Wolf Creek Local School District

Wolf Creek Local Schools Douglas A. Baldwin, Superintendent PO Box 67 Waterford, Ohio 45786 (740) 984-2373 Fax (740) 984-4420 September 2, 2021 Students, Parents, and Community, I hope this memo finds you safe and healthy. It has been a very challenging start to a new school year. The latest surge of Coronavirus has hit Wolf Creek Schools very quickly. We have been open for in person instruction for only 7 days and have had several staff either test positive, quarantined with symptoms, 5 students test positive and over 47 students quarantined. It is our goal to keep school open for in person learning, students able to attend and avoid quarantine while making the school year as normal as possible. The current trend of covid cases does not allow us to meet those goals if we do not make a change at this point. Beginning Tuesday September 7, 2021, all students and staff will be required to wear masks when inside the buildings, along with the continued requirement on school buses. This decision is being made to help reduce the number of students or staff who need to be quarantined as a result of being a close contact. Based on the guidance we have received from the Ohio Department of Health is that a student does not need to be quarantined (if all parties were masked when in close contact with a positive case) unless they are displaying symptoms. Under the guidance we received from the Ohio Department of Health there are only two ways to avoid quarantine, if they are being masked or vaccinated. We are HIghly recommending anyone attending indoor activities wear a mask to help reduce the spread. We continue to follow the cleaning protocols we have followed throughout the pandemic. If the surge of Covid cases continues we will be forced to implement other mitigation measures. The measure of mandating masks on September 7th will be re-evaluated in two weeks. If the trend of covid cases and quarantine of staff/students reduces we will then alter our plan for masks. The decision to require masks is not an easy one, however, if the current infectious and quarantine rates continue to grow we may have to change how we deliver instruction and avoid a possible shut down for a period of time. We are asking parents to screen their children before sending them to school. Staff members and students need to assess their health each day before attending school. If they are not feeling well or have a fever, it is recommended that they stay home and do not attend. They will need to monitor their symptoms. Reminder, that some symptoms of COVID-19 are - fever above 100 degrees, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. In closing, I want to thank you for your support of our schools and assistance in this matter. It is very important we are able to continue in person learning for the students of Wolf Creek Local Schools. Sincerely, Douglas A. Baldwin

Reminder that Tomorrow September 1 will be a scheduled early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed at 12:50 at the Elementary and at 1:00 at the High School.

August 16, 2021 COVID-19 Health Guidelines for Students, Staff and Families for the 2021-2022 School Year Wolf Creek Local Schools continues to collaborate with the local health department and to follow their recommendations as we respond to the COVID-19 health pandemic. It is very important to Wolf Creek Local that we keep our doors open and our students learning in an in-person environment. It is important that our community and families understand the guidelines and mandates from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) change frequently so information released may be updated regularly. We had a successful 2020-2021 school year thanks to the efforts by the staff and our families for assisting in keeping everyone safe so that we could remain in session. We will work with all of you to safely continue to have in-person learning this school year. We appreciate your trust in our school system to continue to support the student needs in a safe manner. Prevention Measures: ODH advocates for many preventative measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Regular hand washing and sanitation. Students and staff will be encouraged to frequently wash and sanitize their hands. Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms as well as in all common areas, including the buses. Increased Cleaning of school facilities. All classrooms and common areas will be disinfected daily. Water Bottles - Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to use throughout the school day. There are bottle fillers available in both buildings. Wearing Masks - The Ohio Department of Health is recommending that all students and staff wear a mask indoors. This WILL NOT be required in any of our school facilities. This is a family decision. However, the CDC continues to mandate all passengers on public transportation, which nationally includes school buses, wear masks. All students who are taking advantage of our school transportation, either to school or an extracurricular event, will be required to wear a mask while on the bus. Vaccinations: The Ohio Department of Health recommends that Ohioans 12 years and older receive a COVID vaccination as a strategy to end the pandemic. Vaccinations are not required and continue to be a family decision. The school will not ask an individual’s vaccination status, unless they are included in contact tracing. Social Distancing: The Washington County Health Department recommends at least 3 feet or more of social distancing in a school setting. Health Screenings: Staff members and students need to assess their health each day before attending school. If they are not feeling well or have a fever, it is recommended that they stay home and do not attend. They will need to monitor their symptoms. Reminder that some symptoms of COVID-19 are - fever above 100 degrees, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Protocol for Quarantine: Last school year, Wolf Creek Local Schools did not experience a high rate of COVID-19 cases. The district will follow the recommendations of the Ohio Department of Health and the Washington County Health Department regarding quarantine. If a Staff or Student Tests Positive for COVID-19: Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should follow standard isolation procedures, which currently is 10 days from the date of a positive date. Contact to the school nurse should be made as soon as possible when a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 so that up to date guidance can be provided and contact tracing can be completed. After Exposure in K-12 School Setting: Attached is a current flowchart outlining protocol for quarantine when a student or staff member is exposed in a K-12 School Setting. The District will be using the 3 foot distance advice to determine close contacts. If a staff member or student is exposed while at school, notification and guidance will be provided by the school. After Exposure in the Community: If a student or a staff member is exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, follow the same attached guidelines for contact tracing and contact the school nurse for guidance. This is not a conclusive list and is subject to change at any time as further guidance is given. Our number one priority is to keep the students and staff safe. Sincerely, Douglas A. Baldwin, Superintendent

There was a misprint in today's Marietta Times - Wolf Creek Local will start school on Wednesday August 25th with a normal school day. The Elementary School will be in operation 7:50-2:50 and the High School will be in operation from 7:40-3:00. We are excited to welcome the students back.

