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COVID-19 Communications

Communications

2/28/2022 Mr. Earley

Please click here to view the updated COVID-19 guidance from Mr. Earley.

2/1/2022 Mr. Earley

February 1, 2022

Good afternoon,

I hope everyone is doing well!  I want to update everyone on our revised COVID-19 Operating Information found here.  

Please read the above linked information and highlights of this update are listed below.

Contact Tracing/Quarantining

Late last week, the Ohio Department of Health informed Ohio’s school districts that they may immediately discontinue universal contact tracing of new COVID-19 cases.  All contact tracing and quarantining has been discontinued within the Williamsburg Local Schools.  

The Clermont County Public Health Department communicated to Superintendents that vaccination rates are high in the county, COVID-19 is no longer a “novel” virus, and CCPH is moving from pandemic model to an endemic model.  Therefore, the ODH and the Clermont County Public Health Department have now moved from universal contact tracing to a cluster- or outbreak-based model. 

Staff and Students are still required to report a positive case ASAP to the nurse or office staff.

Regarding our regular email communication, families will only be notified of new COVID-19 cases if there is a positive case in a classroom, and we will continue to report these positive cases to CCPH.

Williamsburg Local Schools will continue to follow the Mask to Stay/Test To Play protocol and allow asymptomatic students to attend school while wearing a mask if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support of our students and staff over the past few weeks.  We have worked hard to keep our schools open, which, on some days, has been very difficult.  We want to thank all of our staff and community members for doing everything they could to help maintain in-person learning throughout this pandemic.   

Thank you and have a terrific week,

 

Matt Earley

Superintendent

Williamsburg Local Schools

10/26/2021 Mr. Earley

Please click here to view the guidance from Mr. Earley that was shared on 10/26/2021.

9/1/2021 Mr. Earley

September 1, 2021


Good afternoon,


This is not a correspondence I was hoping to draft at any point during this school year, however we must take action to keep our children in school, just as we did very diligently last school year through the efforts of many, including all of you.  At this point, we have 20% of our students not in school due to quarantines or isolations, which is more than we had at any given point last school year.  We are also seeing student-to-student school spread of COVID-19, which we did not see last year.


Therefore, to ensure we are achieving our goal of continued safe in-person instruction, effective tomorrow, September 2nd, 2021, ALL students, staff, and visitors will be REQUIRED to wear facial coverings/masks while indoors at school and any indoor extra curricular events regardless of vaccination status.  At this time, masks will not be required for outdoor extra-curricular events.  Please see the revised operating plans for further details.


Revised COVID Operating Plans SY 21/22


This decision was not taken lightly, but we need our students safely in school and NOT quarantined so we can continue to provide them with a strong education, and not have to resort to an online/hybrid delivery model. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has spoken loud and clear with their guidelines/flowcharts, and masking requirements, regardless of personal views on this, keep students and staff safely in the classrooms and participating in extracurricular activities.  We cannot and will not continue to unnecessarily quarantine students and/or expose students to COVID-19 when ODH, in conjunction with Clermont County Health Dept., has given us a solution.  


Last year, when our students were wearing a mask and sitting within 6 feet of someone testing positive with COVID-19, they were quarantined.  This year, per the ODH and CCPH guidance, if a student is masked and sitting within 6 feet of someone testing positive that student is NOT required to be quarantined and is less likely to become COVID positive as a result of student-to student spread.  


This mandate will be in effect for the coming weeks, as we continue to monitor our COVID-19 staff and student positivity rate and related exposures.  Once we are confident that the impacted quarantines and isolations would keep our attendance rate at 92% or above, we will return to recommended status for facial coverings.  The WLSD Administrative Team will update the Board during the regularly scheduled September 20, 2021 BOE meeting regarding the data around positive cases, active quarantines, and student/staff attendance.   Thank you for your continued patience and understanding in this matter.


Sincerely,



Matt Earley

Superintendent

Williamsburg Local Schools

7/31/2021 Mr. Earley

Williamsburg Local School District

Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan

2021 - 2022 School Year


IRN:046367

CONTACT: Matt Earley, Superintendent

549 W. Main St.

Williamsburg, OH 45176

513-612-9225

earley_m@burgschools.org



The recently passed American Rescue Plan provides federal resources to support states and local school districts receiving ARP funds must publish local “Safe Return to In-person Instruction and Continuity of Service Plan”


The Williamsburg Local School District is committed to the education of all students.  We will continue to educate students in the classroom in person every day, just as we did for the entire 2020-2021 school year thanks to the diligent effort of our students, staff, parents, and community.  A remote learning option was extended to the students/parents for the 2020-2021 school year.  This will be discontinued for the upcoming school year.  In order to safely stay open, WLSD strongly encourages all eligible staff and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  The district participated in a countywide staff vaccination clinic in the Spring of 2021.  We also hosted two student vaccination clinics for students ages 12-18.  Williamsburg Local Schools will continue to work with the Clermont County Health Department to make decisions on health-related issues.  We will also continue to follow all health and safety mandates. 

If you have any questions or comments on this plan, please email us at earley_m@burgschools.org



Curriculum and Assessment

  • -Williamsburg Local Schools will continue to use STAR/Renaissance testing to assess students to ensure that students are growing as expected and interventions can be made as needed.  In addition, all teachers will continue to evaluate students’ academic performance as measured by course grades, informal reading and math measures, relevant state testing data, and our benchmark assessment systems.  

  • -The district is positioned as a 1:1 district.  All students Grades 1-12 have a Chromebook that are used for teaching and learning. The district also has sufficient “hotspots” for students and families with poor home internet connections.





Facility and Safety Preparations

  • -Cleaning Protocols - Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers will continue to be used throughout the building and grounds on a regular basis.  Buildings will continue to be disinfected according to Summer 2020 protocols 

  • -Transitions and common areas will have distancing protocols posted and explained for social distancing reasons.  

  • -Desks and cafeteria tables will continue to be spread out as much as possible.

  • -Masks will be optional for all students and staff, and recommended for students and staff not yet vaccinated.

