Shorewood Schools Plan In-Person Return After Winter Break

SHOREWOOD, WI — As some schools in the Milwaukee area are stepping back from in-person learning in light of the omicron coronavirus variant spreading, the Shorewood School District is planning for students to stay in classrooms upon their return from winter break on Tuesday, according to an announcement from the district.

The continuation of in-person learning in the district comes with safety precautions, plus an option for families concerned about the omicron variant to excuse their students from school until Jan. 14.

The district said the option does not replicate in-person learning, which will be teachers' primary focus, but it does provide an option for families with concerns about a return to school at this time.

Learning materials for students who are isolating, quarantined or excused from in-person instruction will be available on Google Classroom and Seesaw. Some more unique courses may not be available using online learning, however, and the district says the option does not equate to virtual learning. Students should communicate with their teachers regarding materials, due dates and grading, the district said.

Here's what the district said caregivers and students looking to forgo in-person instruction when it starts back up on Tuesday should do:

• Call your school attendance line and indicate you are requesting an excused abscence.
• Provide the end date of the absence, which should be no later than Jan. 14.
• If your student does not have a device at home, indicate this when calling and arrangments will be made to pick up a device.
• Contact teachers directly by email with any questions.

For more information see the district's full announcement from Superintendent JoAnn Sternke online.