MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin State Superintendent Jill Underly issued a public message Wednesday morning, asking everyone to do their part to keep schools open this school year.
“Our schools unite us. They are the bedrock of our communities and are where our children grow as individuals,” Underly wrote. “They are a place where kids of all backgrounds are accepted. There is no doubt that our students learn best and our educators are most effective when they are both physically inside a school. That’s why it’s imperative our schools stay open to in-person instruction. But to keep our schools open, we must do our part to keep them safe and healthy.”
Underly said the asks are “simple,” but the rewards are “great.” She said people should wear masks inside buildings, get vaccinated, and maintain social distancing when feasible.
“A year ago, we were facing a great deal of uncertainty about the impacts of COVID-19,” she wrote. “Our schools and their staff rose to the occasion in that moment, serving as first responders who went above and beyond to make sure students were fed, kept learning, and had equal access to things like technology. This year, we are far more confident in the ways we can work together to defeat the virus.”
The superintendent also said she has the back of the state’s educators and understands the pressure they are under.
“I’ve seen firsthand how tirelessly you worked to reinvent your practice throughout this pandemic, and watched you go great lengths to focus on your students and their well-being. Please continue to innovate and serve as positive role models for your students. Do your best to ignore the noise and take a few moments to realize the importance of the impact you make on our kids. You are helping us grow our next generation of teachers, scientists, doctors, and leaders. The work you put in today has an immeasurable impact on our future.”
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