  • -Frequent hand washing and sanitation will continue to be reinforced.

  • -Health and safety protocols will be explained and modeled to the students at the beginning of the school year, just as in the previous school year.  These will be reinforced throughout the year as needed.

  • -We will continue to work with CCPH and Health Source to provide opportunities for staff and eligible students to be vaccinated.

  • -Visitors to all buildings will continue to be very limited and controlled.

  • -Quarantines will occur at the direction of the Clermont County Public Health Dept., in conjunction with the rules established by the ODH and IDCM.

  • -Should there be an outbreak of COVID-19 or updated mandates/orders regarding school closure which would necessitate a switch to remote learning, the remote learning schedules originally developed in November, 2020 would be utilized.  Any switch to remote learning would be for the shortest duration possible.

Communications

  • -Changes to plans will be communicated through various means, including but not limited to the school website, Twitter, Facebook, One-call system, Final Forms, and US Mail

  • -Health and safety protocols will be explained and modeled to the students as needed.  Changes and/or updates will be explained and communicated with students.

  • -Plans and schedules will be shared with other schools and agencies that work with WLSD.

Special Education

  • -Special education services will be handled on an individual basis based on the needs of the student.  These needs will be taken into consideration when reviewing procedures with students.

  • -Parent collaboration will take place through meetings and contacts.  These meetings may be held virtually or in person depending on the situation.  Various forms of communication will be used to collaborate with parents, including email, US Mail, text messaging, phone calls, Zoom meetings, and Google Hangouts.

  • -WLSD will work with students with disabilities to meet their needs based on the IEP.




        Social and Emotional Learning Supports

  • -Social and emotional needs of the students are vitally important to the Williamsburg Local School District

  • -WLSD has added a second guidance counselor position for individual counseling and group counseling.  

  • -WLSD  will work with staff and students to ensure their social and emotional needs are met.


       Funding

    

    -ESSER (Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief) 1 &2

    -American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER 3

    -WLSD General Fund


       Partnerships/Support


    -Clermont County Educational Service Center

    -Clermont County Department of Health

    -Hamilton County Educational Service Center

    -Health Source Ohio

    -Hamilton Clermont Cooperative

    -Child Focus Incorporated

    -St. Joseph’s Orphanage

    

        


Beginning in July 2021, planning will begin for the allocation of ARP funds.  Public input will be sought at the August 9, 2021 board meeting.  Once the plan is approved, periodic input and reviews of the plan will occur every six months through the conclusion of the grant period. (September, 2024)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Use of Funds Plan for American Rescue Plan ESSER (ESSER 3) Funds

 


We did not close. We will update those items that would cause risk to environmental air issues.


We will provide extended learning, including summer school. 

Reading and Math intervention programs/software

Mental Health support


Providing anything needed for the safety, health, and academics for our students. 


We will provide tutoring and add a counselor for the elementary grades. 


Having an environmentally safe place for our students to attend.


We would start as soon as approved.


We want all students back in the school


We did provide distance learning to those who felt compelled to stay at home. However, we had most of our students in the classrooms. The distance learning students were provided with up to date classes to keep them current with their classmates. We have gathered much data for the student assessments and will continue to provide services based on that data. 

1/11/2021 Mr. Tackett

Good Morning Wildcat Family,

I hope this message finds you doing well.

You’ve likely heard that on 12/30/20, Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health updated their guidance to schools to help determine when it may be appropriate to have a potentially exposed individual quarantine. I’ve attached the document the O.D.H. shared with us on 12/31/20, but want to bring to your attention some of the key points within the document:

If a student or teacher is exposed in the classroom setting to someone with COVID-19, quarantine is not recommended for the exposed individual as long as masking and other appropriate protocols were followed.

Quarantine continues to be advised for anyone exposed during extracurricular activities, including sports, regardless of masking or other protocols. Revised guidelines above only apply in classroom settings.

All of our students eat breakfast (if they choose) in the classroom and our middle school students also eat lunch inside their classrooms, which requires them to take their masks off while eating. Because students take their masks off for these essential tasks, we must still report students who sit near each other while eating as close contacts. Additionally, if students weren’t able to maintain safe distance while in their classroom, they will be reported as close contacts.

The new guidance will undoubtedly diminish the number of students who have to quarantine, but there will be some students who are still impacted by positive cases. You can count on our team to continue to adhere to our mitigation practices and do everything within our control to help limit the spread of COVID-19 through the use of best practices.  You’ll still receive email notification from me when we have a positive case in our building.  

Face coverings for students:

Please continue to send an extra face-covering to school for your student and make sure your student has a face covering that fits them properly (covers both nose and mouth, doesn’t sag off face). Thank you for your continued support of this expectation.  

Reminders:

Report cards for students in grades 6-12 were posted in ProgressBook this past Friday evening.  You should be able to view those at this time if you have not already done so.  If you have any issues accessing ProgressBook, please email Ms. Young at young_h@burgschools.org.

Friday, 1/15/21 is now an in-service day for staff and there is NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on this day.

Parent-teacher conferences will take place February 4th & March 17th via phone or video conference. Sign-up information will be forthcoming.

As always, thank you for your support.

COVID-19 fact sheet school quarantine update for LHDs 12.31.20 final.pdf

Sincerely,

Jason Tackett

1/4/2021 Mr. Dunn

1/4/2021

WES Community,

Good evening. I hope this message finds you doing well.

You’ve likely heard that on 12/30/20, Governor DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health updated their guidance to schools to help determine when it may be appropriate to have a potentially exposed individual quarantine. I’ve attached the document the O.D.H. shared with us on 12/31/20, but want to bring to your attention some of the key points within the document:
   
If a student or teacher is exposed in the classroom setting to someone with COVID-19, quarantine is not recommended for the exposed individual as long as masking and other appropriate protocols were followed.
   
Quarantine continues to be advised for anyone exposed during extracurricular activities, including sports, regardless of masking or other protocols. Revised guidelines above only apply in classroom settings.

As I’ve published and frequently shared, our students are in cohorts that keep them with only their home room class when at school. Our arrival and dismissal procedures even account for the recommended distancing.

