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Muskego-Norway News April 2020 - Please Scroll Down to See Contents

Dear Families,

This video is one that we showed to our staff members before the beginning of the school year. We realize the challenges that this pandemic has presented to families across the nation and in our own communities. We appreciate each of you for stepping up as superheroes during this uncertain time by providing support and encouragement to your children. While we know this is not easy, we want to express our gratitude for your partnership. It’s times like this that continue to prove why Muskego-Norway communities are the best and we are so proud to be part of them.

Watching this again makes us excited for when our students will be back. We look forward to hearing the laughter and feeling the energy in our buildings again, being inspired by the musical talent of our students, and watching our athletes compete in competition. We miss seeing the “ah-ha” moments when students learn a new concept or the handshakes... or fist bumps with staff as they enter the classrooms. While we could name a 100 more examples of what we miss, we also look at this time and appreciate how strong our community is while we are faced with uncertainty. It’s because of YOU we are able to continue our mission of every student learning, growing, and succeeding.

Thank you for being superheroes for your children, family members, and our whole community. We are stronger together.

Please review our Parent COVID-19 FAQ document where you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions during this time. Friendly reminder that there is no virtual/alternative learning April 10 or 13.

With Gratitude,

Muskego-Norway Schools

Mill Valley and Lake Denoon- Title 1 Schools

Congratulations to Mill Valley and Lake Denoon staff, students, and families for being named a Wisconsin DPI Title 1 School of Recognition. The collective efforts have yielded outcomes in ways of becoming schools of “High Achievement” and “High Progress.”

2020 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation

Four staff members have been selected as recipients of the prestigious 2020 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Award. Rachel Rydzewski is the first principal in our system to receive the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Principal Leader award. Congratulations to the following recipients:

  • Rachel Rydzewski - Muskego Lakes Middle School, Principal
  • Nancy Pasch - Muskego Lakes Middle School, Teacher
  • Tara Heus - Muskego High School, Teacher
  • Sarah Keating - Bay Lane Elementary, Teacher

Compass Recipients

Thank you to our parents, staff, students, and community who nominated colleagues and employees for our annual Compass award. We had a record number of nominations this year, and while each submission had merit for recognition, the selection committee came to consensus on five (5) individuals and one (1) team as to who would receive the award. On Friday, March 13 the 2020 Compass recipients were surprised at their building.

  • Ashlee Fugate- English Teacher (MHS)
  • Julie Hetzel- Reading Coach (MV)
  • Julie Kaminski & Carol Cottingham Team- Accounting Specialist & Comptroller (ESC)
  • Lisa Reedy- 5th Grade Teacher (MLMS)
  • Lynn Fischer- Special Education Teacher (BLE)
  • Peter Matson- BMIT Teacher (MHS)
From left to right: Ashlee Fugate, Julie Hetzel, and the team of Julie Kaminski and Carol Cottingham
From left to right: Lisa Reedy, Lynn Fischer, and Peter Matson

Food Service Program - All Students are Eligible for Free Breakfast and Lunch

In the March 20 Emergency Order #8 and again in the SaferAtHome order, Governor Evers clarified that schools may be used for other purposes, including food distribution. During the school closure, all students and household members 18 and under within our community may request lunch from MNS by completing the weekly order form.

Please click here to place your order for the week of 4/6/2020. Weekly order forms will continue to be sent out via Infinite Campus. If you are interested in ordering meals, but are unable to pick them up or if you have any other special accommodations, please email our Food Service Director, Chrissy Koerner at chrissy.koerner@muskegonorway.org.

A special thank you to the Taher staff who continue to work hard to ensure that our students continue to have meals during the closure. We also want to thank all families who continue to order meals. It is important that we keep our food service program operational. Here are a few highlights and changes starting April 6, 2020:

  • To date, we have served 1,224 meals.
  • Starting April 6th we will be going to a 3 day a week pick up system. On Monday families will pick up 2 meals, on Wednesday 1 meal and on Thursday 2 meals.
  • Pick up times will change next week to 11am-12:30pm.
  • Breakfast, as well as new lunch menu offerings with more variety will also be available starting next week.
  • If you have any special requests like picking up all your meals on one day please note that in the comments section of the registration form.
  • Please remember to bring a bag to help carry your items.
  • You can work together with your neighbors to have one person pick up for multiple families.
  • If you need help from us please ask. We will do what we can to help. We are here for you!
  • We are continuing to look for feedback and stay on top of this ever changing program. Please fill out this survey to help us better serve you!

Continuity of Learning

As noted in the Parent COVID-19 FAQ, continuity of learning plans are available on each school’s website:

Reminder: The day before and after the Easter weekend (April 10th and 13th) will remain as planned for staff and students. There will be no school.

Supporting Youth During School Closure and the COVID-19 Pandemic

During these unprecedented times our youth are experiencing changes and circumstances that may cause stress. We understand that families are on the frontline, managing children’s feelings of nervousness and worry. In addition, we recognize that some students may have underlying mental/behavioral health conditions that could be heightened while practicing social distancing in the home setting over the weeks and months to come. We are here for you. Student Services staff are available to assist you in assessing and addressing any social, emotional, and/or behavioral concerns that you might have. This is a listing of Student Services personnel available to support students and their families: Muskego Norway Student Services Staff

2020-21 - Parent Advisory Team

We are already planning for the 2020-21 Parent Advisory Team. If you are interested in being part of the Parent Advisory Team, working with others to help the district realize our vision to be the District of Choice, please consider signing up by completing this survey. Meetings will be held at the Educational Services Center from 5:00-6:30PM on the following Mondays: October 5, November 30, February 15, and April 26.

Spring 2020 District Newsletter

The Spring 2020 District Newsletter was distributed to families by mail last week. You can also find past newsletters as well as the current publication by visiting the “Community Newsletter” section on our website.

Follow Us

"Follow Us" on Facebook (Muskego Norway Schools), Twitter (@MuskegoNorwaySC), and/or Instagram (muskegonorwayschools) for up-to-date information about our district’s celebrations and events.

Dr. Kelly Thompson

Superintendent