East Side Press Family Newsletter

January 17, 2021

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WHAT'S NEW?

Model of Instruction Changes

Model of Instruction Changes

We will start second semester (Monday, January 25) in the hybrid model with concurrent instructional practices in place. This means every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, all students will have live instruction (on or off campus), regardless of their cohort. Asynchronous (independent) learning will continue to be on Wednesdays. Click here for a visual of the schedule and additional information about this instructional model.


Cohort A Schedule:

  • In-person (on campus) learning Monday and Tuesday (teacher will take attendance)
  • Asynchronous (independent) learning Wednesday (check in on Infinite Campus)
  • Live, virtual (off campus) learning Thursday and Friday (teacher will take attendance)


Cohort B Schedule:

  • Live, virtual (off campus) learning Monday and Tuesday (teacher will take attendance)
  • Asynchronous (independent) learning Wednesday (check in on Infinite Campus)
  • In-person (on campus) learning Thursday and Friday (teacher will take attendance)


Important Changes

  • When learning off campus, students are expected to log in to Zoom for each teacher at the beginning of each class hour. Zoom links are located on each teacher’s Canvas homepage for each class hour. Attendance will be taken.

  • Asynchronous learning will continue for students on Wednesdays as it has throughout the 2020-2021 school year. On Wednesdays, students will need to access Infinite Campus to mark their attendance. Click here for a student check-in tutorial.

  • Students learning on and off-campus are expected to participate in learning based upon each teacher’s instructions. In some cases, students learning off campus may be given alternative learning for that class period due to the nature of the learning occurring on campus. The learning opportunities for students off campus will either compliment the learning taking place in the classroom or bridge into the learning that they will be doing or have done on campus.

    Some examples may include when students on-campus are:

      • cooking in a culinary arts class;

      • using specialized equipment in tech. ed. or art class;

      • weightlifting in phy. Ed. class; or

      • engaging in a dissection in science class.

  • Zoom Expectations for Students

  • Students who receive special education services will receive services described in their IEP/DLP from special education staff live in the classroom or through special education staff present virtually. This can include pull out virtual 1:1 instruction, small group support, or a combination. Case managers will work with classroom teachers to review students' IEPs and determine what/how services will be delivered during concurrent instruction. IEP teams will continue to make decisions about students' special education services and supports on a case by case basis.
Model of Instruction Changes
January 2021 Assessment Plan

January Assessment Schedule

Please review the January 2021 Assessment Plan for first semester assessments the week of January 19-22, with second semester beginning Monday, January 25.
January 2021 Assessment Plan
What If My Student Is Struggling With the Pandemic?

Here is a quick read for all parents to provide some insight and ideas to support students who might be struggling with school during this pandemic. The article is titled for seniors, but applies to all high school students.

We want to hear from students! How is COVID-19 impacting you?

THE VOICES OF WISCONSIN STUDENTS PROJECT LEARNING, COPING, AND BUILDING RESILIENCE DURING COVID-19


The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) Research Partners are providing Wisconsin youth an opportunity to share thoughts, concerns, and insights on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. WIPPS Research Partners will conduct a series of twenty (20) Zoom small group discussions with Wisconsin middle and high school students between January 26 and February 12, 2021. Students will be provided with a $10 gift card.


WIPPS will gather information about how students are coping during COVID-19; identify challenges, as well as examples of success and resilience; and obtain feedback about students’ learning experiences. This project will help DHS, school leaders, and community organizations improve and implement services, programs and supports for Wisconsin youth.

For more information or to register for a focus group, please visit https://wipps.org/research-partners/


Questions? Contact Sharon Belton, Project Director, at sbelton@uwsa.edu or 715-302-8483

COVID Health Links For Families

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 more information.

COVID Health Links For Families
LAUNCH Registration for 2021-22

LAUNCH 2021-2022 (Current Sophomore and Junior Families ONLY)

Join us on Wednesday, January 20th to learn more about LAUNCH! Click on THIS FLYER for more information on attending and the Zoom links.


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.


LAUNCH Overview Video: 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!


Student Testimonial - Read about one Wauwatosa student’s experience in the LAUNCH program!


