After careful review of staff feedback, student survey data, consortium group conversations with neighboring districts, student performance data and survey data from families involved in virtual learning, the Wauwatosa School District will offer two models of instruction for the 2021-22 school year: In-Person Instruction and Virtual Learning via Wauwatosa Virtual Academy.

Please see slides 5-9 in this presentation for a comprehensive overview of this feedback. You may also expand the sections below to learn more about the available models of instruction and the resources in place to support each model. 

In-Person Instruction

In-person instruction will be conducted five days per week in our school building for students in grades JK-12 in levels 1-4. In-person instruction will transition to virtual in level 5. For detailed information regarding each mitigation level, please click on the Plan: Growing Stronger Together icon at the top of this page.

Virtual Learning

For the 2021-22 school year, we will provide a virtual learning option via Wauwatosa Virtual Academy (WVA) for all students K-12. Junior Kindergarten will not be offered online. 

K-5 students enrolled in WVA will be taught by a Pearson staff member and will be assigned a Wauwatosa School District guide teacher to monitor their engagement and learning. These students will participate in a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent learning) lessons. 

Students in grades 6-12 will be taught by a Pearson staff member and will participate in their full courseload - including core classes and electives - online by learning asynchronously (independently). 

Alternative Learning Programs

Students currently enrolled in Wauwatosa Montessori or a district-sponsored STEM program must attend classes in-person to maintain their seat for the 2021-22 school year. Any student who transfers to WVA will lose their seat in Montessori or STEM. 

Services

Regardless of the selected model of instruction, students with disabilities, English language learners and students involved in interventions will continue to receive the services necessary to support their learning. In a virtual environment, Wauwatosa School District staff will work with Wauwatosa Virtual Academy’s dedicated special education teaching team and speech/language pathologists to support students.

Enrollment

Students who were enrolled in WVA for the 2019-20 school year (prior to the pandemic) will maintain their enrollment in WVA for the 2021-22 school year. All other students will be automatically enrolled in in-person learning. If you want your student(s) to participate in in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year, you do not need to take any action. 

As outlined in School Board Policy 5120, the Wauwatosa School District offers an intra-district transfer program which allows parents, based on space and appropriate program, to choose a school outside the home attendance area best suited to their child's needs and interests. Families who wish to transfer their student(s) into Wauwatosa Virtual Academy must follow district protocols for intradistrict transfers. For the 2021-22 school year, families are asked to complete an Intradistrict Transfer Form and submit it to the Student Services Office by 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

Transitioning Between Models

Students may transfer from In-Person Learning to Wauwatosa Virtual Academy or vice versa at a time mutually agreed upon by the student’s parent/guardian and building principal. A parent/guardian must complete the Intradistrict Transfer Form to initiate this transition. The Wauwatosa School District will use its existing student monitoring systems to conduct ongoing check-ins as needed with students who transition between models. 

If you have any questions about WVA or if you would like to discuss the curriculum or available supports in more detail, please contact Dean Heus at (414) 773-3410 or heusde@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us. 

Questions about safety and mitigation protocols in each building should be directed to the building principal.