Update from Eric Burke, Superintendent (04/05/2021)

Hello Everyone,

Today is Monday, April 5th and this is the weekly update from the School District of Rhinelander.

Announcements:

1. During the month of April, SDR is joining with our community to celebrate our kids, families and all the work that all of us do every day to provide safe, caring environments for the students in our schools.

The last year has been challenging for all of us and this is a chance to join the community to celebrate.

Look for the blue ribbons and yard signs around the community as we all join together to celebrate our children and families!!! If you were able to purchase a “Every Child Matters” shirt, please wear them on the Fridays in April. If not, please wear blue on Fridays to join in the celebration. The month will end with "Family Time on the Turf" on April 30th from 6-8 pm where families will be able to spend time together in the Dome.

2. This week all staff and families will receive a third draft of the district strategic plan.  Your feedback and input has been very helpful. The plan has 4 core areas and 4-5 indicators for success under each of the core areas.  After the plan is finalized, school buildings will work on school wide and classroom goals aligned to the strategic plan. We have much to be proud of in our schools and community and we are dedicated to find ways to get better together.

The SDR Health Advisory Team met again this morning to discuss the impact of COVID in our community and schools.

County Impact:  Up slightly from our last update.

• 7-day average-5.2%

• 11.1/100,00 incidence rate

School Impact:  Up slightly from our last update

• 0 Active Positive Staff

• 2 Active Positive Students

• 1 Staff in close contact quarantine

• 10 Students in close contact quarantine

With guidance from CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and our Health Advisory Team...all staff, students, and visitors must continue to wear face coverings, distance when possible, and get tested if you have symptoms.  We are on the home stretch, and staying vigilant has put us in a great place as a school district to have in person learning, sports, activities, and events like Prom, Scholarship program, and graduation.  Thank you to everyone for doing your part!

Linda Conlon from the Oneida County Health Department shared that the county has received a large shipment of vaccine for distribution.  All community members 16 and over are eligible to sign up on the County web page for this Thursday (Johnson and Johnson) or Friday (Moderna).  Currently, the only approved vaccine for 16 and 17 year old's is Pfizer. At this time, Oneida County does not have any Pfizer vaccine. Please check with local pharmacies or the child's provider for Pfizer availability.  

Eric Burke

Superintendent 

For more information about the Coronavirus and its impact on Oneida County, please visit the COVID-19 Dashboard on the Oneida County Health Department website. 

Learning Survey Results

School District of Rhinelander Families,

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.

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.

Days and times for each group are as follows: 

Elementary Families: Mondays, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Green Families: Students pick up on Tuesdays when they leave school for the day. 

Gold Families: Students pick up on Fridays when they leave school for the day.

Virtual Families: Mondays from 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.