Lake Denoon Timberwolves
January 21, 2021
A Message from Our Principals
Today, we are continuing with our theme of gifts you can give your child. These gifts are always the right size and don’t come with receipts. Today’s gift is curiosity. Some research suggests that curiosity increases happiness, achievement, and empathy and strengthens relationships.
In the Harvard Business Reviews article The Business Case for Curiosity, Francesca Gino writes:
“In my research I found that when our curiosity is triggered, we are less likely to fall prey to confirmation bias (looking for information that supports our beliefs rather than for evidence suggesting we are wrong) and to stereotyping people (making broad judgments, such as that women or minorities don’t make good leaders).”
What a gift to give our students! Here are some practical ways to encourage curiosity:
Challenge children to rethink methods or ways of doing things
Model it for them. Be inquisitive - “Did you notice …. I wonder why….”
Go to the library and browse all the fascinating ideas there.
Let them tinker (Got an old blender to take apart?)
Help them to not be afraid of failure (You either win or you learn.)
Notice when they seem confused or puzzled and seize that opportunity to grow curiosity.
Ask open ended questions:
What would it be like if …
Why do you think that …
What would happen if …
How do we know that …
What did you think when …
On Monday, students will be focusing on components from our district’s Vision of a Graduate. They will have an opportunity to explore some other valuable life long skills: Goal setting, gratitude (which often leads to increased happiness - especially during these tough times), and stress reducing strategies. Your child has already received a link to the learning and they may begin at a time that is convenient for them and follow up activities to be completed on Monday. During both Friday and Monday, our staff will be preparing for the upcoming months and attending team meetings. They will be following up with students on Tuesday.
Important Dates, Events and Activities
Jan 21: End of Quarter 2
Jan 25: Remote Learning for all Students - Deep cleaning completed in classrooms. Students will receive their virtual learning plans for this day via email.
Jan 25: PTO Meeting Virtual 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Google Meet
Feb 5 - 12: Registration for Summer School Opens
Feb 18: Parent Teacher Conferences 3:45 - 8:00 p.m.
Feb 22: Remote Learning for all Students
News and Announcements
8th Grade Students
Future Warriors (Fall 2021 Prospective 9th Graders) check out the website link below & get signed up for co-curriculars at MHS.
Water Bottles
We wanted to send out a friendly reminder that students are expected to bring their own water bottle from home. Water fountains will not be available, however bottle fillers will remain active. A thirsty student without a water bottle, may request a cup from their classroom teacher or receive a cup of water from the health room. We do not have water bottles to hand out to the students.
Dressing Appropriately for the Weather
Please send your child to school with the necessary winter clothing. Warm coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots, and hats are all essential in order to enjoy a warm and dry recess in winter. Labeling your child's clothing will aid in recovering lost articles. Only students who wear boots, gloves, and snow pants are allowed to play in the snow. We utilize weather.com to determine if the weather "feels like" 0 degrees or colder. When it is 0 degrees or colder, please note that students will remain inside the building for recess. For any day above 0 degrees, students will be going outside and need to come to lunch dressed accordingly.
Weather and Emergency Closing
Living in Wisconsin you know our weather can be unpredictable! The MNSD has established guidelines for decisions related to inclement weather. You can follow the School Closing Procedures link to see our decision making process. We would like to point out a few important facts that hopefully will make the process run smoothly.
Anytime the National Weather Service feels that our area is in a WARNING level school will be closed. A WARNING level is a sustained minus 35 degrees wind chill or lower with winds at least 4 mph for 3 hours or more. Cancellations for snow are based on the amount and timing of the snowfall, as well as compounding factors such as wind or ice layers.
Decisions to close school are made as soon as practicable, typically no later than 5:00 a.m. and sometimes as early as 4:15 a.m. Area superintendents remain in close contact as soon as we hear a prediction of inclement weather. We try to keep decisions consistent across the region, each of us must weigh the many factors unique to our district. Therefore, there may be some times that another district is open and we are closed, or vice versa.
Provided we have a current telephone number on file , families will receive a phone call if school is cancelled. You can also find information on our district website, through local media, or by following us on Twitter.
School closing decisions are not easy. Your child’s education is important and we want to provide learning opportunities on as many days as possible. Almost always, some people will agree with the decision, and some will not. Please know that we use our best judgment with the information we have available at the time.
Muskego-Norway School District Covid-19 FAQs & Resources
Please make sure to review the Parent FAQ frequently to find answers to the most commonly asked questions. Updates are highlighted in blue. Our school psychologists have also created a presentation to provide resources on how to help your children cope with mental health during these challenging times.
Please complete the COVID form below if your child...
- Experienced the symptoms of COVID-19
- Diagnosed with or tested positive for COVID-19
- Had CLOSE CONTACT with a person that has been diagnosed with COVID-19
- If already in Quarantine and the quarantined person receives a positive test
- If already in Quarantine and the quarantined person experiences symptoms
- If a household member of someone in Quarantine or Isolation becomes symptomatic
- If a household member of someone in Quarantine or Isolation receives a positive test
Student Services
Appointments/Early Pick-ups for Students
Students who need to leave school during the school day must have written parental permission. Please have your student drop off the written excuse at the Student Services window first thing in the morning. By late morning, your child should stop back and a pass will be on the window ready for them. With this pass, the student can leave the classroom at the time they are to be picked up, and the office staff can avoid interrupting learning by calling into the rooms. Please do not email teachers with attendance. All attendance goes through Student Services.
PTO Information
On Monday, January 25, we invite you to join the PTO Virtual Meeting. It will run from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. To join the meeting please click on the Google Meet link below.
Hope to see you all there!
What's Happening at Lake Denoon
Community Resources
Please see the following links if you would like your child to participate.