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School Plan
2021-2022 School Year
Dear Williamstown Families,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! Despite the challenges of last school year, we all worked together to make it a successful year for our students and I have no doubt this will continue into the new school year. This year, it is our goal to have all students in the
building, receiving face to face instruction with limited disruptions, and school operations as normal as possible.
As always, the health and safety of our students and staff remains of utmost importance.
The district will adhere to any mandates and continue to evaluate guidance from the CDC and Kentucky Department of Public Health. This back to school plan is put in place to provide answers to many questions you may have regarding how we will operate this school year.
While a return to normal is on the horizon, please keep in mind that the pandemic remains a consideration in how we will be able to operate. There is always a possibility that
procedures will have to change based on data or other factors related to COVID-19. We will be sure to communicate any changes prior to or during the school year.
We are excited to welcome our students back and are committed to our vision of Preparing Students for Productive Citizenship through our mission of Engaging, Educating and
Empowering all students.
Thank you for your support and collaboration. We are so fortunate to have the best
students, staff, and families in Kentucky. We will all pull together and work side by side to make this a great year for our students.
With Demon Pride, Misty Middleton Superintendent
A Letter from the Superintendent
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When will school start?
The first day of school for students will be Thursday, August 19, 2021.
Will my child attend in person or online?
Students will receive instruction by attending school IN PERSON. Students in grades 6-12 MAY have a virtual option (as in years past), but this will be a case by case basis and allowable only with permission by the school and a signed contract between students, parents, and the school. A virtual option (NTI) will be utilized on inclement weather days.
Speaking of NTI, does this mean we will not have a snow day?
On days with inclement weather, the district will utilize an NTI (Non Traditional Instruction) day. Instruction will take place at home virtually and count as an instructional day. The district can use up to 10 days which keeps us from having to add days on to the end of the year or attend on scheduled days off. As long as we do not go over the 10 days, the last day of school for students will be May 26, 2022. More specific information regarding NTI will come from your child's school/teacher at a later date.
Where can I find the district calendar?
You can find the 21-22 academic calendar on our website at
www.williamstown.kyschools.us It is located under the Quick Links tab.
Does my child have to be vaccinated against COVID before attending school?
The district is not mandating the COVID vaccination for any students or adults. We encourage anyone with vaccination questions to contact their health provider.
Will masks be required?
Masks are always highly encouraged for anyone not vaccinated, but could change pending school and community data or mandates at the state/federal level. NOTE: ON AUGUST 10, 2021 AN EXECUTIVE ORDER WAS SIGNED REQUIRING MASKS FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS INSIDE SCHOOLS. Therefore, masks are required to begin the school year.
Do I need to supply my child with a mask?
We ask that you provide masks for your child. We do have masks in the event they are lost or soiled in the day.
Does my child have to wear a mask on the bus ride to and from school?
Due to federal laws, students are required to wear a mask while riding to and from school regardless of vaccination status. Students who do not wear a mask will have to find
alternate transportation. We also encourage handwashing prior to boarding and continue to ask that you keep your child home if they are experiencing a fever or symptoms of COVID or another serious illness
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Kindergarten: 1:00-5:30 Parent meeting 5:30-6:00 6th Grade: 1:00-5:30 Parent meeting 5:30-6:00 9th Grade: 2:30-5:30 Parent meeting 6:00-6:30 I drop my child off at school. What will this look like?
Students will not be screened prior to entry, but no one may be dropped off until 7:30 or later at their designated location. Please wait until a staff member is at the door to allow students to enter. We ask all families to screen for symptoms each morning and to keep children home if they are presenting symptoms consistent with COVID.
Will my child eat in the cafeteria?
Breakfast will be grab and go and eaten in the classrooms. Hot and cold options will be available. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria and we will continue to encourage and promote handwashing/sanitizing before and after eating.
Will there be extra-curricular activities, such as sport seasons, marching band, field trips, or clubs K-12?
