Crescent Elementary School Update 10/14/2020

After much thought and discussion during and after our health advisory team meeting today, we have made the decision to have Crescent elementary school go remote temporarily for two weeks.  The reason for this decision is the impact of COVID 19 on students and staff with both positive cases and in quarantine for close contacts.  

We reached a critical number and we were not able to shuffle anymore staff to fill spots to remain in person at the school.  On top of those in quarantine or isolation we have several others in the building awaiting tests or that are ill.

We understand that this will have an impact on families, students and staff.  District and Crescent staff will be working together on how to best support student learning, focusing on what worked in the spring and improving what did not work.  Connection and relationships are critical for learning.  Students will have real time lessons as well as recorded lessons each day from their teachers.  Parents should connect with teachers on any questions or concerns.

Principal Daniels will be sending out a communication this afternoon with more details on this two-week remote learning pause-that will include information on Chromebook pick-up, food distribution and learning plans.

Students will not come to school tomorrow through October 30th.  Returning November 2nd with the hope that all staff and students will be back at full strength, Chromebooks will be distributed on Friday and parent/teacher conferences will be postponed to a later date.  Please let the office know if you are in need of internet support at home for learning.

A school needing to go to remote is a very difficult decision.  As a school and greater community it is important for us to reflect on how we are being responsible to slow the spread of this virus.  How are each of us staying safe, and helping others stay safe?  As a school district we will continue to focus on face coverings, cleaning and disinfecting, physical distancing, and hygiene.  We can all do better.

Thank you in advance for your support of your teachers and staff at Crescent.  They will work hard to make these two weeks a meaningful learning experience for your child.  Our goal remains to offer in-person learning as much as possible...together is the only way we make that happen.

Be safe and best to all of you, 

Eric Burke

Re-entry Plan for Fall 2020

Dear SDR Staff and Families,

Thank you all for your continued patience and flexibility as we collectively work together to make available a first-class opportunity for students to learn and grow. As we are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of education today, tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, SDR is in a position to deliver a rich educational experience this fall in spite of the many obstacles that lie before us. I am very aware that there are numerous opinions and theories as to how to resume school safely and responsibly, and as is usually the case, viewpoints are as varied as each person’s unique experiences and circumstances. I assure you that SDR desires and expects a safe emotional and physical environment in which to work and to learn. We are also committed to ensuring that student academic growth and achievement, even when they are not physically in school.

To that aim, SDR has worked collaboratively to establish guidelines that provide a safe learning environment for staff and students as we enter the 2020-21 school year.

I thank you all, in advance, for your continued partnership with us as we plan for what will undoubtedly be an exciting year.

Sincerely,

Eric Burke
Superintendent of Schools
School District of Rhinelander

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers

District administration has created a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with the accompanying answers for the Fall 2020 re-entry plan. If you are unable to find an answer to your question in this document, please call the District at 715-365-9700 to inquire. 

Food Service Information

Dear Rhinelander Families,

We have some great news to share! We have recently learned that the USDA has given school districts the ability to provide FREE meals to their students. 

Effective immediately, The School District of Rhinelander will be offering free meals to all students attending “in school” to help ease the burden during these difficult times.

Elementary families will no longer need to order their Wednesday meals.  Your meals can be picked up on Tuesday nights at the High School receiving door #18 between 4:00 and 6:00 pm.

The virtual and remote students will also receive free meals on their distribution days. We appreciate your patience as we plan for the increase in participation. This increase may change days and times for each group pick-up.

Tentative days and times for each group are as follows: 

Green Families: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Gold Families: The first two Tuesdays of September. Then, starting the 3rd
week of September your pick-up day will be on Monday from then on. 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Virtual Families: The first two Tuesdays and Thursdays of September. Then, starting the 3rd week of September your pick up days will be Monday and Thursday from then on, 4:00 - 6:00 pm. 

Pick up is located in the back of the high school at Receiving Door #18 between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. Watch for signs and road cones to direct you. Multiple days of meals are given at each pickup... breakfast and lunch included with each meal.

Please call Pat Karaba, Food Service Director, at 715-365-9547 if you have questions.