May 12th: Material Return for Jr. K-11th Grade
2 months ago
Dear Coleman School District Families-
As we come to the end of the school year, I would like to commend you for your dedication and hard work as we made our way through these unprecedented circumstances. As noted before, the last day for students is Wednesday, May 13th; therefore, it’s time to make arrangements for turning in the last round of work, as well as those materials that belong to the District.
On Tuesday, May 19th, from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., families with students in Jr. Kindergarten-11th grade will drop off completed packets (if required), school-owned textbooks and/or school materials, including Chromebooks, chargers, and library books.
We kindly ask that your family follows the scheduled times:
Last name A-F will be from 7:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.
G-L will be from 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
M-R will be from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
S-Z will be from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Important Notes:
Appropriate social distancing measures will be strictly enforced. You are encouraged to follow the CDC recommendations on wearing masks in public.
Drop off for all grades will occur in the elementary parking lot. Please park in the circle driveway.
Student’s completed work needs to be placed in a bag clearly labeled with his or her name and grade.
Paper learning packets will be graded by Grades 2-12 staff the week of May 26. This timeframe will allow our staff to reach out to families that still need to return materials
All textbooks and school-owned items need to be returned on this date. This includes library books, classroom books, Chromebooks and chargers.
In the case of inclement weather, the makeup date is Wednesday, May 20th.
For elementary students, tables will be set up by grade level.
Middle and high school students will begin at their Resource teacher to return their Chromebook and charger, as well as any library books. They will then visit the other teachers on their schedule.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the District.
Sincerely,
Douglas P. Polomis, District Administrator
May 7th: Senior Information Update (4:10 pm)
2 months ago
Dear Coleman High School Seniors and Families-
I want to start first by congratulating you. Through dedication and hard work, you have made your way through the unprecedented circumstances that filled the last quarter of your senior year. As Mr. Polomis has stressed several times before, we are all saddened that you have lost so many of those memorable events, but we are absolutely committed to honoring the Class of 2020.
That being said, it’s time to prepare for the end of your school year. As noted before, the last day for seniors is Wednesday, May 13th. Senior students who are doing online learning should have all of their assignments turned in electronically by this date.
On Thursday, May 14th, from 8:00-11:00 a.m., seniors will drop off all school-owned textbooks and/or school materials, including the last round of work for those completing paper packets. Seniors will also be able to pick up their cap and gown on this date IF they have returned all their school items/textbooks and paid any outstanding debt.
We kindly ask that your family follows the scheduled times:
Last name A-H will be from 8:00-9:00 a.m.
I-P will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
R-Z will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Important Notes:
This date is for seniors only; another date will be set for all other students.
Appropriate social distancing measures will be strictly enforced. Students are encouraged to follow the CDC recommendations on wearing masks in public.
All textbooks and school-owned items need to be returned on this date. Seniors can keep their Chromebooks, so these do not need to be returned.
Students can pick up their cap and gown IF they have returned all their school items and paid any outstanding debts. Mrs. Kobus will send individual emails to those students/families who still owe a debt with the amount identified. Once you have received your cap/gown/tassel, it is your responsibility to keep it in excellent condition for graduation, as we are unable to order another one in time for the ceremony!
Students who did not receive their senior shirt can pick it up at this time. Please make sure that you have paid for your shirt on this date.
Please bring a VERTICAL senior picture for the Senior Class Composite. This is a tradition at Coleman High School that we have every intention of continuing.
Seniors who are attending college after graduation should know where they would like their final transcript sent.
In the case of inclement weather, a make-up date has been scheduled for Friday, May 15th.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or the District.
I think the appropriate way to end this is to remind you of the class motto you chose... something that I feel fits perfect during this time: “Our lives are before us, our past is behind us, our memories are forever within us.”
Cheers to you, the Coleman High School Class of 2020.
