Educational Options- Quarter 2
Each quarter during the 2020-21 school year, families will have the option to change their learning model preference between in-person and virtual learning. We are asking families to make this decision between October 10-14, using this Google Form. Only families seeking a change in the learning environment need to complete this form. All other students will continue with their current learning model.
Overview of Educational Options
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Overview of Educational Options - Elementary
To help families make an informed decision about which mode of learning is the best fit for their household, an overview of both our virtual and face-to-face options is outlined below. To assist our students and families who opt to make a change at any of our nine week windows, extra efforts have been made to provide continuity of learning. We have implemented a more rigid scope and sequence across grade level content areas to ensure that students are guaranteed a high quality learning experience that avoids duplication or missed important instructional units and lessons.
Virtual
Our virtual learning environment includes a balance of opportunities for real-time, synchronous learning experiences as well as independent learning tasks that can be done with some flexibility throughout the school day at home.
Families who engage in the district’s virtual learning model can expect the following:
Daily
- Lessons* and Learning Tasks in Phonics/Word Study, Reading, Writing, and Math (*Lessons may be pre-recorded videos or live lessons.)
- One Read Aloud for students to listen to
- All lessons and learning tasks will be accessible through Seesaw (Grades K-2) or Google Classroom (Grades 3-5).
Weekly
- Work directly with the classroom teacher - either with a small group or one-on-one to address student specific learning goals
- Two live meetings with the classroom teacher and peers to establish and maintain classroom community (such as a class meeting, a read aloud, following up a lesson, etc.)
- At least one synchronous math lesson for the class
- Teacher feedback regarding student progress toward learning goals in literacy and math
- Weekly lesson plans for the coming week available to families by 5pm on Fridays. All specials (art, music, and phy ed) have a Google site that is linked to the classroom teacher’s plans.
- Science/Social Studies, Human Growth & Development/Socio-Emotional Learning lessons.
FAQs for families engaged in The virtual model:
Will my child be monitored for the duration of the typical school day?
Students will have a balance between synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. During asynchronous learning tasks, students are expected to work independently. The classroom teacher may be meeting with other students in small groups or one-on-one during this time, and would not be available to monitor independent work time.
Will my child have a teacher from their home school?
Our virtual classes include teachers and students from across the district. There is a strong chance that students are placed into classes with teachers from other schools. We do attempt to include students in class placements with peers from their home school building to maintain a sense of connection.
What are the expectations for caretaker involvement in the virtual setting?
The involvement of the caretaker at home will vary depending on the level of independence for the student. Older students who have more familiarity and prior experience with navigating the learning platform (K-2 Seesaw, 3-5 Google Classroom) will likely require less assistance in accessing synchronous learning activities through zoom or Google links, and through engaging in the independent learning tasks assigned to them. Students in earlier grades or new to the learning platform will require caretaker assistance to navigate through this, particularly in the initial phase of virtual learning. Students may need assistance or reengagement reminders as well as assistance following their schedule while at home.
If my child receives an intervention, would this support continue in a virtual environment?
Students who receive interventions in their current model of instruction would continue to have this support through virtual interventions. The interventionist may be a different educator just as the classroom teacher would be different. This support would be added to the student’s schedule in addition to the regular class schedule of meetings and learning activities.
What if I have questions about my student’s special education service delivery?
Please contact your student’s special education teacher with specific questions. An additional FAQ document can be found here.
Do we have access to meals from the school if our family is virtual?
Yes, all virtual students have access to meals from the school.
Pick-Up Meals at Burleigh Elementary (16185 Burleigh Place, Brookfield, WI 53005) Monday-Friday between 9:30am-10:30am. Meals will be distributed on the Northeast side of the building. Follow the signs.
Students must sign-up for meals on the Virtual Meal Pick-up Form for the following week by Friday, 9 am. All lunch meals will need to be heated at home following instructions provided. Please contact Laura Baritt at 262-781-3030 ext. 1175, if you have any questions.
If we choose a virtual option, will we be expected to come to school?
