Shout out to our Hudson staff, families and community – working together to provide the best for our kids!

School Closure Metric Modifications – December 16, 2020

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

• Will operate face-to-face or virtual. There will be no hybrid instructional model at this level. Based on survey responses and the instructional challenges with hybrid at the elementary level, it was determined that hybrid instruction at this level would be more problematic than virtual instruction.
• Moving to virtual learning will be dependent on the percent of confirmed positive cases in an individual classroom. Only classrooms that meet this threshold will be moved to virtual learning, not the entire school building. Virtual learning will end approximately 2 weeks from the date of the announcement.
  • Approximately 15% of a class, based on class size guidelines, would need to test positive over a two week period in order to be moved to virtual learning. That means 3 positive cases for grades K-2 and 4 positive cases for grades 3-5.
  • If a classroom needs to move to virtual learning there will be a two day transition period to allow families and teachers to prepare. First, the announcement will be made and the class will stay in face-to-face learning the following day to allow parents to make childcare plans. Then the class will have no school for one day to allow the teacher an opportunity to prepare for the virtual learning and for the district to provide the resources needed for students to participate virtually. 

Secondary Modifications – Grades 6-12

• Continue to make instructional decisions on a two week schedule.
• Use new Hudson School District resident data from the Department of Health Services (DHS) for community spread calculation. The following link will take you to the DHS site, you must scroll to the bottom to find school district resident data titled COVID-19 Cases and Deaths by County and Census Tract, Municipality, School District and Zip Code : https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/data.htm
• The left hand column calculation reflects the cumulative number of positive cases in the school building. 
• The next data collection date and report on the instructional model is Wednesday, December 23, 2020. This data collection date will determine which instructional model the High School and Middle School will return to after Winter Break. 
  • Regardless of the December 23 data, the Board of Education determined the High School and Middle School would be hybrid or virtual after Winter Break. Out of an abundance of caution, students would not return face-to-face even if the numbers are low. 
• There are no changes to activities/athletics.

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. 

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 

• The red circles indicate each school’s level of instruction based on positive cases. 
• The blue box indicates the daily average of positive cases in each school.
• The 14 day COVID-19 positive count per 10,000 in St. Croix County is 62.7.
• Click here to view the metric as a PDF.
• Next reporting date will be 11/11/2020.

COVID-19 School Closure Metric Data – September 30, 2020

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

The School District’s hybrid model divides our student population into two cohort groups. 

• Students with a last name beginning with A-K will be in cohort A. 
• Students with a last name beginning with L-Z will be in cohort B. 
• Cohort A will attend school face-to-face on Monday, Tuesday and every other Wednesday. Beginning on Monday, October 5, Cohort A will be attending class face-to-face. They will be face-to-face on Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 7. They will attend class virtually, on Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9. 
• Cohort B will attend school face-to-face on Thursday, Friday and every other Wednesday. Beginning on Monday, October 5 they will be attending classes virtually and continue attending virtually on Tuesday, October 6 and Wednesday, October 7. They will attend class face-to-face on Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9.
• All students will participate in class 5 days per week. Instruction will be synchronous, meaning students attend face-to-face on their scheduled cohort days and are also expected to attend class virtually on the days they are not face-to-face.  
• The Wednesday early dismissal schedule will continue to be followed. 

Change to Activities and Athletics

• Activities and Athletics will continue to proceed with competitions. We will not be limiting athletics to practices only as was previously decided in the Back to School Blueprint.

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 

• The red circles indicate each school’s level of instruction based on positive cases. 
• The blue box indicates the percent of the daily running average of positive cases in each school.
• The 14 day COVID-19 positive count per 10,000 in St. Croix County is 24.7.
• Click here to view the metric as a PDF.
• Next reporting date will be 10/14/2020.

Frequently Used Resources

Individual Distance Learning (IDL) Meals

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:

1. Create an account in MySchoolBucks or login to your existing account (click here)
2. Go to the My Store tab and look for Meal Order-View Details
3. Select your child
4. Order meals for the week (you will get both breakfast and lunch with your order)
5. Add to the Basket
6. Repeat for additional children if needed
7. Continue to Confirm Purchase
8. Order Accepted, will display when you have completed.

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.

Families and staff are reminded to screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to school.  

• When to stay home?
• ¿Cuándo necesita mi hijo quedarse en casa?
• COVID-19 Fact Sheet – preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other information.
• If a household member with symptoms is being tested for COVID-19, any students in the household should remain at home until the test results are received. 

