Washington Weekly
Updates from Washington Elem - April 3, 2020
CONTACT US
Mr. Russell, Principal - 414.773.1805
Mrs. Schram, Administrative Assistant - 414.773.1805
Mrs. Hill-Gordon - Educational Assistant - 414.773.1806
Attendance Line - 414.773.1802
Email: schramga@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
Website: http://www.edlinesites.net/pages/1002339300888431714
Location: 2166 North 68th Street, Wauwatosa, WI, United States
Phone: 414-773-1800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonElemTosa/
Twitter: @WashTimbyTosa
How are things going at home?
Virtual Learning @ Washington
Dear Washington Families:
This past week we wrapped up our first full week of digital learning and in the following days and weeks, the digital format will continue to include daily assignments, tasks, and other learning opportunities. These assignments are not intended to be exhaustive or to imply that students will not miss instructional experiences that can only be provided within the context of the interaction of a teacher with their students. It is NOT an expectation that children will be engaged in learning for 7 hours as they would be during a typical school day. It's important to know that teachers are planning instruction within the recommendations provided through The Department of Public Instruction (DPI). DPI recommends that when planning virtual learning time, consider the ratio 2 hours home time = 8 hours of school time. Home time does not have to be continuous time (i.e. student sitting at a computer for a specific number of minutes). For instance,
Grades K - 1: 1+ hours
Grades 2 - 5: 2 - 3.5 hours
This week teachers added the layer of learning targets to their daily lessons and next week you may see some differences with how teachers capture student learning.
Our staff and teachers are amazing. I continue to be humbled to work with such a caring and talented group of people. While I'm extremely thankful and appreciative of everything they are doing, I'm also worried about them during this transition to virtual learning as they've taken on a lot in a very small amount of time. As always, a thank you to any of our staff goes a long way and is extremely appreciated. I'd also like to thank all of our Washington families for their continued support and patience as we learn this new way of doing things. The entire staff misses you more than you can imagine.
Our teachers have been beyond responsive and accessible in an attempt to meet the needs of our school community, but I did suggest that teachers create designated office hours, or times that they will be available to answer emails or set up meetings with school families rather than trying to answer every email request as it comes in.
If you are noticing that you need a Chromebook, though you thought at first you did not, or if your district-issued Chromebook is not working properly, please refer to the technology information linked into this district communication.
I have appreciated connecting with many of you over the past several weeks via email or phone and look forward to finding more ways to stay connected with everyone in the future. Take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors.
-Mr. Russell
Resources & Support
Hello Washington families!
Thank you all for the work you do! It is a difficult and confusing time for all of us. Our top priorities are that everyone's basic needs are being met and that families are safe.
If you are in need of any community resources, please call 2-1-1. 2-1-1 is a community resource line for Milwaukee County that provides up to date information about many services in our area including food, housing, transportation, childcare, and health care.
Here are some suggestions for implementing virtual learning at home:
- Breaking up tasks into shorter intervals and offering a lot of movement breaks. Ex: After 5-10 minutes of math, play a GoNoodle or do the PE activity.
- The recommended time for academic work is about 2 hours a day, which can be spread out through the day
- If possible, designate a school work space for students.
- Create a visual schedule or a daily list including academic, play time, and other daily tasks (eating, brushing teeth, showering, chores, etc.)
- For more structure, the schedule can mirror their regular school schedule
- Include all family members in the creation of the schedule and get their ideas.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Smith, School Social Worker via email at smithma2@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us