However, as part of this model and due to the absence of a large lunch room that provides the space needed for distancing, our students eat breakfast (if they choose) and lunch inside their classrooms, which requires them to take their masks off while eating. Because students take their masks off for these essential tasks, we must still report students who sit near each other while eating as close contacts. Additionally, if students weren’t able to maintain safe distance while in their classroom, they will be reported as close contacts.

The new guidance will undoubtedly diminish the number of students who have to quarantine, but there will be some students who are still impacted by positive cases. You can count on our team to continue to adhere to our mitigation practices and do everything within our control to help limit the spread of COVID-19 through the use of best practices..

When we have a positive case of COVID-19, me, Mrs. Sutton, and the teachers/staff in the impacted classroom will still carefully review the days where infection could’ve been spread and review if mitigation steps were able to be followed. Furthermore, you’ll still receive email notification from me when we have a positive case and which class(es) has/have them.  

Face coverings for students:

Please continue to send an extra face-covering to school for your student and make sure your student has a face covering that fits them properly (covers both nose and mouth, doesn’t sag off face). Thank you for your continued support of this expectation.  

Reminders:
   
Report cards for students in grades 1-5 will be posted in ProgressBook this Friday evening. Kindergarten report cards will be sent home with students on 1/14.
   
Friday, 1/15/21 is now an in-service day for staff and there is NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on this day.
   
Parent-teacher conferences will take place February 8th & 11th via phone or video conference. Sign-up information will be shared the week of 1/18.

Best Wishes,

Kevin O. Dunn

4/20 Mr. Earley

4/20/2020

Good afternoon Wildcat families,

I hope this correspondence finds everyone well.  First and foremost, we miss you and we continue to appreciate your understanding and flexibility with remote learning as we have now been doing this over a month.

As you most likely know by now, Gov. DeWine has extended the school building closure through the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.  Even though this was expected and necessary to continue to prevent COVID 19, it doesn’t make it any easier to grasp that we will not be back together this school year.  

This includes any and all events planned at any of the Williamsburg school buildings including all spring athletic and extracurricular events, rehearsals, field trips, fundraisers, etc.  

Our playground equipment is also closed, however our outdoor greenspace and track remain open provided social distancing and stay at home guidelines are being followed per Gov. DeWine’s previous orders.  

Remote instruction will continue each week through the remainder of the school year and further communication will be provided by your teachers and principals regarding this.  I continue to be amazed by some of the work I am seeing take place while you learn and instruct from home. Keep up the great work! If you are having any issues with WiFi or Chromebooks, email Stephanie Hoeppner (hoeppner_s@burgschools.org).  

It is important to note that we will continue providing breakfasts and lunch through the end of the regularly scheduled school year and we are now an Ohio open feeding site meaning that all children ages 0-18 can receive free breakfast and lunch daily from Williamsburg schools.  Please continue to call 513-576-2290 to get these meals and let them know if you need delivery as we can bring it to your home.

More information will continue to come from the principals and myself over the coming days about other items such as graduation and early summer events.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything or have questions.  

Our staff continues to stand ready to serve you whatever your needs may be.

 Thank you and take care,

Matt Earley

earley_m@burgschools.org

513-724-2211 x9225

4/3 Mr. Earley

Good afternoon,

I hope this correspondence finds everyone well, and that you are adjusting to all of the modifications being made for COVID-19.  We miss seeing you! If you are in need of anything, please reach out to any of our staff members or offices and someone will help you in a timely fashion.  In an effort not to repeat myself on several topics, please continue to refer to our district website www.burgschools.org for COVID-19 resources and prior communications from the school related to COVID-19.

As you most likely know by now, Gov. DeWine has extended the school building closure through May 1, 2020.  This includes any and all events planned at any of the Williamsburg school buildings, practices, games, rehearsals, field trips, fundraisers, etc.  Our playground equipment is also closed, however our outdoor greenspaces and track remain open provided social distancing and stay at home guidelines are being followed per Gov. DeWine’s prior orders.  

Remote instruction will continue each week through this closure and further communication will be provided by your teachers and principals regarding this.  I continue to be amazed by some of the work I am seeing take place while you learn and instruct from home.

The food service staff will be packaging and providing all breakfasts and lunches for the entire week on Monday, April 6.  This will be a pattern for the month of April packaging and providing these meals each Monday in April. Please follow these instructions regarding meals and delivery.

 Please contact Nutrition Services at the following number to order Meals for any or all days by 9:00 AM on Monday, April 6th.  You will be given a pickup time between 11-12 on Monday when you call and the location will be the Williamsburg Middle/High School Auditeria.

513-576-2290

Leave a message if a person does not answer. Be sure to provide the last names of all students in the family and the number of student meals being ordered.  

There will be limited delivery available for families that do not have transportation, are quarantined, or for other reasons are unable to pick up the meals.   Make that request when you call.

IF YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION HAS CHANGED, PLEASE APPLY FOR FREE AND REDUCED MEALS.

This eligibility will extend to when students return to school and during a grace period for the next school year.  

You can apply by going to www.lunchapplication.com.  If you do not have access to apply online, please call 513-576-4160 or email gregory_k@milfordschools.org to request a paper application.

If you are having any issues with WiFi or Chromebooks, email Stephanie Hoeppner (hoeppner_s@burgschools.org).
 
I’m also going to reattach voting information for the original March 17th primary election, which now has an absentee ballot deadline of April 28th.

 -There will be NO in person voting for the original March 17th primary.

-Voting now will close April 28th at 7:30pm and be via mail in absentee ballot only.

-If you have already voted absentee or in person at the Board of Elections, your vote will count and no further action is needed.

-If you have not voted, an absentee ballot must be requested ASAP from the county board of elections.  The request form must be mailed back to the County Board of Elections. Once you receive the ballot in the mail, it must be filled out and mailed back in the self addressed stamped envelope provided by the county board of elections.  Ballot must be received at the county board of elections by 7:30 on April 28th, 2020.

