News

The Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) has developed an operational plan detailing the ability to provide families with the option of on campus or distance learning. On campus instruction would include maximum physical distancing throughout school buildings, while the amount of contacts an individual has with others would be based on data derived from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families are asked to declare their intent for their child(ren) to attend school on campus or via distance learning through an addendum to enrollment later this week. To further inform the plan, all on campus and distance learning provided this school year will be implemented using the district’s new learning management system - a platform that will allow teachers to manage and organize lessons online.

According to the plan, at times throughout the school year, a hybrid instructional model (a combination of both on campus and distance learning) may be considered for some or all grade levels when positive cases of COVID-19 are identified within the system.

MTSD informed families last week of mitigation procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the implementation of face coverings, physical distancing, self-monitoring and screening, hand washing/hand sanitizing, and cleaning and disinfecting practices.

As MTSD monitors external and internal factors relating to local COVID-19 data, it is expected that instructional scenarios and operating procedures will change. For the most up to date information about MTSD's responsible return to the 2020-2021 school year, visit www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/ResponsibleReturn

The Mequon-Thiensville School District is pleased to welcome Mr. Ian Thompson, our next Executive Director of Communications and Engagement. Ian’s first day of employment in MTSD was July 28, 2020.  

Thompson replaces Ms. Jennifer Flierl in this leadership position. Ms. Flierl served in the position for four years. During her tenure with the district, Flierl led the district through a comprehensive branding process, revisioned MTSD’s online footprint through the creation of a new website, led a successful information campaign related to our facilities referendum, and enhanced district communications through the MTConnect, Momentum, and Alumni publications.

“As a district, our efforts to build positive relationships with our students, staff members, parents, and our community through effective two-way communication is a top priority,'' said Dr. Matthew Joynt, superintendent. “Ian’s expertise in public relations, his collaborative nature, and eagerness to serve his home district and community will prove invaluable as we look toward the future.”

Prior to being named to the position, Thompson was a marketing & communications professional with experience in banking, construction and real estate. In these roles he served as a web developer, marketing specialist, and marketing manager. He has held positions in companies including Educators Credit Union, Building Service Inc. (BSI), ROC Ventures, Milwaukee Public Schools, and Wimmer Communities.

“I look forward to representing my hometown community as a district administrator,” said Thompson. “As Executive Director of Communications and Engagement, I intend to follow the district’s strategic plan, support the superintendent and serve as a communicator between the school district, staff members, MTSD families, and the Mequon-Thiensville community.”

Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in broadcast journalism and public relations. Thompson is also an alumnus of Homestead High School.

On July 28, MTSD shared an overview of our plans for the 2020-2021 school year with families, as well as a parent survey to gather feedback. Our plans for a responsible return to school for the 2020-21 academic year include: 

• A return to On Campus Instruction five days per week with practical measures in place to mitigate the spread of disease

• Flexibility in family choice by making the option for Distance Learning available

Please check your email for an overview of the practical measures being implemented, and for an opportunity to give us your feedback. This information is also available on our website at: https://www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/district/2020-21-school-year

In our next steps, we will share a comprehensive operational plan with families during the first week of August. In early August we will also ask families to indicate their preference for on-campus learning or distance learning so that we can staff and allocate resources appropriately for our return to school. 

This is a fluid and changeable situation. It is possible that our plans will be modified leading up to the start of the school year or once school begins due to changing circumstances. Please know that we are committed to open communication, listening to our families and staff members, and responding to concerns as best we can.

Members of the community are invited to attend the Mequon-Thiensville School District's budget hearing and annual meeting. The annual meeting will be held immediately following the budget hearing. The meeting will take place in the Performing Arts Center at Homestead High School to allow for appropriate social distancing. An option to attend virtually is also available.

MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 AT 7 P.M.
HOMESTEAD HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
5000 W. MEQUON RD.
MEQUON, WI 53092

If you plan to attend in person:

• • Enter at the PAC entrance (DOOR 9).
  • Please wear a mask. If you do not have one, one will be provided for you.
  • Upon arrival, each participant will have their temperature checked by a member of our staff.
  • Please bring your own writing utensil for a brief COVID-19 screening questionnaire.
  • Social distancing expectations will be enforced.
  • We ask that if you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 that you participate virtually.