Occasionally, your child’s teacher may choose to ask families to come to school to pick up or drop off materials needed for learning. This will be a contactless transaction and may happen throughout the year, on a consistent schedule. Your child’s teacher will clearly communicate those procedures to families.
In-Person Learning
Families of students who attend school in our buildings can expect the continuation of the following safety protocols:
- Required face coverings for all students in the building and on buses.
- Cohorting student groups to limit contact with others - At our elementary schools students are cohorted with the students in their classroom for the duration of the school day.
- Lunch and specials classes are provided with the class cohort.
- Hallway procedures are established to keep student cohorts separated from one another.
- Access to shared spaces is limited to avoid potential contamination
- Bathroom protocols are established to limit the number of students in the space at any given time.
- Frequent hand washing and sanitizing
- Prohibiting volunteers and visitors in the school
- Additional information about our mitigation strategies can be found at the Elmbrook Schools Learning Hub
FAQs for families engaged in the In-Person model:
What if my child struggles to keep a mask on for the duration of the school day?
There are mask breaks factored into the school day for all students. These occur during snack and lunch breaks as well as when children are outdoors and spaced more than six feet apart (recess, some gym class activities, etc.)
Will there be transportation available for my child?
Families who transition from Virtual to In-Person learning can indicate a need for bus transportation when they declare their Quarter 2 preference. GoRiteway will communicate route information by October 30.
What happens to my child if an individual in his/her classroom contracts COVID-19?
Please see this infographic.
Please note that as we continue to gather information regarding family preferences for learning environments for the second nine weeks of school, we will also review our staffing needs to support the preferences of our families. We will respond to the staffing needs in both the virtual and in-person environments, and resulting staffing changes may be necessary.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Overview of Educational Options - Middle School
To help families make an informed decision about which mode of learning is the best fit for their household, an overview of both our virtual and face-to-face options is outlined below. To assist our students and families who opt to make a change at any of our nine week windows, extra efforts have been made to provide continuity of learning. We have implemented a more rigid scope and sequence across grade level content areas to ensure that students are guaranteed a high quality learning experience that avoids duplication or missed important instructional units and lessons.
Virtual
Our virtual learning environment includes a balance of opportunities for real-time, synchronous learning experiences as well as small group and independent learning tasks that can be done with some flexibility throughout the school day at home.
Families who engage in the district’s virtual learning model can expect the following:
Daily
- Daily, live instruction is delivered each period according to the virtual schedule.
- Synchronous full group instruction (mini lesson and/or strategy/heterogeneous groups) should account for 30 minutes or less of each period. This will include a lesson, mid-lesson feedback, and reflection.
- Small group and/or independent work may occur synchronously or asynchronously for the remainder of the class period.
- Teachers are available online for the entire period to provide support, conferring, or Q & A.
- A balance of tech and hands-on/non-tech engagement for students is expected.
- All lessons and learning tasks will be accessible through Canvas.
Weekly
- Instructional materials are posted in Canvas by Sunday evening for each course. This includes a daily/weekly agenda,
- Work directly with the classroom teacher - either with a small group or one-on-one to address student specific learning goals
- Teacher feedback regarding student progress toward prioritized standards and learning targets.
- Our Academic & Career Planning, Choices and Wellness (Human Growth & Development), and Digital Citizenship lessons are delivered through Resource, Social Studies, Science, and Health/Science/Wellness classes.
FAQs for families engaged in The virtual model:
Will my child be monitored for the duration of the typical school day?
Students will have a balance between synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. During independent learning tasks, the classroom teacher may be meeting with other students in small groups or one-on-one and would not be available to monitor independent work time.
Will my child have a teacher from their home school?
Our virtual classes include teachers and students from both middle schools.
If my child receives an intervention, would this support continue in a virtual environment?
Students who receive interventions in their current model of instruction would continue to have this support through virtual interventions. The interventionist may be a different educator just as the classroom teacher would be different. This support is typically provided during small group or 1:1 synchronous time following the full group lesson.
What if I have questions about my student’s special education service delivery?
Please contact your student’s special education teacher with specific questions. An additional FAQ document can be found here
Do we have access to meals from the school if our family is virtual?
Yes, all virtual students have access to meals from the school.
