with online instruction. For students in an online course through eSucceed, we are working on clarification with them.
Required Hours/Minutes of Instruction
The Cadott School District intends to apply to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for a waiver of instructional minutes due to the required closure of schools and the difficulty in meeting instructional requirements virtually. The DPI has initially indicated that these waivers will be approved. If the state closure extends beyond April 6th we will work with the school board to determine if we are able to meet graduation/curricular requirements with the remaining time, or need to add some additional days.
State Testing
There is support at the state level to request the federal government for a modification of required state testing this year due to the timing of these tests and the difficulty in completing them in the required window. Students will also not have the opportunity for instruction in the immediate time prior to test administration. As we have more information on this, we will share it with everyone.
Due to the increased number of emails and calls with questions, suggestions, and input, we are not able to individually respond to each person in a timely fashion. We are compiling these questions and will share information with everyone when we are able to.
Sincerely,
Jenny Starck
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Dear Parents, Staff and Community Members,
Friday evening we received the following order from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services:
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm, under the direction of Governor Tony Evers, issued an order closing schools effective Wednesday, March 18 with an anticipated reopening on April 6. Additionally, Secretary-Designee Palm’s press release goes on to clarify the order goes into effect at 5:00 p.m. on March 18.
Given this update, the Cadott Schools will plan to be in session for Monday, March 16th through the regular school day on Wednesday, March 18th. We will be closed beginning with any after school activities Wednesday, March 18th. This is subject to change if there would be a change in the advice of our local Chippewa County Health Department. School will resume in session on April 6th unless the guidance on that return date changes.
As a reminder when schools are closed, all after school activities and facility use by outside activities is also closed. This includes home and away practices and competitions. There are questions that we will be working on early next week which include if there will be any flexibility in state required hours of instruction.
There are also questions about options of virtual learning. This is a difficult barrier for us to meet as many of our families do not have high speed internet access at home. We will continue to provide updates as we have more information.
Sincerely,
Jenny Starck
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Dear Cadott Parents and Community,
We have continued to work closely with Chippewa County Health Department and monitored updates from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and Department of Health Services (DHS). As of today, there are still no cases confirmed in Chippewa County or our surrounding counties. We are implementing increased cleaning protocols and modifications in instruction to minimize touching and close contact.
On March 12, 2020 the DHS recommended that any unnecessary gatherings of more than 250 people be cancelled or rescheduled. Based on this recommendation, we are cancelling the music concerts next week at the elementary and secondary level. Music teachers are working on a video recording that we will be able to share. We will consider events sponsored by others on a case-by-case basis. If an event is held and you wish for your child to not participate, you may decline their participation without penalty.
We are not anticipating closing school at this time. The DHS recommendations around gatherings involve outside participants, possibly the elderly, sitting close together for an extended period of time. We have made cleaning and instructional modifications in conjunction with Chippewa County Health recommendations and the CDC to minimize exposure.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. This is an ever evolving issue with frequent updates and we will be responding accordingly. Please watch the banner on our website for the more current information.
Sincerely,
Jenny Starck
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