We are here to help! If you are struggling to find fun ideas to keep your child(ren) busy while at home, please feel free to reach out to us and/or your student’s teacher(s) any time! You can also follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with current events and circumstances. We post different tips, information, projects, crafts, and at-home activities to keep them…and you entertained daily.
As we navigate the unknown, it’s important to be aware of the potential impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis on mental health, like increased anxiety surrounding all the unknowns, grief for those who lost loved ones, post traumatic stress, and the sadness from isolation.
Mental Health America has compiled a range of resources and information to support individuals, families, and communities during this time. Please use and share this link for those who might be looking for mental health information and resources related to COVID-19, isolation, anxiety, stress and more. In addition, Melissa Wellenstein, our Social Emotional Coach, is available to support families and provide resources by appointment (mwellenstein@stjohn23rd.school).
LETTERS, RESOURCES & INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:
With the closing of school buildings in the coming weeks, the District will be offering free lunches to all students who reside in our District. Lunches will be available for drive thru pick-up between the weekday hours of 10 AM and 1PM each day during the weeks of school closings and between 3PM and 5PM on Tuesdays for the following day(s). Lunches can be picked up for multiple days for multiple students if pre-ordered. Lunch pick-up will take place at Port Washington High School’s PAC/Auditorium Entrance.
Please order in advance by doing the following:
1) Please call our Food Service Director or email him to order meals at 262-268-5541 or Clark.blachly@pwssd.k12.wi.us
2) Please provide each of the students names, school they attend and grade level
3) The number of days of meals & anticipated time for pick-up
Meals will be available during the time frames listed above for pick-up even without contacting us ahead of time, however multiple days of meals may not be available. Meals will meet Federal Meal Program standards.
Parent Guidance for Online Learning
1. Have a designated area for your child’s online instruction and classwork. Provide space where your child will not be disrupted by other activities. The space should be well lit with a desk or table and chair. The monitor should be at eye level and the student’s chair should offer acceptable back support. Lying on a bed makes it difficult to remain focused and attentive. The space should be stocked with adequate school supplies. Online learning should never occur in a bathroom.
2. Students should have appropriate and dedicated technology to use during realtime online learning. A laptop or desktop computer should be used instead of a cell phone. It is a good idea (if applicable) for the parent to keep your child’s phone during the online school day. Please notify your child’s teacher if you are having difficulty with your personal devices or your school-owned device.
3. Create a schedule for independent learning with set breaks. These breaks should include physical activity without the use of screens. Parents must set parameters for gaming and video watching.
4. Since many of our students find fulfillment in school sports and extracurricular activities, it is important that they find non-school activities. We recommend that students build or create something new or discover a new hobby.
5. This is an opportunity for students to learn other life skills. We recommend they learn to do laundry (if this is a new skill), cook a meal, yard work, clean their closets and drawers, create a budget, and organize the basement.
6. As we know, the closing of schools is aimed at decreasing the spread of the COVID-19 disease. While your child(ren) should not feel they are in Quarantine (this is NOT a punishment for them), this is also not an opportunity to gather with peers in larger groups.
7. Recognize that online education is “real school”. This requires that students demonstrate independence and maturity to enter in class daily (according to the teacher’s schedule) and not engage in side chats with friends.
8. Parents should review SJ23 expectations for online learning (Acceptable Use Policy) with their child(ren).
9. Instruct your child(ren) that anything they say online could be recorded. They must be thoughtful about their classmates and refrain from making offensive or inappropriate comments.
GENERAL UPDATES TO FOLLOW:
