April 14, 2020 | Vol. 23 Mequon-Thiensville School District Newsletter
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Message from the Superintendent
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Mequon-Thiensville Community,
I am excited to share the news that voters in the Mequon-Thiensville School District have approved our $55.7 million referendum. The measure was approved by a margin of 58% yes to 42% no. The engagement throughout this process reaffirms our community’s support and desire to continue to grow with us.
The facilities plan was developed to improve safety and security across the school district and to address building capacity and enrollment growth. Two recently completed studies predict significant enrollment growth at the elementary level in the coming years. With each of MTSD’s 3 elementary schools operating near or over its ideal capacity, MTSD does not have adequate classroom and core learning space to accommodate elementary school students.
Construction projects to accommodate needs related to building capacity and projected enrollment growth will include:
- Creating additions and renovations at three elementary schools to increase space available for core classrooms, art, physical education, music, and special education to accommodate projected enrollment growth
- Expanding cafeterias at the elementary and middle schools
- Renovating targeted spaces at the middle schools, including music and specialist classrooms to support current needs
In addition, construction projects to accommodate needs related to safety and security will include:
- Improving traffic circulation and parking lot queuing space at all schools
- Making restrooms and playgrounds more accessible for those with mobility impairments
- Creating a more identifiable main entrance at Homestead High School and making district-wide improvements to control visitor access
- Connecting to municipal water and enhancing fire suppression and alarm systems at the elementary and middle schools
The next step includes developing plans and timelines for construction projects. Because construction will touch every building and program in some way, projects will be phased to cause as little disruption to teaching and learning as possible.
This bold step forward by our community will serve our school district and all residents well into the future. Please join me in expressing gratitude to Mequon and Thiensville residents for their investment in our youth, public schools, and collective future.
Sincerely,
Matthew Joynt, Ph.D.
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What Does Distance Learning Look Like?
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Video featuring photos of students and staff (1:05)
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In March we announced that school will be closed through at least Thursday, April 23, in keeping with Governor Evers' Safer at Home order. At this time, we believe the order will likely be extended, though we have no confirmation, nor do we know how long. We truly look forward to a time when we can be back together in our schools. Until then, distance learning will continue. Times have changed, but our commitment remains the same. Students and families, we're here for you!
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Technology Resources During
Distance Learning
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While we are learning at a distance, MTSD educators will be using several technology tools. Below are some of the tools that teachers may use with your students.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you do not want your child using certain technology tools or applications, please contact your child’s teacher.
- Edpuzzle: A video-sharing tool. Teachers may use it to create interactive lessons that can be shared with students.
- Flipgrid: A video-sharing tool. Allows teachers to record and share a video. Teachers could use it to provide instruction and demonstrate problem solutions. It allows students to record work and share it with teachers.
- Google Classroom: An online environment for teachers to organize and share files with students and allow students to submit work back to the teacher.
- Google Docs: A word processing tool that can be shared between teacher/student and student/student.
- Gmail: Email service for communication. Students in grade 4 through grade 12 have a school email account.
- Google Hangouts/Meet: Video conferencing tools. It allows multiple individuals to connect virtually using voice and/or video. It could be used for 1:1, small-group, or whole-class interaction.
- Google Sheets: A spreadsheet tool that can be shared between teacher/student and student/student.
- Google Slides: A presentation tool that can be shared between teacher/student and student/student.
- Zoom: A video conferencing tool. Allows multiple individuals to connect virtually using voice and/or video. It could be used for 1:1, small-group, or whole-class interaction.
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4K Pre-Registration Update
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In light of the current public health emergency, some four-year-old kindergarten enrollment procedures have been adjusted. In order to enroll your child in the 4K program for the 2020-21 school year, families should follow all of the following steps.
You must complete these 2 steps by the end of the day on May 1, 2020 in order to participate in the class-preference lottery.
STEP 1: Pre-register your child online
STEP 2: Provide proof of residency
Please provide proof of residency documentation to your child’s school. Your child may not be officially pre-registered until proof of residency is received.
Therefore, you will not be included in the class placement lottery until proof of residency is received and verified.
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Online Enrollment Opens May 15 For All
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New this year! Online enrollment will be open for all families beginning on May 15, 2020.
Returning families will receive an email on May 15 with instructions on completing online enrollment. Information will be emailed to the parent email address(es) on record in the
Infinite Campus parent portal
. You may update your contact preferences in your portal account at any time.
Please note that all families must complete online enrollment annually. Student fees will be assessed on August 1.
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Sunny Days Ahead With Summer Academy & Rec Programs
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There is still time to register for Summer Academy! Registration has been extended to May 15. Summer Academy courses are designed for students entering grades 4K-8 and all are taught by MTSD educators.
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Don't forget to check out the array of options available for youth, preschool aged children, adults, and active seniors through the recreation department.
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Please note that if Summer Academy or summer recreation department programs are canceled for any reason, it is the policy of the recreation department to refund enrollments in their entirety.
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Severe Weather Awareness Week
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As another adjustment to the current public health emergency, the State of Wisconsin will be doing a virtual tornado drill on Thursday, April 16. Families are asked to take 15 minutes to practice their own tornado and severe weather safety plans. If you are able, plan to do so a
t 1:45 p.m., which was when the test tornado warning was to occur.
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We miss you! #StayConnectedMTSD
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New 4K Pre-Registration Deadline
Friday, May 1
Summer Academy Registration Deadline
Friday, May 15
Online Enrollment Opens For Current Families
Friday, May 15
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Mequon-Thiensville School District | 262-238-8500 | 5000 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, WI www.mtsd.k12.wi.us
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