USM@HOME: Distance Learning for Extended Campus Closures

USM@HOME is University School of Milwaukee's distance learning plan, intended to be used during an extended campus closure. Although nothing can take the place of face-to-face learning, both in and out of the classrooms, this plan allows USM to maintain continuity of teaching and learning, while also allowing for virtual interaction amongst faculty and students.

Our distance learning plan remains guided by our mission: to provide an exceptional PK–12 independent school education in a supportive, inclusive community built on the foundation of our Common Trust. This does not change just because our mode and method of teaching and learning need to change. We will continue to ignite a passion for learning, leadership, and service, and prepare each student—as an individual—for success in higher education and life of purpose.

Our tradition of superior academic achievement through a commitment to expertise and innovation in our school is supported by passionate educators who have worked hard to understand both the technology and potential challenges of online learning. These teachers are further supported by resources and professional development opportunities that have enabled them to learn and refine these skills.

USM@HOME is a "living" plan, in that we are always evaluating and tweaking our approaches as needed to respond to student and family needs. When implemented, these adjustments serve as further evidence of our school's iterative approach to teaching and learning. USM students are in a great position relative to their counterparts at other schools when they inevitably return to on-campus classes.

Students in prekindergarten and junior kindergarten, as well as those in our First Steps program, will interact with their teachers via Google Meet. Classroom teachers also make daily phone calls home to families to check in offline. Each specials teacher (art, music, Spanish, French, dance, physical education) will teach four different 30-minute lessons each day, and each lesson will repeat at that same time period for the entire week. Families are strongly encouraged to choose at least one movement-based lesson per day.

Students in kindergarten through 4th grade will interact with their teachers via Google Meet, with those in 1st through 4th grades using their school-owned or family-owned iPads. Each specials teacher (art, music, Spanish, French, dance, physical education) will teach four different 30-minute lessons each day, and each lesson will repeat at that same time period for the entire week. Families are strongly encouraged to choose at least one movement-based lesson per day.

Sample USM@HOME Lower School Schedule
Items in bold are intended as synchronous online learning with teachers and classmates. 

 

Students in 5th through 8th grades will attend their classes via Google Meet. Students in 5th grade will use their family-owned iPads, and students in 6th through 8th grades will use their family-owned MacBooks. Blocks are 30 minutes each, with 15-minute breaks between classes, and odd and even blocks rotate on alternating school days. Each day starts with students checking in with their advisors. Homework is assigned only on days a class meets.

* On Fridays, this time is reserved for faculty meetings.

Students in 9th through 12th grades will attend their classes via Google Meet, using their family-owned technology devices. Class blocks are each one hour, with 15-minute breaks between classes. The schedule follows the regular A–H letter-day calendar and rotation; essentially, each class receives an hour block every other day.