OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Oshkosh School Board voted to send all students back to class in person, in some capacity.
The 4-2 vote came after a four hour meeting.
Middle and high school students will attend class in person every other day.
Students will be split into two groups, called the “A” and “B” groups. Students within the same family will be placed in the same group so they attend school on the same day.
Social distancing and masks are required for all grade levels.
“Students are face to face with their teachers on one day, then the next day they are remote or learning virtually via canvas or chrome book,” according to Julie Conrad, director of curriculum and assessment.
Students fifth grade and below will attend class in person five days a week with social distancing precautions in place.
Six people spoke during public comment, all with similar concerns.
“It’s clear in Wisconsin that the bars are a higher priority than schools. And honestly I think this summer break was probably one of the worst things for this virus, because we could just go on with normal life instead of actually opening up schools,” one Oshkosh teacher said.
The district plans to disinfect after every class at the secondary level, and will try to help young children understand what social distancing means.
“It’s easier for older students to internalize what 6 feet means. But for our elementary students they’re probably going to need some help with that. Whenever possible using visuals whether that be tape on the floor, or other things we have available to us,” district leader Matt Kaemmerer said.
No lockers will be used, and other social distancing strategies will be in place.
District leaders pointed out that this plan is flexible, and could change based on circumstance.
Students can enroll in eAcademy, but the virtual learning is a full-year commitment. The deadline to enroll is Monday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m.
The district will release a finalized plan Friday.
The first day of school is September 1st.
You can view the district’s approved proposal here.
