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Local school districts begin virtual learning during coronavirus pandemic

Posted at 7:02 PM, Mar 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-17 20:02:42-04

As schools across the state remain closed indefinitely, some local districts began virtual instruction on Tuesday.

Menomonee Falls, Kettle Moraine, Wauwatosa and Arrowhead School Districts started classes online.

At North Middle School in Menomonee Falls, associate principal Jessica Gieryn demonstrated how students use a learning management system called Schoolology. The district has been using it for a few years, and it allows teachers to instruct students virtually.

One North Middle student said he worked on math, science and music online on Tuesday.

"I'm really glad it's here because it gives us a chance to connect with our students," Gieryn said.

Administrators at North Middle are also streaming announcements to give the students a sense of normalcy.

It's a similar message Lisa Wathen wants to promote to her students at Nicolet High School in Glendale. She said she's gotten a lot of positive feedback since launching online courses on Monday.

"Our goal is to be vigilant, to be monitoring, to be connecting with students so that they know not just you have to do your work but we are still here, you're not alone," Wathen said.

Some schools are still working on virtual plans. Shorewood School District wrote in an email that it plans to start its plan on March 30.

Coronavirus in Wisconsin

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More information: COVID-19 on the Wisconsin DHS website

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