Dear KASD Families, 

This message is to clarify the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding Emergency Order 28.  All schools and school campuses are still required to be closed at this time.  Your child’s teacher and principal will continue to communicate with you about the end of the year expectations.

Here are some responses to frequently asked questions:

• Schools will remain virtual for the 19-20 school year.
• Summer School will be virtual based on the current State Order.
• No guidance has been given for the start of the 20-21 school year.

I can’t begin to understand all of the challenges that our community is experiencing at this time.  Please know that we remain committed to supporting you and your child.  Every day I hear about the challenges our families are experiencing but tucked in between are the stories of appreciation for our staff who are working with your children.  “We are in this together” has never been a more appropriate phrase.  

Please don’t hesitate to reach out and tell me the good or the bad.  I would like to hear from you bmayfield@kimberly.k12.wi.us or 920-788-7900.

We are here for you and in this together.

Sincerely, 

Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Dear KASD Families, 

On April 16, Governor Evers announced that schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Although this was not the outcome we had hoped for, we are grateful to have this direction so we can move forward in planning for a successful end to the school year for our students, including exploring avenues for honoring our seniors.

We acknowledge continued school closures are difficult for students, staff, families and our entire community.  In simplest terms, students miss their friends and teachers, and we miss our students. I am extremely proud of the way our students, teachers and families have worked together to continue meeting our students’ educational and emotional needs.

The extended closure raises numerous questions for students and families. We are working to answer your questions as soon as possible. In the meantime, here is what we know at this time:

• Distance learning will continue through June 4. We are committed to continuing to partner with families and community to support our students’ learning while they are at home.
• We will continue to prioritize support for our high school seniors to ensure they have what they need for graduation and post-secondary transitions. 
• We will continue to provide meals to all children during school closure. Meals are free to all children 18 years or younger. Pickups are available at Kimberly High School or Westside Elementary School.
• All events, including athletics, dances and scheduled school trips, are cancelled. We are collaborating with students and staff to come up with creative alternatives to celebrate milestones such as awards night and graduation. We will keep students and families updated.
• We will schedule dates to pick up personal belongings and to return school materials at a later date.
• We are waiting for information from the Governor on whether schools will be open for summer school. 

We are committed to delivering the very best education possible under these unique circumstances while also doing all we can to support students’ well-being. If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher or school principal. 

Thank you for your continued support and patience.

Sincerely, 

Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Dear KASD Families, 

Kimberly Area School District will be closing as of 5:00 p.m. today, Monday, March 16, 2020. The Outagamie County Public Health (OCPH) and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Outagamie County. Although the Kimberly Area School District does not have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our schools it is in the best interest of students, staff and the community to close today. 

Please see below for our learning plan during the closure. You will also be receiving this information directly from your school. If you have any additional questions, please contact your school directly. We care about your child, your family, and our community. During this closure, we are here to help support you.

These decisions have not been made lightly but in the best interest of the safety of our students and staff. We appreciate your support and patience during these unusual circumstances.

Sincerely, 

Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

March 13, 2020

Dear KASD Families, 

As I am sure you are all aware, Governor Evers ordered the closure of all K-12 Wisconsin schools, public and private, as part of our efforts to respond to and contain the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. The mandated closure will begin on Wednesday, March 18.

Currently, the Kimberly Area School District does not have a confirmed case of coronavirus or COVID-19 in our schools; but it is important that our families and staff know that KASD is keeping track of this situation.

School will be held Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17. During this time, we will be preparing students for the transition to online learning. Please know we are committed to providing available resources to support our families and more information will be shared next week.  

As a parent, you make the final decision on whether your child should attend school. Please consult with your healthcare provider for their recommendations if you feel your child is at greater health risk from contracting the COVID-19 virus. 

We will continue to seek information and guidance from our local, state, and national officials as we move forward. Please continue to check our district website at www.kimberly.k12.wi.us/updates and your emails regularly for updates going forward.

These decisions have not been made lightly but in the best interest of the safety of our students and staff. We appreciate your support and patience during these unusual circumstances.

Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

March 12, 2020

Dear KASD Families:

We are actively monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) status and working with local and state health officials. Each day the status of the virus changes significantly. Currently, the Kimberly Area School District does not have a confirmed case of coronavirus or COVID-19 in our schools; but it is important that our families and staff know that KASD is keeping track of this situation.

Due to the changing status of COVID-19, Governor Evers announced a Public Health Emergency to highlight the potential for the significant spread of the virus.  

We will be reviewing recommendations from State and local health officials daily to determine the impact on our schools and your families. You can find the State recommendations here https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm.

The district is preparing a plan for a potential closing should it be necessary. We will provide you detailed information should we need to close a specific school or district. In the meantime, a survey will be sent to your home to determine internet access and computer access for your child. Please complete the survey upon receipt.

As a parent, you make the final decision on whether your child should attend school. Please consult with your healthcare provider for their recommendations if you feel your child is at greater health risk from contracting the COVID-19 virus. Your school nurse will help you address absences due to staying home for health reasons.

Please join me in taking recommended precautions as we work through this challenging issue. The district has put together a webpage to provide you up to date district status reports and COVID-19 resources at https://www.kimberly.k12.wi.us/updates

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

March 4, 2020

Dear KASD Families:

Kimberly Area School District values the health and well-being of our students, staff and families. We work
daily to promote safe and healthy schools. This is always our priority.

Our school health services staff continue to work with school administrators to plan and respond to emerging communicable disease concerns, including COVID-19, following the guidance of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  KASD’s plan for pandemic influenza has been reviewed and our District is prepared to respond with the guidance of our local public health department if needed. 

A continued theme from the CDC is that it is currently flu season and getting vaccinated for influenza, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed is recommended.

Here are some of the CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.  If you have flu like symptoms (persistent cough, sore throat, temperature greater than 100.4), contact your health care provider.  You should be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication before returning to school.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Links to the Centers for Disease Control information about COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Links to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services information about COVID-19:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm

Link to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction webpage:
https://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/2019-novel-coronavirus

The COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving and changing. We plan to keep you informed as needed.

Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your school nurse or principal.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Mayfield, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools