Frequently Asked Questions
8/11/20 Update PDF Version
Valders Area School District understands that students, families, and community members are concerned about the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. It will likely be one of the most difficult school years for all of us. Below are a few questions with corresponding answers as of August 11, 2020, to assist in the transition into the year as smooth as possible. Please check back often for more questions and answers.
Next Steps:
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Bus transportation: Families should fill out this form as soon as possible to indicate their plans for transportation this school year.
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Families’ learning model choice: Families will be asked to make a decision regarding their plans for their child(ren)for the start of the year during the required online registration process. All families were mailed information regarding this process. Please contact your building secretary if you did not receive this information.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What are families’ options for the start of the 2020-2021 school year?
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Families will have two options to start the school year.
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IN-PERSON CLASSROOM LEARNING means that students will return to school five days a week.
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DISTANCE ONLINE LEARNING means that students will learn remotely, using district-provided devices to attend regularly scheduled classes.
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What metrics will be used by the district to decide when to move between the three models: in-person, hybrid, all online?
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The Valders Area School District will work closely with the Manitowoc County Health Department to help determine the best models to operate within. Some of the metrics will include the number of COVID-19 related illnesses and other illnesses within the district and Manitowoc County. At the beginning of the school year parents will have the choice of having their child(ren) attend school in person or online. If the COVID-19 or other illnesses numbers increase to unmanageable numbers the District may need to move into the hybrid model, or all online instruction.
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Will school supply lists be released and where can we find them?
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Will there be an Early Childhood program offered for the 2020-2021 School year?
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Will families be allowed to switch between in classroom and distance online if family situations change during the school year?
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What will distance online learning look like? Will students receive pre-recorded lessons or will they be participating in live classroom sessions?
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Online learning will be a big change for our staff, as well as our students. The planning committee is working hard to find and acquire the equipment necessary to make a live classroom experience possible. More information will be released about the specifics of distance learning in the near future.
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What will the mask requirement be in a physical education classroom?
- Will there be recess?
- Updated 08/11/2020: Yes, the elementary and middle school students will still have normally scheduled recess. The equipment used during recess will be sanitized regularly. Face masks will need to be worn during recess.
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Will my child be required to wear a mask?
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Due to the Governor’s face covering mandate, and the VASD School Board’s directive, children aged 5 and older are required to wear a face covering. “Face covering” means a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely. A “face covering” includes but is not limited to a bandana, a cloth face mask, a disposable or paper mask, a neck gaiter, or a religious face covering. A “face covering” does not include face shields, mesh masks, masks with holes or openings, or masks with vents.
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Children aged 3 and 4 may wear a face shield or face mask.
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Do parents need to provide masks for their student(s)?
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Why did the district choose not to complete temperature checks as students arrive in the building?
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The individual schools have over 325 students in each building. To take all of the children’s temperature prior to each student entering the building would take too much time. There is further concern of students properly distancing while waiting to have their temperature checked. Additionally, there are a number of different symptoms of COVID-19 other than a fever.
Please check back for updates!
Please check back for updates!
Please check back for updates!
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Where will students go before school begins each morning?
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Updated 08/11/2020: Students are not to arrive at school before 7:35 a.m. At the elementary school students will meet in the gym if they arrive before 7:45. After 7:45 students will go to their classroom. Students may eat breakfast in the cafeteria between 7:35 to 7:55.
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Updated 08/11/2020: At the middle school and high school students may prepare for their first hour class in the hallways between 7:45 a.m. to 7:55. Students may eat breakfast in the Cafetorium between 7:35 and 7:55.
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Will students be allowed to carry a backpack or will students be using their lockers?
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My students do not attend Valders for classes, but do receive speech services from the district. Will they still be able to receive those services?
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Will you be offering lunches to children who are attending school virtually?
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Additional questions can be asked through this feedback form. We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue navigating these unprecedented times together.
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