
Shout out to our Hudson staff, families and community – working together to provide the best for our kids!
Shout out to our Hudson staff, families and community – working together to provide the best for our kids!
The Board of Education held a special meeting on Wednesday, December 16th to review the School District’s COVID-19 response; parent, staff, and student responses to a recent COVID-19 survey; and discuss modifications to the existing School Closure Metric.
Based on the information and experience gained over the past nine months of the pandemic and the COVID-19 survey responses, the following matrix changes were approved by the Board of Education.
Elementary School Modifications
Secondary Modifications – Grades 6-12
An additional modification for grades K-12 was made regarding students who are out of school in Individual Distance Learning (IDL). Students who are not in school or activities during a reporting period because they are IDL will no longer be included in the decision making calculation as they were in the past.
Questions? Contact Kelly Schickling at 715.377.3850; ext. 2321 or 4kadminassistant@hudsonraiders.org
The School District posts this data bi-weekly at https://hudsonraiders.org/covid-19/
The School District recognizes that it may need to adjust its plan based on staff and or substitute teacher shortages. We may need to accelerate a school closure due to a significant unanticipated outbreak. It is the School District’s intent to address center-based programs separately with the goal to maintain face-to-face instruction.
COVID-19 School Closure Metric Data
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in our schools remain low. We currently have one (1) active case at the Middle School and five (5) active cases at the High School. The School District’s COVID-19 School Closure Metric takes into consideration active cases in our schools and in St. Croix County. Due to the rise in county cases over the 14 day reporting period, the School District will be moving to Level 2.
Moving to Level 2 Beginning Monday, October 5
Level 2 | Face-to-Face – Early Childhood, Grades 4K – 6 & Grade 9 |
Hybrid – Grades 7-8 & Grades 10-12 |
The School District’s hybrid model divides our student population into two cohort groups.
Change to Activities and Athletics
The Board of Education and School District Administration will be reviewing the School Closure Metric to determine if a change is needed in the metric. For example, should more weight be given to the percentage of cases in our schools and less weight given to the number of county cases given the low number of positive cases in our schools. This change, if determined, would not go into effect until the next reporting period.
The School District posts this data bi-weekly at https://hudsonraiders.org/covid-19/
The School District recognizes that it may need to adjust its plan based on staff and or substitute teacher shortages. We may need to accelerate a school closure due to a significant unanticipated outbreak. It is the School District’s intent to address center-based programs separately with the goal to maintain face-to-face instruction.
COVID-19 School Closure Metric Data
IT Support for Families & Help Desk for Students and Families | Individual Distance Learner Resources |
Nutrition Services meals are available to all students enrolled as Individual Distance Learners. These meals include both breakfast and lunch.
Families interested in participating in this meal program may order meals each week between Friday and Monday (before 11:59 AM) for delivery on the following Thursday.
Steps for ordering meals:
Meal pickup is scheduled for Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 PM at Hudson High School, Door 12 on the north side of the school (back side). There will be signs indicating “Meal Pickup” area. You will receive 5 days of meals including milk.
If you have questions, please contact the Nutrition Services Office at 715.377.3717 or email cardoss@hudsonraiders.org.
Please note: If you choose to get a COVID-19 test for yourself or your child, you must not return to school until you have your test results.
Students who have been identified as close contacts should contact their school principal to continue classroom instruction through Individual Distance Learning (IDL).
COVID-19 Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
OR at least two (2) of the following symptoms:
The Hudson School District is looking for certified and support staff substitutes for the 2020-2021 school year. The Board of Education recently raised our substitute staff rates.
If you already have a WI Department of Public Instruction substitute license:
If you are interested in getting a substitute license:
We look forward to having you join our Hudson School District team!
The Board of Education approved the School District’s back to school plan for fall.
The Board of Education work session can be viewed in its entirety at: https://youtu.be/jeTlJyV1s8o
As we look to return to school this fall, we have been presented with a monumental challenge, COVID-19. Although this challenge seems daunting and sometimes insurmountable, I have strong confidence in the team of people that have been working in the Hudson School District to ensure we are doing everything we can to reasonably mitigate risks to our kids and our staff. I intentionally use the term ‘reasonably mitigate risks’ instead of talking about safely reopening. The word ‘safe’ may suggest to some that we can provide a COVID-free environment or an environment free of all risks. We cannot promise a COVID-free environment, nor a risk-free environment in our school or any school across the country.
In the pages of the Back to School Blueprint, you will see at a high-level, the steps the School District is taking to return to school this fall. You will also see the guiding principles that we used for focus our decision-making lens. It is important to note that this is a very fluid situation. This plan may, and probably will change as we continue to assess the information we are given and the guidance we are provided from state and local health officials. In addition, there are areas of this plan where more detail will be released as we get closer to starting school.
