Dear Shorewood Families,
I hope you and your families are continuing to stay healthy and well during these trying times. I am writing tonight with a heavy heart and an eye on the safety and wellbeing of all of us.
Earlier today, Governor Tony Evers announced the extension of the “Safer at Home” order from Friday, April 24 to Tuesday, May 26, 2020. This order implements some new measures to ensure safety and support the progress that’s been made in Wisconsin to contain COVID-19. Unfortunately, one of these necessary measures is that all public and private K-12 schools in Wisconsin will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. You can view more information on the Governor’s order here.
While I am sure many of you, like myself, suspected this was coming, it still does not make it any easier to hear. Grieving the reality that we will not be able to be together in-person again this school year is a natural part of what many will experience over the upcoming months. I understand the anxiety, sadness, and frustration this extended closure may cause, and I recognize that this transition has not been easy. Please know that each and every one of our decisions is made with the wellbeing of our students in mind.
We are now one big co-teaching team. In addition to the many other responsibilities being juggled in your household, your home, as is mine, is also now a learning site. This is a lot to take on. We know our teachers are disappointed they cannot provide the level of support to students they strive for, and miss seeing your students every day, but are here to guide and support you and your students in making this transition.
Our District will continue to provide virtual learning instruction for our students throughout the remainder of the school year. It is extremely important to us that students continue to get the proper instructional support they need so if you/your student is struggling with materials, please reach out to your student’s teacher. All teachers have office hours and will be readily available to answer student or family questions. If you or your student has any questions regarding technology use or device needs, please contact the District’s Technology Office at [email protected].
I want to remind you that we have many resources available for you to utilize with your students, including an important Social Distancing Family Toolkit created by the District Nurse.
Wellness Resources (which can also be found on our COVID-19 Updates webpage)
- Mindfulness Activities, K4-8
- Helping Teens with Disappointment
- Supporting Grieving Children & Teens During COVID-19
- Four Ways to Help Your Anxious Kid
- Five Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About COVID-19
Please watch for further updates in the upcoming weeks regarding what this continued shutdown will mean for families and students as we move forward, including our graduating seniors. I am confident that by working through these adversities together as a District and community, we will come out stronger on the other side.
Please continue to take care of yourself, your family, and loved ones. We miss you all.
Be Well,
Bryan Davis