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:

• Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell

OR at least two (2) of the following symptoms:

• Fever over 100
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Congestion/runny nose
• Muscle pain/aches
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting

Hudson School District Back to School Blueprint

Mental Health Resources

• Supporting your child’s mental health as they return to school during COVID-19
• COVID-19: Resilient Wisconsin

Financial Resources

• Tools to Cope with the Financial Impact of COVID-19

The Board of Education approved the School District’s back to school plan for fall.

• Click here to view the full Back to School Blueprint

Three Instructional Models

• On- site or In-person: Typical instructional schedule with COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The plan at this time is to start school in the fall on-site and in-person.
• Individual Distance Learning: Families can elect to access individual distance learning or may be directed to do so by public health. Individual distance learning provides synchronous (real-time) access to scheduled classroom experiences that are live streamed through Google Classroom. Individual distance learning plans will be developed collaboratively with administrators, teacher leaders, and families.
• Virtual Learning: Will take place when entire classrooms, grade levels, or school buildings are closed.

The Board of Education work session can be viewed in its entirety at: https://youtu.be/jeTlJyV1s8o

Superintendent’s Message

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

July 22, 2020

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.

• Click here to view the survey results.

July 20, 2020

The Board of Education approved the Hudson School District’s Back to School Blueprint for fall 2020. Click here to learn more.

July 17, 2020 – Face coverings/Masks Required in Summer Programs Beginning July 20th

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:

• Face coverings/masks are required when physical distancing is not possible.
• Families are encouraged to have their children practice wearing face coverings before Monday if participating in summer activities and before school starts in the fall.
• We understand that there may be some unique situations related to face coverings, if you have questions please talk to your child’s school principal.

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. 

July 6, 2020 – Summer Programming Begins

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.

• Anyone with symptoms related to COVID-19 will not be allowed into the school. Symptoms include:
  • Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever over 100
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste/smell
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

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.

• • If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be asked to pick-up your child within one hour of being contacted. Please have plans in place to ensure you or a designated person is available if this should occur.
  • Children who are ill will not be able to return to school until 72 hours after their symptoms stop (without the use of fever reducing medication). Parents should consider contacting their healthcare provider to determine if your child should be tested for COVID-19.
  • Positive Test Result: If an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of the program/school for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms or from the notification of a positive test result if asymptomatic. The following conditions must also be met in order to return:
    • Individual must be 3 days beyond symptoms and no fever (without using fever reducing medication). For example, if you are at day 9 and still have a fever, you will not be able to return to school until you are three days fever free.
    • Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you may be asked to get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
  • Symptoms without Test: If the individual is not using a COVID-19 test and has reason to believe they were exposed, and have a fever or other COVID-19 like symptoms, they must remain out of the program/school for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms. The following conditions must also be met in order to return::
    • Individual must be 3 days without symptoms and no fever (without using fever reducing medication). For example, if you are at day 9 and still have a fever, you will not be able to return to school until you are three days fever free.
    • Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you may be asked to get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
  • Close Contact with Positive Case: If an individual believes he/she had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but is not currently sick, they should monitor for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The level of risk will be assessed and quarantine for 14 days for some individuals may be required.
  • A confirmed case of COVID-19 may require closure of all or a portion of the School District’s summer programming. We will be working in coordination with St. Croix Public Health to determine actions we will need to take. Closures will depend on the nature of exposure risk.
  • We will notify families of any confirmed staff or child COVID-19 cases.

June 10, 2020

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.

• Anyone with symptoms related to COVID-19 will not be allowed into the school. Symptoms include:
  • Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever over 100
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell

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.

• • If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be asked to pick-up your child within one hour of being contacted. Please have plans in place to ensure you or a designated person is available if this should occur.
  • Children who are ill will not be able to return to school until 72 hours after their symptoms stop (without the use of fever reducing medication). Parents should consider contacting their healthcare provider to determine if your child should be tested for COVID-19.
  • Positive Test Result: If an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of the program/school for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms or from the notification of a positive test result if asymptomatic. The following conditions must also be met in order to return:
    • Individual must be 3 days beyond symptoms and no fever (without using fever reducing medication). For example, if you are at day 9 and still have a fever, you will not be able to return to school until you are three days fever free.
    • Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you may be asked to get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
  • Symptoms without Test: If the individual is not using a COVID-19 test and has reason to believe they were exposed, and have a fever or other COVID-19 like symptoms, they must remain out of the program/school for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms. The following conditions must also be met in order to return::
    • Individual must be 3 days without symptoms and no fever (without using fever reducing medication). For example, if you are at day 9 and still have a fever, you will not be able to return to school until you are three days fever free.
    • Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you may be asked to get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
  • Close Contact with Positive Case: If an individual believes he/she had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but is not currently sick, they should monitor for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The level of risk will be assessed and quarantine for 14 days for some individuals may be required.
  • A confirmed case of COVID-19 may require closure of all or a portion of the School District’s summer programming. We will be working in coordination with St. Croix Public Health to determine actions we will need to take. Closures will depend on the nature of exposure risk.
  • We will notify families of any confirmed staff or child COVID-19 cases.