We must work together for the well-being of our kids and our community. I look forward to seeing kids and staff back in our buildings this fall. Have a great remainder of the summer.
Respectfully,
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
The following link provides the responses to the School District’s recent survey regarding school in the fall. Families and staff responded to this survey conducted by School Perceptions.
The Board of Education approved the Hudson School District’s Back to School Blueprint for fall 2020. Click here to learn more.
Due to the growing number of COVID-19 infections in our community, the Hudson School District will be requiring all students and staff involved in Summer School programming/activities and School Age Care to wear face coverings or masks when physical distancing of six (6) feet or more is not possible beginning Monday, July 20, 2020. Parents and visitors will also be required to wear a face covering or mask when they are in our schools.
The Hudson School District believes that face coverings are a mitigation tool that can help us keep our schools and activities open. We believe that face-to-face interactions are important to a child’s academic, social-emotional and physical well-being.
Face Coverings/Masks Requirement Beginning Monday, July 20th:
It has been great to welcome kids back into our schools this summer. We know that they are excited to be back. We all must work together for the well-being of our kids, staff and community.
The Hudson School District is excited to reopen our summer programming. The School District has put protocols in place that allow us to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 during this time. Below is a quick overview of Summer School & Activities protocols and expectations.
Our summer programming protocols and expectations take into consideration physical distancing of staff and students, classroom procedures, increased cleaning, limiting the sharing of equipment and supplies, reminders to wash hands, and modified entrance and exit procedures.
Families are asked to review the symptoms related to COVID-19 and not send their children to class or activities if they have symptoms.
Not everyone with COVID-19 has all these symptoms. For many, symptoms are mild, with no fever. Some people may also experience fatigue or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. You can still spread the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.
Congratulations to everyone for persevering and getting to the end of the 2019-2020 school year! Who would have imagined back in September that we would have ended in this way? The following information provides you with details on our summer programming. While we intend to provide the same high quality and engaging experience that you have all come to expect, there are changes that we have put into place that focus on reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19. Please take the time to read through the expectations for students and staff who plan to attend face-to-face classes or activities. We all must work together for the health and well-being of everyone.
Health and Safety For All
This information may change based on guidance from state and local health agencies and the WI Department of Public Instruction.
Not everyone with COVID-19 has all these symptoms. For many, symptoms are mild, with no fever. Some people may also experience fatigue or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. You can still spread the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.
Summer School
Introduction to Kindergarten
This is an opportunity for incoming kindergarten children who would benefit from spending time preparing for the transition to school.
Today, Governor Tony Evers extended the “Safer at Home” order from April 24 to May 26, 2020 (click here to view Governor Evers’ Emergency Order #28). This order includes the closure of all Wisconsin schools for the remainder of the school year. While this news was anticipated, it is still very difficult for all of us to end the school year in this way.
What does this new order mean for the Hudson School District?
We know this raises questions about graduation. I am certain our Class of 2020 and their families are feeling a myriad of emotions right now. This is not how you envisioned your senior year to end. No one understands and empathizes with your disappointment more than your teachers and staff across the School District. We have watched you take your first steps into our classrooms, grown to find your purpose, and worked hard to pursue your dreams. We are proud of each and everyone of you. We do not see a path to having a face to face graduation on the originally scheduled June 6th date. We are working on a variety of plans for holding a graduation ceremony in some format at a date yet to be determined. We are really hoping to be able to have some type of face to face graduation before the end of the summer.
We are all saddened by the need to end the school year in this way. We do believe, however, that this is the right decision given all of the information that we have received from health experts and state officials. Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff is paramount. We believe finishing this school year through remote learning is one of the most effective ways in which we can do our part to avoid exposing anyone to unnecessary risk.
Sincerely,
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
As we head into the fourth week of the school closure, I would like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has stepped up over the past several weeks to support the students, staff, and families of the Hudson School District. It has been extremely encouraging to see our community, businesses, and organizations come together during this time of crisis.
Even while our buildings are closed, work behind the scenes continues. Our teachers are preparing online learning opportunities and resources for their students, working to keep our young people as engaged as possible. Our Instructional Technology team has ensured students and teachers have the tools necessary for making remote learning a success. Our School Age Care program provides much needed care for our health care professionals and first responders. Nutrition Services has served meals to any family in need Monday through Friday. Facilities and Grounds staff continue to maintain our school buildings and provide the extra cleaning required in School Age Care. Many others who support our daily operations.
To our teachers, counselors and principals, we sincerely appreciate all your efforts to check in with students, your ongoing work to provide quality remote learning experiences, and the extra care you have given to make sure everyone is doing OK. Your students and families will continue to turn to you for guidance and a sense of normalcy as we move forward.
To our families, thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked to serve the educational needs of your children. We know the school closure has been incredibly challenging. Please know that we are thinking about you and are here to help.