Further instructions and downloadable absentee request forms are at:

https://boe.clermontcountyohio.gov/ or http://voteohio.gov/

More information will continue to come from the teachers, principals and myself over the coming days, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything or have questions.  Stay safe and healthy!

Matt Earley

earley_m@burgschools.org

513-724-2211 x9225

4/3 Mr. Dunn

April 3, 2020

WES Community,

Good afternoon! I hope your families are healthy and doing well. I’m writing today to provide important school-related updates.

Governor DeWine has extended Ohio’s period of remote-learning through May 1st. This means that our school buildings will remain closed and our learning journey will continue from the safety of our homes through May 1.

Before I continue, I want to be clear; our entire team at WES understands and appreciates how difficult this is for your families. We’re all doing the best we can under extraordinary circumstances and the teachers and I greatly appreciate your efforts to continue our students’ learning. My chief concern is our kids’ mental-health and complete well-being during this time. To this end, every member of the WES team has been listening, learning, collaborating and working tirelessly to create learning pathways going forward that provide even more flexibility and accessibility.  

Grades K-2 Families:

Next week, your child’s teacher will share an academic choice board via email (these will also be posted on our website and paper copies made available during our food-service pickup times) for you to use to continue to facilitate learning at home. The choice boards will be updated weekly and they provide tremendous flexibility by providing valuable learning tasks and experiences that don’t solely rely on access to the Internet or a device. However, they include such resources for families that want to access learning opportunities through devices.

Each grade-level choice board is aligned to the critical and most important areas of each grade level’s state academic learning standards and seeks to build upon skills and concepts already taught/introduced.

We’re focused on student effort and engagement during this period of remote learning, not grades. You’ll find with the choice boards recommended engagement times that take into consideration your child’s developmental stage and the current circumstances we’re facing. You’ll still receive feedback from teachers, but what’s most important is that we encourage learning and do our best to meet the weekly academic engagement goals on a schedule that works for your family.

Grades 3-5 Families:

Your child’s teachers will continue to deliver the information you need for your learner through the Chromebooks (and the Google apps for education) we sent home with all of our grades 3-5 students.

Just as we’re doing in grades K-2, we’re focused on student effort and engagement during this period of remote learning, not grades. We continue to learn and refine our lessons to take into consideration your child’s developmental stage and the current circumstances we’re facing. Students will continue to receive feedback from teachers, but what’s most important is that we encourage learning and give our best effort on a schedule that works for your family. If you need help-we’re here for you, whether it be through a phone call, email or video conference. Simply reach out.

Food-Service Information:
 
Please contact Nutrition Services at 513-576-2290 to order any/all meals for each week prior to 9am each Monday. Nutrition services will give you a pickup time when you call (location will be the Williamsburg Middle/High School Auditeria). Leave a message if a person doesn’t answer. Be sure to provide the last names of all students in the family and the number of student meals being ordered.  There will be limited delivery available for families that don’t have transportation, are quarantined, or for other reasons, are unable to pick-up the meals.  Make that request when you call.

Important Information for Everyone:
   
Remote-learning will continue through May 1st. Reminder: there is no remote-learning or lessons this upcoming Friday, April 10th.

Ohio State Tests for the Spring of 2020 have been canceled. Third-grade parents: I’ll be in touch via email with updates to Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee.

All school-sponsored events through May 1st such as our annual school carnival and mother-son bowling are postponed.

If you pre-paid for spring pictures through McIntire Photography, they’ve informed me you can simply log back into the portal you used to pay and initiate your refund. If you have trouble doing this, call McIntire Photography at 513-528-5888.

Father-daughter dance pictures will be delivered to students and families once school is back in session, whenever that may be. If you’re interested in ordering more of these pictures, you can contact McIntire Photography at 513-528-5888.

One of our goals is to create opportunities for students to “see” their teachers virtually at least once each week to help us feel connected and to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Our teachers are doing an amazing job with this! Continue to look for these creative opportunities to help your child feel connected to our school community.

Although our office at WES is physically closed, we’re still working for you. Don’t hesitate to call or email us and we will continue to respond promptly.

Our team attempted to contact every family/student by phone this week. If you didn’t hear from us, it might be because you changed your phone number. You can update your contact information anytime using any of the following methods.

Log into FinalForms and update your information.

Email Mrs. Jermer with your updated info at: jermer_t@burgschools.org

Call 513-724-2241 and leave a message with your updated info.

I want to again thank you for all that you’re doing in every aspect of your lives to help your families and serve others. We miss you and our students immensely. When we return to traditional school, whenever that might be, it will be a time of joy, healing, and celebration. We’re in this together!  

Wishes of well-being and safety,

Kevin Dunn

dunn_k@burgschools.org

www.burgschools.org

513-724-2241

4/1 Mrs. Powell

Dear HS Families,

I hope that you are well during our remote learning time.  I realize that all of us are adjusting to this new normal, and it has brought some questions to the forefront.  I wish I had all of the answers for you, but you have the commitment of the entire Wildcat HS Team to do our very best for you and your family to communicate with you as soon as we know the answers to your questions.

To that end, we have made a plan for making sure that our students have as many rites of passage as possible.  I know it is hard when we feel like our children are being “short changed” on important milestones, so we have worked closely with Norlyn Manor to reschedule our prom, not cancel our prom.  Please mark your calendars for July 11, 2020, when Williamsburg High School will hold our prom at Norlyn Manor. More details will follow as we get closer to that date.

At this time, we plan to move forward with graduation on May 22, 2020.  Should the state or federal government determine that large gatherings are still not permitted at that time, we will move the date to graduation just as we have with prom.  We want your seniors (and you!) to have the chance to see your students receive their diplomas, and we will reschedule graduation if needed.

As a reminder, teachers are attempting to contact students through email and Google Classroom.  If your student is not regularly checking both places, please work with them to set reminders to do so.  Also, don’t forget to log into Progressbook and check on grades for your kids. While teachers are putting in grades, know that they are flexible whenever possible.  If you notice zeroes that you don’t believe should be there, please email teachers to check in. We are all here to help support you and your student during remote learning.