Elementary Girls—3rd - 6th grade girls basketball sign ups will be Thursday July 29 from 6-7:30pm at the high school gym. Contact Jennifer Heiss 740-525-6257 if unable to attend. All girls must be registered by Monday, August 2nd.

3rd - 6th grade girls basketball sign ups will be Thursday July 29 from 6-7:30pm at the high school gym. Contact Jennifer Heiss 740-525-6257 if unable to attend. All girls must be registered by Monday, August 2nd.

3rd - 6th grade girls basketball sign ups will be Thursday July 29 from 6-7:30pm at the high school gym. Contact Jennifer Heiss 740-525-6257 if unable to attend. All girls must be registered by Monday, August 2nd.

Please enjoy the 2021 Spring Concerts. https://youtu.be/t_NQtpJDYIQ

May 11, 2021 Parents and Community Members, We are pleased to share that an arrest has been made in the school threat case. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department has worked tirelessly to solve and find the individual who has been making threats to Wolf Creek Local School and other schools in the area. As a result of the recent arrest, we will be having regular school tomorrow on Wednesday. Field Trips that were scheduled will take place. We have requested the presence of the Washington County Sheriff's Department around the school to ensure the safety of staff and students. In addition, we will have access to the Washington County Crisis team, counselors, and school psychologist for anyone who needs their services. Thank you all for your continued support. These events have shown how special our community is, especially for the continued support. Go Cats! Douglas A. Baldwin

May 7, 2021 As many of you are aware, we have had a couple of situations in the last couple of days. First I would like to thank the staff in both buildings for the excellent job they have done in keeping the students safe and calm in this stressful time. I would also like to thank the community for their support during these events. On May 6th, the High School received a phone call that there was a bomb in the building. Both buildings were evacuated at this time. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department was quickly on site and received support from the following units - The Ohio University Police Department, The City of Marietta Police Department, The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. These agencies were on site and cleared the buildings in a timely manner. On May 7th, the High School received another phone call that there was a bomb in the building. Again the above agencies were on site and cleared the facilities. After the buildings were cleared and considered safe, an additional call came in that there was a shooter on campus and then a second immediate call that there was a bomb about to go off. At this time, the decision was to lockdown the building. These agencies were still in the area and were immediately back on site. At this time the decision was made to keep the students safe in the building as the building was deemed safe. As there were additional calls coming in, it was decided to send the students home as there was uncertainty of the future of the day. The bus drivers did an excellent job in assisting in transporting the students safely. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is currently working on this case and will update as events unfold. There will be crisis counselors in the buildings on Monday to work with students who would like to talk to them regarding the events of the past two days. Please advise your children to ask their teacher to talk to someone if there is a need. Also, please contact the school if you would like to have your student meet with a counselor to discuss the events. All events that are scheduled for this weekend will take place as scheduled. Sincerely, Douglas A. Baldwin

All students have been placed on the bus, picked up and are enroute to their evening destination. They were not permitted to bring anything home tonight as they was not permitted in either building. I want to thank the Wolf Creek Community for support today. I also want thank our students and staff for their cooperation during today's events. Both the high school and the elementary schools have been cleared by law enforcement in order to make our schools safe for Friday.

Wolf Creek Local received a bomb threat around 1:40. All students have been removed from buildings. Washington County Sheriffs office is on site. We will notify you as things develop. Please do not call the school or arrive to pick up students at this time

Tickets Still Available - Lady Wildcat State Tournament Ticket information - Tickets are sold online only for $16 - price includes parking. There are a limited number of tickets available. Visit the OHSAA website and click on TICKETS. You will need the code - ZVJN44. This code can be used multiple times, with 4 ticket max per transaction. The remaining tickets will be grouped with those from McDonald and available to the general public at noon on Wednesday. Go to the OHSAA website and click on tickets. These are reserved seats. University of Dayton is a cashless campus. More information will be released later this week. GO CATS!!!

Lady Wildcat State Tournament Ticket information - Tickets are sold online only for $16 - price includes parking. There are a limited number of tickets available. Visit the OHSAA website and click on TICKETS. You will need the code - ZVJN44. This code can be used multiple times, with 4 ticket max per transaction. University of Dayton is a cashless campus. More information will be released later this week. GO CATS!!!

The Girls Basketball team qualified for the State Tournament on Thursday March 11, 2021. Wolf Creek schools will be closed for in person learning. We will make Thursday a Virtual Learning Day. No buses will be running on that day.

Some news on the girls basketball tickets for today. All 250 tickets have been bought. We are officially sold out of tickets. I will not be posting the code and I will not be at the Cooper at noon today. We will be streaming the game on the Waterford Wildcat Athletics Facebook page.

The Wolf Creek Board of Education will hold their monthly regular meeting on March 08, 2021. The meeting will be held in the High School Library and will begin at 7:30 pm.

The girls basketball team advanced to the regional finals with a win over Newark Catholic last night. They will play Peebles tomorrow night at 7:00 PM at Southeastern in Chillicothe. With the governor increasing inside venue capacity to 25%, we will be allowed 250 tickets. I will posting the code for tickets tomorrow at noon. The code will allow you to purchase 2 tickets at a time. If anyone needs help, I will be in the Cooper commons from noon to 2:30 tomorrow.

Reminder - Tomorrow, March 3rd, is a scheduled 2 hour early dismissal. School will dismiss at 1:00 for students.

Wolf Creek Local will be closed Thursday February 18, 2021 Today will be a remote learning day.