Alternative Learning During School Closure

Dear Washington Island School District families,

As part of the state's efforts to contain COVID-19, Gov. Tony Evers on March 17, 2020 ordered the closure of all K-12 Wisconsin schools, public and private to be closed for the duration of the public health emergency. In response, Washington Island School District will be implementing alternative learning during school closure.

While not a replacement for classroom learning, we want our students to continue to learn and keep up with skills during the time that schools are closed. We will be providing resources, guidelines and expectations for your students while they participate in alternative learning. 

Alternative learning will start on March 30, 2020. Instructional information will be available for your student by March 18, 2020.

If your family has a specific concern or request, please contact your student's teacher directly via email, phone or text. District questions can by directed to the main office at (920) 847-2507.

Key Dates for Learning Transition

• March 17 - 18

  • Staff: Training and Planning 

• March 18

  • Staff: Provide instructional information
  • Families and Students: Technology or Packet Pickup
• March 23 - 27
  • Spring Break

• March 30

  • Alternative learning launches!

Expectations for Students and Teachers

What is the expectation for student engagement in distance learning environments?

All students are expected to remain engaged in their learning each weekday. We ask that students check Google Classroom, Email, and / or other communications before 9 a.m. each day. Teachers will be monitoring the engagement of their students throughout the week and attendance will be recorded. Students that receive speech language services also need to maintain their specially designed instruction sessions with their special therapists.

Have your student(s) create their learning plan for the day. Daily planner example (Under "File" please "Make a copy" of it to use once signed in to Google.) 

What is the expectation for teacher/ student communication? 

General educators will maintain office hours for student contact and questions. Teachers will communicate the hours they are scheduled to be available to their students. Questions to teachers can also be submitted via email at any time. 

How Parents Can Help

Parents can help their students by:

• Setting clear times during every weekday when your child(ren) should be focused on learning. A daily schedule of academic and behavior expectations can help everyone stay organized and minimize stress. (planner example)
• Finding a place in your home for school work. Preferably in a brightly-lit family living area (not a bedroom) where you can provide supervision, guidance and ensure progress on assigned work is being made. If your child is struggling to find or understand materials you will need to email the classroom teacher or call the school.

Technology

Teachers will be primarily communicating through school email and Google classroom. Some teachers may also use Google Meet (Hangouts), Zoom meetings, FlipGrid or SeeSaw

The district will work to ensure virtual learning continues for students. 

Technology Help

1. Contact your child(ren)'s classroom teacher via their school phone number or email address.

2. If the problem still persists after contacting your child(ren)'s teacher, technical issues can be submitted to Mr. Nikolai at tom.nikolai@island.k12.wi.us.  

Internet Access

We realize that internet is on the Island is not the best, and options are few. If you are experiencing internet issues that prevent your students from fully participating in the Alternative Learning process - please contact the school office for options that we can suggest..