Mrs. Allen
Skylert: April 21st Update (4:00 pm)
2 months ago
April 21, 2020
Hello Coleman School District Families and Students,
As you most likely know, Governor Evers issued Safer-At-Home Emergency Order #28 extending the school closure through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. The Governor’s General Counsel has defined the end of the 2019-2020 school year as June 30, 2020. I am confident this decision was not made lightly, but was deemed necessary for the safety of all Wisconsin residents including our Coleman School District staff, students and families.
Please review ALL of the important information below to help you navigate the closure.
Now that the closure has been extended to the end of the 2019-20 school year, what are the learning expectations for my child and how can I access my child’s Learning Plan?
On Monday, April 27, Phase 3 Learning Plans will be available on the district website in the block titled, School Closing Information due to COVID-19. This phase of learning plans will run from April 27-May 13. It is our intention that this would be the last learning phase for the 2019-2020 school year. For students who are receiving paper learning packets for their distance learning, the district will be delivering these packets to families on Tuesday, April 28. We will be using our bus routes to deliver these materials in the late afternoon starting at 3:45 PM. As material is being delivered, staff will also pick up completed learning packets that were distributed on Monday, April 6. As with the first drop off, we are asking student’s returned work to be placed in a bag clearly labeled with his or her name and grade. Please have this bag in a tote at the end of your driveway.
The District is still developing a plan to return all school issued textbooks, Chromebooks, library books, and Phase 3 learning packets during the week of May 18. Our intent is to let these materials sit for a week and then be inventoried. Paper learning packets will be graded by Grades 2-12 staff the week of May 26. This time frame will allow our staff to reach out to families that still need to return materials and submit second semester grades (pass/incomplete) into Skyward by June 3.
What about High School Graduation?
As a result of the Order running through June 30th, the traditional high school graduation ceremony will not be held on May 16; we are looking at holding the commencement ceremony at 11:00am on Saturday, July 11th, with a backup date of Saturday, August 1st. Due to the construction in the high school gymnasium, we plan to host the ceremony on the high school football field. During the graduation ceremony, we will also acknowledge any seniors who would have received awards during senior recognition night. As we get closer to the date of the ceremony, we will provide more details to the graduates and their families.
Will I still have access to teachers and the office staff during the closure?
Teaching staff, administrators and office staff will be available via email Monday-Friday.
Will breakfast and lunch service continue?
The district will continue to serve breakfast and lunch for the remainder of the school year.
Is the District still offering Summer Learning? How can I sign up?
As of today, summer learning dates are under review to determine the best time to provide this experience. Watch for more information in the future.
How will my child receive Special Education Services during the closure?
Staff will continue to review IEPs and consider accommodations and modifications that will be needed in order for special education students to access learning during this time. Scheduled IEP meetings are conducted virtually.
Are there any updates regarding athletics and activities occuring during the closure?
Today, the WIAA Board of Control voted to cancel all spring sports competitions and the spring sports tournament series. All other student activities are shut down during this time.
We remain committed to working together to meet the learning, social, emotional, and physical needs of our students. Your continued support and engagement is most appreciated during this difficult time. You are doing the best you can and that is GOOD ENOUGH! Please feel free to contact the district office or your child's teacher for support or with your questions.
Warm Regards,
Douglas P. Polomis
Superintendent
Letter from Mr. Polomis: March 31st Update
2 months ago
Dear Families,
As we know, we are under a “Safer at Home” order that is to run through April 30th. Given the circumstances, it’s entirely possible that this date could change. However, there is one thing that will not change: our commitment to our students.
We want to share information with you regarding what this next phase of the COVID-19 shutdown will look like for your child in regards to grading and continuity of instruction.
Grading
For grades JK-1, teachers will use their grading system (i.e. proficient, developing, beginning) based upon student performance on the last day of student attendance (March 12) and enter that as a semester grade.
For Grades 2-12, a pass/no pass grading system will be used. 3rd quarter grades will not be posted; the pass/no pass will be cumulatively determined by work completed during 2nd semester.