I leave you with a quick reminder to take care of yourselves and be kind to each other.  This is a stressful time for families, for our children, and the world around us. In my experience, what makes this a wonderful community is that we are patient with each other and we truly care for one another.  Please take the time to check on your neighbors and know that while your education is massively important, there are things in life that matter more. Be kind to yourselves and each other as we navigate these times together.  Consider journaling your experiences as a way to document this history for your family in generations to come as well as a way to process the many emotions you have during this historic time in America.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.  I check email regularly, but if it is easier for you to leave me a voicemail, know I am checking my voicemail remotely as well.

All the best,

Mrs. Powell

powell_h@burgschools.org

513-724-2211 ext. 9268

3/27 Mr. Earley

March 27, 2020

Good afternoon everybody and hope you are doing well.  Even in these uncertain times, I hope everyone was able to enjoy their spring break week and hopefully spend time outdoors and making new family memories.  I want to update everyone on a few topics.  

-Monday resumes remote instruction for all students.  This will be identical to the week before spring break.  Reminder that all staff is available from 8-3 via email and/or Google Classroom.  

If you are having any issues with WiFi or Chromebooks, email Stephanie Hoeppner (hoeppner_s@burgschools.org).  

 Also, feel free to leave messages for any building or district administrators at 513-724-2211 or via email and they will be promptly returned.

 Food service (breakfast and lunches) will resume Monday.  The staff will be packaging all breakfasts and lunches for the entire week on Monday.  Please follow these instructions regarding meals and delivery if needed.

Please contact Nutrition Services at the following number to order Meals for any or all days by 9:00 AM on Monday March 30th.  You will be given a pickup time when you call and the location will be the Williamsburg Middle/High School Auditeria.

513-576-2290

Leave a message if a person does not answer. Be sure to provide the last names of all students in the family and the number of student meals being ordered.  

There will be limited delivery available for families that do not have transportation, are quarantined, or for other reasons are unable to pick up the meals.   Make that request when you call.

If you need any other resources or assistance during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or any of the other agencies listed on my previous correspondence found at

http://burgschools.org/c_o_v_i_d-19_communications

Here are a few more general updates/announcements.

-Gov. DeWine has not issued further guidance on extending the closure of schools, but I anticipate that in the near future, and further communication on that will follow.

-All State Tests/Assessments have been cancelled for this year and there will not be a state report card for schools for the 2019-20 school year.

-Further guidance regarding graduation requirements for this year’s seniors will be forthcoming from Mrs. Powell.

-Further guidance regarding third grade reading guarantee provisions will be forthcoming from Mr. Dunn.

-All of our outside areas at the schools remain open for recreation, with the exception of the playground equipment at the elementary and Old HS.

 Regarding the important bond issue to build a new elementary school and renovate the Middle/ High School, here is updated information.

-There will be NO in person voting for the original March 17th primary.

-Voting now will close April 28th at 7:30pm and be via mail in absentee ballot only.

-If you have already voted absentee or in person at the Board of Elections, your vote will count and no further action is needed.

-If you have not voted, an absentee ballot must be requested by April 25th.  Request form must be mailed back to the County Board of Elections. Once you receive the ballot in the mail, it must be filled out and mailed back in the self addressed stamped envelope provided by the county board of elections.  Your completed ballot must be received at the county board of elections by 7:30 on April 28th, 2020.  I recommend requesting the absentee ballot ASAP.

Further instructions and downloadable absentee request forms are at:

https://boe.clermontcountyohio.gov/ or http://voteohio.gov/

County Board of Election Contact Information

Clermont County Board of Elections
76 S. Riverside Dr.
Batavia, OH 45103
513-732-7275

Brown County Board of Elections
800 Mt. Orab Pk.
Suite 111
Georgetown, OH 45121
937-378-3008

3/20 ES

Williamsburg Elementary School Community,

Good afternoon! I hope everyone is doing well.

I wanted to connect with you at the end of our first week of this new learning model. Words can’t adequately express my appreciation for your resiliency this week as you’ve had to lead your families during such unique, difficult times while also partnering with us to continue your child’s education. It’s an honor to serve as the lead learner of WES and to serve each of your families.

We appreciate the kind words many of you have shared regarding the positive experiences your students have had with their learning this week.  Our teachers are aggressively approaching their own learning and we’re quickly finding new ways to connect with our students. Above all else, this week has shown what makes the WES Community special; we’re deeply connected and we care a great deal for each other.

Our current situation and this educational model are new to all of us and each of us are learning as we go. We will remain flexible. Know that we’ll experience some hiccups, but we’ll learn from these and improve as each day passes. We’re committed to excellence in educating your child regardless of the circumstances.

Above all else, our collective well-being is crucial. In my previous correspondence, I shared some suggestions  that I’ve included again below. I’ve also included a new resource on managing anxiety and stress provided by the CDC, which you can access at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Closely monitor and screen media consumption. The news will be scary for students to watch and hear, especially for kids, which could lead to increased anxiety and associated mental-health concerns.  

Limit screen time. Also, screen time shouldn’t be alone time. Set limits and encourage active play time. Designate tech-free time in your homes.

Reading and listening to others read has innumerable benefits.

Traditional board and card games promote critical thinking, social learning and above all else, are fun!

Provide time for creative play (drawing, building, exploring, etc.)

When possible, maintain a consistent schedule/time period for students to focus on their schoolwork and the activities described above.

I want to take a moment and talk about Internet safety and student accounts. Our district-owned Chromebooks and student accounts are to be used for academic and educational enrichment activities only. I have no issue with students using our devices for research and enrichment beyond the work being assigned by their teachers, but all Internet activity must meet our district policies, which each family signed and agreed to follow. In addition to the suggestions I previously outlined, I’d like for all parents to secure our Chromebooks when they go to bed, not allowing students to have access to them when active supervision can’t be provided.

Additional Information:

Mr. Earley emailed everyone yesterday evening with many great community-based resources.

We’re observing spring break next week (March 23-27) and no student work is assigned. We’ll reconnect and continue our learning Monday, March 30th.

