Whittier Weekly
April 3, 2020
Principal's Note
Parents, Families, Guardians:
I hope this message finds you safe and well. As we continue to navigate all of the changes in our lives, please know that we are one family. The teaching and admin staff is here for you in any way that we can, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need support.
Virtual Learning started for our classroom teachers on March 18th and our Specialists (Art, Music, and PE) on March 30th. It has been wonderful to see the students that are regularly engaging in the learning activities and submitting assignments to their teachers. Thank you so very much for encouraging your child to continue learning and connect with others during this difficult time. If you need help in any way, please reach out. If you are having major tech support needs - tech support is here for you from 7AM- 7:30 PM Monday - Friday!! (See below for information on how to contact!)
It is important for everyone to recognize that virtual learning does NOT replicate what happens in our traditional school setting. Whittier teachers have been directed to pace their instruction based on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s recommended ratio: 8 hours of classroom learning equals 2 hours of virtual learning. As classroom teachers are providing daily learning, the Specialists are providing the equivalent of two lessons per week for your child. YOUR CHILD SHOULD NOT BE ON THEIR IPAD ALL DAY LONG.
Virtual Learning has proven to be a huge learning curve for all of us and we cannot thank you enough for your patience and flexibility. We acknowledge that we will continue to face virtual learning challenges. If we can make things easier for you and your child, know that we welcome your feedback and suggestions.
I am thinking about all of you and praying for your safety. With the love and support of one another, we will get through this. We are honored to work with your children everyday....even if it is virtually.
Brandy Hart
Whittier Principal
Spirit Week
Please note:
- There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 10th
- There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, April 13th
These were previously scheduled days off around the Easter holiday. No ipads needed .... parents- I encourage you to hide them! ;)
Coloring day!
Read-a-thon day!
Sports Day!
Virtual Daily Attendance!
Teachers will be recording daily attendance in Infinite Campus between 3pm and midnight daily. Attendance will be indicated by student engagement in activity with work on Google Classroom. If you need help with Google Classroom - please reach out sooner than later so we can help!
If a student cannot participate in their virtual expectations, please use the attendance line to call students in sick as normal. 262-970-2805.
Student Expectations for Virtual Learning
Students are expected to participate in the lessons and activities that their teachers post online daily. Every lesson will list:
A Learning Target- this explains what the intended learning is.
The Mini Lesson- may be a video or slide presentation created by the teachers.
A Student Task- this is what the student will complete to practice their learning.
Learning Support
All teachers will have “office hours” available for Face-to-Face Support on WebEx Teams from 9:00AM-11:00AM Daily. Some teachers have also been sending out other times to "meet" live - look for this! (Not required for attendance, but a GREAT way to connect!).
Teachers are also available for your questions VIA contact on ClassDojo as usual. If you need help outside of these hours, please contact your child's teacher. We are here to help!
Look for the Web Ex Teams App on your Student’s iPad! (It looks like a rainbow colored circle). This is an app that all kids K-5 should have. Parents - please ask if you need help in setting this up.
Want to submit a virtual learning picture to our yearbook?
Taking Care of yourself and your children during COVID19
Click HERE for links above.
Technology Support for you!!
Four simple steps:
1) Log into the SDW Website https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/Page/1
2) Next, click on the yellow VIRTUAL LEARNING box.
3) Then, click on PARENT RESOURCES
4) Finally, click on ONLINE HELP DESK
You can start a live chat or leave your information and someone from the Technology department will get back to you.
I need more...
Here is another option - with ideas from all the subjects targeted at students in 1st-12th. Resource was provided by Milwaukee with Families.
Literacy Connections
Here is the link: https://mrskslvirtuallbrary.blogspot.com/
State Testing Updates
Whittier Mission Statement
Whittier School Hours: 8:30am-3:40pm
Email: bmhart@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/WhittierES
Location: 1103 South East Avenue, Waukesha, WI, USA
Phone: 262-970-2800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhittierElementarySchoolPto/
Twitter: @WhittierWire