Pass/no pass will freeze GPA as it stands after 1st semester. 2nd semester pass/no pass grades will not impact GPA.
Exception: Students who are enrolled in transcribed or Start College Now courses with NWTC (or other post-secondary schools) will continue to receive letter grades. Also, if requested, students can receive a letter grade if it’s required for their college transcripts (Note: Most colleges are going to a pass/no pass format during this time as well.)
Grading Scale Definitions
Pass: Student has met or exceeded minimum proficiency levels for identified essential learning targets (standards). A grade of D- or higher is passing.
No Pass: Student has not met minimum proficiency levels for identified essential learning targets (standards). Every effort has been made to ensure that students have received feedback and opportunity to demonstrate mastery of standards.
Please note: A student who receives a “no pass” will not earn credit. If a high school student receives a “no pass”, it could impact meeting graduation requirements.
Grading Scale Rationale
There are several reasons the district has determined this grading approach is most reasonable during the COVID-19 shutdown:
The most vulnerable students in school settings remain the most vulnerable students in
distance learning settings.
Protecting the academic progress and advancement of all students who are negatively impacted by access and opportunity gaps requires a shift in grading practices.
Determination of a pass/no pass standard of grading can be made more effectively in a distance learning setting - especially given the novelty of online feedback and assessment practices.
A pass/no pass model preserves credit attainment for students and makes no adjustments to graduation requirements.
Pass/no pass will freeze GPA as it stands after the 1st semester. 2nd semester pass/no pass grades will not impact GPA.
At the high school level, final exams will not be held. If we are back in school when final exams occur, those dates will be used for teaching and learning purposes.
Learning Plans
With hardly any notice, our staff put together learning plans that provided educational opportunities for our students through April 6th. And, now while the Governor has stated school is closed through April 30th, we need to maintain, or advance, the academic skills of our students.
Our aim is to create an effective learning plan for our students to sustain/advance their current level of learning. Starting Monday, April 6th, parents and students can easily locate learning plans in the Student Safety section of the District website at https://www.coleman.k12.wi.us/student-safety-86524831. Each Learning Plan will use grade-level/subject and then narrow down to specific teachers or courses. This will be a good resource for parents as we bridge our partnership during the pandemic.
Packet Drop Off and Pick-Up
On Monday, April 6th from 7 am to 5 pm, there will be an opportunity for families to drop off and pick up materials. If you are unable to do so, another adult can pick up the work for your family. All pick up and drop off, regardless of grade, will take place on the elementary side. In order to comply with CDC guidelines, we are asking you to remain in your car. A staff member will come to you.
Those students in grades 2-12 who are turning in work from the first three weeks of distance learning will drop off materials at the Cougar Lobby/Gymnasium Entrance. We ask that each student’s returned work is placed in a bag clearly labeled with his or her name and grade. Please note: classwork turned in this way may not be returned; teachers can provide feedback through a phone call or email.
In addition, while at the Cougar Lobby/Gymnasium Entrance, staff will ask for your child’s name and grade before you move on to the Elementary/Middle School office doors. Then, packet pick-up for families of students in Junior Kindergarten through 2nd grade, as well as those who also requested this format, will occur where the signage states “Coleman School District.”
If you did not originally request a paper packet for your middle or high school student but need one, please call the office before Monday so arrangements can be made.
Finally, a couple of notes moving forward:
To support your child during distance learning, please:
Encourage them to begin their work at a fairly consistent time each day, if possible.
Encourage your child’s participation in any virtual learning (Goggle Meet with teacher/class).
Having them show you their completed work at the end of each day. (You can refer to the learning plans created by teachers.)
Promote brief breaks if needed, especially if they experience frustration.
Help students understand that this is not a vacation. School is continuing, just in a different format.
Also, our food service continues to provide free breakfast and lunch to any child under 18 in your household. It’s not too late to sign-up. If you would like meals to be delivered to your house, please call the District Office at (920) 897-4011.
