Dear Wayzata High School Students and Parents/Guardians,

As we close term 1 of the 2020-2021 school year, I would like to again thank you for your support and genuine understanding as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together. I cannot express enough how much your ongoing feedback and encouragement has helped throughout these incredibly challenging times and related circumstances.

Superintendent Anderson sent communication earlier this week to all families indicating that Wayzata High School will continue to operate in a modified hybrid model of learning, with the possibility that some classes may meet less frequently or go to full distance learning. Such decisions will depend upon local conditions, course curriculum and the district's ability to maintain effective health protocols to ensure a safe learning and work environment for all students and staff.

Although we are continuing with the existing modified hybrid model, we will make an adjustment the week following our Thanksgiving Holiday Break. Beginning Monday, November 30, and continuing through Friday, December 4, we will operate in a predominantly distance model of learning with plans to resume the modified hybrid on Monday, December 7. This one-week adjustment only impacts our hybrid and occasional hybrid courses. Special education, EL and other support services will continue as scheduled. Teachers will communicate specific changes to the students enrolled in their classes.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, we understand this may impact a student's level of comfort coming into the building. We have prepared a new "High School Modified Hybrid Learning Plan" page on our website to communicate which courses will be offered as hybrid or occasional hybrid under our current learning model. If you are enrolled in a hybrid course scheduled for term 2 and you are not comfortable attending, please contact your Associate Principal immediately so your schedule can be adjusted accordingly. Stay-at-home accommodations will be made for students enrolled in occasional hybrid classes or current semester-long hybrid courses.

Finally, as you might imagine, navigating change during a global pandemic is incredibly difficult knowing the impact it is having on families, students and staff. We continue to believe the modified hybrid model of learning is our best option to create the safest, most equitable and meaningful academic experience for our students. Further, this model positions us well to navigate these unpredictable shifts in COVID-19 cases, while having the least impact on student learning.

Again, thank you for support and resilience as we continue to work together to help all students successfully navigate the 2020-2021 school year together.

Sincerely,

Scott Gengler

Principal