East Side Press Family Newsletter
December 20, 2020
WHAT'S NEW?
Five Day Per Week Instruction
On Monday, December 14, the Wauwatosa School Board approved the Superintendent’s recommendation for students in grades JK-5 to return to five-day synchronous learning on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Please note that there will be no classes for elementary students on Monday, January 4 or Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
Secondary students will return from Winter Break on Monday, January 4, 2021 in the hybrid phase. The Medical/Public Health Advisory Panel will meet on Thursday, January 7, 2021 to conduct further discussion regarding students in grades 6-12. The Superintendent will deliver a recommendation to the School Board for students in grades 6-12 at the Board meeting on Monday, January 11, 2021.
A full recording of the December 14th meeting can be found here, and a visual overview of 5-day-per-week learning for Phase Into Learning and Tosa Connected students in elementary school can be found here.
Changes to Quarantine + Exclusion Guidelines
The Wauwatosa School District has implemented the following modifications to our quarantine and exclusion guidelines:
The quarantine period will be reduced to 7-10 days. Individuals may end their quarantine on day 7 if they receive a negative COVID-19 test on day 6 or later. Without a negative COVID-19 test on day 6 or later, individuals must remain quarantined for 10 days from the last possible date of exposure.
The exclusion guidelines have been modified to exclude individuals from school and/or District programming only if they have one major or two minor symptoms.
Visit our COVID Health Links for Families for further information on major and minor symptoms.
Upcoming Schedule Modifications: December 2020
To more closely balance instructional time between cohorts, we will be modifying the learning schedule for Phase Into Learning and Tosa Connected students during the week of December 21, 2020 as follows:
Monday, December 21 - no change
Cohort A - synchronous
Cohort B - asynchronous
Tuesday, December 22
Cohort A - asynchronous (virtual)
Cohort B - synchronous (in person)
We will continue to identify necessary shifts each month as we move through the school year and various instructional models.
Family Reminders
- Students must check in on Infinite Campus on all asynchronous days. Click here for a student check-in tutorial. Families, please remember that you may also check your student’s attendance status within your Infinite Campus parent portal.
- Cohort A students are in the building on Monday and Tuesday with asynchronous days on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
- Cohort B is asynchronous on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and in-person on Thursday and Friday.
January Semester Assessment Schedule
Lockdown Drills
Parking Changes
I am happy to report that the Transportation Affairs Committee has approved a 90 day trial of modified parking in the streets around East High School. I want to thank everyone who participated in the focus groups last spring and the series of meetings held for the approval process. Without student and family support, things would not have changed.
It is important to remember these new guidelines and regulations are temporary until early March 2021. New signage has been put up, so please monitor posted parking regulations. I am also attaching a Parking Handbook for student and family review. There is an updated map with the new parking regulations and information about drop off, pick up, and being a responsible driver in our community. There will be a review of the pilot in March 2021 and it is critical that these 90 days are positive experiences for our neighbors.
I am also attaching the Community Letter sent to area residents alerting them to the changes and the updated maps are included, too.
I also want to thank the Transportation Affairs Committee, Alderman Moldenhauer, and David Simpson, Director of Public Works, for their commitment to our students and community through this change process.
Nick Hughes
LAUNCH 2021-2022 (Current Sophomore and Junior Families ONLY)
Hello Students and Families,
We hope you’re staying safe and well. Although it’s only December, many of you are beginning to think about courses and experiences for the 2021-2022 school year. If you’re looking to connect with and work with professionals, and explore your interests and passions in a project-based environment, the LAUNCH program is for you! Please take a moment to view the links below. The registration form is included if you would like to enroll!
LAUNCH Overview Video / Virtual Tour of Concurrency: Want to get ahead of the curve as you prepare for a career? Click here to learn more about the program and about the 14 strands (or career areas) we are offering!
2021-2022 Course Guide: Click here to view the 14 strands we are offering, as well as the courses offered within each strand.
Current Registration Enrollment Form (open until March 2021) - Fill out this form if you are committed to including LAUNCH in your schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. Once you fill out this form, it automatically goes into your schedule.
Need more information? Come to our Dec. 16th LAUNCH Informational Session! Click HERE to view the flyer and the links for an 8am, 12pm, and 4pm session.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Tina Koch, Wauwatosa LAUNCH lead, at kochkr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us. We hope to see you next year!
HOSA SaveAround Coupon Book
Please share the link and sell to family & friends. You can also register as a seller to earn Free Books and Tuition Points for Colleges. Check out the details here.
Congratulations, Tosa East Players!
