April 29, 2021 | Vol. 39 Mequon-Thiensville School District Newsletter |
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Responsible Return Operating Plan Version 11 |
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Our commitment to safely enhancing all student learning environments remains steadfast as we look forward to a strong finish to the 2020-2021 school year and a fresh start for 2021-2022. We are grateful for the flexibility and resilience of our students and families as we continue to adapt to evolving guidance from local and national health officials.
In accordance with the most updated guidance provided by the CDC and Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department (WOPHD), we have updated our Responsible Return Operating Plan to include the removal of clear dividers from desks and tabletops in all core classrooms at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, effective Monday, May 3. The clear dividers will remain implemented in the elementary specials classrooms and in all common spaces, such as the school cafeterias. Students or families who are uncomfortable with the removal of the clear dividers should contact their school principal directly.
- Removal of clear dividers in core classrooms at all grade levels
- Extension of the USDA waiver allowing all students to access free school meals regardless of free or reduced lunch status through June 30, 2022
- Further clarity regarding the expectations of Recreation Department program participants
- An update to quarantine expectations for fully vaccinated, non-symptomatic individuals
- Next steps for students 16 or older who complete their COVID-19 vaccination
As we carry on our journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, the health, safety, and wellbeing of each of our students and staff members remain a top priority in providing an educational environment where students can experience success. It remains our goal to keep our school community safe and healthy while also accommodating the instructional, social, and emotional needs of our students, faculty, and staff members by finding ways to enhance the educational environment whenever possible.
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New Member Elected to the MTSD Board of Education |
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Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Hopkins who was recently elected to the MTSD Board of Education for a three-year term! Mr. Hopkins formally took office at the Board’s organizational meeting on Monday, April 26. Shelley Burns and Paula Taebel, incumbent school board members re-elected in the April election, took their oaths of office on April 26 as well, each beginning another three-year term in the position.
The Board also wished a fond farewell to former Board Treasurer, John Daniels, III, as his term ended last week. Mr. Daniels served one term on the Board and contributed as a member of the Board’s legislative committee and in the role of Treasurer. As a school community, we thank Mr. Daniels for his service to the Mequon-Thiensville School District!
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Introducing the MTSD
2021-2024 Strategic Plan
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In January 2021, the Board of Education launched a strategic planning process to determine where we are as an organization, come to a consensus on where we want to go, and map the trajectory to realizing our future. The development of the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan included an intense review of the District’s current strategic direction.
As part of the strategic review and plan development process, we engaged students, parents/guardians, alumni, employees, and community members. We asked stakeholder groups to share their input via strategic planning surveys. The 2021-2024 Strategic Plan affirms the school district’s focus to our mission, vision, guiding principles, and commitment to equity. Additionally, the plan includes revised strategic goals and correlating objectives which represent the observations and insights of stakeholders across our school community.
It is with enthusiasm, purpose, and renewed energy that we embark on the next three years of this journey on behalf of our students. Together, we ignite each student’s passion for learning, preparing for a life of infinite possibilities.
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Steffen Middle School Named AVID National Demonstration School |
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The Mequon-Thiensville School District recently announced that Steffen Middle School has been named an AVID National Demonstration School, a distinction achieved by only 3 percent of AVID schools in the United States.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nonprofit organization that provides professional learning and high-quality instructional practices which empower students with critical thinking skills to navigate the educational landscape through an explicit focus on high expectations. MTSD has been an AVID Districtwide system since 2015.
The school joins approximately 200 other AVID National Demonstration Schools and was selected through an application process, screening, and review, which included a site visit from AVID executives. Schools from around the world that are preparing to implement AVID will visit Demonstration Schools, such as Steffen, to observe a highly evolved AVID system.
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Five Questions With Middle School Facility Coordinators: Dustin Manley & Jeremy Goldberg |
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Did you know that each of our six schools has a designated Facility Coordinator? The Facility Coordinator is responsible for the year-round care and maintenance of our school buildings, including programming for special event set-up and managing building safety from both security and virus mitigation standpoints.
This past year, our Facility Coordinators have also been instrumental in their engagement around our Referendum and Facilities Project, assisting in the planning for the additions and renovations at each school and working closely with Hunzinger Construction Company to ensure that the construction process goes as smoothly as possible.
We are grateful for the work that each of our Facility Coordinators does all year round. Click the links below to find out more about our two middle school Facility Coordinators: Dustin Manley and Jeremy Goldberg. Stay tuned for another Facility Coordinator feature next month!
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Dustin Manley
Facility Coordinator at Lake Shore Middle School and Range Line Community Center
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Jeremy Goldberg
Facility Coordinator at Steffen Middle School
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Online Enrollment for Returning Families |
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We are planning for and looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year!
Online enrollment will be open for all families beginning on June 1, 2021. Returning families will receive an email on June 1 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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Registration for New Families
If your family is new to MTSD, welcome! Please click the link below for more information designed to answer new families' frequently asked questions about the school day and the enrollment process.
Do you know a family who is new to the district? Feel free to pass along this link and make sure they sign up to receive district updates via Momentum by using this form.
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Summer Programming Message from the M-T Recreation Department |
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As we continue planning for summer programs, including Summer Academy and Summer Camp, the Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department would like to share information regarding our compliance with the mitigation measures that are necessary to keep our recreation participants and staff safe and available to take part in the exciting programs we have planned for this summer!
The Recreation Department operates as part of the school district and follows the guidance of the district’s Responsible Return Operating Plan. Anyone who participates in activities through Mequon-Thiensville Recreation Department programming will be required to follow the procedures outlined in the operating plan.
With guidance and recommendations for mitigating the risk of spreading COVID-19 constantly evolving, the Recreation Department will continue to monitor recommendations and guidelines and make adjustments as necessary.
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Chromebook Return Coming Up! |
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As we near the end of the school year, please be aware that all students will be required to return their MTSD-issued Chromebooks for the summer. Additional details about return dates will be shared in the next few weeks. In the meantime, please make sure your student has both their Chromebook and Chromebook charger ready to return in June. |
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The shortage of school bus drivers still continues in the industry and within our local communities. GoRiteway is always looking for additional candidates to add to our driver team to continue to get the students to/from school safely and also to accommodate the overlapping athletic and charter needs. |
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NO SCHOOL (4K-8 Students only) - Staff Inservice
Friday, April 30
Board of Education - Regular Business Meeting
Monday, May 17 @ 6:30 p.m.
Early Release Day (Elementary & Middle)
Wednesday, May 19
NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
Monday, May 31
Online Enrollment Window Opens (for Returning Families)
Tuesday, June 1
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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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