Our first home volleyball game is tomorrow September 16th. We have a maximum seating allowance of 60 total. This includes seating for the visiting team. Only direct family members living with the player are allowed to attend due to WVSSAC rules. If we go over 60 we will need to turn people away at the door. Everyone in attendance must wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Limited concessions will be available during the event. Please contact the school with questions.
Update on food bags:
Starting tomorrow (September 10) at Vandy our cooks will be preparing food bags for all of our students. These food bags can be picked up by any student at the end of the day as they walk out of the building. They are available for all students and are free.
This is a reminder that the 2020-2021 school year will begin on Tuesday, September 8th for students with last names beginning with L-Z. On Wednesday, September 9th, students with last names A-K will report to school. Due to Monday being Labor Day, students with last names A-K will report Friday, September 11th as well. Please visit the Wood County Schools website, and then click “2020-2021 Re-entry Summarization” for more details. Our re-entry schedule has not changed since being published. Students will attend school on a Blended-Model of instruction for 3 weeks, which is our Yellow Schedule, or until proper procedures, protocols, and new standards have been taught and implemented.
Also, please do not confuse yourself with the WVDE color-coded map. The map is used as one of many tools to drive local decisions for our school system. As mentioned in previous communications, we will closely monitor the data each day to make well-informed and deliberate decisions, while keeping safety as the top priority for our students and employees.
Over the last six months, we have worked diligently and methodically to create a well-rounded plan for re-entry. I’m sure we have not thought about every issue that may arise - please be patient as we work through making adjustments, changing protocols or procedures, and seeking feedback from our stakeholders to make this school year a great success.
Although not a requirement, I am asking each student to bring their own mask and bottle of water on the first day of school. This will help expedite first day procedures and practices for our schools as they begin teaching expected behaviors for the year. Students will receive a Wood County mask on the first day and will be expected to possess and use it on a continual basis as we navigate through a new normal for our school system.
We are so excited to see your children in our schools once again. We have greatly missed their presence the last six months. As always, make sure to Wear a mask, Watch your distance, and Wash your hands. To view our first WCS Newsletter, please click https://tinyurl.com/yxbaddej
Have a safe and wonderful Holiday weekend.
Important Notes about the opening of school:
All Students will enter door 21 which is located by the main parking lot at the side of the building.
Students will receive their schedules on their first day of school.
A staff member will direct each grade level where to go when they enter the building.
Social Distancing will be maintained. Designated areas are marked in our gym and cafeteria which will help keep students stay 6 feet apart.
Masks will be required by all students and staff in the school building. Students can wear their own masks. A mask will be provided to each student as the enter the school building on their first day of school.
No outside food or drink will be allowed into the building. Students are allowed to bring a cold lunch and a water bottle. Students cannot eat food from their cold lunch until their assigned lunch period. No sharing of items from their cold lunch with others. Water bottles can be kept with students during the day and will be allowed to be refilled at designated times. Water is the only thing permitted to be in the water bottle.
Deliveries to students will not be permitted. This includes food deliveries and gift deliveries. We do understand that student forget items from time to time. Essential items can be dropped off but must be done through the main office.
iPads are to be brought to school every day the student is assigned to attend. Please make sure that the iPad is charged so it can be immediately used when coming to school.
Students should not be using their iPads in the hallways when they are transitioning from class to class. They are a distraction in the hallways and may cause students to bump into each other which is an issue when we are trying to maintain social distancing.
Backpacks are allowed but will need to be placed in lockers prior to going to the students first class.
Zip up binders are permitted to be carried with students throughout the day. Students should not keep their iPads in their zip up binders as it has been known to damage the iPads. We want to prevent damage to iPads as this will be the main tool students use in their education.
Cell phones, Smart Watches and other devices will not be allowed during the school day. These devices should be left in lockers. The only device a student should have is their county assigned iPad.
Breakfast will be served to all students during their first class.
Remember no outside food or drink are allowed in the building other than their cold lunch and water bottle.
Each grade level will have a different lunch period.
Only essential visitors will be allowed into the school building. Visitors will be screened and sent to a designated area. Visitors must wear a face covering and they will not be allowed in the school’s common areas such as the lunch room, gym or classrooms.
Our 6th Grade teachers will be having an orientation for the new 6th graders to help them know where they need to go and what they need to do on their first day.
