900 E. Montgomery Street Sparta, WI 54656 (608) 366-3400

Frequently Asked Questions

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After School Activities and WIN

  • Will athletics be offered?
    • We are awaiting continued guidance from the WIAA.  In the meantime, we are moving forward with very limited activity for football and other fall sports.  
  • Will co-curricular activities be offered?
    • We will review the types of co-curricular activities we might be able to offer safely to provide students a chance to be part of our school community outside of the school day. We are working on this item. 
  • Will WIN After School be offered, and if so will staff be screened?
    • We know that many families count on ‘What I Need’ (WIN) for after school student experiences.  We are coordinating these efforts within the district.  The expectation for staff in any district-sponsored program will be the same expectations we have for any other employees regarding health and safety protocols.

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Busing

  • How will transportation be handled?
    • We are working on adjusting the core routes according to school schedules.  Safety precautions on the bus will be taken and rider expectations will be clearly defined. 
  • Will there be additional busses for transportation? 
    • No. 
  • What safety measures will be implemented on the school buses?
    • All students, age 5 and up, will be required to wear a mask at all times, unless they are medically excused.
    • Every student will be asked to use hand sanitizer upon boarding the bus.
    • Every student will be assigned a seat number upon boarding the bus, with no more than two students per seat. Siblings will be asked to sit together.
    • At the conclusion of each route, bus drivers and/or bus aides will complete a bus roster, documenting the seat that each student occupied.
    • There will be no eating and/or drinking allowed on the bus.
    • Students will be expected to keep their hands and feet to themselves, keep personal items to themselves, and remain properly seated throughout the entire route (seat to seat and back to back).
    • Students will be expected to limit their talking to only the student whom they are sharing a seat with (no talking across aisles or over seat backs).
  • When will bus request forms (changes) be processed?
    • All bus request forms (changes) will be effective September 14th. We are NOT granting any exceptions to this date.  We are not able to make any adjustments to routes for the first week of school. We have received a multitude of bus change requests and are processing them based on order received. We are using an effective date of September 14th for these change requests so that bus rosters stay consistent for the first week of school. This consistency for the first week is important to help ensure the safest riding experience for our students.
  • When will bus request forms (new student) be processed?
    • ​​​​​​​All bus request forms (new student) will be effective September 8th.
  • Why are older and younger students getting home at different times?
    • With the new Herrman Elementary and grade configurations, the bus routes were reconfigured to accomplish the following goals: 
      • Eliminate the Meadowview transfer and decrease the average ride times
      • Reduce behavior issues by having like-age students ride together
      • Provide door-to-door service for kindergarten as well as PreK students
    • With local COVID conditions, we have had to work with restrictions regarding class time, student movement, facial coverings, and school supplies.  In balancing the needs of our students and our staff with the requirements for safe operation, the earlier-than-usual release time at the elementary school is necessary.  After school programming will be available for students through What I Need (WIN).  In addition, the Boys and Girls Club is available for students in 3rd grade or older, and will be open well past 5:00 pm.  Busing will be available from the school the Boys and Girls Club.  Please contact the Boys and Girls directly for more information at 608-269-2582. We know that the dismissal times are not ideal, especially at the younger levels.  It is not business as usual.  Our goal during this pandemic is to continue offering as much in-building learning as possible keeping students and staff safe.

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Choosing Between In-Building Learning and Sparta Virtual Learning Academy

View the In-Building Learning/Sparta Virtual Learning Academy Comparison Chart here.

