Virtual Learning Newsletter
October 15, 2020
Virtual Attendance
The Muskego-Norway School Board Attendance Policy 5200 is linked HERE. This policy continues to apply to students enrolled in virtual learning for the 2020-21 school year.
Daily attendance is taken for virtual students. Attendance can be based on participation in synchronous (live) instruction/meetings as well as evidence of engagement with assigned tasks and asynchronous learning (i.e. recorded videos).
If your child is sick or not able to engage with learning for the day, please contact your teacher or the school so he/she can be marked absent. Engagement expectations were outlined in the Elementary Learning Plan, and continue to be linked to the district website for reference.
If a teacher does not have evidence of engagement (attendance in synchronous learning and/or evidence of student work) she will contact parents/guardians to seek further information and provide support if needed. If further engagement/attendance concerns continue, the building principal and pupil services staff will also be in contact with parents/guardians.
Mindfulness for Virtual Learners
Each week we will be sharing an idea of how to help your virtual students practice mindfulness at home and encourage focus during this unique time to be a student.
#2 - Easy meditation
If you have around five minutes to spare, this meditation practice can help students relax and be prepared for deep concentration. Ask your students to sit comfortably and start by being aware of how they feel in the present moment. Then, invite them to breathe in deeply and exhale, imagining that their belly is a balloon that inflates and deflates.
It’s OK if they don’t get it right away, as it can take some practice, but even a few minutes can help them clear their minds. Here is a great video that illustrates this technique.
CogAT Assessment - 3rd grade only
Please refer to the letter here for full details and make sure to fill out this Google Survey Form with your preference.
Key Points
- Muskego-Norway Schools will be administering the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) with third and sixth grade students. The CogAT evaluates the level and pattern of cognitive development of students, as well as their abilities in problem solving using verbal, quantitative, and spatial (nonverbal) reasoning. Scores can be used to adapt instruction in ways that enhance the student’s success in learning.
- Due to the nature of this assessment and system needed to proctor, we are inviting all virtually enrolled third grade students into Mill Valley Elementary on both Wednesday October, 21st and Wednesday, October 28th. Both days will be needed for students to complete the assessment.
- If you choose for your child not to take the CogAT in-person, we will look to offer the assessment in the future and into their fourth grade year if needed.
Teacher Conferences
Library Book Checkout
Library book requests can be submitted weekly and books can be returned when picking up new requests. There will be a book return bin near the books ready for pick up.
You can pick up books at your home school. You will continue to fill out the book request form and check the school you would like to pick up from.
2nd-4th Grade Book request form
We would also like to offer virtual students an opportunity to come into the library and browse for their own books. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Toni Heinowski at toni.heinowski@muskegonorway.org
In-person Recess (optional)
Wednesday, October 21st, 10:15am-10:35am, Bay Lane Elementary Playground, Mrs.Zeman and Mrs.Baker (3rd) will be supervising!
- Students will be able to use our playground and meet others in the elementary virtual classrooms
- All will be expected to stay 6' apart while playing -OR- wear a mask if activities are closer contact. This aligns with our elementary buildings' recess safety measure. Please send a mask with your child.
- If you are a registered volunteer, you can be present on the blacktop/playground. If you are not a registered volunteer with the district, and would like to join, please register using this form: REGISTERED VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM.
Wonderful Wednesday Events
Wednesday, October 21st, 11:15-11:45 am, Google Meet
Please note the time change to allow families enough travel time after recess.
- 4K & 5K- No Read Aloud Today
- 1st & 2nd - Mrs. Dupler, Mr. Hoff, & Mrs. Drobot (Teaching & Learning Coaches) will be doing a math inquiry activity. Please use this google meet link to join at that time.
- 3rd & 4th - Mrs. Stanley (Bay Lane Principal) will be doing a read aloud . Please use this google meet link to join at that time.
(Repost) Missed Virtual Picture Day?
1. You can set up an appointment time directly at School Sport & Pic studio in New Berlin by calling 262-780-2901
2. You can use the picture re-take day at the home building. Please coordinate with the home building office accordingly.
a. BLE - Nov 5th
b. LV - Nov 12th
c. MV - Oct 14th
3. You can submit a photo of your child(ren) using these directions. Please submit to:
a. BLE (5k-4th) - BayLanePTO@gmail.com
b. BLE (4k only) Cshimeta@hotmail.com
c. LV - karen.torbeck@muskegonorway.org
d. MV - kim.stollberg@muskegonorway.org