To our community, thank you for reaching out and working to help everyone during this challenging situation. Everything from calling to ask how you can help the School District to keeping a watchful eye on our buildings while we are closed. None of these things go unnoticed.
I want to share a resource that has been developed by a group of community-oriented individuals called the Hudson Community Coronavirus Response website (HCCR). The HCCR is a hub for those looking for ways to volunteer and for those looking for resources or help. Powered by the Rotary Clubs of Hudson, this volunteer group of community leaders is creating connections between our nonprofits and those who can serve. Please take a moment to visit the site if you are looking for help or looking to provide help to others. https://www.hudsonccr.com
Please remember during these challenging times we will persevere. We will make it through to the other side of this pandemic. I know the news is filled with some pretty scary images of what is going on as we fight this virus. As I think of how scary this is not only for me, but also for my kids that may be watching, I think of the quote by Mr. Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” There are always people willing to help. Make sure to remember to look for the helpers and to remind our kids to keep looking. For the compassion of others; is the positive that comes out of such a negative situation.
Sincerely,
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
We are nearing the 10 day mark of our remote learning. Everyone – students, parents, and staff – should stop for a moment and celebrate the successes big and small in transitioning to this new normal. You are all working hard to meet the challenge of moving from a regular school schedule to a learning environment that feels far from normal. Teachers are learning new ways to connect with their students. Parents have taken on the Herculean task of work, supporting their child’s learning, and managing a household with extraordinary restrictions. Thank you to our students who continue to persevere and stay focused on school.
Notices for this week:
What does the remainder of the school year look like? We know you have a lot of questions. When will classes resume? What about spring athletics? What about prom? Graduation? We hope it becomes more clear in the next couple of weeks what we can expect for the remainder of the school year. As of right now, it is our goal to ensure there is some commencement activity and look for ways to celebrate the important milestones each child has as he/she transitions to the next grade level or graduation.
Please know we are here for you. As you continue to connect remotely, the entire Hudson School District community is here to support, guide, and problem-solve. We will get through this together.
In closing, we want you to know how much we miss seeing your children each day. We also miss the opportunities provided by coming together as a school community. We will continue to provide updates as things change at the federal, state, and local level.
Be well,
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
Governor Extends “Safer at Home” Order
Governor Evers announced today that he is extending his “safer at home” order for the next 30 days. This order goes into effect at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25th and will remain in effect until 8:00 AM April 24th.
The Hudson School District will continue to offer remote learning for our students during this extended period. There will be additional information coming from the School District regarding our continued remote learning and expectations for students.
During his press conference yesterday, the Governor stated, “I know the COVID-19 outbreak has been difficult and has disrupted the lives of people across our state. Issuing a Safer at Home order isn’t something I thought we’d have to do and it’s not something I take lightly, but here’s the bottom line: folks need to start taking this seriously. Each and every one of us has to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 so we can flatten the curve to ensure our doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have the opportunity to do their important work. Let’s all do our part and work together.”
Wisconsin residents must comply with the Governor’s order when they leave their homes. The Governor’s order allows residents to:
The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:
We know this extension will cause additional stress for families and staff. There are resources available for people who may need additional support during this time.
The following agencies are offering TeleMentalHealth Services. This means that they are able to meet virtually online. Assistance is available if families do not have insurance to cover this expense.
Staff may also choose to reach out to the School District’s Employee Assistance Program Counseling & Therapy provided by Family Means – 651.789.4054
The School District greatly appreciates the efforts made by our families to enforce the Governor’s orders. I also extended an enormous thank you to our Raider School community for continuing to provide instruction and services to our families; including our teachers and other certified staff, paraprofessionals, IT, Nutrition Services, Facilities and Grounds, School Age Care, support staff, and leadership team – we are stronger together!
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
March 23, 2020
Hudson Fields, Tennis Courts, Playgrounds, and Parking Lots CLOSED
Governor Evers ordered all schools closed effective March 18, 2020. This closure included all school properties. As Governor Evers calls for all of us to do our part and stay home, we are asking all of you to stay off School District property. This means all School District fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and parking lots are CLOSED.
The Governor is urging people to stop planning sleepovers, play dates, and dinner parties with friends and neighbors. Please refrain from gathering groups of kids together or sharing physical materials between families, including books, notebooks, or any other instructional materials. The longer it takes people to comply with social distancing, the longer we are going to have to do this. Social distancing is critical to reducing the spread of this virus.
Let’s all do our part and work together to keep everyone safe.
March 19, 2020 – 3:30 PM
The Hudson School District has been notified that the confirmed St. Croix County case of COVID-19 is an individual at Hudson High School. The individual was not in the school for over one week prior to the school closing.
Per St. Croix County Public Health, the individual is isolated at home and doing well. Public Health is identifying and contacting anyone that has been in close contact with this individual.
