December 21, 2021 | Vol. 47 Mequon-Thiensville School District Newsletter |
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Have a Great Winter Break! |
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Academic Recovery Plan Scorecard Update |
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The Mequon-Thiensville School District recognizes the interruptions in learning that many students faced during the 2020-21 school year, and an increased need to support social and emotional well-being moving forward. In light of the MTSD Board of Education’s strategic plan goals and objectives and with the need to account for student needs as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the priority within the District’s strategic plan is the MTSD Academic Recovery Plan.
MTSD leadership and stakeholders have prioritized the implementation of a swift and effective response that demonstrates our commitment to accelerating learning for all students through the development of a comprehensive and actionable plan that directly addresses unfinished learning experienced by our students. The MTSD Academic Recovery Plan is designed with the goal of meeting or exceeding the Milestone percentages as attained in the 2018-19 school year, by the end of 2021-22. Please click below to view the first iteration of the MTSD Academic Recovery Plan Scorecard, which is used to measure progress and inform continuous improvement efforts in alignment with the stated goals.
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Elementary School Boundary Adjustments |
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One of the District’s most significant facilities needs, as identified in our long-range master planning process, relates to our current capacity challenges, and the growth expected at our District’s elementary schools.
The solution determined and recommended by the MTSD Community Task Force Report and approved by our community via the 2020 Referendum, was to create school additions to relieve the building capacity challenges experienced at the elementary level. As we prepare to enter the final phase of the construction projects, it's time to look ahead at the next step in ensuring that all of our elementary schools have the ability to function within their new student capacities for next school year.
Beginning in February, a task force made up of MTSD elementary school parents will be engaging in work regarding a forthcoming adjustment to district elementary school boundaries. Making elementary level boundary adjustments to balance student enrollment across our three elementary schools, accounting for new school sizes, is the next step in the process as we prepare for the conclusion of our facilities projects in advance of the 2022-23 school year.
Boundary adjustments will:
- More evenly distribute elementary student population across the three elementary schools based on new school size,
- Create more consistent student experiences in accessing district programming and support services, and
- Create more consistent sizes of grade-level cohorts in each building.
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On Thursday, December 16, the Mequon-Thiensville School District shifted into the VERY HIGH risk level according to our COVID-19 Mitigation Levels, and face coverings are now required for all individuals in the school environment as a result. In order to drop back down to the HIGH risk level, the Ozaukee County burden level must register below 350 for 14 consecutive calendar days. Appropriate communication will be shared accordingly as that date is tracked. Additionally, we wanted to share an upcoming change that will be implemented when we do reach the HIGH risk level once again.
Our local public health department has shared that they believe all families interested in getting their children ages 5-11 vaccinated will have had the opportunity and time to do so by the end of the calendar year. With confirmation that this is accurate, our students in grades K5 through 6 will have the same option of wearing face coverings while in school like those in grades 7-12 when the District transitions out of the VERY HIGH risk level.
We look forward to reflecting this change in an upcoming operating plan update.
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Please Note: Adjusted COVID-19 Testing Site Hours
MTSD’s COVID-19 testing location at Homestead High School will be available on the following dates during winter break:
- Thursday, December 23 - 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
- Monday, December 27 - 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 28 - 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or booster? Scroll further down the newsletter for information on area vaccine clinics.
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Climate & Culture Survey Results |
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During the end of November and into December, MTSD asked families to share their perspectives with us by participating in our annual Climate & Culture survey. Results from this survey help our schools and the District enhance the educational experience for all students and families while monitoring progress toward strategic plan goals. We are still working on a full results report to reflect longitudinal data from this annual survey. In the meantime, please click below to review this year's survey results and view the results archive for previous years' results. |
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Recreation Department News - A.M. Fitness Program Highlight |
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The A.M. Fitness Program is held Monday - Friday from 5:30 - 7:00 a.m. and is FREE for all Mequon-Thiensville residents. Participants are able to use the pool or fieldhouse track and, starting January 3, the weight room! Lockers and shower facilities are available for use, but please bring your own lock to secure your valuables. Locks must be removed upon your departure. Parking is available in the northwest lot near the Aquatic Center Entrance. Please enter the building through Door 21.
Start working on your New Year's resolutions and join us to swim, walk, or lift!
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The Mequon-Thiensville Board of Education held two hybrid meetings this month:
December 6 Working Meeting
- The Board of Education convened into Closed Session for the purpose of conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved (Gierl records litigation); and for the purpose of Reviewing the Written Evaluations of Safety Drills at the following District Schools: Homestead High School, Steffen Middle School, Lake Shore Middle School, Oriole Lane Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, and Donges Bay Elementary School.
- At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board conducted a mid-year governance check-in, and reviewed the results of their self-evaluation survey.
December 20 Business Meeting
- Reports provided included a Lake Shore PTO SOAR report, referendum project update on Wilson Elementary School, Pandemic Plan report, and the Superintendent's Report.
- Public comment was heard on the topic of District mitigation strategies, specifically face coverings.
- The Homestead High School Dance Team trip to Orlando, Florida was approved.
- Action was taken to approve a resolution authorizing the Superintendent to create the Mequon-Thiensville School District Elementary School Boundary Task Force.
- Action was taken to approve recommendations from the MTSD Wisconsin Association of School Boards Delegate in preparation for the 2022 WASB Delegate Assembly.
- Review of Audit Report and Financial Statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
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Great news! All persons 5 years of age and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination series. Please view the information for vaccine opportunities in the Mequon-Thiensville area. Click the image below to access a PDF with direct links.
Reminder: Once a student has completed both of their vaccinations, please send a picture of their completed vaccination card to the school nurse or health aide at the students’ school. This information will be used by the school nurse and health aides to inform any necessary quarantine requirements. Per CDC guidelines, an individual will not have full immunity to avoid being deemed a close contact to a positive case of COVID-19 until 14 days after their final vaccine dose. As a reminder, a student who is fully vaccinated and not displaying any symptoms of illness is not required to quarantine if identified as close contact to a positive case of COVID-19.
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NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
Thursday, December 23 - Friday, December 31
School Resumes
Monday, January 3
Board of Education - Working Meeting
Monday, January 3 @ 7 p.m. - Range Line Community Center
NO SCHOOL - Staff Inservice
Friday, January 14
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 17
Board of Education - Regular Business Meeting
Monday, January 24 @ 7 p.m. - Range Line Community Center
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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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