Regardless of any announcement that may come extending the current school closure, we’re prepared and will continue to deliver learning opportunities.

Our office is closed until March 30th, but we’ll regularly check phone messages and email. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us over spring break if help is needed.

K-2 parents: we’ll be in contact soon to determine if your students have an internet-enabled device at home to use for learning.

We miss our students and all of you. We wish you the best and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to WES when it’s safe again.

Take Care,
Kevin Dunn
Principal-Williamsburg Elementary School

3/20 MSHS

Good afternoon.

We wanted to connect with you at the end of our first week of remote learning. We are so excited to see how students and teachers are working together to help each other learn and adapt to this new way of learning.  It is truly inspiring to see our Wildcat community come together.

While we would like to believe that this process has been 100% flawless, we know that there have been some growing pains for you.  Thank you for your grace and patience as teachers learn how to connect with you and your family. We truly appreciate it.  It is important for you to ensure students are working on their remote learning.  Please remind students to check email and connect with teachers via email quickly and efficiently when school is in session (we will start again on March 30).

We want to take a moment and talk about Internet safety and student accounts. Our district-owned Chromebooks and student accounts are to be used for academic and educational enrichment activities only. We have no issue with students using our devices for research and enrichment beyond the work being assigned by their teachers, but all Internet activity must meet our district policies, which each family signed and agreed to follow. In addition to the suggestions previously outlined, we’d like for all parents to secure our Chromebooks each night.

Additional Information:

Mr. Earley emailed everyone yesterday evening with many great community-based resources.

We’re observing spring break next week (March 23-27) and no student work is assigned. We’ll reconnect and continue remote learning Monday, March 30th.

Teachers are also on Spring Break; while they MAY respond to emails, not all will until March 30 so they can also connect with their families during this break.

Regardless of any announcement that may come extending the current school closure, we’re prepared and will continue to deliver learning opportunities.

Our office is closed until March 30th, but we’ll regularly check phone messages and email. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us over spring break if help is needed.

We miss our students and all of you. We wish you the best, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.

Heather Powell and Jason Tackett

3/19 Mr. Earley

March 19, 2020

Good evening everybody and hope you are doing well.  The purpose of this email is to solely discuss community services that are available if needed.  As you know, we live in an awesome town that takes care of each other, and during these times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever.  

Our food service staff has served several breakfasts and lunches this week and that service (including delivery if needed) will resume after spring break beginning March 30th.  Remember to call 513-576-2290 if you need breakfast and/or lunch on any or all days and we look forward to serving you.

During spring break and beyond, there are two local options for food each day and we are thankful to them.  Mama’s Grill will be offering a free, bag lunch to any student each weekday between March 20th, 2020 and March 31, 2020 between the hours of 11AM-1PM.  The student must be present at time of pick-up and they will be given out at the main entrance to Mama’s Grill.

Mama’s Grill
4227 All Star Dr. (corner of SR 133 and SR 32)
Batavia, OH 45103
513-724-5700

The Clermont YMCA is offering free breakfast and lunch to students each weekday between now and April 3rd, 2020.  Breakfast is available between 8:30AM-9:30AM and lunch is available between 12:00PM-1:00PM. These meals will be given out in the main lobby of the YMCA.

Clermont YMCA
2075 James E. Sauls Dr.
Batavia, OH 45103
513-724-9622

In addition to these daytime meal options, three local organizations have reached out to us to say that they are there to help your family with any other food or household items that are needed.  These are also great organizations to donate items if you are looking to help in that regard.

The Batavia Christian Help Center is available for several items and services. They can be reached at 513-735-9400 or online at https://www.christianhelpcenterohio.org.

The Williamsburg Community Mission at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00AM-1:00PM and can be reached at 513-724-0085.  

The Clermont Catholic Communities have food/supply pantries at both St. Louis Church in Owensville and Holy Trinity Church in Batavia.  These pantries are open on Wednesday nights beginning at 7PM. They can be reached at 513-732-2218.

As we get more information from other organizations, I will pass that information along.  Another great central resource site is from the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. https://clermontchamber.com/covid-19-community-resources/

 Again, we are thankful to all of those in and around our community who are helping in this time of need.  To close, if you need anything for you or your family, please reach out to any of our school offices and we will help you in any way possible.  Several agencies are there to serve you and we can put you in contact with them.  Reminder that Child Focus is continuing their behavioral and mental health services remotely and if you need help getting in contact with them, let us know.

 More information will continue to come from the principals and myself over the coming days. Stay safe and healthy!

Matt Earley

3/18 Tech Director

We have been notified that some of the teachers' emails are going into parents' junk/spam folders in their emails.

This is related to how your email system filters; whether it is gmail, hotmail, yahoo, etc.

What you can do:

check your junk/spam mail frequently
if you see an email that should not be in junk/spam  look for a button or choice somewhere in your email to mark it as not spam.  
For example in gmail if you click on the email you will see a "not spam" button at the top.  Each email system is slightly different.  
Also sometimes you do not have that option on a cell phone. You may need to mark things not junk or not spam while on a computer.
Search specifically for instructions about your email system. ( EX:  hotmail email going to junk)  You should find several options with step by step instructions.  
Note:   If a teacher has emailed your student the email will not be in spam.  Because it is from our burgschools.org email to another burgschools.org email address it will go to the inbox.

Stephanie Hoeppner
District Technology Coordinator
Williamsburg Local Schools
513-724-2211 ext.9230
DID 513-612-9230

3/16 Mr. Earley

Good afternoon and hope everyone is doing well.

Here are a few more updates from Williamsburg Local Schools-March 16, 2020

By now, you and/or your child should have received an email or paperwork from their teacher regarding assigned learning and contact information.  As was previously communicated to you, our teachers will remotely remain on duty between 8AM-3PM on school days. If your child receives special education or other services, you should’ve received a call or communication regarding those services during this multi-week remote learning period.  Please do not hesitate to reach out during this time to your child’s teacher or principal if you need anything.

Mrs. Eilerman and Child Focus will continue to work remotely as well so do not hesitate to reach out to them with any other needs of you or your family.

