Families and Community Members:
The school districts of Waushara County have been committed to providing the best and safest opportunities available for education throughout this challenging school year. All of the school districts have implemented back-to-school plans by diligently following public health guidelines, implementing extensive mitigation strategies, and utilizing data to support decisions. In-person learning models have been able to take place, even during times of widespread COVID-19 community spread, only because of the comprehensive use of mitigation strategies. Core mitigation strategies including face masks, social distancing, handwashing, sanitizing, and contact tracing have helped to prevent spread within the walls of the schools.
Waushara County continues to experience medium levels of COVID-19 activity. Masks are a proven strategy to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. To help ensure we can continue to offer in-person learning opportunities we will continue to utilize every mitigation strategy available. For this reason, all of the school districts in Waushara County will continue to require masks on school grounds until further notice.
In order to have the best chance for in-person learning, we need you to do the following:
Practice the health and safety guidelines from the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Waushara County Department of Health for preventing the spread of COVID-19 including: practicing physical distancing, using face coverings, and washing hands frequently.
Complete a daily health screen for all members of your family for the symptoms of COVID-19.
If symptomatic, call your healthcare provider, get a test, and stay home while awaiting results. Community test site information can be found at:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community-testing.htm
Be cautious about all gatherings and avoid exposure to large groups, which increases the community transmission of COVID-19.
Cooperate with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact.
Below are links to scientific briefs and reports supporting the use of masks in schools:
These collective efforts will help to slow the spread so that we can stay in a position to provide in-person instruction at all of our schools without having to close buildings. We are a strong community that can do amazing things. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently, and being thoughtful with how we gather.
Patti Wohlfeil - Waushara County Public Health
Craig Hayes - School District of Wild Rose
Tom Rheinheimer - Wautoma Area School District
Anthony Marinack - Tri-County Area School District