What Will School Look Like in 2020-21?

The School District of Mellen has created a "Return to School" committee consisting of administration, teacher leaders, and school board members.  As we begin the process of planning for the 2020-21 reentry we have identified the following mission, purpose, and goals:

Mission:  Bring all students back on site with remote learning options for families choosing not to send their child to school 

Purpose: Create a safe learning environment and provide a quality educational experience for ALL students

Goals of Returning to School

• Keeping students and staff physically safe
• Attending to, and caring for, the social-emotional and mental health needs of students and staff
• Keeping learning coherent, focused on the highest priorities for each grade level, and moving forward space -- whether learning is occurring in-person, remotely, or blended
• Meeting the needs of every student, across in-person and remote learning contexts
• Aligning teaching roles, responsibilities, and structures to the new reality of teaching and learning
• Designing schedules that flexibly accommodate this new reality, including new protocols for being together in school buildings and structures for continuing learning when it is happening remotely

As we develop this reentry plan we will continue to communicate information through multiple platforms.

How can I get help finding an internet provider?
The Internet and Phone Helpline number is 1 (608) 267-3595.
Callers can get help:

• Finding internet service and discounts
• Determining eligibility for a discount on voice or bundled voice and data service through the Lifeline program
• Finding locations where emergency Wi-Fi has been made available during the outbreak if no other options are available at home

How can I get help if I am having technology issues?

Tech support is available from our IT Team (Citon) by emailing requests to Studenthelp@mellendiggers.org.

Family Communication

April 6, 2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we enter the fourth week of our school closure, I want to extend a huge shout out to everyone - students, parents/guardians, family members, teachers, custodians, food service, support staff, office staff, administration, school board members, and our community!  We are all in this together!  
During the first two full weeks of the closure, middle and high school teachers focused on connecting with all students.  They have done this by emailing, calling, texting, and messaging in Google Classroom. Elementary teachers focused on connecting with parents/guardians.  In addition, teachers began preparing lessons for upcoming weeks.

From this week forward, teachers will be available between 8:00 and 3:00 to provide support to students.  We recognize that these times might not work for some and therefore encourage students and/or parents/guardians to reach out to teachers and make other arrangements. Attached, you will find a teacher directory. All teachers can be reached using their school email addresses. Also, you can call and leave messages for teachers on their school phones by calling 715-274-3601 and entering their extension. Teachers can retrieve their messages remotely.

Providing instruction and learning opportunities remotely is a new undertaking for all of us. We are working hard to create a balance between academic expectations and the social/emotional well-being of our students and families.  If your child is struggling, please reach out to your child’s teacher(s). The well-being of all of our students is of utmost importance to all of us.   
Thank you for your continued support. 

Sincerely,
Mrs. Stricker