Dear parents and caregivers,

I hope you all had a chance to rest and rejuvenate over the winter break with family and friends.  Although cold, it was great to get outside and feel the sun on my face and hear the crunch of the snow beneath my feet. 

Here we are at the beginning of a new year with the promise of all kinds of possibilities ahead. As we prepare to welcome students into our schools tomorrow, we are mindful that respiratory season is predicted to peak this month.  SD6 will continue with its cleaning protocols but would like to remind and encourage families to follow these key prevention strategies:

1. Get immunized for both COVID-19 and influenza.
2. Stay home when sick. 
3. Wash hands often.  Before eating, after coughing and sneezing, and when transitioning a group to an activity.
4. Go outside more during respiratory illness season.

The District will continue to respect individuals' decisions to wear a mask, when they choose, as an added layer of protection.

We know that there are many exciting activities planned for this winter – skiing, basketball tournaments, outdoor field trips, school-wide events – and look forward to SD6 students having the opportunity to participate in these memorable experiences.

I wish all students and their families a happy and healthy New Year. 

Karen Shipka, Superintendent