By Virginia Scholtz
Northside News
Rachel Deterding is the Community School Resource Coordinator at Lake View Elementary. She is part of the Student Services Team and works with the social worker, psychologist, family liaison, principal, nurse and others. They have been logging miles during this shutdown making home visits and dropping off school meals, groceries and school supplies to households that aren’t able to get to the school building.
Some students need Chromebooks and/or internet hotspots to stay connected. The team also helps families get used to using Zoom and Seesaw (MMSD’s new learning platform for K-5 students). All of this is accomplished in a safe, socially distanced way.
The team hosted a Virtual Open House where students and families could meet their teachers and ask questions. Ongoing virtual programming for families is being developed.
Lake View, in partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank, hosts a drive-thru food pantry Wednesdays from 12‒1:45 pm, the same day MMSD school meals are available. Volunteers are doing some limited delivery to those with no other way to pick up food supplies.
Working with UW Health Northeast Clinic, Healthy Kids Collaborative and a Public Health master’s candidate, the Student Services Team gathered information on the health of their community and provided virtual discussions of dominant health issues, including emotional wellness.
Although the MMSD system is in a time of virtual learning, MSCR Cares Camp and some special education services are taking place in the school building. Families bringing children to these programs are asked to stay in the parking lot and in their cars when picking up or dropping off students.
With the arrival of the fall term, much of Deterding’s time has been spent in support of live, online classes. She is looking forward to organizing monthly listening sessions with the goal of supporting families during this time of coronavirus and virtual school. She is fluent in two languages, Spanish and English, and she welcomes contact via phone or text at 608-576-5004.
When asked what other comments she would like to make, Deterding emphasized the need for all of us to complete the census, and to register and vote. Support public schools by contact with decision makers. Keep your student in public schools. Donations of time, money, clothing, food and other supplies are always appreciated and put to good use.
And please be in touch if you, or someone you know, has a special talent or skill that would further the school goals of basic needs, healthy relationships and well-rounded learning.