Star Journal report

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) released guidance for the state’s school districts to use as they plan for returning to school in the fall. Called Education Forward, the document is not instructions, but rather a workbook for districts to reference, according to the DPI.

“The next school year will likely be different from the learning environment students and teachers have grown accustomed to,” State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor said. “Education Forward is meant to provide information for educators and school officials as they make decisions regarding their school operations to keep all students and staff safe while learning.”

The 87-page document was developed by DPI specialists from different areas of education, and in collaboration with the Department of Health Services (DHS).

Included is information on infection control and mitigation, sample learning scenarios, special considerations for special education students, school libraries, teaching staff, school safety and mental health and out-of-school time programs.

The entire document can be found here.

Three Lakes School District (TLSD) Administrator Teri Maney released a statement that the district intends to create a customized reopening plan.

“We’ve already started planning for our back-to-school opening in fall 2020,” Maney stated. “We want to reassure our community that every precaution will be in place to keep our kids safe at all times just as we would have done before the March 2020 closure… we will be working directly with Oneida County Health Department prior to opening our doors on Sept. 1, 2020. We will be reviewing the document closely, and we will be in contact with our community throughout the summer as we plan for school reopening.”

TLSD plans to share specific plans the beginning of August. Parents and guardians will be notified through email and information will be posted on the district Facebook page and website.