Thank you for your partnership in education as we transition to distance learning to help keep our community healthy and safe.
Yours in education,
Douglas Polomis
Mr. Polomis Message: March 24th (5:45 pm)
2 months ago
Coleman School District Families-
As we embark on this time of uncertainty, there is one thing that we can be certain of: Coleman School District's commitment to our families.
To ensure that every child has their essential needs met, food service personnel will continue to make breakfast and lunch for any student in the District who is 18 years of age or younger. In addition, our paraprofessionals will continue to deliver those meals Monday through Friday.
Our teaching staff will continue to maintain relationships with our students. They will reach out to our students and parents via various forms of communication, whether it be a phone call, email, Google Meet, or even a note through the regular mail.
When it comes to delivering instruction, our staff has had to improvise; for example, they have utilized Google Classroom, YouTube or screencastify to get their information to students. Please know, we will continue to provide instruction through this school closure; however, our top priority is maintaining relationships with our students.
There are still many unknowns, and we are awaiting direction from State officials. We don’t know the specific details on how to determine grades; promote students from one grade to the next; or most importantly, ensure our deserving seniors receive their diploma with a proper ceremony. But, we will keep our lines of communication open. When we have information to share, we will do so.
When you leave Coleman the billboard states: “We are a small village with a big heart.” I am confident that this will continue to be true during this pandemic; finally, please make sure you do everything in your control to ensure your family's safety.
Thank You
Douglas Polomis
Superintendent
Material Pickup: March 17th (4:50 pm)
2 months ago
As a reminder, families whose last names begin with the letters A-F can pick up their items from 8:00-10:00 am; G-L can pick up from 10:00 am-noon; M-R from noon-2:00 pm; and finally letters S-Z from 2:00-4:00 pm
High school students should enter through the High School lobby. Students are expected to remove all materials (personal or school) from their lockers; also, if it applies, students should bring home band instruments, projects from Mr. Tate, and clean out their gym and/or athletic lockers. If a teacher has additional items, those will be picked up in the High School lobby.
Middle school students should enter through the Cougar lobby. Students will first go to the Resource room where their Chromebook is kept. There they will get their Chromebook, charger, and if needed, materials from other teachers. They are expected to remove all materials (personal or school) from their lockers; also, if it applies, students should bring home band instruments, projects from Mr. Tate, and clean out their gym and/or athletic lockers.
Families of elementary students should also enter through the Cougar lobby and then proceed directly to their child’s respective classroom to pick up materials. Students in grades 3-5 will also get their Chromebook and charger from their classroom teacher. Cubbies are expected to be cleaned out as well.
We understand that many families include different grade levels. Those families do not need to leave and then come back in through the other entrance; they may just walk between the two schools.
In addition, we are asking students to remove all materials, personal and school, from their lockers or cubbies, so we may conduct a thorough cleaning.
Again, thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we all work together to support our students and families during this time.
Material/Device Pickup: March 16th Update (2:30 pm)
2 months ago
Pick up of materials, including Chromebooks if applicable, will occur on Wednesday, March 18th. To help ensure there is a level of social distancing, there are scheduled times.
Families whose last names begin with the letters A-F can pick up their items from 8:00-10:00 am; G-L can pick up from 10:00 am-noon; M-R from noon-2:00 pm; and finally letters S-Z from 2:00-4:00 pm. If you are not able to make your scheduled time, please contact the office so other arrangements can be made.
Middle and high school students will pick up personal items directly from their locker. If any additional materials are needed, it can be picked up in the Cougar Lobby for the Middle School or the Main Lobby for the High School.
Families with students in Junior Kindergarten/Early Childhood through Grades 5 should go to their child’s respective classroom to get their material.
Again, thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we all work together to support our students and families during this time.
