Greendale Elementary School Kids Are Going All Virtual

GREENDALE, WI— In a letter to families Friday, the Greendale Superintendent explained that all elementary schools will transition to digital learning starting November 30.

The district has aggregated feedback from surveys, families, and health professionals, Kim Amidzich, Superintendent, explained in the letter. She acknowledged many parents like the in-person model best but the current status of the pandemic is making that impossible.

"The best learning environment for our students is one that is predictable and consistent. In the last few weeks, this predictable, at-school learning environment has been disrupted by unexpected quarantines," she wrote. "Looking at current trends on the spread of COVID-19, we can anticipate an increase in cases throughout the month of December and that the unpredictable changes will continue."

In an effort to give students a predictable and consistent learning plan, elementary schools will transition to fully-digital learning beginning November 30 and continue through January 8. That means elementary school students would to return to in-person learning on Monday, January 11, 2021.

"We will review community conditions when we return to learning after winter break and will confirm a return to in-person instruction for our elementary school students that week," she explained.

Canterbury and College Park staff will have an instructional planning day on Monday, November 30. Students will begin instruction on Tuesday, December 1. Highland View students will continue with instruction on November 30, as their school already transitioned to digital learning.

This change will not impact the learning plans of elementary school students who have been in fully-digital classrooms since the beginning of the school year.

The school district is offering a limited-capacity child care option for families based on staffing and maximum student group sizes, but families are encouraged to find other options.

To be considered for the district's child can, you must complete this form by Monday, November 23 at 4:00 p.m. A fee of $20 per student per day will be charged. Fee waivers can be requested for those with financial need. Families completing the form will be contacted directly regarding space availability.

Free meals will continue despite the move to virtual learning.

"We are living through a time of uncertainty, but our school families continue to show strength and resilience. I am extremely grateful for your support, patience and grace," Amidzich wrote.

The district had already announced plans to roll middle and high school students into virtual learning.