Wickliffe Families,
After a great deal of consideration, discussion with public
health officials, and study, I have decided to begin the 2020-21 school year
remotely, regardless of the level Lake County is in on August 25, 2020. This
was not an easy decision because I, like you, want to have our students back in
school. However, it is important that we do so safely and in a manner that will
minimize the disruptions students have already experienced. I want to share my
thinking and the process used in making this decision. Additionally, I am
postponing school sports and extracurricular activities pending further
guidance from the Ohio Department of Health.
* As of August 3, 2020 Lake County is designated as Level 2. According to the Lake County Health Commissioner, there is reason to believe Lake County will be at Level 3 in a matter of a few weeks.
- As a district, we told the community that in Level 1 or 2, we would open school with students and at Level 3 or 4, we would move to remote instruction.
- It is disruptive to begin the school year in-person and move to remote instruction in a matter of a couple of weeks.
* The Cuyahoga County Health Commissioner has strongly recommended the school districts in Cuyahoga County open remotely due to the county being designated Level 3.
- Wickliffe’s proximity to Cuyahoga County is obvious and creates a little greater challenge for the district as opposed to other districts in Lake County.
* According to the CDC, Ohio is among 20 states in which transmission of the virus is at greatest risk. Since the reopening, Ohio has seen a significant increase in COVID cases (93,000 cases and 3,500 deaths).
* Recent news articles have pointed to day camps and schools that have reopened resulting in more children, school employees, and community members contracting COVID. There is concern the in-person reopening of school may trigger “large spreading events.”
- About 7% of COVID cases are children age 18 and
younger.
- There is concern that children can/will transmit COVID to others including teachers. It is clear young people can transmit COVID to adults; the extent is unknown at this time.
* There are concerns about the capacity and cost ($150.00-200.00 per test) of testing in Lake County. If testing were required due to a case or suspected case of COVID related to a student, staff member, and/or the family of a student/staff member, it would be difficult to appropriately and expeditiously test all those needed to be tested.
- A reason for postponing school sports is the current Ohio Department of Health order requiring all participants, coaches, and team officials are tested for COVID (and test negative) within 72 hours of a contest. At this time, it is an impossible standard to meet.
* Congregate gatherings for adults are not taking place. In many work places people are working from home, and in many cases the number of adults working at any one time is limited. If adults are not meeting in congregate settings, colleges and universities are starting remotely and/or on a limited basis, and most other aspects of daily life have been altered, it does not seem reasonable to bring children back to school.
The decision to open remotely is prudent and is done with an
abundance of caution. I recognize this creates issues for some families with
regard to childcare and has the potential to be a challenge for some students
and families. However, I am confident this is the best decision we can make for
our students, staff, school district, and community at this time. Attached is
information related to the beginning of the school year.
Thank you for your continued support and patience during
this challenging time.
Joseph Spiccia, Superintendent
School Reopening Information