Pick-Up Meals at Burleigh Elementary (16185 Burleigh Place, Brookfield, WI 53005) Monday-Friday between 9:30am-10:30am. Meals will be distributed on the Northeast side of the building. Follow the signs.
Students must sign-up for meals on the Virtual Meal Pick-up Form for the following week by Friday, 9 am. All lunch meals will need to be heated at home following instructions provided. Please contact Laura Baritt at 262-781-3030 ext. 1175, if you have any questions.
If we choose a virtual option, will we be expected to come to school?
Occasionally, your child’s teacher may choose to ask families to come to school to pick up or drop off materials needed for learning. This will be a contactless transaction and may happen throughout the year, on a consistent schedule. Your child’s teacher will clearly communicate those procedures to families.
If my child chooses a virtual model, can they still participate in clubs?
Yes. Clubs are housed at “home” schools and available for ALL learners, virtual and in-person.
In-Person Learning
Families of students who attend school in our buildings can expect the continuation of the following safety protocols:
- Required face coverings for all students in the building and on buses
- Cohorting student groups to limit contact with others - Our K-8 students are cohorted with the students in their classroom for the duration of the school day.
- Lunch and electives classes are provided with the class cohort.
- Hallway procedures are established to keep student cohorts separated from one another.
- Access to shared spaces is limited to avoid potential contamination
- Bathroom protocols are established to limit the number of students in the space at any given time.
- Frequent hand washing and/or sanitizing
- Prohibiting volunteers and visitors in the school
- Additional information about our mitigation strategies can be found at the Elmbrook Schools Learning Hub
FAQs for families engaged in the In-Person model:
What if my child struggles to keep a mask on for the duration of the school day?
There are mask breaks factored into the school day for all students. These are coordinated by teachers in each House and during designated recess times.. When possible, mask breaks occur outdoors and students are spaced more than six feet apart.
Will there be transportation available for my child?
Families who transition from Virtual to In-Person Learning can indicate a need for bus transportation when they declare their Quarter 2 preference. GoRiteway will communicate route information by October 30.
What happens if there is a close contact with someone in my child’s class?
Please see this infographic.
Please note that as we continue to gather information regarding family preferences for learning environments for the second nine weeks of school, we will also review our staffing needs to support the preferences of our families. We will respond to the staffing needs in both the virtual and in-person environments, and resulting staffing changes may be necessary.
HIGH SCHOOL
Overview of Educational Options - High School
To help families make an informed decision about which mode of learning is the best fit for their household, an overview of both our virtual and face-to-face options is outlined below. Please note that designation as an in-person or virtual learner is done on a term-by-term basis and the commitment is for the entirety of the term.
Virtual
Our virtual learning environment includes a balance of opportunities for real-time, synchronous learning experiences as well as small group and independent learning tasks that can be done with some flexibility throughout the school day at home. Students who choose this model experience seamless instruction with their in-person peers as students engage in lesson activities via live stream technologies. Teachers may be in-person or remote for our virtual and in-person model.
Families who engage in the district’s virtual learning model can expect the following:
Daily
- Instruction is delivered each period according to the daily schedule.
- All lessons and learning tasks will be accessible through Canvas.
- Synchronous instruction- expectations for engagement in direct instruction and heterogeneous, small groups are clearly communicated with students by teachers. This may vary on course and daily activities. Synchronous Instruction will most likely not be the entire 90 minutes.
- Teachers are available online for the entire 90 minute period to provide support, conferring, or Q & A.
- Asynchronous instruction typically does not exceed 60 minutes/week per course (ex-homework, activities outside of synchronous time, watching a video, etc). Teachers are cognizant of the intent of homework: to practice skills and application of principles based upon class work, enrich school experiences, promote a permanent interest in learning, and stimulate individual initiative, personal responsibility, and self-direction.
- Virtual Resource is M,W,Th and the time may be synchronous or asynchronous depending on the needs of the student.
- A balanced experience of tech and hands-on/non-tech engagement for students.
Weekly
- Instructional materials are posted in Canvas by Sunday evening for each course. This includes a daily/weekly agenda,
- Work directly with the classroom teacher - either with a small group or one-on-one to address student specific learning goals
- Teacher feedback regarding student progress toward prioritized standards and learning targets.
