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Unified School District of De Pere

Coronavirus and School Closure Updates

Updates to District's Plan for Addressing Coronavirus and the Statewide School Closure

(Posted Wed. March 18, 3:30 pm)
If your family does not have home internet access, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission has a list of resources, in addition to Charter Spectrum, who may be able to assist you. Terms, conditions and availability vary by provider. Please contact the provider directly. These are not District-sponsored services.
 

Free Lunch and Snack Distribution for Unified School District of De Pere Students

The District is distributing a free lunch and next day breakfast bag to all children age 18 years and under via drive through pickup as a result of our school closing update.  On Friday, non-perishable food items for weekend use will be available for pickup during the regularly schedule
When: 11:45 am - 12:30 pm Monday -Friday
Where:
- Dickinson Elementary School, 435 S. Washington St. De Pere. Curbside delivery will be available in front of the school's main entrance.
- Optimist Park, 801 Cook St., De Pere. Drive through service will be available in the parking lot.
If you are unable to access either of these locations, and require assistance to obtain food for your children, please contact District Social Worker Melanie Brick (920) 639-3632.

En Espanol

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de De Pere distribuirá un almuerzo gratis y una bolsa de meriendas a todos los niños menores de 18 años a través de un servicio de recogida.

CUANDO:

11:45 am - 12:30 pm de lunes a viernes a partir del martes 17 de marzo

DÓNDE:

- Escuela Primaria Dickinson, 435 S. Washington St., De Pere. La entrega en la acera estará disponible frente a la entrada principal de la escuela.

- Optimist Park, 801 Cook St., De Pere. El servicio de traslado estará disponible en el estacionamiento.

 

Si no puede acceder a ninguno de estos lugares y necesita asistencia para obtener alimentos para sus hijos, comuníquese con nuestro trabajador social del distrito Melanie Brick at (920) 639-3632. Via Mitel

 
All Events, Including Athletics Cancelled
All Unified School District of De Pere athletic games, practices, events, meetings, activities, workouts, etc., are cancelled Tuesday, March 16th until Sunday, April 5th. This timeframe may be extended.
 
 
 
 

Updates Prior to Wednesday, March 18

(Posted Mon. March 16, 4:20 pm)
SCHOOL IS CANCELLED FOR STUDENTS TOMORROW, TUESDAY, MARCH 17.  Staff will report as planned. Building principals will be in contact regarding pickup of your students' personal belongings. Additional details will be provided as they become available.

(Posted Mon. March 16, 12:30 pm)

Chromebook Ordering Now Available 

If you are a Unified School District of De Pere family that does not have access to a computer or laptop at home, you can check out a District-owned Chromebook for online education, and make arrangements for internet access during school closure. Please complete this form now so we understand how many devices may be required for checkout.

You will also need to complete this user agreement either prior to or at pickup.  

For those without home internet access you may be eligible for 60 days free through Charter/Spectrum Communications. Call 1-844-488-8395 for information.

(posted Sunday, March 15, 2020)

Letter to Unified School District of De Pere Families

Dear Parents/Guardians,
 
As promised, we wish to communicate how the School District plans to comply with the Governor’s order to close schools effective Wednesday, March 18 and tentatively open on Monday, April 6th.
 
● Monday, March 16: School will be open as scheduled. There will be no visitors or volunteers allowed in the building.
● Tuesday, March 17: School will be open as scheduled. There will be no visitors or volunteers allowed in the building.
 
● Wednesday, March 18: School will be closed and no instruction will be provided.
● Thursday, March 19: School will be closed and no instruction will be provided.
● Friday, March 20: School will be closed and no instruction will be provided.
 
● Monday, March 23: School will be physically closed. Online instruction will be provided for all students until the statewide closure is lifted.
 
From Wednesday, March 18, to Friday, March 20, the staff will be preparing to provide students with an online learning experience. Online instructional days will coincide with the 2019 - 2020 school calendar. Spring Break will be held from Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 19, regardless of whether students are physically attending school.
 
