August 07, 2020
Dear Gaenslen families,
We are excited to welcome you back for the 2020-21 school year. We thank you for your patience as we provide you with information regarding COVID-19 and the supports available to your child. We miss the day-to-day instructional and social interactions with our students. Gaenslen understands that this school year will be very different, but we want to let you know that we are here to support you and your child throughout the school year.
On August 26th, 27th and 28th we will hold our Open House/Grab & Go Event where families will pick up a Chromebook (please note that if you have not returned any previously received Chromebook(s), an additional device will not be issued at this time) and other necessary materials. Gaenslen, along with all Milwaukee Public Schools, will begin the school year with virtual learning on September 1, 2020.
To complete this process, we are asking our families to follow the schedule as follows:
| August 26 | August 27 | August 28 | Note: If you have children who have different last names, please follow the last name of your oldest student that attends Gaenslen. | |
| Last Name | (A-I) | (J-R) | (S-Z) | |
| 11:30-2:00 | 11:30-2:00 | 11:30-2:00 |
Pick Up Day:
- In response to COVID-19/ CDC guidelines, only staff will be permitted into the building.
- Drive up to Gaenslen Driveway (alleyway going North only).
- Staff will take your information and direct you to the parking lot where your child’s learning packet will be brought out to you. Please note that the packet contains forms that will need to be completed. You may fill them out in your car and return them immediately to the readily available staff or you may take the forms with you and scan them to our school email at 185@milwaukee.k12.wi.us upon completion.
- We ask that families make a sincere effort to try to attend during the times outlined in the chart above, however if you are unable to attend any of the designated slots, please call the school office at 414-267-5700 to schedule an appointed pick up time.
It is important to note that although the school year will start with virtual learning for all students, it will look very different from the online learning that took place at the end of last school year.
- Attendance will be taken daily, and students are expected to maintain 95% attendance.
- All students will be graded based on the Wisconsin and Common Core State Standards.
- There will be no pass/fail grades.
We are ready for virtual learning! Our skilled and devoted staff are already planning and preparing for your child’s return. We are adapting and strengthening our practices, investing in the technology required to provide a quality online academic experience, and working with teachers and school staff to be more effective and active online instructors. As we return to school, the support and involvement of parents and families will be critical to our students’ success. We want you to be prepared and ready. The district has created a series of how-to tutorials that will get you set up and ready for virtual learning. You can access all the videos by visiting our Family Tutorials page on the MPS homepage at https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/.
Please keep the following in mind:
- Individual teachers/staff will contact you in order to provide you with specific information regarding your child’s grade level platforms, resources, schedules and supply lists.
- Gaenslen families who are still in need of a Chrome Book for fall (new and returning students) can call the school office at 267-5700.
- See MPS Home and Facebook pages for information on the 25 meal and homework centers.
- Families can contact the technology department if you need assistance with the Chrome Book or resources: tsc@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
- Information on district support with internet/hot spots will be shared as it becomes available.
- Students who are not returning to Gaenslen this fall MUST contact the office at 414-267-5700, in order to schedule a time to drop off the device.
We thank you in advance for your continued patience as we strive to support you in these difficult times. We know that you may have questions, and our school community will be prepared to receive your input and provide detailed answers to any concerns you may have this school year. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.
Respectfully,
Kirsten L Brown
Principal
