Staying Healthy
In the last two weeks, we have observed a significant surge in positive cases of COVID-19 in the State of Wisconsin and in our Springs community. Along with health care providers and civic leaders and our partners with the Fond du Lac Health Department, we urge families to be vigilant about social distancing, limiting large gatherings with people who are not a part of your household especially as we prepare for the holidays. In order for SMSA to continue offering in-person instruction we rely on the whole community doing its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are so very interconnected. My own family has and will continue to make sacrifices so not to compromise the in-person learning goals of the three school communities in which we interact with each day. We will not be celebrating Thanksgiving under the same roof with extended family members. This year, family storytelling will occur on Zoom! While not ideal, it is a little thing we choose to do to maintain healthy Jones and O’Keeffe families…as well as the school communities for which we care deeply.
Jesus tells his disciples: “This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” John 15:12. May God continue to bless and strengthen the Springs community so that we will be willing and ready to show our love through the sacrifices necessary to protect the health of our community during this most difficult time. Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.
Faculty In-Service Day – No School for Students – November 20th
As a reminder, students will be off campus on Friday, November 20, 2020. It is a scheduled professional development day for our faculty.
Virtual Learning Expectations
Parents are encouraged to review the established norms and expectations for virtual learning at SMSA. These two resources were developed at the start of the year and remain our recommended best practices for teachers, parents and students. In terms of video etiquette , let me emphasize a couple of important reminders:
- In the virtual space, students are always expected to have their faces visible on screen, not blocked. Recently, teachers have needed to remind students too often of this accepted norm.
- Students should always be in a safe and appropriate location for learning virtually (not a bedroom or automobile).
- Students should be dressed appropriately when engaged with virtual learning
HS Expectations for Virtual Learners 2020-21
Expectations for Virtual Learners Slide Deck
Ledger Learning Guide
Parents are always encouraged to check the SMSA Ledger Learning Guides Home Page to see weekly learning targets, resources and expectations in every course. Parental partnership in helping teens stay organized and focused on learning priorities each week is always appreciated. Videos from Virtual Back to School Night 2020 have now been permanently linked to the Ledger Learning Guide for parent accessibility.