When your children leave school on Tuesday, March 17, please have them bring home any instructional materials and personal items they may need while schools are physically closed. If your student is not in school Monday or Tuesday, we are asking parents to wait until our online learning experience is launched to retrieve missed homework from those days.
 
Student medications may be picked up by parents/guardians from the health office during the regular school hours Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 20th.
 
While the Governor stated that schools will tentatively reopen on Monday, April 6th, federal, state, and local circumstances may require our schools to remain physically closed for a longer time. Online instructional days will continue until the schools are physically re-opened.
 
On Monday, there will be further information provided to you and students regarding checking out District-owned Chromebooks, and accessing wi-fi, for students and families who do not possess a personal device or have an internet connection at home. This will allow students to have access to the district’s online learning experience.
 
We understand this closure presents a wide range of challenges to our families and students. Please know that we are working hard to keep students safe, focused and ready to learn during their time away from our buildings. Thank you for your efforts as you work to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
 
Sincerely,

Ben Villarruel
Superintendent
 
En Espanol
 
Queridas Familias.

Según lo prometido, deseamos comunicar la manera en que el Distrito Escolar planea cumplir con la orden del Gobernador de cerrar las escuelas empezando con miércoles, el 18 de marzo y abrirlas tentativamente lunes, el 6 de abril. 
  • Lunes, 16 de marzo: La escuela estará abierta según lo programado. No habrá visitantes o voluntarios permitidos en el edificio.
  • Martes, 17 de marzo: La escuela estará abierta según lo programado. No habrá visitantes o voluntarios permitidos en el edificio. 
  • Miércoles 18 de marzo: La escuela estará cerrada y no se proporcionará instrucción.
  • Jueves 19 de marzo: La escuela estará cerrada y no se proporcionará instrucción. 
  • Viernes 20 de marzo: La escuela estará cerrada y no se proporcionará instrucción. 
  • Lunes 23 de marzo: La escuela estará cerrada físicamente. Se proporcionará instrucción por Internet hasta que finalice el cierre estatal.

Desde el miércoles 18 de marzo hasta el viernes 20 de marzo, el personal se prepará para proporcionar a los estudiantes una experiencia de aprendizaje por Internet. Los días de instrucción coincidirán con el calendario escolar 2019-2020. Las vacaciones de primavera se llevarán a cabo del viernes 10 de abril a domingo 19 de abril, independientemente de si los estudiantes asisten físicamente a la escuela. 

Cuando sus hijos salen de la escuela martes el 17 de marzo, pídales que traigan a casa cualquier material de instrucción y artículos personales que puedan necesitar mientras las escuelas estén físicamente cerradas.  

Si su estudiante no está en la escuela el lunes o martes, estamos pidiendo a los padres que esperen hasta que se inicie nuestra experiencia de aprendizaje por Internet para recuperar la tarea perdida de esos días. 

Los padres pueden recoger las medicinas de los estudiantes en la oficina de salud durante el horario escolar regular del lunes 16 de marzo al viernes 20 de marzo. 

Si bien el Gobernador declaró que las escuelas reabrirán tentativamente el lunes 6 de abril, las circunstancias federales, estatales, y locales pueden requerir que nuestras escuelas permanezcan físicamente cerradas por más tiempo. Los días de instrucción por internet continuarán hasta que las escuelas se vuelvan a abrir físicamente. 

El lunes, se les proporcionará más información a usted y a los estudiantes con respecto a sacar Chromebooks, propiedad del Distrito y acceder a wifi para estudiantes y familias que no poseen un dispositivo personal o no tienen una conexión a internet en la casa. Esto permitirá a los estudiantes tener acceso a la experiencia de aprendizaje por Internet del distrito.