Good evening,
Each Sunday evening, from this day forward, I will provide all stakeholders an update from the WVDHHR and WVDE Covid-19 metrics data for Wood County. The metics data will be used to govern activities and other requirements in our school system for the upcoming week. This week, Wood County has a 2.74 average seven day trend, which includes 16 probable and confirmed positive cases the last seven days. We will continue to analyze the data of the metrics, and make necessary adjustments on protocols and procedures in our schools based on current trends. For the upcoming week of August 31, Wood County is “Green” on the metrics; therefore, all co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are allowed to participate. However, three counties in WV - Kanawha, Monroe, and Logan are orange or red in the metrics and will not be allowed to participate in any activities this week. As you can see, this is a community driven metrics, which has serious implications for our school system. Please do your part and encourage others on the 3 W’s to help our students return in-person to our schools - Wear a mask, Watch your distance, and Wash your hands. Once again, please download our mobile app on our website and continually check the “News” feed to stay up to date on what is happening in our schools. Keep up the great work. Have a great evening.
Reminder - Ipad rollout begins Monday, August 31 at 9:00 a.m. For more information, please visit the "News" section on our website or click the following link. https://tinyurl.com/y6y43bj4
Reminder - Ipad rollout begins Monday, August 31 at 9:00 a.m. For more information, please visit the "News" section on our website or click the following link. https://tinyurl.com/y6y43bj4
Important Information-VIRTUAL SCHOOL & BRICK AND MORTAR SCHOOL
Virtual Schools Registration is now CLOSED. If you would like to get on the waiting list, please contact Shelia Belcher at the Wood County Board of Education (304-420-9670 extension 140). Please remember that if you choose to do virtual school, you need a reliable internet connection. Virtual School students will not be coming to the building at all unless your child wants to participate in choir or band. They have the option to attend choir or band in person but would need to be transported to and from school by a parent or guardian. They would attend these classes only on the scheduled days during the scheduled class times (Monday/Wednesday students with the last names A-K or Tuesday/ Thursday for students with the last names L-Z). Please call the school if you are a virtual student and want to attend choir or band in person. Please remember, Virtual School requires high student motivation, organization and parent involvement.
We would love to answer any questions you may have about sending your child to Vandy or keeping them at home to do virtual school. Please remember virtual school is a computer based program on the grade level of the student. There will not be a “live” teacher teaching your child. Your child will be expected to spend several hours a day working on assignments.
Students not doing virtual school, will be coming to school two days per week and will be given assignments to do at home on the days they are not here at Vandy.
This is a very difficult decision to make as a parent or guardian and we want you to choose the best option for you and your family. Please contact the school if you change your mind about being a virtual student or you are a virtual student and want to attend choir or band in person.
We are here to help!
Mr. Echard
Assistant Principal
Kwechard@k12.wv.us
Back to School Schedule - Code Yellow - Tuesday, Sept. 8 and Thursday, Sept. 10 students with last names L-Z attend school in person----- Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Friday, Sept. 11 students with last names A-K attend school in person. When students do not attend school in person, our new Schoology platform will be utilized to engage students. Due to September 7 being a holiday, we have modified the schedule for the first week of school to accommodate students with last names A-K on Friday, September 11. For more information, please visit the Wood County Schools website, or click https://tinyurl.com/yy9mmrxv for the schedule summary.
Attention Brick and Mortar Parents/Guardians/Students:
Please contact the school if you have children with different last names in your home and you would like them to attend school on the same days when we are on Code Yellow.
Students with last names A-K attend live classes on Monday and Wednesday.
Students with last names L-Z attend live classes on Tuesday and Thursday.
Reminder - On Monday, August 24-September 3, Wood County Schools will be providing breakfast and lunch for all students. Meals can be picked up each day from your student's home school. All meals must be pre-ordered starting today, August 19th at 9:00 a.m. through Friday, August 21 at 12:00 p.m. Please visit www.woodcountyschoolswv.com , then click menu and wellness to complete the form. You can also find the meal flyer under the "News" feed or https://5il.co/jmzy
Attention Virtual School Students and Parents:
We are currently inputting virtual school schedules. Some students have requested band or choir as one of their classes. Band and Choir are not offered as virtual classes. Students have the option of attending band or Choir at Vandy as a normal class. This would require the parent/guardian to provide transportation to and from the school each day they are scheduled for the class as we are unable to provide transportation. Please contact the school if your child will attend regular band or choir so we can plan accordingly.
Football practice will be from 8-11am on Tuesday, August 18.
Afternoon practices begin August 19 from 330-600.
We are still searching for a Volleyball coach. Until we have one we will holding an open gym for interested Volleyball players. Open gym will start today Monday August 17th from 1pm-3pm in the Vandy Gym. All players must have a WVSSAC physical on file to participate.
All VMS Fall Sports start on August 17th.
