Dear SDMA Families and Staff,

Greetings from the School District of the Menomonie Area (SDMA) on this cold and windy day.  

With winter break approaching quickly, here are a few updates and timeline reminders:

• Winter Schedules: There are many great activities happening in the SDMA. Please refer to the schedules on the school district website and posts on the district's Twitter account to keep track of what is happening in our schools.
• School Closings:  In the event that classes need to be cancelled or delayed this winter due to inclement weather, announcements will be made via email, text message, social media, television, and radio. Now would be a good time to be sure that your family's contact information is updated in the Skyward Family Access system. Please contact Morgan Seguin ([email protected]) in the SDMA Tech Department if any assistance is needed with Skyward Family Access.
• COVID-19 Resources: This is a reminder that the SDMA COVID-19 Dashboard, a school-based exclusion chart, an exclusion chart by test type, and other COVID-19 resources are available on the district website. 
• Masks: Beginning next Monday, December 13, the use of masks will no longer be required in the SDMA for students in grades K-6. Masks are recommended for all students and staff in the SDMA. Please note that masks are still required on school buses and other school sponsored transportation services, as well as for all higher risk exposure situations such as singing indoors, specialized healthcare services, and for any individuals entering SDMA buildings under abbreviated quarantine protocols or COVID-19 testing.
• Quarantine: This is a reminder that quarantine is recommended, but not required by the school district for asymptomatic individuals deemed to be a close contact at school. Anyone who is symptomatic, and anyone who is a close contact to a household member with COVID-19 symptoms, will continue to be excluded from participating in school or attending school activities during the quarantine period. Individuals ordered by the health department to quarantine will also be excluded from all school functions until released from quarantine by the health department. Asymptomatic individuals who are fully vaccinated, or who had a documented case of COVID-19 during the past 90 days, are not required to quarantine. Please contact the school nurses or your building principal with any questions.
• COVID-19 Testing: Health department guidelines changed last week to expand testing protocols and allow for proctored antigen tests to be used for diagnostic testing in schools. This may provide a quicker option for families to get children back to school. Please note in the guidance that at-home tests are still not allowed for determining school exclusions. 
• SDMA Employment Opportunities: The SDMA is currently advertising for a variety of full-time, part-time, and substitute employment opportunities. A complete listing of employment opportunities can be found on the district website, with immediate openings for paraeducators, custodial work, supervisor aides, and substitute teachers. Please contact HR Director Samantha Hoyt with any questions or assistance in applying for a position.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy month of December.

Joe Zydowsky