Cadott and Lake Holcombe schools to end 2020 with virtual learning

It’s back to virtual learning for the Cadott and Lake Holcombe School Districts. The notices came Nov. 23 and Nov. 19, respectiveley, after the Chippewa County Health Department recommended that all schools in the county use a virtual model for learning.

The recommendation comes with the state and county, seeing record high rates of positive COVID-19 cases. Hospitals in the northwest region are nearing capacity, which is a cause for concern for the health department.

Cadott will put in place virtual learning from Nov. 30 to Jan. 3, 2021.

That will be re-evaluated during winter break, with a plan to return to face-to-face instruction Jan. 4, 2021. All extracurricular/ co-curricular activities and practices will be suspended during this time.

There will be an opportunity for students in grades three to 12, who do not have appropriate internet access, to come to school to access the internet from 1-3:30 p.m., on days school would normally be in session. Students will be spread out greater than six feet and masks will be required.

A form must be filled out from the district to request this opportunity, even if it has been completed in the past. The form includes additional questions regarding transportation and meals if there is any interest.

Students in 4K-12 with a history of non-engagement in virtual instruction, may be invited to attend in person for selected days and times. Some additional students may be contacted for selected days and times. This could include students with specific needs or instructional options.

For students who have permission to come to the building for the above listed reasons, transportation will be available as of Wednesday, Dec. 2. Busing numbers will be reduced so that students are able to be physically distanced.

The district will continue to provide pick-up meals for families who are interested. If parents want their children to be added to the lunch pick-up list, contact Karita Harvey at harveyk@cadott.k12.wi.us.

“We will monitor this plan during the implementation and may make some adjustments as they might be needed,” said superintendent Jenny Starck.

Lake Holcombe has also moved to a remote learning model.

Because Lake Holcombe was on Thanksgiving break Nov. 23-27, that was extended to Monday, Nov. 30, to give educators time to prepare a pivot to virtual learning. Although Jan. 6, 2021, is when in-person classes are set to resume, superintendent Kurt Lindau says this is subject to change.

“We will continue to re-evaluate our situation to determine if we are able to re-open sooner,” he said.

All students will begin virtual learning Tuesday, Dec. 1, by personal computer devices and additional paper packets for lower elementary students.

“We will also be assigning support staff to assist students with academic and technology support,” said Lindau.

Some low-incidence special education/itinerant services will be provided during this time, such as occupational, physical and speech therapies. Students can access the building for school-based mental health services and scheduled appointments with staff.

Meals will also be provided for any family who requests them, with delivery to take place, Mondays through Thursdays. Families are asked to place a cooler at the end of their driveway if they have signed up for meal delivery.

“Please keep in mind, that if you do not have a container placed out for meals, they will not be delivered,” said Lindau. “We are asking our staff to not make any front door deliveries, where they would have contact.”

To sign up for meals or cancel them for a certain day, contact Amy Linskey at 715-595-4241, ext. 295.

Athletics have been suspended until the school re-opens for in-person learning and the school is closed to all outside activities.