Lena Votes To Continue Mandatory Mask RulesIssue Date: November 25, 2020 At the Lena School board meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, Administrator/Elementary Principal Ben Pytleski gave updates on COVID-19 effects throughout the district. He said the district is low on substitute teachers, "..but we are making it work."
Classes remain in session, and masks remain the rule. With Gov. Tony Evers' mandatory mask rule set to expire on Friday, Nov. 20 the board had some discussion on whether or not to continue the district-wide mask policy. Motion was made by David McNurlen, seconded by Timothy Goldschmidt and approved by split vote to continue the wearing of masks, district wide, until further notice for the safety of the students as presented. Voting in favor were McNurlen, Goldschmidt, Charles Imig, and Board President Lori Dufek. Ed Huberty cast the sole opposing vote.
There was discussion but no action on keeping the winter spectator limit at two per athlete and coach.
Athletic competition continues, subject to Covid rules. According to the Athletic Director report, the Lena Football Team won its final five games of the season, including their COVID Pod Championship game on Friday, Nov. 13, with a 26-8 win over Wausaukee. Varsity played every week of the season.
The Volleyball team won the first round Regional game at home over Marion and completed six of the eight dual events scheduled. All triangular and invitational events were canceled. The board was advised this was Lena's only fall varsity sport that did not complete its full schedule.
Cross-Country completed all scheduled events and was able to host WIAA Sub-Sectionals.
The Middle School boys' basketball season has started and three games have been completed. The board was told that masks do not seem to be a major distraction once the live game action starts, but they have been more of an issue in practice.
High School girls' basketball started practice that week, while high school boys' basketball and high school wrestling practices were to start the week of Nov. 23.
The High School Wrestling schedule was adjusted to meet the one dual match per week requirement from the WIAA. "We were fortunate to find quality teams to match up with for duals, and have 5 of the 6 duals at home," the Athletic Director report stated.
According to the report, while NFHS Live Streaming is a subscription service for sports, Lena does have the ability to stream school events like Holiday Concerts, Veteran's Day, Graduation, etc., that are available free viewing.
By unanimous votes the board approved elementary tutoring contracts for 2020-2021 as presented and Junior High Boys Basketball contract for the 2020-2021 school year for Jeff Heimke as presented.
A long list of new and amended board policies was presented for first readings, which means adoption will be expected at the next board meeting. There are proposed policies and policy revisions related to almost all facets of school governance, including special updates put in place from march through May of 2020. Among them are policies governing time and effort reporting, epidemics and pandemics and control of casual contact for communicable diseases, sexual non-discrimination, attendance, unrequested leaves of absence and fitness for duty, patient protection and the affordable care act, reading instructional goals, kindergarten assessment, the Start College NOW program, outside activities of staff, homebound instruction and more.
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