- Our Academic & Career Planning, Human Growth & Development, and Digital Citizenship lessons are authentically embedded in Resource, Social Studies, Science, English, and Math.
FAQs for families engaged in the virtual model:
Will my child be monitored for the duration of the typical school day?
Students will have a balance between synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. During independent learning tasks, the classroom teacher may be meeting with other students in small groups or one-on-one and would not be available to monitor independent work time.
Will my child have a teacher from their home school?
Typically. There are some courses that involve teachers from both or either school (ex- LAUNCH).
If my child receives an intervention, would this support continue in a virtual environment?
Students who receive interventions in their current model of instruction would continue to have this support through virtual interventions. The interventionist may be a different educator just as the classroom teacher would be different. This support is typically provided during small groups or 1:1 synchronous time following the full group lesson.
What if I have questions about my student’s special education service delivery?
Please contact your student’s special education teacher with specific questions. An additional FAQ document can be found here
Do we have access to meals from the school if our family is virtual?
Yes, all virtual students have access to meals from the school.
Pick-Up Meals at Burleigh Elementary (16185 Burleigh Place, Brookfield, WI 53005) Monday-Friday between 9:30am-10:30am. Meals will be distributed on the Northeast side of the building. Follow the signs.
Students must sign-up for meals on the Virtual Meal Pick-up Form for the following week by Friday, 9 am. All lunch meals will need to be heated at home following instructions provided. Please contact Laura Baritt at 262-781-3030 ext. 1175, if you have any questions.
If we choose a virtual option, will we be expected to come to school?
Occasionally, your child’s teacher may choose to ask families to come to school to pick up or drop off materials needed for learning. This will be a contactless transaction and may happen throughout the year. Your child’s teacher will clearly communicate those procedures to families.
In-Person Learning
Students who choose this model experience seamless instruction with their virtual peers as students learning remotely engage in lesson activities via live stream technologies. Teachers may be in-person or remote for our virtual and in-person model. Families of students who attend school in our buildings can expect the continuation of the following safety protocols:
- Required face coverings for all students in the building and on buses
- Hallway & lunch procedures are established to minimize contacts and promote social distancing..
- Access to shared spaces is limited to avoid potential contamination
- Bathroom protocols are established to limit the number of students in the space at any given time.
- Frequent hand washing and sanitizing
- Prohibiting volunteers and visitors in the school
FAQs for families engaged in the in-person model:
What if my child struggles to keep a mask on for the duration of the school day?
There are mask breaks factored into the school day for all students. These are coordinated by teachers. When possible, mask breaks occur outdoors and students are spaced more than six feet apart.
Will there be transportation available for my child?
Families who transition from Virtual to In-Person Learning can indicate a need for bus transportation when they declare their Quarter 2 preference. GoRiteway will communicate route information by October 30.
What happens if there is a close contact with someone in my child’s class?
Please see this infographic.
Please note that as we continue to gather information regarding family preferences for learning environments for the second nine weeks of school, we will also review our staffing needs to support the preferences of our families. We will respond to the staffing needs in both the virtual and in-person learning environments, and resulting staffing changes may be necessary.
SPECIAL EDUCATION COVID FAQs
Virtual Service Delivery
Staff and Structures Related
How will planning occur amongst staff?
Professional Learning Communities will plan weekly to proactively meet the needs of students in a virtual environment.
When will my child receive their specially designed instruction?
This should be communicated on an individual basis through the Distance Learning Plan. That being said, some services will be delivered similar to in-person learning through co-planning and general education instruction. Other services may be delivered in a one-to-one or small group setting.
Will caseloads be reassigned at the quarter based on students choosing to be in person versus at home?
There may need to be some realignment based on students who choose to be in-person versus distance learning. We will do our best to continue educator/student relationships, however, adjustments may be needed to accommodate student elections.
Student Support Related
My student requires 1:1 supervision or adult assistance during in-person learning. Will this same level of support be provided virtually?
This should be communicated on an individual basis through the Distance Learning Plan.