  • What will the Virtual Academy schedule look like as compared to the In-Building schedule?
    • The in-building option will have a high level of structure, and will still require the use of technology.  The virtual option will also be very structured, but in a different way.  There will likely be some times that are scheduled, and other work that may be done within a time frame. 
  • Can siblings choose different options, with one in In-Building Learning and one in Sparta Virtual Learning Academy?
    • Yes, siblings can choose different learning modalities.  Children within families learn differently.
  • Can students switch from In-Building Learning to the Sparta Virtual Learning Academy, or vice-versa?
    • Students commit to the program they choose for a minimum of one semester (trimester for elementary and Innovations STEM Academy). For the in-building option, there is no guarantee that in-building learning will be feasible all year; it will fluctuate with local COVID conditions and some virtual learning will be included. For planning and implementation, it will be important that families stick with the final choice they make (*note:  the request form sent out on 7-15-20 was NOT a final choice.  A registration form will be available soon) If a student chooses In-Building learning and determines they are no longer able to attend in person, the district will accommodate as much as possible based on room available. 

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COVID Testing

  • Will any COVID-19 testing be provided by the district to students or staff?
    • If a student or staff member is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and in need of testing, the individual should contact their medical provider and/or contact Monroe County Health Department for further guidance on COVID-19 testing. The district does not offer testing, but the district can assist any student, family, or staff member in locating an appropriate testing site.

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In-Building Learning

  • Is the school day going to be shortened?
    • This is a likely possibility. 
  • What will recess look like? 
    • Recess will likely be scheduled on a “by-class” basis to limit the number of students outside at a time. The current COVID-19 Compass states that playground equipment will be closed during High and Severe Risk; however, students will have access to use the green space for recess time.
  • What will drop-off and pickup look like for younger children?  Can parents take their children to their rooms?
    • We are still working on these logistics, including the use of multiple entrances to ensure that students stay physically distanced.  Part of the COVID Compass guidance restricts visitors, so parents may not be able to take children to their rooms; however, adult supervision will be provided in the building. 
  • Will all schools have adequate air conditioning?
    • We have worked hard to provide air conditioning in our buildings.  At this time, the Lawrence-Lawson building, housing Sparta Montessori Schools, and some parts of the high school are the only remaining buildings without air conditioning.  Adding air conditioning would have taken over 25% of our allocated renovation budget, which would not have allowed us to reconfigure the building as needed for Montessori use. 
  • About how many students will be on location? 
    • We are asking parents to complete the initial request form so that we have an idea about how many students to plan for, both in-building and virtually. 
  • How will cohorts be decided and what exactly does that mean?
    • A “cohort” is simply a group of students.  Students will likely be grouped based on several factors in and out of school, including class schedules, siblings, and geography.  All schools will be working with each other and with transportation to determine cohorts. 
  • If the In-Building Learning is on a 5-day model, can someone CHOOSE to have their student there 2 days and online the other 3 days?
    • No. If you choose an in-building option, the expectation is that you are attending for the time that in-building learning is in session.  Although we are doing our best to keep our elementary students in school 5 days a week, local COVID conditions will ultimately drive the degree of attendance we are able to provide.  We will also continue working with local and state health and education agency officials, noting that their guidance also adjusts regularly.

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Internet Access

  • What about students that have no internet at home? 
    • This is an item we are continuing to work through. The district is considering offering places within the district to come in and learn for a short period of time. We are also exploring the potential of hotspots.

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Meals

  • Will we see a variety of meals?
    • We will likely have a limited variety of meals, depending on supply and demand. We will do our best to provide options when feasible. All meals will be served in accordance with USDA guidelines for variety and nutrition.
  • Will lunches still be served if my child attends virtual school? 
    • We are looking into how to provide this service, but do not yet have all of the details.

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Paper Packets

  • Can we continue with paper packets for younger grades?
    • We have heard this feedback from several parents.  While we are trying to reduce paper use as much as possible, we will do our best to meet the needs of students and families on this item.  Paper packets will be provided to students that require this accommodation based on their IEP or 504 plan. 

