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October 28, 2020 - Update #23 - Subject: COVID-19 Gating Criteria and Phase-In Planning

Dear HSSD Families and Staff,

For the past several weeks, parents, students, and staff have been asking for clarity on specific criteria concerning how and when HSSD would determine transitions between learning models. In the wake of a record-setting day in Wisconsin relative to new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19, we are providing that clarity now. It is the result of thoughtful collaboration, application of data, and guidance from the nation’s health protection agency. At the Board of Education meeting Monday, October 26, the HSSD leadership team presented a data-based model that will be used to guide our eventual return to in-person learning. The dashboard with criteria information has been posted on the HSSD website and will be updated daily beginning this week. In summary:

The model relies on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Indicators for Dynamic School Decision-Making. The CDC guidelines frame our decisions regarding the physical health of our students, staff, and community. This CDC advice is also the basis for criteria for the De Pere, Ashwaubenon, and Green Bay school districts. It is important to note this information was not available until September 15.
Based on current community health data shown on the dashboard, and applying HSSD’s decision-making criteria, HSSD will be extending Plan C virtual learning through at least Monday, November 23. Should the community health data make a notable improvement between now and late November, we will provide updates on transition plans.
Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics has been influential in our thought process:

Unfortunately, in many parts of the United States, there is currently uncontrolled spread of SARS-CoV-2. Although the AAP strongly advocates for in-person learning for the coming school year, the current widespread circulation of the virus will not permit in-person learning to be safely accomplished in many jurisdictions.

I acknowledge the weight of burden on our families, students, and staff the longer we remain in full-time virtual learning. We are striving to support growing mental health challenges worsened by the pandemic. Some believe our reopening criteria is unreachable and needlessly delays the return of students to school. Allow me to emphasize our goal remains the return of students to school as soon as safely possible. During the interim we will intensify efforts to support students academically as well as socially and emotionally. This CDC link, Coping with Stress, provides information and resources on how to get immediate help in a crisis.

With these facts in mind, we have begun planning for a phased return to in-person learning with the hope that our community health data will come back to acceptable levels in due time.

Phase 1 is underway, with 47 special education and high-need identified students meeting with teachers 1:1 and in small groups at schools beginning this week. Similar programs are in place at other Brown County school districts.
Phase 2 includes expanding those opportunities, including transportation, to a larger group of students who have been identified as needing additional academic, social, and emotional support. An update on the timeline for this expanded school access will be shared once details are available.
Phase 3 involves student and family choice in accessing in-person opportunities for learning and connection at school on a limited and small group basis for students in grades K-12. This may include academic support meetings with teachers and staff, and at the intermediate, middle, and high school levels, modified club meetings, performing and fine arts lessons and classroom access, and athletics practices and facilities use. We remain hopeful progress toward Phase 3 will be evident in November.
Phase 4 would be a return to in-person learning beginning with grades 4K-4 students.

To be clear, none of the above plans to phase-in our return to school will be fully possible if the community spread of the virus continues to grow. It is daunting to announce return-to-school criteria when Brown County is so far from the intended targets. Put simply, we need and want improvement, soon! As stated last week, I encourage you to exercise your personal influence in persuading others to make safe and responsible decisions with our students in mind. I am grateful for those who have embraced this call to action. We can do this - together.

With Unity,

Damian LaCroix
Superintendent
Howard-Suamico School District
damilacr@hssdschools.org
920-662-8103

HSSD Reopen Schools Q&A Videos

Episode 1: Leading and Learning in
a Pandemic

Expert: Dr. Ashok Rai, President and CEO of Prevea

Episode 2: HSSD Family Choice: Online Learning Plan

Expert: Mark Smith, HSSD Deputy Superintendent

To view the entire playlist of videos on YouTube, click here.

News and Media Coverage

HSSD News Regarding COVID-19 and the Plan to Reopen HSSD Schools

Blue background with Health and Safety Update

COVID-19

HSSD Extends Virtual Learning and Launches COVID-19 Gating Criteria

Oct 28 2020

HSSD has extended virtual learning through November 23. Click here to view HSSD gating criteria.

COVID-19

COVID-19

HSSD Transitioning to Plan C Virtual Learning Effective September 30, 2020

Sep 25 2020

Effective September 30, all HSSD schools and 4K Programming will transition to Plan C Virtual Learning.

COVID-19

COVID-19

COVID-19 Dashboard and Contact Tracing

Sep 11 2020

View the COVID-19 dashboard here.

COVID-19

Superintendent Damian LaCroix speaks at press conference

COVID-19

Community Support Urged for Reopening Schools

Aug 6 2020

The community needs to come together to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers, staff and families in the school districts throughout Brown County.

School leaders emphasize the importance for everyone to follow CDC, state and local guidelines, and mandates when it comes to reopening schools during the pandemic.