Last Spring during the mandated closure, my son/daughter received support throughout the day. Why does this level of support look different this Fall?
Because of the Spring mandated school closure, many teaching assistant staff were available to provide additional services not listed in the IEP. This Fall, services will be communicated through the Distance Learning Plan which is directly aligned to the supports required per the individual IEP. If students choose a virtual option, families are agreeing to provide some level of instructional support in the home environment.
If I have further questions, who should I contact?
Please work directly with your son/daughter's IEP team to problem-solve questions.
In-Person Service Delivery
Places and Spaces
Will students be allowed to transition to and from classrooms? If so, how will they be supported with this?
At this point, students may transition to and from the general and special education rooms to receive the instruction reflected in their IEPs. For some students, IEP teams may want to discuss how we may limit the transitions even further.
Will sensory spaces be available?
• Try to accommodate in the classrooms
• Have individual materials for students
• Develop cleaning schedule/procedures
◦ This may involve meeting with your principal and building custodial staff members
Equipment and Materials
What protective gear will be provided to staff working with students with special needs?
Staff will be provided:
• Face mask to be worn while working with students if they do not have their own face covering
• Face shields and individual partitions to assist in respiratory droplet containment as needed when physical distance can not be maintained
• Hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray and paper towels
• Gloves when necessary for personal cares
Staff and Structures Related
How will planning occur amongst staff?
Whenever possible, it will be encouraged for staff to plan virtually. If meeting in person, masks should be worn at all times and physical distancing maintained
What will Early Childhood look like?
The Early Childhood team will provide virtual or face to face instruction based according to the IEP based on the family preference.
Will caseloads be reassigned based on students choosing to be in person versus at home?
There may need to be some realignment based on students who choose to be on campus versus distance learning. We will know which students are on campus versus distance learning by August 17th.
How will co-serving look with in-person instruction?
Our goal is to continue providing students the services listed in their IEP, while also minimizing adult traffic patterns. When co-serving, ensure both teachers are wearing masks. Take precautionary measures in regard to hand-washing/sanitizing. Special educators are able to be in classrooms for longer than 15 minutes; however, physically distance to reduce potential spread. In addition, some students may receive a combination of in-person in close proximity (less than 15 minutes in duration) and virtual instruction while in the school environment.
Will staff be able to work with multiple students in different classrooms as in the past? Will staff be going in and out of classrooms?
To reduce traffic patterns of adults in spaces, teams will work to cohort students. Teams will co-plan to meet the individual needs of students, then provide services in increments of 15 minutes or less to reduce exposure.
Student Support Related
How will staff work with students who have 100% support needs?
Similar to personal protective equipment and...:
- Where/when possible, allow social distancing
- When staff are 1:1 and <6 feet apart, a face shield and mask shall be worn for the duration of time working with the student.
- Additionally, partitions shall be considered depending on the instructional scenario.
What if I am working with a student who has high oral sensory needs?
Staff shall wear a mask with a face shield while working with the student.
- Utilize cleaning protocols
- Maintain proper handwashing in the moment; may need to walkie for support
- Clean surfaces after working with the student.
What about students with hearing loss?
Staff that work with students who have hearing loss shall be provided with alternative face coverings to allow for access to communication.
What if a student is too medically fragile to attend school?
If your child cannot attend school due to medical needs please reach out to your IEP team, including our district nurse. Teams will discuss options such as:
- Distance learning
- Materials being sent home
- Accessing “walk-in” therapies in our schools
Teams will work to create a distance learning plan to meet your child’s individual needs.
Do you foresee students being pulled to work with their assigned para in special education rooms more frequently than receiving para support in their classroom?
Where students will receive their educational services will still depend on what the IEP team decides.
Training, Protocols, & Meetings
Will IEPs be held virtually or in-person?
IEP and evaluation meetings will be held virtually to eliminate guests in buildings and reduce adult contacts.
What about evaluations from the spring or for student move-ins this fall?
The IEP team will communicate regarding deferred evaluations from Spring, 2020.
Transportation
Are students required to wear masks on the bus?
The bus drivers are required to wear masks as well as students.