Timberwolves Weekly
May 15, 2020
During distance learning, students and staff alike are spending a lot more time looking at screens. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a 20/20/20 approach, meaning every 20 minutes, you should take 20 seconds to focus on something 20 feet away. Consider stationing students near a window for when they take their eye break. Or even better, have them run up and down some stairs to make it a movement break, too. We also shared this strategy during Wednesday’s Morning MInute with a surprise guest at the end.
Thank you for your participation in the parent survey on distance learning. We were grateful for the 275 responses and for your positive feedback in the area of recommending our school to others (4.23 out of 5). We are continuing to analyze the results, and next Friday, our school leadership team will be working on our next steps in order to continuously improve.
Thank you for your partnership during these unusual times.
Your Principals,
Linda O’Bryan and John McEwing.
Important Dates, Events and Activities
April 20 - June 11 Virtual learning continues
May 22 and 25 - No Virtual Learning
June 11 - 8th Grade Drive-by Celebration 3:00 - 6:00pm
News and Announcements
Important News for our 8th Grade Graduates!!!!
Thank you for your patience as we remained hopeful about the possibility of holding an 8th grade promotion ceremony for the Class of 2024. The ruling from the Supreme Court earlier this week, which struck down the Safer at Home order, does not impact public or private K-12 school closures. Therefore, we are unable to safely proceed with the 8th grade promotion ceremony. We recognize how sad this news is, and we share in that same feeling of disappointment. We have enjoyed the middle school journey with your child, and we want to do our best to honor his or her time with us.
In lieu of a ceremony, we will celebrate each student in a video that includes our traditional baby picture transitioning into their 8th grade school photo. In the past, part of our ceremony included memories of the class from their teachers. We will be including those same memories in the video. The video will be shared with students on June 11th as a student activity for our whole school to participate in. Since the video will be made public, please let us know if you do not want your child in this video by Thursday, May 21, 2020.
On Thursday, June 11th, we will also have a drive-by opportunity between 3:00 to 6:00 pm for our 8th graders and their families. While students will need to stay in their vehicles, they will receive their 8th grade promotion certificates, their yearbooks, and their Muskego Warrior drawstring bags in this drive-by. Many of our staff members will also be there to wish them well while social distancing along the sidewalk and while wearing masks.
We will send further details as we get closer to June 11th, so stay tuned.
Library Book Check Out 2020
Parent COVID - 19 FAQ
Problems with your Chromebook?
Visit this link for more details: bit.ly/PHE-TechSupport
Breakfast and Lunch Program
Please remember to order early so we can prepare the correct amount of food.
Bulk a la Carte Pickup 5/21/20
If you have any questions or special accommodations please contact:
Chrissy Koerner
Food Service Director
chrissy.koerner@muskegonorway.org.
262-971-1790 x4522
Student Services
A Note from your School Psychologist:
I wanted to extend my thoughts and condolences to those families who have experienced loss--of loved ones, of jobs, of stability, and of the ability to be able to grieve these losses in a way we used to be able. While technology can be a comfort and keeps us connected to those that we love and care for, video-chatting is not the same as getting and giving a hug.
How frequently when we are with our family members are we not really with them--rather, we are multitasking on our phones, or watching a show, or thinking about how to get through to the next day. Not too long ago when life was more “normal,” I admit I’m guilty of half listening to my kids tell me something about their day because I was also caught up in what else I needed to get done or how exhausted I felt. The other day, however, I spent over an hour banking some outside time with just my daughter. There were no distractions--just her and I talking. I looked her in the eyes, I was interested in what she was sharing, I asked her questions. We made up a “would you rather” game. We laughed. She also felt comfortable talking about topics that are generally hard for pre-teen girls to talk about with their mothers. Despite the losses my family have experienced right now, what I am gaining during this time is building connections with my kids that are going to hopefully withstand what this pandemic brings us next.
I hope you and your families are able to bank that time with each other. That uninterrupted time with each other offers the chance for perspective-giving, which is different from perspective-taking (a more widely heard of and understood concept). Perspective-giving is critical in developing a positive sense of self, as well as the necessary skills for building honest and solid relationships. Perspective-giving is the opportunity to share our experiences with others. Consider maximizing your time with your child(ren) right now--let them experience perspective-giving. It not only will support their development, but it sure does feel good as a parent/guardian to have that time with them.
Be well,
Dr. R
Lake Denoon Student Services Staff
Dr. Jen Rohrbaugh, School Psychologist, jennifer.rohrbaugh@muskegonorway.org
Ms. Pam Groh, School Counselor, pamela.groh@muskegonorway.org
Ms. Amanda Rosman, School Social Worker, amanda.rosman@muskegonorway.org
If you are in need of community resources for safety, addiction, COVID-19 supports, etc., please check out 211.org.Community Resources
May is Mental Health Awareness Month - NAMI Newsletter - Click Here
Family Connection Newsletter is created by the Waukesha County Foster Care Program - Click Here
The Women’s Center If you or anyone you know needs help please contact the Women's Center right away
Follow the attached links for more information
Click Here for English
Click Here for Spanish