School Re-Opening Information
Below is a summary of information that the district sent to all families this week via email. This summary is being provided in case you missed the email.
As a district, it is our intent to announce a decision on the format of school for the third quarter by January 8, 2021.
The decision for third quarter could include the following options:
1. Remain all-virtual
2. Bring only students in earlier grades back into school buildings
3. Bring all students back into school buildings
In our decision making for the third quarter, the two major components being closely considered include:
1. The level of spread of COVID-19 in Madison compared to the level which public health officials deem is appropriate for reopening school buildings. In accordance with our practice throughout the pandemic, MMSD will continue to rely on guidance provided by our local public health officials.
2. The status of all MMSD school buildings relative to staffing, logistics and health protocols critical for operating schools safely. In addition, we are working to obtain an understanding of the number of students who are expected to return in-person, if given the option.
As a school community, we are all working together to navigate this pandemic. To better support our families, we have included the voices of internal and external stakeholders on our Covid-19 advisory committee as we consider our reopening decision. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with families to ensure decisions are centered around providing all students and staff a safe and successful learning environment.
It is our hope the information provided today will better inform families so they are able to determine their preference for sending their child to school for in-person learning or keep them learning virtually from home, if given the option. This preference information is an important part of our planning and decision making process.
We encourage all MMSD families to visit the district’s Reopening Schools webpage which provides detail on how we are approaching our decision. Watch your email inbox or phone for a link to a "preference poll," where you can indicate what decision you would likely make for your child once schools are able to safely reopen. You may have received the poll before this information was posted, and if you've already given us your preferences, thank you. If you wish to change your preferences, you will have another opportunity to let us know.
We are also polling students in grades 3–12 preference via email. We are interested in hearing from them about their learning preferences, once schools are able to safely reopen.
You are not locking yourself into a final decision by providing answers. We intend to continue adding information to our website in the coming days and weeks with updated information and answers to more of your questions. We hope the information provided will assist you in your decision-making for the third quarter.
Save the Date and Spread the Word! In addition to our reopening website, we want to give our community an interactive opportunity to ask questions via Facebook Live. We invite you to join us for a Facebook Live session on MMSD's Facebook page (facebook.com/MadisonSchoolsWI) next Thursday, December 17 at 6 p.m.
Thank you for your partnership as we travel together through this unprecedented journey.