You can now find LAUNCH Program information on our website here! The LAUNCH page can be accessed at each high school in the Academics drop down menu on each homepage.


If you have any questions, please email Tina Koch at kochkr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us. We hope to see you next year!

LAUNCH Registration for 2021-22

Celebrate MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 9 Ways to Honor His Legacy


Marcus Center MLK Program

Sunday, January 17th at 1:00PM


Milwaukee Public Library Events

Monday, January 18th beginning at 12:00PM Noon

Yearbooks

Have you purchased a yearbook yet? If not, you can do so online at yearbookforever.com, or contact the main office and let them know you would like to purchase one.

Thank You!

Tosa East Student Council wants to thank everyone who donated food to the food drive during the month of December. Together, the Tosa East student body donated 858 pounds of food to the Second Harvest Foodbank. We are extremely grateful that so many students and families contributed to help make this drive a success! Thank you!

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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.

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.
Virtual Wauwatosa Guest Speaker Opportunities

The District is seeking volunteers for various virtual career-based learning experiences for our students. Complete the form if you are interested in sharing your industry expertise, your career story, the importance of a specific skill, etc.

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STUDENT SERVICES

Local Scholarships Now Available!

Tosa East local scholarships are now available for application! Information was emailed to you yesterday and is on our Student Services Canvas page. Don't miss out on free money toward further education! Scholarship applications are due February 19th.

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

Virtual Peer Tutoring Program

With the help of upperclassmen, the Student Services Department is rolling out a Virtual Peer Tutoring Program. Hour-long tutoring sessions via Zoom are available at various times and days. If students have questions, they should reach out to their school counselor.

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While we are learning virtually, our student services team is still accessible to support students. Please send an email to set up a session.


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

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Club Central

Club Central

Interested in joining a club? Contact an advisor today!


Club Central

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LIBRARY LEDGER

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Call Me American

By: Abdi Nor Iftin


High school readers will enjoy the themes and characters in Call Me American, or they might prefer the adaptation for young adults, Call Me American (Adapted for Young Adults): The Extraordinary True Story of a Young Somali Immigrant, also by Abdi Nor Iftin. They may also be interested in the book Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo.


Book Description:


Abdi Nor Iftin first fell in love with America from afar. As a child, he learned English by listening to American pop artists like Michael Jackson and watching films starring action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sporting American clothes and dance moves, he became known around Mogadishu as Abdi American, but when the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab rose to power in 2006, it suddenly became dangerous to celebrate Western culture.


Desperate to make a living, Abdi used his language skills to post secret dispatches online, which found an audience of worldwide listeners. But as life in Somalia grew more dangerous, Abdi was left with no choice but to flee to Kenya as a refugee. In an amazing stroke of luck, Abdi won entrance to the U.S. in the annual visa lottery, though his route to America did not come easily.


Now a proud resident of Maine, on the path to citizenship, Abdi Nor Iftin's dramatic, deeply stirring memoir is truly a story for our time - a vivid reminder of why western democracies still beckon to those looking to make a better life.

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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.

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ATHLETICS

Wauwatosa District Athletic and Spectator Procedures and Policies

Wauwatosa District Athletic and Spectator Procedures and Policies

Please review the information below regarding winter athlete and spectator procedures.


Wauwatosa School District Winter Spectator Guidelines


As a reminder, only 2 family members per athlete are allowed at most events.

Wauwatosa District Athletic and Spectator Procedures and Policies

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TOSA EAST STAFF

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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)

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DISTRICT NEWS

Severe Weather + Building Closure Protocols

As we move into our winter weather season, we have been proactively planning for potential snow days. Given our ability to conduct meaningful virtual education, we do not plan to cancel school due to weather this winter. Instead, in cases where inclement weather would typically force our schools to close, it is our intention to shift scheduled in-person learning to synchronous online learning. This means that students who would normally learn in-person would follow their normal schedule, but will conduct their learning online instead. There will be no change for students scheduled for asynchronous learning or those enrolled in Tosa Connected or Wauwatosa Virtual Academy. As a reminder for how and when we will communicate school closings due to severe weather, please click 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.