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Positive COVID Tests/Quarantine

  • What happens if a staff member tests positive for COVID-19?  
    • We will work with the staff member and the Monroe County Health Department to determine employee benefit options and engage in contact tracing and follow-up.  We will work in cooperation with MCHD regarding quarantine determinations. 
  • If a student or teacher tests positive, will the whole school be going to online learning? 
    • We will work in cooperation with our county health department to engage in contact tracing for any testing or positive cases.  Whether a class or school needs to be quarantined will be determined on a case-by-case basis with cooperation from the health department. In the event that an individual or group is quarantined, they will be able to engage in online learning during the time they are out of school.  
  • What if someone who lives in the same household as a teacher or student tests positive?  
    • Please notify the school/district as soon as possible.  The medical provider and/or local health department will provide specific household quarantine requirements.  We will work in cooperation with MCHD regarding quarantine determinations.  
  • How and when will parents be notified if there is a COVID positive case in their child’s classroom or school?  
    • We will send notifications as quickly as possible in cooperation with the Monroe County Health Department.  We will be following HIPAA and FERPA regulations to ensure the confidentiality of students and families are maintained.

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Safety Measures

Class Sizes and Classroom Function

  • Will there be a limit to the number of people in a classroom?
    • We are still working to determine this by evaluating schools based on room sizes and determining what additional spaces are available within the district. We will be following the 6’ physically distancing guidelines and the maximum capacity guidelines outlined in the COVID Compass.
  • Would it be feasible for one teacher and one assistant to stay in a classroom rather than switching rooms throughout the day?
    • This is an item that we will be working on moving forward. 
  • If class sizes are limited in elementary, how will the teacher be able to teach all students if going 5 days a week?
    • We are working on what this looks like.  Class sizes will depend on the square footage of each learning space.  We are also looking at how many families are interested in having their students attend virtually. 

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Cleaning and Sanitization

  • How does the district determine what cleaning supplies to use? 
    • The cleaning supplies used in the district are recommended by the Monroe County Health Department and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 
  • How and when will deep cleaning occur if students are in school 5 days a week? 
    • If students are in school 5 days a week, deep cleaning will occur every day after school.
  • Has the district had any issues obtaining Clorox wipes and other cleaning products? 
    • No.  We stocked up on cleaning supplies early on, and we continue to purchase cleaning supplies, including hand sanitizer and wipes so that we keep an adequate supply on hand. 
  • What is going to be used to clean classrooms, especially surfaces touched by teachers and students? 
    • We have been working with the Monroe County Health Department, state DHS and CDC to use approved cleaning materials and methods.  We do use mechanical cleaning, adhering to all safe usage procedures. Hand sanitizers are alcohol based with at least the minimum recommended alcohol content of 60%, and for sanitization wipes, we use Clorox wipes or equivalent.

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Face Coverings and PPE

  • Will face coverings be mandatory for students and staff? 
    • Ultimately, this will be a policy decision by the Board of Education.  The district will strongly encourage the Board of Education to adopt a clear and specific policy regarding face coverings, including in classroom, out of classroom, and outside on school grounds.  The district will recommend a policy based on medical science with the goals of maintaining student and staff health and enabling us to keep school open for the longest period possible. 
  • Will face coverings be mandatory for students with IEPs and students with medical conditions? 
    • We will work with families of students with disabilities and students with medical conditions to determine the best way to proceed on a case-by-case basis. 
  • Will PPE be available for staff and students? 
    • The district will be providing at least one face covering for every student and staff member.  Additional PPE requests can be made on an individual basis through a PPE request form or by contacting the district Student Services Department.
  • Won’t face coverings be a distraction to students?
    • We will be working with parents and educating children on proper use and the reason for wearing a face covering. These will be handled on a case by case basis.

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Social/Physical Distancing

  • Does the 6 feet rule also apply to teachers?
    • Yes, it is our expectation that teachers follow the 6 feet physical distancing guidelines.
  • Will temperature taking be required for students and staff?
    • Temperature taking will follow the guidance set by the Monroe County Health Department for staff and students. 