Summer School

• July 6-31: High School Summer School will begin its regular 4-week session.
• July 6 – August 20: Raider Elite will begin its regular summer program for High School and Middle School students.
• July 6-16 & August 3-13: Extended School Year (ESY) will begin programming as originally scheduled.
• July 13-24: Middle School and Elementary Summer School will begin. Elementary Summer School will be held at EP Rock Elementary School and Willow River Elementary School. If you registered your child for June Summer School, you will be contacted to see if you are interested in having your child attend in July. Details regarding class offerings for both Middle and Elementary Schools can be found at: https://hudsonraiders.ce.eleyo.com/
• July 27-August 7: Middle School and Elementary Second Session of Summer School will begin. Elementary Math and Reading & Enrichment will be held at EP Rock, Hudson Prairie, River Crest, and Willow River Elementary Schools. Registration for both Middle and Elementary Schools will be available soon.
• July 13-24 & July 27-August 7: Summer Swim

Introduction to Kindergarten

• July 27-August 7
• Click here to register

This is an opportunity for incoming kindergarten children who would benefit from spending time preparing for the transition to school.

April 16, 2020

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?

• School District students and staff will continue remote learning through the end of the school year.
• Further, we will be making a decision on when the Hudson School District will end student instruction for 2019-2020 school year. We look to have that information to families soon.
• Additional information will be sent to students and staff on how and when personal items may be picked up at school and when items can be returned. 
• We are hopeful that summer programming can continue. Adjustments may be needed if restrictions remain in place that limit the number of people who can gather or if state and local officials have additional orders. 
• We will be sending out a survey to parents in the next week to get feedback on possible changes to the 2020-2021 school calendar.

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

April 14, 2020

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

April 6, 2020

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:

• There will be no instruction on Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13 (Friday is a holiday and Monday is staff professional development).
• Nutrition Services will provide extra meals on Thursday to cover both Friday and Monday.

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

March 24, 2020

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:

• Perform tasks essential to maintain health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor.
• Get necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members, such as getting food and supplies, pet food, supplies necessary for staying at home, and gas.
• Care for a family member in another household.
• Care for older adults, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or other vulnerable persons.

The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:

• Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house).
• Stay at least six feet away from other people – use social distancing when at the grocery store or other essential businesses.
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Stay home.

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.

• Hudson Counseling Services – 715.808.8070
• Couples and Family Therapy Center – 715.441.1828
• Family Innovations – 715.808.0607
• Adulteen Counseling – 715.629.7047
• The Butterfly Path (mental health financial assistance) – 715.245.0931

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:

• Stay home when sick
• Frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching you face
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces
• Practice social distancing – 6 feet from others
• Avoid public gatherings of more than 10 persons, “Public Health and Emergency Management are working together with local, state, and federal partners to implement response plans; but it is important to understand that everyone has a role in reducing the spread of COVID-19.” said Natasha Cardinal, St. Croix County Emergency Manager.

The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly changing. SCC-Public Health recommends the following information sources:

• United Way 211: call 211 or MN based cell phones call 1-877-947-2211
• Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
• WI Division of Health: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov
• SCC COVID19 Information Line: 715.246.8224, email: covid19@sccwi.gov, and www.sccwi.gov/covid19 website

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.

1. Remote Learning: Students have received or will be receiving information from their classroom teachers on how to continue learning during this closing. Families should expect to be contacted by classroom teachers in grades K-5 and from their advisors in grades 6-12 weekly during the closure. 
2. Free Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all children who are in need of meals during the closure. We are setting up meal distribution at the High School. Meals will be available for pick-up between 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Families should drive to the back parking lot where a tent will be set up outside of the loading dock. You do not need to get out of your car. 
   1. If you plan to pick-up meals, please respond to this quick survey so we can plan an accurate number of meals.
3. Child care for Medical Professionals and First Responders: School Age Care will be open to Hudson School District residents who are medical professionals or first responders. Care will be located at EP Rock Elementary School from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 
   1. Please complete this quick survey to let us know if you are a medical professional in need of child care.
4. Student medications. If your child has medication at school that he/she may need during the closure, please plan on picking it up before the close of the day Tuesday, March 17th. Medications will NOT be sent home with children.

