The LCO Ojibwe School Director Jessica "Hutch" Hutchison sent a letter to parents on August 20, informing them the school has decided to go completely virtual at the start of the school year on September 1st, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hutch said the changes will remain in effect until September 21st.
"Thank you in advance for the patience and support you have already shown us through your completion of enrollment and re-enrollment paperwork. We understand that trying to make the best choice for your son or daughter this year has been difficult in all cases and oftentimes agonizing," Hutch stated in the letter.
"As you are already aware the presence of COVID-19 in our community is increasing by the day. The good news is that at the moment, the prevalence in the Lac Courte Oreilles Community is not at the critical level being faced by the rest of Sawyer County. In order to prevent the chance of greater 'community spread', and under the guidance and recommendation of the Lac Courte Oreilles School Board and the Sawyer County Public Health Department, we have made the difficult decision to modify the start of the school year once again, now to a completely virtual start to the year on September 1st," the letter continued.
There are a series of Meet the Teacher sessions scheduled to allow parents and guardians to check out necessary equipment. Hutch said it is important that parents attend these sessions to begin a complete distance learning mode.
"There are many questions to answer with regard to technology, scheduling, food service and other support that are being worked through. The information to best meet the needs of our students on a continuing level will be forthcoming in the next week," Hutch stated. "My hope is that as a school and community we will pull together to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and take control of our own safety. Please continue to follow CDC and public health guidance and to practice social distancing, so we can once again return our students to in person learning. Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility during this difficult time and know that our thoughts are with you and your families."