Yes, as long as there are no statewide mandatory shutdowns and community and school data continue to show it is safe to have the activities.
Will the school still be contact tracing and could my child have to quarantine if they have been exposed?
The district will consistently monitor data, work with our local health department, and make decisions accordingly. It is always a possibility that students could be asked to quarantine. We will work directly with students and families if this is the case.
Will the building be clean and sanitized?
Our custodians work hard to keep our schools clean each year. We will continue to utilize our "fogger type" machines to allow for intense after hours cleaning and sanitizing.
Classrooms will continue to utilize additional mitigations strategies to keep surfaces clean.
Will back-to-school events be happening?
YES, and we hope you will join us. Open House for all students is scheduled for Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 6-7:30. Additionally, Back to School events for Kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th grade are taking place on August 12, 2021. Please see schedule below:
*NOTE: MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN INSIDE THE SCHOOL BUILDING.
FAQ Cont.
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Elementary students have a supply fee and will not need to buy individual supplies.
Jr./Sr. High Students have a supply list and it is posted on the school's website.
Will I be allowed to volunteer at the school?
We love our volunteers and appreciate all they do to support our students and staff. We will be limiting the number of visitors in our schools so you will need to work directly with the school before volunteering.
Will parent meetings, such as ARC meetings, be in person?
Yes, we will begin hosting meetings in person, but an online format will be available if needed.
How will my child receive health care at school?
The district employees a full time nurse who will provide health care to students. Nurse Rhonda will work with students for routine medical attention and in the event of an
emergency. We will continue to isolate sick students and will contact families accordingly.
Additionally, the district is exploring a virtual school based health care program in partnership with St. Elizabeth to provide telehealth options for interested families.
Parents, please be attentive to the daily health of your children and ensure they are healthy enough to attend school each day. Do not send your child to school if they show symptoms of illness that cannot be attributed to seasonal allergies, including but not limited to the following: fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. We also request that all of your child's required immunizations are up to date.
What will happen if someone tests positive for COVID-19?
We appreciate the support from our families in communicating with us when someone in the household tests positive and ask you to continue notifying us if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19. We will collaborate with local health officials to determine appropriate measures if a student or staff member tests positive.
Will these procedures be in place all year?
Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to remain a fluid situation and the district may have to make decisions based on current data. It is our goal to be in school all year with limited disruptions and remain as normal as possible throughout the year.
Is there a school supply list?
FAQ Cont.
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How Can Families Assist with the 21-22 School Year?
If you haven't completed online registration please do so ASAP. This will help us prepare
classrooms and schedules for optimal spacing. Students will not be able to attend school until this is complete. If you need assistance, please reach out to us or attend our Open House on August 12 and we will help with the process.
Keep in mind that while many things will be transitioning back to normal, and we hope they stay that way, there may be times we have to implement procedures based on data in our school or community. Please stay patient, positive, flexible and supportive throughout the year. We all want to work together to make sure it is a great year for our students.
Please communicate with us with any questions, concerns or issues. We will also communicate any changes in procedures so continue to check our website, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Also, make sure we have your correct phone numbers in Infinite Campus so you will receive any One Call notices.
Continue to encourage healthy hygiene habits and self care. If your child isn't feeling well and you aren't able to determine the reason, please keep your child home and follow up with your primary care physician.
Remind students of our HEAT expectations and the importance of treating everyone fairly and kindly at school.
Have Respect
Follow the directions of all school staff as they work to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Everyone's a Leader
Be aware and intentional about following safety protocols and help remind your fellow classmates as well.
Act Kindly
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Take Responsibility
Follow all safety procedures throughout the school day.
And stating this one more time...Keep the lines of communication open with school staff. We strive for a positive experience for all students and that is best achieved when staff and families work together. Please reach out to us if your child needs assistance with their emotional, social, or academic progress.
TOGETHER, LET'S MAKE THIS A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR!!!