WELLSTON

Wellston Public Schools: Return to Learn August 2020

Per our previous statement Wellston Public Schools intends to resume traditional learning on August 20, 2020 at all sites; we are also offering virtual (PK-12) and blended (6-12) learning options by application.  We are closely monitoring the current COVID-19 situation and plans will continue to be flexible with the changing conditions.  We have listed some of the safety measures that we will be applying below.  As always, it is our goal to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff while providing the best education possible for students. 

The three learning options being offered by Wellston Public Schools are as follows:

1. Traditional Learning (PK – 12^th): Traditional learning places students on-site and learning through traditional methods. While technology may be utilized within classrooms, the methods of teaching are in-person. Traditional learning will include Distance Learning if the school has to shut down on-site learning or students that are quarantined. Distance learning is used for placements away from traditional learning in accordance with the district’s distance learning policies. The district will follow their plan for distance learning and educate their students appropriately.  These offerings could include virtual online instruction, as well as the use of packets.
2. Blended Learning (6^th – 12^th): Virtual students who wish to participate in an extracurricular activity that is connected to a class can apply to participate in blended learning. Please note this option will be available for grades 6^th – 12^th.  Students participating in blended learning can take any elective courses in traditional format that are tied to OSSSA or a career tech organization.
3. Virtual Learning (PK – 12^th): Students who wish to participate fully online instead of a traditional format can apply for the virtual learning option.

Information regarding Enrollment:

• Wellston Public Schools Enrollment will be August 3^rd – 6^th, 2020 for all sites.Site specific times and dates are listed on the website.
• All forms will be available on the school website or at the principal’s offices on August 3^rd.
• Virtual and Blended Learning Program Applications can be turned in during enrollment or emailed to the site principal.These applications must be turned in by Monday August 10^th by 5 p.m., there will be someone available at all sites from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on that date, emailed applications will follow the same deadline.
• Students who are approved for the Blended or Virtual Learning Program are locked into that learning option for the semester.There will be a 5-day grace period ending on August 26^th, 2020 where these students can choose to return to a traditional learning option.

Safety Measures:

• We are requesting that any parent who is able to drop off and pick up their child do so at this time.This will help us try to space out children on the bus.
• Students who ride the bus will sit in family groups and buses will have a seating chart.
• Parents will be asked to use a daily checklist, that includes checking their child’s temperature, to assess their children each morning prior to sending them to school.Faculty and staff will use the same checklist to self-assess prior to arriving. The checklist is on the school website.
• Masks are recommended especially on buses, common areas, and hall ways but not required.
• Students are encouraged to practice social distancing as much as possible when in any commons areas and in the hallways.Teachers will also use social distancing in the classrooms to the best of their ability.
• Seating charts will be implemented in the classrooms.
• There will be no Meet the Teacher Night.Teachers will update their profiles on the school website prior to the originally scheduled Meet the Teacher Night (August 18, 2020) for parents and students to obtain classroom information.
• Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers will be used to the disinfect all classrooms, common areas, facilities, and buses daily.Peroxide Multi-Surface cleaners will be used to clean and disinfect throughout the day.
• If a student tests positive they will need to quarantine for at least 10 days since the symptoms first appeared.
• Visitors will be allowed access to the office ONLY and restricted to emergencies or urgent matters only.
• Parents will not be allowed to take their students to the classroom.
• No outside volunteers will be allowed at this time.

We again want to thank you for your cooperation during this time.  If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to your child’s principal or the superintendent’s office at the numbers and emails listed below. 

Thank you,

Dwayne Danker

Dwayne Danker, Superintendent