WISCONSIN— The 2021-22 school year is just around the corner— or, in some cases, already here.
We rounded up what you need to know for fall if you live in Milwaukee, Madison, Kenosha, Racine, Green Bay, Appleton, Waukesha, Eau Claire, Janesville or Sheboygan. Plus, where to find other districts' policies and re-opening plans.
1. Milwaukee
All Milwaukee Public Schools will be open for in-person learning, five days a week. However, virtual options are being offered. While in school buildings and buses, everyone will be required to mask up. However, when outside, or eating and drinking, masks may be removed.
Additionally, "high-contact areas" at MPS schools will be cleaned during the day. Classrooms and common areas will have HEPA filters. Students and staff are being asked to maintain three-feet of distance from others.
Pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics will rotate through certain school locations.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at MPS, click here.
2. Madison
The Madison Metropolitan School District is requiring masks to be worn while in school buildings and when on buses by all students and staff. When outdoors, individuals can remove their masks.
In addition to mask requirements, everyone will be asked to maintain a minimum three-foot physical distance from others as much as possible— six-foot distances are encouraged in certain circumstances. Classrooms are equipped with cleaning kits and "high touch-point" areas will be cleaned regularly.
Virtual learning is an option for 6th - 12th graders. Schools are open for in-person, five-day school weeks.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at Madison Metropolitan School District, click here.
3. Kenosha
Kenosha Unified School District is requiring masks for students and staff. This is a reversal from the original mask policy. The school board voted for a mask mandate during a virtual meeting on Thursday, August 26.
K - 12 students can select virtual or in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. All school buildings will be open five days a week for in-person classes. Early education is completely in-person for the 2021-22 school year, with no virtual alternatives.
At all school levels, physical distancing is encouraged, and layouts are customized to each classroom, and approved by the principal. In addition, there will be supervised exit and entry strategies in place to maximize social distancing.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at Kenosha Unified School District, click here.
4. Racine
At Racine Unified School District, all students have the option to go back to school in-person or virtually, full time.
Those who opt to go back to physical classrooms will be required to wear two-ply masks while indoors. When outdoors, students and staff can remove their face coverings. Additionally, both students and staff are asked to perform a daily self-screening to determine if they are well enough to attend school/work that day.
Maintaining three feet of physical distance is encouraged. Students and staff are also asked to utilize designated entry and exit doors.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at Racine Unified School District, click here.
5. Green Bay
Green Bay Area Public School District will require anyone in a school building, bus or van to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Maks will not be required outdoors. Students have the option to attend school in person or online. Schools will be open five days a week for in-person learning.
Students will be asked to complete a daily symptom screener. Additionally, three-foot social distance practices will be encouraged. Plexiglass will be used in certain cases where health and safety guidelines cannot always be met. Classrooms and schools will be cleaned regularly and undergo extra disinfecting procedures when a COVID-19 case is identified.
COVID-19 testing is available for free at Green Bay Area Public School District. Parent/guardian consent is required.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at Green Bay Area Public School District, click here.
6. Appleton
Appleton Area School District is opening its schools back up for five-day, in-person learning, with virtual alternatives available starting Sept. 1.
The Appleton School Board on Monday night reversed its previous decision and will now require masks.
Schools will encourage physical distancing, with a six-foot goal. However, school nurses and staff will conduct contact tracing if a positive COVID-19 case is identified.
Hand-touch water fountains will not be in service, but there will be touchless bottle fillers available. The school district said it upgraded its air filters and increased air circulation as well.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at Appleton Area School District, click here.
7. Waukesha
Officials said masks at the School District of Waukesha are not required. Pre-screenings for students are no longer required.
Schools will be "cleaned regularly."
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at School District of Waukesha, click here.
8. Eau Claire
Eau Claire Area School District will require masks on school buses. However, whether or not masks will be required in classrooms and school buildings is determined by transmission rate. Each school will post mask metrics on its web page.
As of September 1, all Pre-K - 8 students will be required to mask up until transmission rates drop. High school mask requirements will be determined on Wednesday, August 25. Starting Monday, August 16, staff will be required to mask up. No one will need to wear a mask outside.
The school district will offer free COVID-19 testing with parental consent.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at Eau Claire Area School District, click here.
9. Janesville
During the 2021-22 school year, all students will have the option for in-person or virtual learning. Additionally, middler and high schoolers can opt for a hybrid learning style.
Masks are not required.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at School District of Janesville , click here.
10. Sheboygan
Masks are not required for students or staff, except on buses. Virtual and in-person learning options will be offered this year.
Free COVID-19 testing is offered with parental consent.
For more information on the 2021-22 school year plan at Sheboygan Area School District, click here.
You can find information for other school districts, here.
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