March 26,2020
Dear Shorewood Families,
I hope you are doing well during these trying times. This certainly has been a unique “Spring Break.” It has been inspiring to see all of the notes of love and support for each other on sidewalks and in windows on our family walks throughout the Village. We will get through this together.
Breakfast and lunch meals continue to be available through our food service partner Aramark, for all people 18 years old and younger (regardless of residency or income level) at the Shorewood High School parking lot near the Arena between 9 am-12 pm on weekdays. Meals are brought to your vehicle to reduce the amount of contact you have with other individuals. Students do not need to be present to receive the meals.
Earlier this week, the Governor enacted a “Safer at Home” order that closes all schools through at least April 24. Our staff has been busy preparing to launch our virtual learning activities for students on Monday, March 30. Staff will be sending emails Monday morning containing learning activities students can complete throughout the week.
Our virtual learning activities will require access to a device (desktop computer, laptop or tablet) and wifi access. If you are in need of a device or wifi access, please contact Technology Director Mickey Chavannes at [email protected].
Virtual learning activities will not be graded between March 30-April 10. This will allow our students, staff and families to reconnect, become familiar with our new online platforms and work through unanticipated issues.
Beginning April 13, we will begin grading activities throughout the extent of our closure. More details on these activities and how you can get virtual support from staff members will come in a letter from school principals tomorrow.
We cannot replace the amazing daily instruction our teachers offer in their classrooms. That said, as we transition to an online format, please remember our staff is doing the best they can do in a new environment. We will be flexible with students and families during this time of transition. It is new for all of us and I am confident that we can work together to make the best of a difficult situation. A huge thank you to our educators and principals who have been unwavering in their commitment to student learning and emotional wellbeing during this challenging time.
As the intensity of our pandemic heightens over the next couple of weeks, please use the Parent Guide to Talking to Children about COVID-19 as a resource with your children.
I continue to work closely with our area school superintendents, the Department of Public Instruction and our North Shore Health Department to monitor the presence of COVID-19 in our area. As we get closer to April 24, a decision will be made on whether to open school on April 27 or extend the closure. The decision will be made in direct consultation with our North Shore Health Department, with the safety of our students and staff as our highest priority.
Be Well,
Bryan Davis
Shorewood School Superintendent