Accelerate Magazine July 2020

JULY 2020 MAGAZINE 19 team to West High School to provide feedback on our printing/graphics program, recommended equipment, helped secure it via a Delzer vendor to obtain the best pricing, and has supported us throughout the process. During the pandemic, Delzer supported the district by printing teacher appreciation and graduation yard signs for elementary, middle and high schools. They continue to go above and beyond to support the district. Catholic Memorial: The business community was instrumental in continuing to support our pilot year internship program as the internships went virtual this spring. Our senior engineering student internships continued during the pandemic, including working on innovative MRI technology, creating temperature control systems for products, building computers and more. Students were able to give final presentations via Microsoft Teams as the culmination of their yearlong work. A huge thank you to Aries Industries, Custom Computer Services, Dedicated Computing, Husco International, InPro Corp., NeoCoil, Oconomowoc Manufacturing, SPX Corp., Wisco Alloys and Zero Zone Inc. Catholic Memorial was also assisted by the Waukesha County Business Alliance during the pandemic by arranging partnerships with business professionals to speak with our business classes via Zoom. River Run’s (CMH alum!) Joe Bitter (‘91) – talked with students about how businesses adapted in the wake of the pandemic and adjusted to a changing global economy. Question: How did your students and staff handle the pandemic from a social and emotional perspective?Were there resources available to support students? St. John's: One of the core principles behind education at SJNA is the strong and enduring relationships between teachers and students, which provided a firm social and emotional foundation for faculty and students through this crisis. Yes, it was stressful and difficult at times, but those relationships held strong and helped our students succeed. Wisconsin Lutheran: Teachers dedicated additional time to help students navigate online learning and made themselves available, through email or phone, to connect with students day or night. A COVID-19 school resource webpage shared safety information, health and spiritual resources, and daily chapel messages with students and staff. Kettle Moraine: COVID presented many challenges for students. In some cases, students had additional family responsibilities, which increased stress in completing course work and engaging in meaningful educational experiences. KM has qualified counselors and a Mental Health Navigator to assist in meeting the needs of students and families. Some schools use daily student surveys during virtual schooling to build connections and foster engagement. Many of our elementary schools offer staff-monitored social groups to help foster student social connections during times of online schooling. Question: How did you congratulate your graduating students? Catholic Memorial: We celebrated in several ways. The first was a drive-thru celebration to distribute celebratory yard signs. The seniors were greeted by teachers and administrators wearing face masks and cheering them on. A virtual awards ceremony congratulated the class on outstanding accomplishments. A Facebook Live COVER STORY