WAUNAKEE, Wis.– 2020 was a lesson in patience and pivoting for many districts, students, and parents. This year, Waunakee administrators are preparing for another semester of uncertainty, although right now, they’re not planning on it.
“We have a wealth of experience to deliver instruction a variety of different ways after last year,” explained Tim Schell, Waunakee’s Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction. “There’s nothing we couldn’t pivot to if we had to.”
Like many districts, Waunakee’s Board of Education consults with a medical advisory committee when formulating plans for the 2021-22 school year. The Board announced its latest decision Monday, in response to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s latest guidance: All students, visitors, and faculty will start the year masked, regardless of vaccination status.
The rule, which takes effect Monday, August 16th, will last as long as coronavirus numbers continue to climb in Dane County and children under 12 remain ineligible for the vaccine.
Requiring masks is just the latest step Waunakee administrators are taking to keep the community safe. Last year, the district did it all: starting the 2020 school year on Zoom, before transitioning to a hybrid model and, eventually, in-person instruction by spring.
This year, Waunakee families still had the option to learn virtually, although 99% opted for in-person instruction.
Wherever and however your children will start this school year, UW Health psychologist Dr. Shilagh Mirgain suggests you talk to them today, to help them feel comfortable, confident, and prepared.
“We want to cultivate a lot of resilience in our kids by helping them adjust to whatever happens,” Dr. Mirgain said, adding, “This year, it’s important to pack some extra masks for them, too.”
Back-to-school coverage continues all August on News 3 Now. Click here for the latest information on the upcoming school year.
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