Entendemos que este cierre presenta muchos desafíos para nuestras familias y estudiantes. Tenga en cuento que estamos trabajando duro para mantener a los estudiantes seguros, enfocados, y listos para aprender durante su tiempo fuera de nuestros edificios. Gracias por sus esfuerzos mientras trabaja para cuidarse a si mismo y a sus seres queridos.

Sinceramente,

Ben Villarruel

Superintendente

 
 
 

Letter to Unified School District of De Pere Families With Special Education Students 

Sunday, March 15, 2020
 
Dear Parents/Guardians with Special Education Students,
 
Beginning on Wednesday, March 18th, all Unified School District of De Pere buildings will be closed and no students will report to school. The staff will be reporting on Wednesday, March 18th through Friday, March 20th to plan for the delivery of virtual learning experiences. Spring break will continue as planned from April 10-17. Digital learning will start on Monday, March 23.
 
Teachers will be contacting you to discuss your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). The Department of Education has ongoing efforts to assist students, teachers, and education leaders as part of the Administration’s unprecedented, whole-of-government response to the viral outbreak. The United States Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, issued new resources on March 12, 2020, that will assist in ensuring students with disabilities continue to receive services required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for school closures due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
 
What can you expect regarding communication during this time regarding your child’s IEP services?
 
  • Special education staff will reach out to discuss how your child’s learning will be supported, how IEP services may be affected and/or provided virtually, and to set up a communication plan with you during the closure.
  • After the extended digital learning, we will review how the closure impacted the delivery of special education and related services for your student at your request.
  • If you have concerns after being contacted by your child’s school special education staff, we will be available to assist you with any concerns or questions at that time. This is new for all of us and we desire to work with you to problem-solve together.
 
Please contact us at
jnicholson@depere.k12.wi.us or 920-983-9174 ext. 4112 or 920-613-6530
jmathes@depere.k12.wi.us or 920-983-9174 ext. 4116 or 920-362-2360
 
We are dedicated to serving you and your child. This is unchartered territory for all of us. Please know we desire to offer the best services we can while providing safety for your child, your family, and our staff. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jerry Nicholson- Director of Pupil Services
Jane Mathes- Program Support Teacher
 
 
 
 

 

 

Previous Updates and Information

 The health and safety of our Unified School District of De Pere (USDD) students and staff members is our highest priority. With the rapidly evolving coronavirus/COVID-19 situation, we want you, our community, to understand the everyday prevention steps we are taking to keep our schools healthy.

 

Additional information and updates regarding our schools will be posted to this page as it becomes available. As a district, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and communicate as quickly and effectively as we can.

 

USDD follows guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Brown County Health Department and the City of De Pere Health Department.

 

In addition to this page, we will notify families with students in the District of updates via Messenger. Please check your Parent Portal to be sure your contact information is up to date. 

 

We appreciate your patience as we communicate information on this rapidly evolving situation. 

 

Closings and Cancellations (updated Fri. Mar. 13)

UPDATE 4:00 pm

All after school events are cancelled effective Monday, March 16 through Sunday, April 19.

Extra-curricular and athletic practices will continue as scheduled.

Athletic competitions will be evaluated and communicated on a day-to-day basis.

 

 

UPDATE: 3:35 pm

No School Friday, March 20

As we continue to address the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our District's students and families is of utmost importance. We hope everyone is taking appropriate precautions to remain safe.

 

In preparation for a possible transition to on-line learning resulting from potential school closures, all Unified School District of De Pere schools will be CLOSED to students next Friday, March 20. Teachers will use this time to prepare for delivering on-line learning, should that become necessary.

 

At this time, our plan is for schools to be open and classes to resume on Monday, March 23. However, as the District is preparing for various scenarios, we strongly encourage families to take time this weekend to plan for what short-term (5 or fewer days) and long-term (6 or more days) school closings could mean for your family.

 

We will update the Coronavirus/COVID-19 page on our website, update our social media channels and reach out to you through Messenger as this situation evolves.

