Wisconsin schools work on plans to close down for year

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Parents of Milwaukee Public Schools students picked up Chromebooks for their children Friday, knowing there will be no more in person classes the rest of the year, and they might have to play a role in teaching.

“It’s kind of hard because I have a 9 year old and a 4 year old,” a South Division High School parent said.

Milwaukee, as well as most other school districts in southeast Wisconsin, have continued providing meals for students that many families depend on, but they are handing them out off-site.

The Milwaukee, Waukesha and Kenosha districts are still working on plans for seniors to graduate.

Other districts, like Racine Unified and Greendale, say they have committed to holding in person graduations later in the year.

“We have set alternative graduation dates in June and July, and as we learn more, and we know more about our options for gathering, we will make plans for what that graduation ceremony will look like,” Greendale Superintendent Kim Amidzich said.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction says not all state districts are starting from the same point, and only some were able to switch to full on virtual learning.

“A lot of districts are not able to do that," DPI Senior Policy Advisor Jennifer Kammerud said. "Some are doing blended, with a combination of virtual and packets. Some are doing packets, some are using television.”

The change is stressful for students and parents, Greendale has set up a system for to receive free mental health support through their district website.

“If you’re struggling, if you’re not sure, if you want to talk to someone, we have resources,” Amidzich said.

The Waukesha and Kenosha school districts both hope to have plans for their seniors to graduate by the end of next week.