Welcome

Monday, August, 2020

Dear Siefert Parents,

We are excited to welcome you back for the 20-21 school year. We thank you for your patience as we provide you with information regarding
COVID-19 and supports available to your child. We miss our students and our day to day instructional and social interactions. We understand that this school year will be very different. It is important to note that although the start of the school year will start with virtual learning for all students, it will look very different from the online learning that took place in March-June.

We are ready for virtual learning! Our skilled and devoted staff are planning and preparing for your child’s return. We are adapting and strengthening our practices, investing in technology 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. Please keep the following in mind:

• A Drive up welcome will take place on Thursday, August 27^th from 3:00-5:00. Books/textbooks will be distributed on this day / timeframe. A signed contact will be needed.
• Classroom / teacher assignments will be shared on this day. We NEED your updated email address and phone number/s to be able to communicate with you.
• On-line/virtual platforms and approaches used should be familiar to most students/families (e.g. Google Classroom, See Saw, Remind and Dojo); simplifying steps needed to access and interact with resources. Siefert staff will contact you to provide you with specific information and tools needed.
• Families who are still in needs of a Chrome Book for fall (new and returning students) can call Siefert at 935-1500 to schedule a drive-through pick-up appointment on August 24-28. A picture ID and a signed contract will be needed.
• Directions for visiting the school / district websites for YouTube / district videos covering how to engage in Google Meet and access the Student Toolbox will be provided.
• Parents can visit the MPS Home and Facebook pages for updates on meal and homework distribution centers.
• Contact the technology dept. 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 Siefert this fall MUST return the Chrome Book provided by Siefert on August 13^th or 14^th in order to receive another Chrome Book at their fall school site.

We thank you in advance for joining our team as we strive to support you in these difficult times.

Our school community will be prepared to receive your input and provide detailed answers to your questions or concerns. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Respectfully,

Ms. W. Varela-Katz, Siefert Proud Principal

Siefert Elementary School is located in a near north-side neighborhood of Milwaukee. Our school serves approximately 300 students from 3-year-old Head Start through grade five which includes regular education students, as well as students with special needs. Siefert receives Title 1 Funding, which allows us to purchase instructional support materials and employ educational assistants.

The mission of Siefert Elementary School is to ensure that all students will expand their current academic capacities and become responsible, well-rounded citizens in the 21st Century. Siefert students will be proficient writers, speakers, and readers. They will be competent, creative problem solvers in both science and mathematics and will be familiar with current technological advances.

MPS MISSION:

Milwaukee Public Schools educates all students for success in higher education, careers, and responsible citizenship so that MPS is the first choice for families.

SIEFERT VISION:

Siefert envisions a minds-on learning environment where ALL students will be provided with differentiated opportunities to actively engage in teacher facilitated, evidence-based conversations and learning that lead to increased proficiency in all content areas.