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Dear Wayzata High School Families,
As we embark on a much needed and deserved MEA break, I would like to take this opportunity to genuinely thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together. Superintendent Anderson sent communication last week to all families indicating that Wayzata High School will remain in a modified hybrid until we are able to move to full, 100% in-person learning, or if it becomes necessary to go to full distance learning due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.
To be more specific, our end goal is to get to the other side of this pandemic successfully, with
- a purposeful approach to education that considers the health and safety of our school community,
- a measured rollout of expanded in-person learning opportunities,
- the quality, relevance and rigor of instruction that synchronized student-teacher experiences provide, and
- the high-level of support we are committed to offering our students and families, all of whom have very specific and different learning needs.
We believe our current modified hybrid model of learning (80% synchronous "live" instruction combined with both full and occasional hybrid/in-person experiences) positions us to best meet these expectations.
More than ever before during these times of extreme challenge, we must all come together as a school community to support our students and teachers. Culture matters, and culture is far more important than any model. More importantly, all of our programs, systems, processes and supports need to be aligned and pointing in the same direction, especially during uncertain times or when we have to take a detour from our normal/comfortable routines. Our students are highly capable and skilled and they are depending on all of us to help get them to the other side together.
Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline (1990)
Finally, our teachers remain committed to identifying additional full and occasional hybrid classes that will allow more students into the building for in-person learning experiences, and we are committed to fulfilling the promises outlined in the WHS Wayzata Learns Plan. If synchronized instruction from home is not working for your student, please reach out to your student's support team or me as soon as possible and we will partner with you to provide help. We have designated structured space in the building dedicated to help students stay focused, safe and on-task with their learning. Students may also sign up for these spaces from directly within the WHS Hub (they can access this via the MyApps portal).
When we are able to transition to a full in-person or required to go full distance, a transition plan will be articulated with specific details that will allow all families enough time and opportunity to pivot successfully. In closing, rest assured that all Wayzata High School staff are absolutely committed to the success, health and well-being of your student. Please reach out to me personally at 763-745-6610 if you need specific support for your student or family as we continue to navigate this pandemic together.
Stay safe and enjoy the long weekend ahead.
Sincerely,
Scott Gengler
Principal
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