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Schedule/Calendar

  • What will the school schedule look like for 2020-2021?
    • We still plan to begin and end the school year per the school calendar.  We may be making adjustments within the school year to maximize 5-day weeks and ensure teachers and staff have enough prep time at the beginning of the year.   
  • What is the difference between the 5-day plan and the 2-day plan?
    • The 5-day plan involves all students at a grade level or school to be in the building at one time.  The 2-day plan is one recommended by DPI in which half of the students come on Monday/Tuesday and the other half come on Thursday/Friday.  Wednesday would be a virtual learning day with deep cleaning.   Both plans involve extensive sanitization procedures and measures (including face coverings, physical distancing, and hand washing).  The plan that we implement will depend on several factors, including the amount of space in each school, the amount of movement between classes, and local COVID conditions.  
  • What will the Year-Round academic calendar look like?
    • For 2020-21, the year-round calendar will not change. Year-round students will begin school on September 1st. 
  • Is the school day going to be shortened?
    • We are currently looking at options to shorten the school day by up to 90 minutes. This would allow time to connect with students who are learning virtually and provide added time for cleaning and sanitation.

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School Specific Questions

Herrman Elementary

  • Will we be able to tour the Herrman Elementary building? 
    • We would like to be able to offer tours.  We will monitor the status of the virus as we get closer to the start of the school year to determine if tours will be possible.  

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Meadowview Middle School

  • Is there a timeline for when Middle School schedules will be sent out?
    • At this time not yet.  Once we have a better idea of the school day schedule and electives we will begin to work on scheduling. 
  • Regarding middle school students, will the same group of students remain in one classroom for all subjects, limiting movement to only teachers?
    • Yes, that is the plan to the degree that we can do so.

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Montessori / High Point

  • Will Montessori and High Point students who choose the Sparta Virtual Learning Academy be taught by Montessori and High Point teachers?
    • That is the plan.  
  • What will Montessori hands-on learning look like?
    • Students may not work with the same hands-on items at the same time.  These items will have to be cleaned in between uses.

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Sparta High School

  • Will high school be staying in one classroom for the duration of the day?
    • No.  One of the reasons that we are planning on having high school students attend fewer days is so that they can move among classrooms.  As our planning continues, we will work to minimize movement throughout the building as much as possible.  
  • How will sanitizing at Sparta High School look? 
    • Hand sanitizers will be available when you enter every class. We are looking to put some personal responsibility on students to wipe down their own surfaces. 
  • Will physical education credits be required?
    • We do not have a definitive answer on this item yet.  We are looking at maximizing both indoor and outdoor spaces to offer as many classes as we safely can. 
  • What will In-Building Learning look like at SHS?  My children want to be sure they will be able to take the classes they want and have subject-specific teachers (not “grad group” all day). 
    • Students will NOT be in their “grad group” all day.  We are working to make the high school experience as familiar as possible, including being taught by highly qualified teachers in their respective subject areas.
  • Why is Sparta High School planning to go 2 days per week, while all other grades are planning to go 5 days per week?  
    • First, know that these plans are subject to change, and we are planning in a manner to be able to flex to as much in-building learning as we can based on local COVID conditions.  The basic thinking is that in those grades where we can keep students largely in one classroom for all or most of the day, we can bring in more students.  At the high school level, students are more divergent in their interest areas and learning pursuits, and they need to have access to specialized spaces and equipment for that learning, at least some of the time.  The trade off for going two days per week (either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday) is that students will have more access to more spaces during their time in the building. 

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School Supply Lists

  • When will all school supply lists be posted?
    • All lists will be posted by Wednesday, July 29.