Due to data privacy laws, the School District is not able to provide any additional information that is potentially identifiable.
Sincerely,
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
March 19, 2020
The Hudson School District received the following message from St. Croix County Public Health.
COVID-19 Confirmed Case in St. Croix County
Public Health announced today that St. Croix County has its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This individual is isolated at home and doing well. Public Health is identifying and contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the positive case.
“It is important that St. Croix County residents do not panic but continue to follow recommendations to protect themselves, others, and slow the spread of COVID-19.” said Kelli Engen, St. Croix County Health Officer.
With no medicine or vaccines to treat or prevent COVID-19, SCC-Public Health wants everyone to follow these simple steps:
The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly changing. SCC-Public Health recommends the following information sources:
We will notify you with additional information as it becomes available.
March 16, 2020 – 3:30 PM
Dear Hudson Families and Staff,
We understand that Governor Evers held a briefing earlier today that has created some confusion regarding restricting gatherings of 50 or more people. We have connected with our state and local public health agencies and have been told this directive does NOT include schools at this time.
Hudson School District will continue to be open for students on Tuesday, March 17th.
We apologize for the repeated messages. We are working hard to keep everyone up to date as information and guidance changes. As we said earlier, announcements made earlier in the day may change as our information changes. Your patience is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
March 16, 2020 – 12:00 PM
Dear Hudson Families and Staff,
The Hudson School District continues to review our plan in response to COVID-19. In order to provide families with planning time to set up childcare and protect students, staff and the community, Hudson School District will be closing our schools at the close of Tuesday, March 17th.
The School District has additional information and changes to assist families and staff during this closure. Please read through all of these points.
During this time, we want to emphasize the need for social distancing and good hygiene. Unlike “snow days,” we encourage families to avoid gatherings. These are unprecedented times, and we will get through this together. Please understand this closure is not only to keep students and staff safe, but also to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as seen in other countries around the world.
You can expect regular communication from the School District as we make decisions related to this closure and ongoing instruction and services.
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this difficult time. We appreciate your support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Nick Ouellette, PhD.
Superintendent
March 13, 2020 – 6:00 PM
March 13, 2020
March 10, 2020
Students or staff who participated in the DI event are generally considered to be at low-risk for being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Attendees are being notified out of an abundance of caution. The recommendations for low-risk individuals are to self-monitor for fever and respiratory illness symptoms, and to self-isolate and contact their local health department or provider if symptoms appear. There is no recommendation for asymptomatic people who had a low risk exposure to quarantine themselves. Anyone considered to be more than low-risk would be contacted individually by their health department for further assessment. Please contact your provider or your local public health department if you have questions or concerns.
March 9, 2020
The Hudson School District has learned a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in Pierce County. It is our understanding that the individual with the confirmed case was present at the recent Destination Imagination(DI) competition this past weekend at Osceola High School. There were Hudson School District students in grades 3-12 at the DI event. Out of an overabundance of caution we are communicating this to you today.
We are unaware of any confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Hudson School District. According to guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), spending time in the same indoor environment as persons known to have COVID-19 is considered to represent a low risk of exposure to the virus. While the risk to others is considered low, we cannot know for sure that there is absolutely no risk.
The Hudson School District has a plan in place to address COVID-19 if it spreads to our staff and students (click here to view Hudson’s plan). As part of this plan, the School District will be following the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wisconsin Department of Health Services, St. Croix County Public Health, and WI Department of Public Instruction.
As confirmed cases are identified closer to our Hudson community, the Hudson School District will closely monitor the health and attendance of our students and staff.
We recognize this may cause anxiety among our families and we will do our best to address your concerns. We are committed to ensuring students are supported with love, compassion, and care.
The CDC provides the following:
While the immediate risk of this new virus is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help respond to this emerging public health threat:
You can get additional information about coronavirus from the following websites:
Congratulations to everyone for persevering and getting to the end of the 2019-2020 school year! Who would have imagined back in September that we would have ended in this way? The following information provides you with details on our summer programming. While we intend to provide the same high quality and engaging experience that you have all come to expect, there are changes that we have put into place that focus on reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19. Please take the time to read through the expectations for students and staff who plan to attend face-to-face classes or activities. We all must work together for the health and well-being of everyone.
Health and Safety For All
This information may change based on guidance from state and local health agencies and the WI Department of Public Instruction.
Not everyone with COVID-19 has all these symptoms. For many, symptoms are mild, with no fever. Some people may also experience fatigue or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. You can still spread the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.
Summer School
Introduction to Kindergarten
This is an opportunity for incoming kindergarten children who would benefit from spending time preparing for the transition to school.
Summer School Age Care
Outdoor Facility Use
Indoor Facility Use
Nutrition Services Meal Distribution