Each student must have a WVSSAC sports physical on file with the office or turn it into the coach at the start of practice/clinic/tryout in order to participate. The form can be picked up at the school or it can printed off from the WVSSAC website.
Football first practice will take place at Vandevender Middle School on August 17th from 8-11am. After August 17, practices will be at Vandy from 4-6pm. Any questions, please call the school at 304-420-9645 and ask for Coach Dennis Craig.
Vandy tennis practice will be from 4:00pm-5:00pm starting Monday, August 17th. Practices will be held Monday-Friday at the City Park tennis courts. Student athletes should bring a tennis racket and water. Student athletes should also bring a mask to wear for when they are not playing as there will be two other schools practicing at that time.
Vandy Cheer clinic will be August 17th from 9:00 am-11:00 am. Cheer tryouts will be August 17th from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm. The Cheer mandatory parent meeting will be August 17th from 7:30 pm-8:00 pm.
Volleyball is currently on hold as we do not have a coach. We will update you as soon as we do.
Please contact the school with any questions.
In preparation of the Wood County Schools iPad distribution on August 31 - September 3, please take time to review the student acceptable use policy(AUP). This will help expedite the iPad distribution process at our schools. For the K-2 AUP, click https://5il.co/hx3i For the 3-12 AUP, click https://5il.co/hx3h
As a reminder, the iPad rollout schedule is as follows:
Wood County Schools will provide iPads to students in grades Kindergarten – 12. IPads will be
distributed August 31 – September 3; parents/guardians must accompany students to pick up iPads
from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, following this schedule:
August 31: Students with last names A-K
September 1: Students with last names L-Z
September 2: Students with last names A-K
September 3: Students with last names L-Z
Both the parent/guardian and student must sign/agree to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) agreement before the iPad can be taken home. Students who do not pick up an iPad August 31 – September 3 will be assigned an iPad on September 8 or September 9; however, the iPad will not be able to be taken home until both the student and parent/guardian signs the AUP.
Technology Update: Wood County Schools will provide iPads to students in grades Kindergarten – 12. IPads will be distributed August 31 – September 3; parents/guardians must accompany students to pick up iPads from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, following this schedule:
August 31: Students with last names A-K
September 1: Students with last names L-Z,
September 2: Students with last names A-K,
September 3: Students with last names L-Z.
Parents must accompany students to pick up an iPad at the school in which the students are enrolled. Both the parent/guardian and student must sign/agree to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) agreement before the iPad can be taken home.
Students who do not pick up an iPad August 31 – September 3 will be assigned an iPad on September 8 or September 9; however, the iPad will not be able to be taken home until both the student and parent/guardian signs the AUP.
Technology Update - Wood County Schools will provide iPads to students in grades Kindergarten – 12. IPads will be distributed August 31 – September 3; parents/guardians must accompany students to pick up iPads from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, following this schedule:
August 31: Students with last names A-K
September 1: Students with last names L-Z
September 2: Students with last names A-K
September 3: Students with last names L-Z
Parents must accompany students to pick up an iPad at the school in which the students are enrolled. Both the parent/guardian and student must sign/agree to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) agreement before the iPad can be taken home.
Students who do not pick up an iPad August 31 – September 3 will be assigned an iPad on September 8 or September 9; however, the iPad will not be able to be taken home until both the student and parent/guardian signs the AUP.
We are currently scheduling all grades at Vandy. We only received a limited number of schedules in the Spring due to COVID-19. Please note that some of the electives have changed. All students are asked to fill out the schedule request form for their grade level which can be located on our school website https://www.woodcountyschoolswv.com/o/vdm under the news tab or by visiting our school Facebook page Vandy Blue Devils. Please share with classmates and parents. If you would like to fill out a paper form then you can do so by visiting the school. You can also call the school and we can review choices with you over the phone. Please contact Mr. Echard if you have any questions.
Good morning, last evening the Wood County BOE approved the revised 2020-2021 school calendar. The calendar can be found on our website at woodcountyschoolswv.com then click "menu" then "COVID -19". Also, the WCBOE approved our draft re-entry to school plan, which is subject to change as new guidelines are being established each day. The draft re-entry plan can be found on our website in the "News" feed. Please take time to review the re-entry plan and provide feedback so changes can be considered. As of tonight, Wood County Schools will begin school September 8 in the "yellow" phase and will continue in "yellow" for the first three (3) weeks. On September 21/22, after analyzing community data related to COVID-19, we will make an informed decision to hopefully go "green" (5 days) beginning Monday, September 28. Please continue to follow all safety protocols to help our school system return to normal as quickly as possible. Stay safe and healthy. Have a great day.