Both Productions:
- Critic's Choice Award (Gold)
- Outstanding Direction
- Outstanding Ensemble
- Crew Award
Polynices Cast Acting Awards:
- Gwen Tuffnell - Antigone
- Autumn Cortright - Chorus Antigone
- Griffin Moorhead - Creon
- Jackson Vining - Hoplon
- Arthur Johnson - Cellist
Eteocles Cast Acting Awards:
- Marie Krause - Antigone
- Trevor Schmitt-Ernst - Creon
- Henry Dizard - Chorus Haemon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VIRTUAL LEARNING
Canvas Observer Accounts For Families
Families are encouraged to create a Canvas Observer account to actively engage in their student’s learning. Please review the Canvas Observer course for a getting started tutorial and other helpful tips. The link to the course can also be found on the District website.
Zooming Into Class
As we continue to gather more requests by students and families to Zoom students into classes while they are absent we wanted to communicate our Zoom Guidelines. As of right now, students will ONLY be able to Zoom into class if they have been placed into quarantine due to an exposure to COVID-19 or a COVID-19 positive test result. Parental/guardian consent is required for students to Zoom into class. All other absences including non-COVID-19 Illness, parent excused, pre-planned, etc. will NOT be allowed to Zoom into classes. At this time, we do not have the technology or personnel capacity to Zoom students into classes for other reasons.
These guidelines have been developed in an effort to provide a framework for supporting student learning in the event that they must remain home for quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure during the 2020-2021 school year.
Tosa Connected
- Needing a little support with your Wauwatosa Virtual Academy (WVA) courses? Check out this resource sheet.
- Don't forget that our Academic Resource Center (ARC) staff is available to provide support. Please check out their schedule here.
- If you are unable to attend your live virtual class, please make sure that you call the East attendance line (414-773-2002) to report the absence.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SENIORS
Senior Baby Ads
Tosa Connected Students: We want you represented in the yearbook too! Please submit pictures of you doing your school work, Zooming, what your work space looks like; anything TC related!
Please direct any questions to yearbook advisor, Jen Dono; (414) 773-2241
(Mr. Hughes, Class of 1987)
Senior Cap and Gown Orders -- What Do I Do If I Forgot?
Jostens has collected the in school orders for graduation materials. If you missed the opportunity, you can complete the order packet and send it directly to Jostens. There is also an online ordering opportunity. Please use the steps below to order items:
- Go to jostens.com and choose the tab for “Shop High School”
- Enter your correct school name and choose it. (Wauwatosa East High School)
- Choose the “Graduation Tab”
- From there you can go to available packages or scroll down to individual items
WISA Scholarships
The Wisconsin Security Association (WISA) has announced the availability of two college scholarships for graduating seniors whose parents are full-time, active members of a Wisconsin police or fire department. The organization will award one $1,500 scholarship to the child of an active duty police department member and one $1,500 scholarship to the child of an active duty fire department member. Click here to learn more.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STUDENT SERVICES
Virtual Peer Tutoring Program
With the help of upperclassmen, the Student Services Department is rolling out a Virtual Peer Tutoring Program. Tutoring sessions are available at various times and days. These hour-long Zoom sessions will run until winter break and resume when students return on January 4th. If students have questions, they should reach out to their school counselor.
Student Services Team
Mrs. Bratcher - School Counselor
Mrs. Carter - School Counselor
Mr. Linscott - School Counselor
Ms. Merg - School Counselor
Ms. Phillips - School Social Worker
Ms. Schmidt - School Counselor Intern
Mrs. Morgan - Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Taylor - Career Center Coordinator
Club Central
Interested in joining a club? Contact an advisor today!
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Ms. Alizah Ross
- Amnesty International: Mr. McHugh or Mr. McDaniel
- Black Student Union (BSU): Mrs. Bratcher or Mrs. Keenan
- Book Club: Mrs. Hamilton-Parulski
- The Cardinal News (School Newspaper): Ms. Sampson or Ms. Salerno
- Chess Club: Mr. White
- DECA: Ms. Ann Ross
- Gay Straight Alliance (GSA): Mr. Etter
- HOSA (Future Health Professionals): Mrs. Loving
- International Friendship Club: Ms. Schmidt
- Key Club: Mr. Olson
- Linguistics Club: Mr. Kolpin
- Philosophy Club: Mr. Kolpin
- Psychology Club: Ms. Dederich
- Student Council: Ms.Tierney
- Tosa East Environmental Club (TEEC): Ms. Oliver
- Tosa East Players: Ms. Jaskulski
- Yearbook: Ms. Dono
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIBRARY LEDGER
"How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness, how the time has flown.
How did it get so late so soon?”
– Dr. Seuss
Books make great gifts. Here are some popular titles:
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (companion novel to The Hunger Games series)
- Another one that I recently read and highly recommend but for age 13 + is This is My America by Kim Johnson. It's pretty intense and speaks to a lot of social justice issues and racial tension and is really engaging and relevant.
- Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline just came out, it's the sequel to Ready Player One.
- A YA mystery series is One of Us is Lying by Karen McMannus and the subsequent titles.
Support literacy, Support local!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATHLETICS
Wauwatosa District Athletic and Spectator Procedures and Policies
Wauwatosa School District Winter Spectator Guidelines
As a reminder, only 2 family members per athlete are allowed at most events.
- Athletic Director: Michelle Guyant-Holloway; (414)773-2014
- Administrative Assistant: Sue Flatley; (414)773-2032
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOSA EAST STAFF
Wondering where to direct your question(s)?
Main line: (414) 773-2000
Tosa East Administrative Team
- Principal: Nick Hughes; (414) 773-2010
- Associate Principal (students with last names A-K): Betsy McGinnity; (414) 773-2011
- Associate Principal (students with last names L-Z): Jordan Stein; (414) 773-2012
Additional Staff Resources
- Athletic Director: Michelle Guyant-Holloway; (414) 773-2014
- Attendance: Gina Obscherning; (414) 773-2002
- Infinte Campus Parent Portal Access: Liz Hughes; (414) 773-2005
- School Fees (including athletic fees and enrollment fees): Sue Flatley; (414) 773-2032
- Student Services (transcripts, address changes, etc.): Janice Morgan; (414) 773-2030
Our Tosa East Main Office is open Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 7:00am-4:00pm
(closed Wednesdays for deep cleaning)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRICT NEWS
Board Meeting - Monday, December 21, 2020
This week, the School Board approved JK-5th grade students going back to five-day-per-week instruction. Wauwatosa Montessori’s 6th-8th grade students were NOT approved to return to five-day-per-week instruction. Because 6th graders are part of elementary mixed age group classrooms at Montessori, a recommendation will be made to the Board on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm to consider including Montessori 6th graders in this transition with their peers in the Upper Elementary classroom. Members of the community are encouraged to attend virtually via Zoom. A link to the meeting can be found here.
Student + Family Assistance Program (SFAP)
SFAP is not just for student problems! SFAP services are available to students, adults, couples and families. Many adults choose to use the SFAP for relationship issues, individual stress, substance abuse issues and depression. The 6-session model often works well to help people get back on track with their lives. Many adults may benefit from other services available to support families, including legal, financial, elder care and child care support services. For more information, about the Student and Family Assistance Program, click here.
All City Read Essay Contest
Tosa’s All-City Read is holding a creative writing contest for students in grades 3-12, as well as their parents and other family members. The essay contest complements the book chosen for this year’s All-City Read: Call Me American by Somali-American author Abdi Nor Iftin. Contest themes relate to how our community and environment shape who we are.
The contest is open to all residents of Wauwatosa or children who attend Wauwatosa schools. Entries must be emailed or postmarked no later than February 5, 2021. Cash prizes will be awarded in each contest in the following categories:
Grades 3-5 First prize: $30 / Second prize: $20
Grades 6-8 First prize: $50 / Second prize: $30
High School First prize: $75 / Second prize: $40
Adult (19+) First prize: $100 / Second prize $60
Full contest rules and the downloadable entry form are available on the All City Read website. For more information, go to www.TosasAllCityRead.com, visit the Tosa All City Read Facebook page or contact chairperson Maureen Badding at info@TosasAllCityRead.com.
Severe Weather + Building Closure Protocols
Free Meals for Students
The Wauwatosa School District continues to provide free meals to all students and any children in the household under 18 years of age. To request meals over winter break, please complete this form by 12 noon on Tuesday, December 22. Families will receive 14 meals for each elementary student and 12 meals for each secondary student. Meals can be picked up on Wednesday, December 23 between 9-11 am at Longfellow or Whitman Middle School or between 5-7 pm at Whitman Middle School.
Please note that December 23 will be the last meal pickup date for elementary Phase Into Learning students. Upon returning to five-day-per-week instruction, Phase Into Learning students will be able to receive free lunch in-person and may sign up to take meals home for the weekend.
The process to request and receive meals for secondary students and elementary students in Tosa Connected and WVA will not change at this time.
If your student is in Cohort A and you desire meals for Tuesday, December 22, please contact the Food Service Department at (414) 773-2635. Additionally, if your student is quarantined at any time, please contact the Food Service Department.
Recreation Department
Registration has begun for Winter/Spring Programming. Visit the Recreation Department website for more information. To register for classes, you will need to create your household account by clicking this link. You can also contact tosarec@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us to update the information for an existing household account.
Lastly, there’s still time to sign up for the Rec Department’s all-day Winter Stay In Camp which will be held from Monday, December 28 to Wednesday December 30. Click here to register today.