We encourage all families to develop a daily schedule for students to adhere to during this time away from school.  

If you or anyone you know with Williamsburg students do NOT have internet service, please call the office of student’s attendance as soon as possible so we can make arrangements.

As previously communicated, Williamsburg Schools will have lunch and breakfast available for pick up at the Middle High School each day or delivered as needed.  Please see the details at www.burgschools.org or call 5135762290 for details.

Also on our website now is a link with a variety of information related to this past week including all of our archived messages and helpful resources related to the COVID-19 situation.

Breaking news on our important election in Williamsburg tomorrow.  It appears that the in person election scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed until June 2nd and absentee voting can occur until then.  More information will be available in the coming hours on the Clermont County Board of Elections website. (https://boe.clermontcountyohio.gov/)

The district office, elementary office, and middle/high school office will continue to be staffed during normal business hours for the time being.  Call or email them with any questions or needs regarding your student.

Continue to be on the lookout for building and district level communications as we navigate through these next few days and weeks.  

Thank you and have a great afternoon!  Go Wildcats!!

3/16 MSHS Counselor

Hey 6-12 Wildcats! See below for information specific to your grade level.

9-12
During this time that we are practicing distance learning I want you to know that I am still available for whatever social/ emotional or academic concerns you may have! Whether it is a question about your online classes or you just need someone to talk to, I will be available for you. Just send me an email or a google chat and we can choose a time to talk!
Scheduling:
The week after spring break we will begin scheduling! I will start with Sophomores first.
I will send you an email telling you what credits you have earned. The email will also have a video that you will need to watch which will walk you through your graduation requirements and how to track credits. As you get these emails, please respond with what classes you are looking to take the following year. Remember that your teachers are also available during this time to help answer any questions you have about which level of course you should take.  If you have questions that you wish to discuss further, we can always video chat or talk on the phone.
Juniors & ACT:
Scores should be coming back in the next 3 weeks from the test you took on the 10th! Historically, students receive their scores well before the school does. If you get your scores in, send me an email! I would love to hear how well you did.
2020 - 2021 CCP Students:
Please make sure you are still following the necessary deadlines for CCP admissions if you are wishing to participate in CCP next year. If you have questions about these deadlines, please check the website of the college you are planning to work with. Additionally, feel free to ask me any questions you may have and I will do my best to answer them for you.
APEX Courses:
Yes, APEX courses still must be done!! We are checking your progress each day. Please make sure you are logging in regularly and completing the classes you are assigned to.
Again, let me know if you or your family have any questions at all during this time!

6-8
While we are doing distance learning over these next few weeks I want to let you know that I am still available for you!! You can email me or google chat me at anytime if you have a question or just need to talk. I am here for each and every one of you.
6th & 7th grade:
I will still have TAB curriculum coming your way this week and the week after spring break. These will be fun, small activities. They are not graded and do not need to be returned to me. Think of them as "stress buster" activities to give you a 20 minute break from school work!
8th grade:
IACP meetings have been suspended/ changed to phone conferences at this point in time. But do not worry!! Scheduling for high school courses will still take place in a timely manner. If you have questions about this, please let myself or your IACP Mentor know.

Morgan Eilerman
School Counselor grades 6-12
Williamsburg Local Schools
513-724-2211 xt. 9269

3/13 Mr. Earley

Good afternoon everyone,

I want to first thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we work through an unprecedented time in our schools.  I want to update everyone on a few items.

A letter was sent from your child's principal today outlining our next steps regarding our remote learning days and other important items.  A letter was also sent from Mrs. Hoeppner if your child received a Chromebook. If your child did not receive a Chromebook, but needs one, they will be available for pickup-one day only-Monday 3/16/2020 between 1-3PM in either school office.

Effective today (March 13th, 2020) at 9PM, all school-sponsored athletic teams and extracurricular clubs and organizations are cancelled until at minimum, April 6th.  This includes practices, scrimmages, games, and rehearsals.

Williamsburg Schools will have lunch and breakfast available for pick up at the Middle High School each day.  Please see details below:

 Williamsburg Nutrition Services Meal Plan-March 16th-20th, March 30th-April 3rd

Nutrition Services will provide meals for students at Williamsburg from March 16 to 20th and March 30th - April 3rd.  

Meals will not be provided during Spring Break March 23rd-27th.

Location: Meals will be available for pick-up for all students/families from the Williamsburg Middle High Auditeria/Kitchen.  

Lunch and Breakfast-for the next school day, for all students in the same family, will be packaged together.

Pick-up times: Families will be assigned pickup times, in alphabetical order, between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. The pick-up time will be assigned when the meals are ordered.

No one will be permitted to eat on campus following the pick up of meals.

Please contact Nutrition Services at one of the following numbers to order Meals for any or all days by 9:00 AM on Monday March 16th.

Kathy King 576-2290, Kim Gregory 576-4160, Peggy Parsons 576-2291 or Gerry Levy 576-2292.  

Leave a message if a person does not answer. Be sure to provide the last names of all students in the family and the number of student meals being ordered.  

There will be limited delivery available for families that do not have transportation, are quarantined, or for other reasons are unable to pick up the meals.   Make that request when you call.

During Spring Break week, the Clermont YMCA will be offering a free breakfast from 8:30-9:30 am and lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm

If you have any questions regarding these plans, contact Milford Nutrition Services at 513-576-2290

Continue to be on the lookout for building and district level communications as we navigate through these next few weeks.  As always, if you have questions, don’t hesitate call or email me, or your child's teacher or principal.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Matt Earley

3/13 HSMS

Williamsburg Middle/High School Community,

With all that is going on in our current situation, we will attempt to be concise in our messages to you as we work together during our time away from school.

When students come home today, they will bring with them:
   
Report cards for the 3rd academic quarter

If requested, Chromebooks & chargers. (If your child did not receive a Chromebook but needs one, please contact your child’s building principal to make arrangements for pick up early next week.)


