Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

This is a final reminder that planning for the second semester of the school year is underway in the School District of the Menomonie Area. The district is planning to begin the second semester on January 25 with two student learning options from which families may select: (1) In-Person Learning and (2) Fully Remote Online Learning.

Families preferring the In-Person Learning option for their child(ren) do not need to complete any additional registration forms. Students not registered for the fully remote online learning option will be enrolled in classes for in-person learning during second semester.

To register for the Fully Remote Online Learning option* -offered in collaboration with the Wisconsin Virtual School (WVS)- families need to complete the SDMA Virtual School Application for each child. The registration window for those preferring the Fully Remote Online Learning option will close after December 16. *Please note that the fully remote online learning option is not the temporary Safer-at-Home option currently being taught by SDMA teachers.

Much time and effort has been spent during the first semester of the school year responding to the changing COVID-19 environment in our community. In alignment with the SDMA Reopening Plan, the district has tried to prioritize opportunities for students and choice for families during this unprecedented time. While it is possible that circumstances could require additional changes to the learning models offered in the SDMA during the second semester, families should make second semester selections with the understanding that the commitment may be for the entire semester. (ie. If a vaccine becomes more widely available during the second semester and families would like to opt back into the in-person learning option, concerns regarding class sizes and physical distancing in classrooms might limit the district's ability to allow these types of requests.)

Thank you again for your support throughout the first semester of the school year. If anyone has questions about the learning options for second semester, please contact me or the principal of your child(ren)'s schools.

Have a good evening.

Joe Zydowsky