Learning during COVID-19: Seeds of Health school network
Unusually early preparations lead to one of the city’s fastest launches of full distance learning
By: Isral DeBruin
As schools shift to serve students remotely during the COVID-19 crisis, some are emerging as standouts. These schools aren’t stopping at basic worksheet packets and instead are offering students coordinated, school-wide, comprehensive distance learning. City Forward Collective is highlighting these schools to spread best practices and encourage others to keep students moving forward.
Thanks to unusually early preparations, the Seeds of Health network of schools launched distance learning for its 1,300 students two days before a statewide school closure took effect on March 18.
The quick response has allowed educators and school leaders extra time to prepare for the new normal in the 2020–21 school year.
Leaders of the Seeds of Health (SoH) network of schools started planning for a possible school closure back in February, a time when many still hoped Milwaukee might avoid a COVID-19 outbreak. By the time Gov. Tony Evers announced March 13 that schools would close five days later, SoH had detailed plans for online learning, starting with the distribution of Chromebook computers and internet hotspots to students in need.
The result: All five SoH took instruction online without a single missed day of instructional time.
Online learning at SoH is characterized by frequent communication among all involved
To ensure every one of its K4–12 students could access virtual learning, SoH staff delivered Chromebooks and hotspots to those who couldn’t make it to pick one up. To head off tech headaches, the school network provided families with detailed setup instructions.
School days for SoH students run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students are required to sign in each day, and teachers provide a daily agenda, assignments, and clear expectations. When students miss a day, both the teacher and the principal call to follow up.
Learning happens using a range of methods and tools: video, audio, real-time screen sharing, and presentations using platforms like Bloomz and Google Classroom. Students can get assistance from teachers by chat or video call using Google Hangouts.
Students at Tenor High School are continuing to earn dual credit through a partnership with the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), which will expand to serve more students next year.
Students who receive special education services continue to get their specially designed instruction as outlined by their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Special education teachers connect often with their students.
The plan works because of frequent communication between students, their teachers, and other school staff, as well as between school leaders and classroom educators. Phone calls, email, and detailed letters keep families at ease.
Meeting needs outside of learning
Beyond academic instruction, SoH is also providing resources for the physical and mental wellbeing of students and their families. Students at Seeds of Health Elementary School and Tenor High School receive daily breakfast and lunch, and the school network has provided all families with a comprehensive list of trusted food sites and other resources.
Guidance counselors are working with students of all ages to support coping with the extreme stressors brought on by COVID-19 and its impact on families. Students and parents can also schedule time with a guidance counselor or administrator to discuss mental health concerns. An ongoing partnership with SaintA’s is also continuing, providing services to students who have experienced trauma.
Planning ahead, again
The same advance planning that enabled SoH to quickly adapt to the current statewide closure of school buildings has also provided a head start in preparing for the coming school year. The school network is developing new protocols and practices to keep everyone in its school communities healthy, safe, and learning — no matter what.
FACTS & FIGURES
Seeds of Health operates five public charter schools authorized by multiple authorizers.
Seeds of Health Elementary
- Grades: K4–8
- Enrollment: 424 students
- Student demographics: 89.6% Latin@; 4.7% White; 4.2% Black; 0.5% American Indian; 0.5% Asian; 0.5% Two or More Races
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: 92.5%
- Students with special needs: 13.7%
- Students with limited English proficiency: 30.7%
- State rating: Meets Expectations
Grandview High School
- Grades: 9–12
- Enrollment: 217 students
- Student demographics: 72.8% Latin@; 12.9% Black; 7.8% White; 3.2% American Indian; 1.8% Asian; 1.4% Two or More Races
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: 89.4%
- Students with special needs: 15.2%
- Students with limited English proficiency: 21.7%
- State rating: Alternate Rating — Satisfactory Progress
MC2 High School
- Grades: 9–12
- Enrollment: 171 students
- Student demographics: 53.8% Black; 32.7% Latin@; 10.5% White; 1.2% American Indian; 1.2% Two or More Races; 0.6% Asian
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: X
- Students with special needs: X
- Students with limited English proficiency: X
- State rating: Meets Expectations
Tenor High School
- Grades: 9–12
- Enrollment: 234 students
- Student demographics: 65.4% Latin@; 21.8% Black; 11.5% White; 0.4% Asian; 0.4% Pacific Islander; 0.4% Two or More Races
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: 78.2%
- Students with special needs: 9.4%
- Students with limited English proficiency: 12.8%
- State rating: Significantly Exceeds Expectations
Veritas High School
- Grades: 9–12
- Enrollment: 254 students
- Student demographics: 93.7% Latin@; 5.1% White; 0.4% Asian; 0.4% Black; 0.4% Two or More Races
- Students from economically disadvantaged households: 82.3%
- Students with special needs: 6.3%
- Students with limited English proficiency: 30.3%
- State rating: Exceeds Expectations
2019–20 data from https://wisedash.dpi.wi.gov/
Isral DeBruin is director of strategy and communication at City Forward Collective. He is a former elementary school teacher and award-winning education reporter.
