Families and Community Members:
As leaders of your Waushara County schools and districts, we would like to thank you for your support and partnership as we continue to strive for in-person instruction. Collectively, we welcomed back students and staff to our schools in September. As we have all witnessed since the pandemic began, individual and collective actions impact the health of our community and our schools. While there are many factors beyond our control, taking steps to mitigate the risks by following the safety precautions is something that we all can do - and we need everyone doing this together for the mitigation to work. What you do matters!
As the weather turns colder, more activities will move indoors bringing increased exposure and possible transmission of colds, flu, and COVID-19. As we navigate through the holidays, how we gather and what we do during this time will affect our ability to provide in-person learning. Please celebrate the holidays safely. The coming weeks and months will be important as the level of COVID-19 community spread will impact all of our schools. Together, we are asking for your assistance to help keep our schools open for in-person education.
In order to have the best chance for in-person learning, we need you to do the following:
1. Practice the health and safety guidelines from the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Waushara County Department of Health for preventing the spread of COVID-19 including: practicing physical distancing, using face coverings, and washing hands frequently.
2. Complete a daily health screen for all members of your family for the symptoms of COVID-19.
3. If symptomatic, call your healthcare provider, get a test, and stay home while awaiting results. Community test site information can be found at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community-testing.htm
4. Be cautious about all gatherings and avoid exposure to large groups, which increases the community transmission of COVID-19.
5. Cooperate with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact.
These collective efforts will help to slow the spread so that we can be in a position to provide in-person instruction at all of our schools without having to close buildings. We are a strong community that can do amazing things. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently, and being thoughtful with how we gather. Happy Holidays!
Patti Wohlfeil Craig Hayes Tom Rheinheimer Anthony Marinack
Waushara County PH SD of Wild Rose Wautoma Area SD Tri-County Area SD