November 19, 2020
Dear Shorewood Families,
Please see below for important Board updates from the past two weeks and upcoming meeting reminders.
November 10th Board Meeting Highlights
At the last Board meeting, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sam Coleman, shared an update on the District’s Virtual+ Learning, detailing the indicators the District will be using to assess student achievement, and what parents can expect moving forward.
He reiterated the District’s two main goals of 1) health and safety for all members of the school community and 2) achieving at least a year of academic growth for all students.
The indicators below will help guide the District’s monitoring and effectiveness as it strives to reach these goals, and ways to improve:
- Number of staff and student positive COVID tests
- Student perception survey data pertaining to engagement and social and emotional wellness
- Staff perception data pertaining to social and emotional wellness
- Academic growth for students
- Grades K-8 measured by Fastbridge assessment data
- Grades 9-12 measured by classroom grades
*Classroom grades will be used to measure academic growth in grades 9-12 due to the likelihood of ACT Aspire and the ACT test not being available to all students in grades 9-12 during the 2020-21 school year
In response to parent feedback and objectives that were collaboratively determined in August, the District is focusing its efforts and support to strengthen our Virtual+ learning model. The following actions are prioritized to provide students with important experiences and opportunities in our virtual learning setting:
Provide students with scheduled and routine opportunities for non-screen enrichment activities
Provide routine opportunities (virtual or in-person) for student interaction with same-aged peers to promote students’ social and emotional wellness
Provide routine and scheduled small group and face to face opportunities to increase student engagement and connectedness (virtual or in person)
Provide feedback on assignments that clearly communicate student progress toward meeting academic goals/essential learning outcomes
If you have specific questions about your student’s access to “plus” opportunities, we ask you to start by talking to your teachers and principals.
As a reminder, all Board meetings are recorded, so if you miss a meeting and would like to view the video, please visit https://www.shorewood.k12.wi.us/apps/pages/boardvideos.
Mental Health Workshop Recap
On Wednesday, November 18th, Julie Harris, Director of Pupil Services, discussed with the Board the mental, social and emotional practices and curriculums being provided this year, K-12. We heard from the Children's Wisconsin Team, as well as Student Support Staff from across the District.
A few highlights from the presentations:
- Children’s Wisconsin continues to offer therapy services for students.
- All the Support Staff are making concerted efforts to reach every student this year, either individually, in small groups, or in class.
- Lake Bluff and Atwater counselors are creating “connection groups” and clubs for the elementary students. Look out for more details in your principal’s weekly newsletter, or contact them directly.
- The Support Staff Team has created a number of important resources and guides for parents. You can find links to the counselor’s websites here.
The number of ways in which our District Student Support Staff is reaching out to students, families and staff is remarkable. As we all navigate these challenging times, we thank them for their incredible work.
Upcoming School Board Elections
There is one seat, currently held by Clarke Warren, up for election next year. Here are the important deadlines (more information can be found in the WASB 2021 Guide) :
- December 30, 2020: Deadline to file Declaration of Non-Candidacy (incumbents)
- January 5, 2021: Deadline to File Declaration of Candidacy and Campaign Finance Statement
- February 16, 2021: Primary (if necessary)
- April 6, 2021: Spring Election
Upcoming Board Meeting & Town Hall
The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to participate virtually and you can find all Board packets and agenda items here.
There will also be a School Board Virtual Town Hall taking place prior to the Board meeting from 6-7 p.m. This is a great time for families to ask questions they have and voice any comments or concerns with the Board.
You can participate in the Town Hall via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84637639380 or you can dial in at (312)626-6799 and use the PIN: 846 376 393 80# . Hope to see you there.
Thank you for your partnership this school year. As we enter into the holiday season, the Board would like to reiterate what Dr. Davis said in his most recent email. It is important we continue to celebrate responsibly as we consider holiday gatherings. The more we protect our teachers, staff, students and community now, the sooner we can return to school.
Be well,
Paru Shah, Shorewood School Board President