August 7, 2020

Re-opening Schools Update for Parents

We are now one week and one day away from re-opening our schools, and I wanted to update you on the key activities of the WCSD.

As employees returned to work, teachers and staff members were able to participate in a wide variety of trainings and meetings focused both on the re-opening of traditional school as well as our new Innovative Learning Digital Academy (ILDA) option. 

First, school principals kicked off the 2020-2021 school year at their respective schools.  Principals were able to share their school’s individual re-opening plans and procedures with staff, including schedules, lunch, special area, recess, arrival/dismissal, and more.  For questions and information that are school specific, please visit your school’s website for more information.

Second, the Curriculum and Instruction Department (C & I) provided numerous trainings for teachers and schools and continue to do so moving into next week.  Teachers are receiving advanced training from Microsoft on our ILDA platform, Microsoft TEAMS.  Teachers are also receiving training, have watched sample videos, and been able to troubleshoot the ILDA model.  C & I has created a new ILDA link on our website which includes frequently asked questions, video tutorials, and additional resources for parents and students.  C & I has also worked with special area teachers, such as art and music, to discuss specific safety protocols and procedures for art related topics, such as cleaning and sharing of materials.  C & I has also provided mental health trainings to better help staff support students when they return.

Third, the WCSD Safety Specialist was able to facilitate a training with school staff which included a presentation by Dr. Morell from the Florida Department of Health.  Dr. Morell specializes in communicable diseases and was able to provide both instructions on proper screening of employees and random screening of students as well as advisement on COVID-19 related concerns and questions.  Dr. Morell also spoke with all school nurses and was able to work through specific questions and sample scenarios that may occur within a school.  The WCSD has also posted the at home daily COVID-19 screener for parents of traditional students.

Finally, technology is preparing computers for ILDA and WVS school students as well as a new one-to-one initiative at our middle schools.  For students who are distance learning, schools will reach out to parents once computers are ready.

Thank you again for your support.   Please continue to check your school’s website for further information.  Many schools have provided written documents, videos, orientations, and/or live Q & A sessions to better help parents and prepare students for the August 17^th return to school.