Here & Now

Wisconsin Schools Prepare for Closure

Girl:

Ten texts! Why ten?

Teacher:

Because you’re gonna have a lot of time to read.

Girl:

That is true.

Marisa Wojcik:

It felt like the last day of school, Monday, as parents and students came by Lake View Elementary in Madison. Ahead of schools being closed statewide for the next three weeks to prevent further spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Sarah Davis:

I’m surprised of how quickly things have progressed to there’s no activities, then there’s no school.

Marisa Wojcik:

Last week, Governor Tony Evers directed the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to close all schools after Wednesday, March 18. But many districts preempted that deadline for an earlier one.

Sarah Davis:

Really, all we’ve been told is it was closing today and won’t be opening till, I expect till April 6.

Marisa Wojcik:

Districts like Madison.

Nou Vang-Vue:

Everything is happening so fast.

Marisa Wojcik:

Lake View Elementary principal Nou Vang-Vue spent Monday assisting parents and students to collect what they need from the school.

Nou Vang-Vue:

Families can come in to get any kind of supplies that they need from the classrooms or from their child’s locker. And then also, fifth grade students and families are welcome to come in and get their Chromebooks to then take home and engage in enrichment activities at home while school is closed.

Girl:

I found it!

Marisa Wojcik:

The enrichment activities are strictly voluntary. For the most part, all instruction will come to a halt.

Nou Vang-Vue:

After six o’ clock today, this building and all buildings within our school district will be closed, and so even myself and my staff will not have access to the building.

Marisa Wojcik:

Sarah Davis and her two sons, Liam and Mika, stop by the school for lunch. Last year, a daily average of more than 471,000 meals were distributed through the Wisconsin school lunch program. Even with school doors closed, many districts are still distributing food daily.

Sarah Davis:

It actually helps a lot, just because none of us was prepared for this.

Mom:

With the abrupt closure, families that rely on schools for meals and childcare are forced to find alternative solutions. Principal Vang-Vue says the district is working on those details.

Nou Vang-Vue:

Our district leaders are coordinating and collaborating with our community organizations to figure out like, what will that look like.

Sarah Davis:

Not having school for that long is gonna be difficult.