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Sparta Virtual Learning Academy

Comparison of Sparta Virtual Learning Academy and In-Building Learning

  • What will Sparta Virtual Learning Academy be like?
    • Sparta Virtual Learning Academy will include regular teacher contact (virtually), including time for individual questions and help, attendance requirements for students, as well as grading and feedback.  We will be providing additional information in the coming days and weeks.
  • Will there be a daily schedule for students or will it be more work at your own pace? 
    • Scheduling will depend on grade level and/or class.  There will likely be scheduled “live” class times and in-person one-on-one or small group meetings.  We anticipate a mix of a daily schedule as well as some flexibility in terms of when, where, and at what pace students learn.  More information to come.
  • If a Charter School student chooses the Sparta Virtual Learning Academy, will their seat at their Charter School be saved for when they return? 
    • If a student chooses Sparta Virtual Learning Academy, they will still be enrolled in their charter school.  Sparta Virtual Learning Academy is a program, not a school.  However, if a student enrolls virtually out-of-district, the charter seat is forfeited.  
  • Will my student still receive extra help in reading and math in the Virtual Academy like they do currently? 
    • Yes.
  • Can students who are split custody attend the Virtual Academy if they are away from the district while at the other parent’s house? 
    • Yes.
  • Will students need to provide their own technology or will it be supplied through the school? 
    • SASD will supply the iPad or Chromebook devices. 

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Special Education/ IEPs

  • How will the district adhere to IEPs?
    • Special education services will continue to be provided based on disability related needs, goals, and objectives in the least restrictive environment.  Special education services will continue regardless of the learning environment.  IEP team meetings may occur on an individual basis to determine how specific services may be offered with the additional procedures in place.
  • How will IEPs continue to provide services to students?
    • The district will continue to provide all special education services written in the IEP; however, these may look different based on the COVID-19 Compass.  Specialized instruction and related services will be provided based on the IEP regardless of the learning environment.
  • How will IEP Therapies be provided?
    • Therapies will continue to be provided as they have in the past; however, they may be provided in a different learning format based on the COVID-19 Compass. This means there may be additional PPE (e.g. plexiglass barrier for speech services or a face shield and face covering for occupational therapy/physical therapy) or in a virtual format. The IEP team will work collaboratively to determine the best mode of services for each child.

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Students Showing Symptoms

  • Do students who experience long-term allergy symptoms like cough and runny nose need to be kept at home?
    • This depends on the symptoms that the student has. We are seeking additional guidance from the health department regarding known conditions and their typical symptoms.  Where this is likely to become more complicated is when typical symptoms mimic COVID symptoms, like chronic, unproductive cough.  For these cases, we will review on a case-by-case basis.

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Substitutes

  • What is the status of substitute teachers?  
    • This is one of the items that SASD and all districts are working through as we plan for a return to school. As a general rule, we are working to minimize the exposure of teachers in multiple buildings, especially on the same day (goes for traveling teachers as well).

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Technology 

  • Will every student have a device to use at home?
    • Yes.  All students grades PreK - 12 will be assigned a device.  They will use that device in school and at home.  
  • Why do we use iPads for younger students vs. Chromebooks?  Will parents have a way to limit the use of “fun” apps on their child’s iPad?
    • iPads offer a variety of ways for younger students to show their learning. The Director of Teaching and Learning and the technology department will work with teachers to determine which apps are needed at each grade level for engaging learning opportunities.  
  • Will Zoom and other apps necessary for virtual learning be pre-loaded on the iPads and Chromebooks? 
    • Yes, we are planning for all students to have a device with all of the necessary apps.    

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Virtual Learning (As related to both In-Building students and Sparta Virtual Learning Academy students)

  • What will virtual learning look like? 
    • While we don’t know all the details yet, we do know that there will be more accountability then there was in the spring. We also know that we will have tools for teachers to record lessons and provide them to all students.
  • Will students face an attendance deduction for virtual learning? 
    • No; however, there will be attendance and completion expectations, which could result in a deduction if not met.  The virtual instruction per se will not result in an attendance deduction. 
  • Will online learning be available for the year regardless of COVID-19 status? 
    • Yes.
  • Will the district limit the number of apps needed for assignments? 
    • The district is currently working with teachers to create a cohesive plan for implementing lessons within the district learning management systems.  The district will evaluate which apps will be available for engaging learning opportunities.

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Concern or question?

Student and staff safety is our top priority. If you have a question, concern or comment about any health or safety issue, please let us know.

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