 

Thank you

Ben Villarruel

Superintendent

 

 

Mr. De Pere Competition, Friday, March 20, is cancelled

 

Dickinson Elementary School "Mardi Gras", scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 14  is cancelled until further notice.

 

Adolescent Mental Health Training (NASRO / AMHT SRO) scheduled for March 16-17 at De Pere High School has been postponed until further notice.

 

The Wisconsin State Invitational 6th Grade Boys Basketball State Tournament scheduled for April 4-5 to be held at De Pere High School and other high schools in the area has been cancelled. Contact WSICT representative, Terri Green, terri@gnbl.org for any other updates or information.

 

The WIAA has canceled the remainder of its Winter state tournament series events. See WIAA news release here.

 

The Wisconsin State Music Association has canceled the following events: all remaining WSMA District Solo & Ensemble Festivals scheduled on or after Monday, March 16; all WSMA State Solo & Ensemble Festivals (due to unavailability of many UW System sites); Student Composition Project event (April 4); all WSMA Concert Festivals through April 18. More information will be released on Monday, March 16, regarding WSMA Middle Level State Honors auditions. Updates will be available at: https://wsmamusic.org/covid-19-news/

 

 

 

 

Previous Updates

 

Thurs. Mar. 12, 2020 (via Messenger to District families)

We have had several inquiries about scheduled after school events. At this time, the District is not canceling any after school events or activities. However, the situation is changing hour by hour. We may need to take steps including limiting the number of attendees, or canceling altogether. Any of these changes will be communicated to you via Messenger and posting on our website. Thank you for your patience as we work through this challenging time.

 

 

Tues. Mar. 10, 2020

Dear Unified School District of De Pere Families: The situation internationally, within the United States and within Wisconsin regarding coronavirus /COVID-19 is evolving rapidly. To date, there have been no confirmed cases in Brown County or surrounding counties.This could change quickly however, so we are committed to keeping you informed of the proactive actions we are taking.  We will continue to provide regular updates on our website www.deperek12.org, and via school newsletters. A copy of this update has been sent via Messenger to each family in the District.

 

  • Our health staff is in regular contact with local and state health departments for updates and guidance.
  • No activities or field trips, the majority of which are local, have been cancelled for any of our schools at this time. However if this changes, we will provide an update to you.
  • Similar to influenza, we will follow procedures we have in place to address significant staff or student absences, including the possibility of school closures, should the situation change.
Additional FAQs
Should students be wearing protective gear such as masks to school?
The DPI and the CDC do not recommend that schools require students or staff to wear masks or gloves.
Will schools or the District be canceling sporting events, or other events with large gatherings of students and adults?
The DPI and the CDC are not currently recommending that school districts cancel or reschedule any planned sports activities or events.
What about online teaching if schools are closed for a long period of time?
At this time, it would not be viable to teach all classes remotely via the internet for our roughly 4,300 K-12 students during a prolonged closure. Effective on-line teaching is fundamentally different from teaching in a face-to-face setting. Circumstances will dictate how and what schoolwork could be made accessible in the event of a long-term closure.
Can I excuse my child from school to avoid getting coronavirus?
Our District absence policy is based on state law.School Board Policy 5200 –“Students can be excused from school by their parents for any reason up to ten (10) days per school year.  A student will be considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a school semester.  State law defines a “habitual truant” as a student who is absent without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five or more days on which school is held during a semester. While not in the policy per se, once a child meets the criteria for being habitual truant, a doctor's note is needed to justify an unexcused absence.”
At this time, DPI has not relaxed, suspended, or changed any truancy rules/laws.  Parents are always free to home school their children, or to open enroll their children in an online virtual school at any time. 

Remember
  • Everyday healthy hygiene is still the most effective way to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
  • Students, family members and staff should stay home when sick (fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
  • Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms

Please watch our website, and check the websites listed below, for regular updates as this situation is changing from day-to-day.If you have specific questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (920)337-1032.
Best regards,
 
Ben Villarruel, Superintendent
 
Additional Resources