Your child will receive correspondence by early next week from your student’s teacher(s) providing specific guidance on the academic work that will be required for students during remote learning that will take place beginning next week. When Governor DeWine issued his order just after our dismissal yesterday, we made the decision to focus our time at WMHS on meeting our students’ needs while school was in session Friday, knowing our students would need strong leadership from our team while at school to help ease fears, provide reassurance and make Friday a safe, enriching day.  We didn’t want teachers rushing to finalize homework and sacrificing quality in a rush to get something home.  

Our teachers will aim to provide academic and enrichment tasks that will help students sustain the growth they’ve made this year while also providing opportunities for exploration into topics of self-interest. Our teachers will be available via email to help answer questions you have.  Please make sure your students are checking their school email and Google Classroom frequently throughout each day.

Please click the following link for information regarding food services during this time:

Williamsburg Plan to serve meals when school is closed.

An important message from Mrs. Eilerman, our guidance counselor, can be found here.

Our Child Focus partners also want to share the following: Information on COVID-19

Parent/Teacher Conferences and Field Trips have been cancelled until we return to school.  We will revisit the rescheduling of these upon our return to school.

All extracurricular practices and competitions are cancelled from tonight, March 13, at 9pm until April 3rd when we will reevaluate.   Please be sure to listen to all messages from our one call system for updates.

Respectfully Yours,

Jason Tackett
Principal-Williamsburg Middle School

Heather Powell
Principal-Williamsburg High School

3/13 ES

Williamsburg Elementary School Community,

I hope all of you are doing well and that you are finding the strength and resources needed to make the adjustments required of us in the coming weeks.

We all have a lot weighing on us, so I will attempt to be concise in my messages to you as we work together during our extended absence from school.

When students come home today, they will bring with them:
   
Report cards for the 3rd academic quarter
 
Chromebooks & chargers (grades 3, 4 & 5 students only)
 
Resources (not complete lessons) such as vocabulary workbooks, essential supplies, “games” for Math activities, etc.

You will receive correspondence by early next week from your student’s teacher(s) providing specific guidance on the academic work that will be required for students during our extended absence. When Governor DeWine issued his order just before our dismissal yesterday, I made the decision to focus our time at WES on meeting our students’ needs while school was in session Friday, knowing our students would need strong leadership from our team while at school to help ease fears, provide reassurance and make Friday a safe, enriching day. I didn’t want teachers rushing to finalize homework and sacrificing quality in a rush to get something home.  

Our teachers will aim to provide academic and enrichment tasks that will help students sustain the growth they’ve made this year while also providing opportunities for exploration into topics of self-interest. Our teachers will be available via email to help answer questions you have.

As the lead learner at WES, I’d feel neglectful if I didn’t share at least a few of my own suggestions during this unprecedented time.
 
Closely monitor and screen media consumption. The news will be scary for students to watch and hear, especially for kids, which could lead to increased anxiety and associated mental-health concerns.  
 
Limit screen time. Also, screen time shouldn’t be alone time. Set limits and encourage active play time. Designate tech-free time in your homes.


Reading and listening to others read has innumerable benefits.

 
Traditional board and card games promote critical thinking, social learning and above all else, are fun!

   
Provide time for creative play (drawing, building, exploring, etc.)
 
When possible, maintain a consistent schedule/time period for students to focus on their schoolwork and the activities described above.

Food Service Information:

Williamsburg Nutrition Services Meal Plan: March 16th-20th and March 30th-April 3rd

Nutrition Services will provide meals for students at Williamsburg from March 16-20th and March 30th-April 3rd.  
   
Meals will not be provided during Spring Break March 23rd-27th.

Location:

Meals will be available for pick-up for all students/families from the Williamsburg Middle-High Auditeria/Kitchen.  

Lunch and breakfast for the next school day, for all students in the same family, will be packaged together.

Pick-up times:

 
Families will be assigned pickup times, in alphabetical order, between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. The pick-up time will be assigned when the meals are ordered.

Please contact Nutrition Services at one of the following numbers to order meals for any or all days by 9:00AM on Monday March 16th. Contacts: Kathy King 576-2290, Kim Gregory 576-4160, Peggy Parsons 576-2291 or Gerry Levy 576-2292.  

Leave a message if a person does not answer. Be sure to provide the last names of all students in the family and the number of student meals being ordered.  

There will be limited delivery available for families that do not have transportation, are quarantined, or for other reasons, are unable to pick up the meals. Make that request when you call.

During Spring Break week, the Clermont YMCA will be offering a free breakfast from 8:30-9:30 am and lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm

If you have any questions regarding these food service plans, contact Milford Nutrition Services at 513-576-2290

You’ll receive more information from our district on all school-related matters in the coming days and weeks.

We will miss our students tremendously as well as all of you. I wish you the best in the days and weeks ahead and look forward to welcoming everyone back to WES sometime soon.

Respectfully Yours,

Kevin Dunn
Principal
Williamsburg Elementary School
839 Spring Street
Williamsburg, OH 45176
513-724-2241 x 9231 (Office)
@Wildcats_WES (Twitter)
513-724-

3/12 Mr. Earley

Good afternoon,

I am writing today to inform you that Governor DeWine has enacted a mandatory 3 week “Spring Break” for all Ohio schools in response to the Corona Virus Pandemic.  Therefore, tomorrow Friday March 13th will the last day of school for all students until, at minimum, Monday April 6th.

We know, in an evolving situation such as this, there are questions about instruction, extracurriculars, school meals, testing, and other services and we will do our best to answer them in a timely manner via our one call system, Final Forms, School Messenger, and social media.

Our team has been working hard knowing this could be a possibility.  Teachers have been preparing and are busy now planning a combination of computer based and paper pencil instruction based on what grade and/or courses your child is in currently.

All students in Grades 3-12 will have the opportunity to take a Chromebook home tomorrow based on a survey they did today and arrangements will be made on a case by case basis if internet connectivity is an issue.

Instruction and learning from home will take place during weeks 1 and 3 of this break, and WLSD’s originally scheduled Spring Break during week 2 will be recognized.

As I said, this is an ever evolving situation and we will do our best to communicate all questions and answers in a timely manner.

Have a good afternoon!

Matt Earley
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