If you plan to attend virtually:

• Please contact Amanda Sievers at asievers@mtsd.k12.wi.us for the meeting access information.

For planning purposes, all participants, either in-person or virtual, are asked to pre-register using this form.

Why should you attend?

• Participate in the discussion of the 2020-21 budget
• Vote on the 2020-21 school district levy
  Must be a U.S. citizen and school district resident for at least 28 consecutive days prior to the annual meeting. Must also be 18 years of age or older as of July 20, 2020.

The enrollment window for the 2020-21 academic year is now open! Please plan to complete online enrollment for your child by August 1, 2020. Early completion of online enrollment allows us to accurately plan for staffing.

To begin the online enrollment process, one parent or guardian should log in to your Infinite Campus Parent portal account. (In cases of resident students with more than one home address, the parent or guardian who completes the enrollment must reside in Mequon or Thiensville.)

In the left side navigation click “More,” and then “Online Registration.” Follow the prompts to complete online enrollment. To see a visual guide for navigating the online enrollment process, please visit www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/HowToEnroll. 

If your information has not changed since the 2019-20 school year, you will simply be required to confirm your information. Following is a list of the information required to complete online enrollment:

• Household contact information and preferences, including address(es) and phone number(s)
• Contact information for primary and secondary contacts, including work and mobile phone number(s) and email address(es)
• Student information, including medical conditions and updated care plans (Forms available at www.mtsd.k12.wi.us/healthplans)
• Bus transportation preferences

New to MTSD? Find enrollment information for new families here.

Questions about your Infinite Campus Parent Portal? Find answers and resources here.

The Mequon-Thiensville School District has released its annual quality report to the community. The report includes operational updates, information, and resources, and an overview of 2019-20 achievements and initiatives.

2019-20 MTSD Annual Quality Report

MEQUON, WI—The Mequon-Thiensville School District announced that it will continue to make meals available at no cost to all children ages 18 and younger regardless of free or reduced meal status throughout the summer months.

The announcement comes following recent guidance from the USDA. The guidance reversed a former position which would have ended meal service on June 30. The guidance now indicates that all school districts can continue to make meals available to students over the months of July and August 2020, regardless of the number of students within its district boundaries who qualify for free or reduced-cost meals. 

Since mid-March, MTSD, in partnership with Aramark Education Services, has served over 100,000 meals to young people through its food service program. The USDA has reimbursed the district for the cost of meals and will continue to do so over the summer months through its Seamless Summer Opportunity Program.

"We are thrilled to be able to continue to provide this service to our community,” said Sarah Viera, executive director of business services. “Since our schools closed in response to COVID-19, we have heard from many families who have shared with us how grateful they have been for this service. I am appreciative of the dedicated Aramark staff who make continued meal service possible.”

Breakfast and lunch are currently available from 9-11 a.m. Monday through Friday. This procedure will remain in place until August 31, with the exception of July 3. No meals will be provided that day in recognition of Independence Day. 

More information can be found at www.mtsd.k12.wi.us. To find all summer meal locations call 211 or text 'food' to 877-877.

The Mequon-Thiensville School District invites members of our school community to participate in a webinar on the topic of privilege and race.

Led by Alisia Moutry, Ph.D. and Ramel Smith, Ph.D., this informational and interactive discussion is designed to help us to live the vision we have created for our school district: Each student, every time, empowered to succeed.

In this 75-minute webinar, each participant will:

• Learn about the Transtheoretical Model of Change and how that will help us in our efforts to understand the growth template of ourselves and others.
• Understand the spectrum of racism and how to properly assess if our actions and behaviors align with our thoughts.
• Participate in a breakout classroom session to discuss "The Phenomenon of the George Floyd case."
• Learn interventions to help become a powerful ally, and how to effectively engage in conversations with your child on this difficult topic.
• Have the opportunity to engage and ask questions.

The Talk: A Necessary Conversation about Privilege and Race with Our Children

Date: Friday, June 26, 2020

Time: 10-11:15 a.m. 

Location: This will be a virtual event.

If you are interested in attending, you must register in advance. This program is intended for Mequon-Thiensville School District parents and guardians. Please check your email for a link to register.

If you are unable to attend during this scheduled time, please contact communications@mtsd.k12.wi.us.