Hello SDMA Families and Staff,

Thank you so much for all of your patience and support as the School District of the Menomonie Area has transitioned into a remote learning environment during this unprecedented school closure. 

Today I am happy to report that our teachers have made some tremendous progress in providing learning opportunities for all students in the SDMA. We are also very proud of the efforts SDMA staff members have made to provide student check-ins, balanced enrichment activities, suggested daily schedules, Free Meals for Kids, approximately 400 chromebook pickups for elementary students, and controlled access to school buildings for students who needed to pick up medications, band instruments, and other personal belongings. Whew......it has been quite a blur in the SDMA over the past few weeks!

Despite several kind compliments and many success stories, we fully understand that this is still a work in progress and that many students and families in the SDMA are working through some very challenging times. A number of special duty assignments have been made over the past week to provide additional support for students, and we are encouraging continued feedback from students and families. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your teachers, building principals, or me as needed. We want to continue doing what we can to provide great school services in our community.

Please also know that it is natural for parents to be concerned about the possibility of lost learning and other school-related opportunities for students. It was heartbreaking to cancel prom and field trips this spring, it is looking like spring sports and concerts will probably not happen this year, and it is likely that we will need to get creative with this year's graduation ceremony. Plans for summer school are still unclear at this point, but we will be sure to provide whatever services we can based on what is directed from the state. There are still many unknowns and unanswered questions about the future, but please know that the SDMA will do our best to achieve our mission of preparing ALL students to become lifelong learners, caring individuals, and responsible citizens.

Tonight the school board will be holding its required April school board meeting in a virtual format. Information about meeting access is listed on the posted agenda. As you can see from the agenda, we are still working hard to finish this school year on a good note while doing everything we can to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year. A report about the district's efforts during this school closure will be shared tonight with the Board during the Board Member/Superintendent Communications agenda item. A copy of the report is attached for your convenience.

While the Administrative Service Center will be open for members of the public, for the health and safety of everyone in our community it is recommended that any community members interested in monitoring the meeting take advantage of the remote access options if possible. The easiest way for members of the public to listen in on the meeting is to call in at: 285-826-150.

That is it for today.  I wish each of our students, staff members, and families a good and healthy week.

Yours truly,

Joe Zydowsky