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

Click here to read “Talking to Children About COVID-19 (coronavirus) A Parent Guide” from the National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses.

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:

• It is currently influenza and respiratory disease season. The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing – throw the tissue away immediately after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your inside elbow area.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
• If you get flu-like symptoms, stay home from school, work, and social gatherings to prevent others from getting ill.
  • If you have a fever of 100 degrees or above, you should stay home.
  • Your fever should be gone for a full 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, before returning to work.

You can get additional information about coronavirus from the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• WI Department of Health Services
• St. Croix County Public Health Department – 715.246.8263

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.

• 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.
  • Anyone with symptoms related to COVID-19 will not be allowed into the school. Symptoms include:
    • Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough)
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fever over 100
    • Chills
    • Sore throat
    • Runny nose
    • Muscle pain
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell

  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. 

  • If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be asked to pick-up your child within one hour of being contacted. Please have plans in place to ensure you or a designated person is available if this should occur.
  • Children who are ill will not be able to return to school until 72 hours after their symptoms stop (without the use of fever reducing medication). Parents should consider contacting their healthcare provider to determine if your child should be tested for COVID-19.  
  • Positive Test Result: If an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of the program/school for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms or from the notification of a positive test result if asymptomatic. The following conditions must also be met in order to return:
    • Individual must be 3 days beyond symptoms and no fever (without using fever reducing medication). For example, if you are at day 9 and still have a fever, you will not be able to return to school until you are three days fever free. 
    • Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you may be asked to get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
  • Symptoms without Test: If the individual is not using a COVID-19 test and has reason to believe they were exposed, and have a fever or other COVID-19 like symptoms, they must remain out of the program/school for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms. The following conditions must also be met in order to return::
    • Individual must be 3 days without symptoms and no fever (without using fever reducing medication). For example, if you are at day 9 and still have a fever, you will not be able to return to school until you are three days fever free.
    • Depending on your healthcare provider’s advice and availability of testing, you may be asked to get tested to see if you still have COVID-19.
  • Close Contact with Positive Case: If an individual believes he/she had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but is not currently sick, they should monitor for fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The level of risk will be assessed and quarantine for 14 days for some individuals may be required. 
  • A confirmed case of COVID-19 may require closure of all or a portion of the School District’s summer programming. We will be working in coordination with St. Croix Public Health to determine actions we will need to take. Closures will depend on the nature of exposure risk. 
  • We will notify families of any confirmed staff or child COVID-19 cases.

Summer School

• July 6-31: High School Summer School will begin its regular 4-week session.
• July 6 – August 20: Raider Elite will begin its regular summer program for High School and Middle School students.
• July 6-16 & August 3-13: Extended School Year (ESY) will begin programming as originally scheduled.
• July 13-24: Middle School and Elementary Summer School will begin. Elementary Summer School will be held at EP Rock Elementary School and Willow River Elementary School. If you registered your child for June Summer School, you will be contacted to see if you are interested in having your child attend in July. Details regarding class offerings for both Middle and Elementary Schools can be found at: https://hudsonraiders.ce.eleyo.com/
• July 27-August 7: Middle School and Elementary Second Session of Summer School will begin. Elementary Math and Reading & Enrichment will be held at EP Rock, Hudson Prairie, River Crest, and Willow River Elementary Schools. Registration for both Middle and Elementary Schools will be available soon.
• July 13-24 & July 27-August 7: Summer Swim

Introduction to Kindergarten

• July 27-August 7
• Click here to register

This is an opportunity for incoming kindergarten children who would benefit from spending time preparing for the transition to school.

Summer School Age Care

• July 6 – August 20: Operating at Hudson Prairie and River Crest Elementary Schools from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. 
• Each site will be limited to 150 children divided into smaller groups of 50 that will be assigned to different areas of the building and will not share space to help mitigate risks to kids and staff.
• Click here to register

Outdoor Facility Use

• Outdoor facilities are open for use. Fields and tennis courts must be reserved through the Facility Scheduler, Betsy Ganz at 715.377.3708.
• Outdoor facilities are limited to groups of 10 or less.

Indoor Facility Use

• At this time, indoor facilities will remain closed for public use. The Board of Education will revisit this no earlier than their June 8th meeting.

Nutrition Services Meal Distribution

• Meals will continue to be distributed at the High School through June 30th, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM.