March 2020
Middle School Update 3/15/20
Good Afternoon OMS Families,
I hope this email finds you well after a few days of living in something that feels like a bad dream. Unfortunately, this is our current reality and something that we are going to figure out together, with the best information we have at the moment to keep our students and community safe and our students learning.
With that being said, unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. We will figure this out together. With the collective effort of all of us, I know we can do this!
As of now, school is still planned for tomorrow 3/16 and Tuesday 3/17 for face to face instruction. Since students took home supplies, including their Chromebooks on Friday, please send your 6-8th grade student with the following supplies tomorrow and Tuesday.
*Chromebook (fully charged)
*1 independent reading book
*all notebooks, binders, and folders for their classes
6th grade(in addition to the above): all text books and book club books, instrument for Monday
7th grade (in addition to the above): instrument for Tuesday
8th grade (in addition to the above): DBQ Packet, instrument for Tuesday
Students will have an extended Spring Break starting on 3/18 and ending on 3/27. Virtual or e-learning will start for all students on Monday, 3/30. More information will be forthcoming on details related to how this is going to look for OMS students.
I want to personally thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate uncharted territory. Now more than ever, we have to rally around being a team and supporting each other in whatever way possible to do the next best thing for your child(ren) based on the most recent information we have available.
Please email me at sherri.stengel@oostburg.k12.
Thank you,
Sherri Stengel
Health Update: Coronavirus
3/12/2020
Dear OSD Families,
New information was released this afternoon from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on limiting large community events as well as updated travel guidelines.
Following DHS recommendations, the Oostburg School District will be:
- canceling all non-essential events or gatherings outside the school day expected to include 250 people or more starting today for the next 30 days.
- suspending student field trips for the next 30 days.
As Spring Break is approaching, please be aware that the DHS also recommends against non-essential travel to any US state where the CDC deems there is “sustained community transmission” of COVID-19. As of now, that includes California, New York, and Washington. Read the DHS press release here
If you do travel to one of these states or if you travel to an area that later gets added to the list of locations of “sustained community transmission,” DHS recommends that you self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Please contact our local public health department at 920-459-0321 to report your travel to a location of “sustained community transmission”. DHS COVID-19 webpage provides instructions on how to self-quarantine and self-monitor for symptoms.
At this time, the Department of Health Services is not recommending closing schools as part of this guidance. Schools, along with health care facilities, routine business operations, manufacturing, and government meetings, are considered essential gatherings.
We aim to be as responsive as possible to this changing situation. For the most up-to-date information from the Oostburg School District, visit https://oostburg.k12.wi.us/district-news/coronavirus-resources/
Sincerely,
Kevin Bruggink
Superintendent of Schools
BBB Regional Basketball Restricted 3/12/2020
Dear Oostburg School District Basketball Patrons,
This is a notice to inform you that the WIAA has made a decision to restrict tonight’s 3/12/2020 boys basketball regional game in Chilton, WI to essential participants only.
All attendees other than essential participants will NOT be permitted including, band, dance team, photographers etc.
The district will buy back the red tickets for tonight’s game. You may bring the tickets in to the office at any time that is convenient for you.
From the WIAA:
“The WIAA has been keeping up with public health and medical updates and has recognized the changing environment over the past 24 hours,” “As good and responsible citizens, we are adhering to policies consistent to preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
-Executive Director Dave Anderson
Thank you!
Student & Staff Health
Dear Oostburg Families,
The Oostburg School District values the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. We work throughout the year to promote healthy schools, and to that end would like to address concerns related to the corona virus (COVID-10).
As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) share more information about COVID-19, we want you to know that we also receive updates from the Department of Public Instruction and the Sheboygan County Health Department as we monitor this situation.
While the risk to the general public remains low, district leaders are ready to respond to increased illness in our schools should that occur. If we have a situation of significantly increased illness, or if there were local cases of COVID-19, we will work closely with the Sheboygan County Health Department to follow and adhere to their directions.
A continued theme from public health officials is the reminder that we remain in cold and flu season and getting vaccinated for the flu remains important. We also recommend everyday preventive measures to help decrease the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
• Frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Get your flu shot
• Stay home when sick
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
Please know that we are actively evaluating our plan responses, continuing prevention and cleaning strategies, and conducting symptom surveillance across our district.
Spring Break is approaching. If you have travel plans, please stay up-to-date on any concerns by visiting this link to the CDC’s Travel Advisory Page.
The COVID-19 situation is evolving and changing. We understand there is uncertainty involved in this situation. We encourage you to follow websites like the CDC for the most current information about COVID-19.
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
You may contact us directly or the Sheboygan County Health Department if you have further questions.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bruggink, District Superintendent