March 14th: School Closure Update (11:10 am)
2 months ago
March 14, 2020
Dear Coleman School District Families,
On Friday, at the direction of Governor Evers, the Department of Health and Human Services mandated that Wisconsin schools will be closed effective March 18th at 5:00 pm; however, we have made the decision to begin this closure immediately. Therefore, our schools will not be in session on March 16th, 17th , or 18th. At this time, we anticipate reopening on April 6th, 2020.
We are in the process of determining a specific plan that includes: continuing student instruction, offering any type of food service, and allowing students to pick up learning materials and/or personal items. As soon as we know the details of this plan, we will let you know.
We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause, but using this dismissal strategy promotes social distancing to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Because, as always, the health, wellness, and safety of our students, staff, and families are our top priorities.
We encourage you to check the Student Safety section of our District website for the most recent updates: https://www.coleman.k12.wi.us/student-safety-86524831.
Sincerely,
Douglas P. Polomis
District Administrator
March 13th: Music Trip Update (1:00 pm)
2 months ago
March 13th. 2020
At this time, and according to Marinette Public Health and CDC Guidelines, there is no need to quarantine or isolate those that attended the District music trip. (It is only those who have traveled in the past 14 days to California, Washington or New York, where there is community spread of COVID-19.)
Our staff has been monitoring the students and frequently asking about signs of a fever, cough and shortness of breath throughout the trip; no one has exhibited any of these symptoms. However, like anyone else, we would encourage staff, students and chaperones to monitor themselves for any symptoms.
March 13th: Governor Evers Update (7:30 pm)
2 months ago
COVID-19 Update
March 13th, 7:30 pm
Tony Evers, the Governor of Wisconsin, has announced that all Wisconsin schools will be closed starting at 5:00 pm on March 18th and running through April 6th.
The risk of infection in our area is currently low, and we hope this action will help us keep it that way.
We ask for your patience as we determine how to best deal with this current situation. We will reach out to our families and staff this weekend to when a final decision is made.
And, as always, the health, wellness, and safety of our students, staff, and families are our top priorities.
We will also be updating our District website: https://www.coleman.k12.wi.us/student-safety-86524831.
March 12th: Letter to Parents
2 months ago
Dear Coleman Families:
The Coleman School District values the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Safety is always a priority, and we work throughout the year to promote a healthy school environment. For that reason, as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to develop, our administrative team is working closely with our school nurse and custodial team, as well as in collaboration with the local Public Health Department.
At this time, there have been no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Marinette or Oconto counties. In the state of Wisconsin, there are currently six confirmed cases. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the risk of transmission within the state remains low.
However, this is a fluid situation with recommendations coming from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on an ongoing basis. We are working diligently to remain well informed and plan for response to emerging communicable disease concerns, as advised by Public Health. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm and/or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.
As with other respiratory viruses, there are simple steps which can help decrease the spread of COVID-19:
Frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, then discard the tissue in the trash
Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects/surfaces
Our district’s custodians are exceptional and already follow strong practices for preventing the spread of viruses. We will continue to engage in frequent disinfecting of surfaces such as desktops, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, stair rails, etc. and utilize products that have been approved to quickly kill COVID-19. In addition to frequent disinfecting, our staff will also work with students on matters of personal and community hygiene. This includes frequent reminders about: washing their hands well, proper coughing/sneezing etiquette, and avoiding touching their face with unwashed hands. The virus is spread from person to person by droplets, when coughing or sneezing.
The Coleman School District is being proactive and has developed a pandemic plan to be initiated if the need arises. Should an outbreak occur in our area, we will work closely with local public health authorities, the CDC, and DPI to assure their guidelines are followed.
For now, our best advice is to practice the above-mentioned prevention techniques, to keep students who are ill home from school, and to consult your primary medical provider if any of the symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus present. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Please note, when reporting an ill student on the school absence line, it is very helpful for us to know what symptoms your child is experiencing. The nurse uses this information to track trends.
More information will be shared with you as this situation evolves, and we look forward to your partnership as we all manage this rapidly evolving situation.
Sincerely,
Mr. Douglas Polomis