Reopening of Woonsocket Schools

I hope that this message finds both you and your family safe and healthy. As we approach the first day of school in the Woonsocket Education Department (the “WED”), I would like to provide you with updates and information regarding the opening of the 2020-21 school year.

Student Attendance Expectations
Whether students are educated in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid setting, student compulsory attendance is mandated by Rhode Island General Laws 16-19-1. Therefore, the WED Attendance Policy will continue to be enforced for all students. Click on the link for the WED School Attendance Policy. Below is information as to how attendance will be taken for students who are being taught virtually at each level.
  • Elementary (K-5) - Students must check-in daily for Morning Meeting to be marked as "present" If students do not check-in for Morning Meeting but connect virtually during the day and complete assigned work they will be marked as "late." If students do not sign-in for Morning Meeting and do not check in during the day they will be marked as "absent." If students check-in to the Morning Meeting but do not complete assigned work during the day they will be marked as "dismissed."
    Parents of elementary students who are absent from 1-3 days will be contacted by their teacher. Parents of elementary students who are absent from 4-6 days will be contacted by the building principal. Absences beyond 6 days will be forwarded to the Attendance Officer.
  • Middle School - Student attendance will be taken by the teacher through the Skyward Student Information System platform for each period during the day. Students must be present for all periods to be marked as “present” for the day.
  • High School - Student attendance will be taken by the teacher through the Skyward Student Information System platform for each period during the day. Students must be present for all periods to be marked as “present” for the day.
Distance Learning Frameworks Opting for Distance Learning
Principals will be sending an Option for Distance Learning Letter to parents/guardians in grades 1-12 by the end of next week. If you want your child to remain on a distance learning platform you must complete the form and return it to your child’s principal. Parents who choose to utilize distance learning for their child must remain in distance learning until at least December 23rd. Should you have any questions, please contact your child’s principal.

Visitors
  • Visitors are not allowed in schools unless an appointment has been made with the principal or secretary.
  • All visitors who enter buildings must wear a face covering/mask at all times.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be served daily for in-person students in their classrooms.

Curbside Meals
Beginning on Monday, September 14th, Sodexo Food Services, in collaboration with the WED, will be distributing free “Grab and Go” meals to children ages 18 and under. Each meal site will be held outside at designated schools, Monday through Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm. Please click on the links below to access more information.
English Flyer
Spanish Flyer

Screening Students and Staff (Self-Attestation Protocol)
Screening protocols for students and staff have been established by the WED. Parents must screen students at home each morning using a self-attestation form. Please click on the link to access the WED Self-Attestation Form. All students and staff must stay home if they fail the screening prior to leaving for school.

Transportation
WED bus routes can be accessed on the homepage of the WED website under the heading “Reopening of Schools” at www.woonsocketschools.com
  • Bussing - The WED will adhere to the reopening transportation guidance issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    • Students will have assigned seats and only one student will occupy a seat. Siblings will be permitted to sit together.
    • All students and staff are required to wear a mask at all times while riding the bus. The only exception will be if the student has a documented medical and/or behavioral condition.
Face Coverings/Masks
All students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear a face covering/mask within all schools. The only exceptions will be if the student has a documented medical condition.
  • Face coverings/masks must cover the nose and mouth.
  • Face coverings/masks should be labeled with the student’s name or initials. This specifically applies to elementary students.
  • Face covering/masks should never be shared between students.
  • Outdoor breaks will be provided periodically throughout the day for students to remove face coverings/masks.
WED 2020-21 Academic Calendar
Please click on the following link to access the WED 2020-21 Academic Calendar.

I will be communicating more information with you over the next week regarding school opening through SchoolMessenger as well as our new district Facebook page. I wish you and your child(ren) a very healthy and successful 2020-21 school year!

As always, thank you for your continued support.

Patrick McGee, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

WED Reopening Links

WED Reopening Plan Bus Routes 2020-2021 WED Self-Attestation Form Sodexo Reopening Executive Summary

Guiding Documents for a Comprehensive Informed Approach to Reopening Schools

Outbreak Response Protocols: Pre K-12 CDC Guidelines RIDE FAQ

Other Important Links

Student Registration Parent Help Center Academic Calendar 2020 - 2021 Old Homepage