eCampus Academy Update
Watertown Unified School District | October 2024
A Note from Principal Bull
Thank you for your continued partnership and for choosing eCampus as your educational community. Together, we are building on the tradition of excellence while embracing innovation and transformation in learning. By now, your scholar should have established strong routines that foster success in their studies. These routines are vital for meaningful learning and growth.
Engagement plays a key role in your scholar’s academic progress and achievement. We encourage you to support their active participation in eCampus activities, whether it’s through advisory sessions, Book Club, or attending field trips and STEM Days. These opportunities not only enhance their learning but also help them build meaningful connections with fellow students and teachers, fostering a strong sense of community.
As we move forward, we encourage you to nurture a love of reading at home by dedicating at least 20 minutes each day to reading. This simple habit can have a profound impact on your child's development and long-term success.
Thank you for being an essential part of our eCampus family.
In Community -
Jason Bull
Staying on Track: Keep Up the Awesome Work!
We’re already a few weeks into the school year, and it’s clear that many of you have hit the ground running! Whether you’re tackling new challenges or diving deeper into your favorite subjects, your hard work is paying off, and we couldn’t be more proud. Keep that momentum going! Every assignment completed, every question asked, and every bit of effort you put into your learning brings you closer to achieving your goals. Stay focused, stay motivated, and keep being the amazing students we know you are!
For those who haven’t quite found their rhythm yet, we’re here to remind you that it’s never too late to get back on track. Every student’s path is different, and we understand that getting into a groove can take time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers or advisors for support, guidance, or even just a bit of encouragement. We’re all in this together, and our goal is to see you succeed. Let’s work together to find the best strategies to help you thrive this semester.
As we move forward, we also want to remind everyone that our truancy protocol will begin next week for students who are approaching two weeks behind pace. We understand that life can get busy, but staying on track with your coursework is essential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, now is the time to speak up so we can offer the assistance you need. Let’s keep working together to ensure a successful and rewarding school year for all!
-Mr. Logan
October Staff Question
What's your favorite Halloween costume you've ever worn or seen?
Jenna Retzlaff: My favorite costume is my son's this year, he is Luigi from Luigi's Mansion and my baby is a ghost, because in the game Luigi sucks up ghosts through the mansion.
Jason Bull: Harry Potter
Erin DeBoth: My favorite costume is a mouse costume that my mom made in the 90's. It's now being used by her grandkids.
Mary Barr: Not Halloween, but cat show - my kids dressed their cat as an astronaut.
Angel Vander Steeg: The best costume I have seen was a giant Transformer. The costume was so large, it towered over everyone during trick or treating.
Field Trip Opportunity! 🚌
Horicon Marsh All School Trip - October 17th
Please reference the email sent on 9/26 that includes details for our all school trip to the Horicon Marsh where we will hike the marsh, visit the Explorium, and have a boat tour! RSVP to the survey here, spot is not guaranteed until payment is received. Cost is $10 per attendee and busing is provided from the eCampus office.
Elementary News
Morning Meetings -
These meetings are run all throughout the school year for students to connect with teachers and peers! The same ZOOM links will be used all year long.
Every Tuesday - 4K and Kindergarten Morning Meeting at 9am Link Here
Every Tuesday - 1st through 3rd Morning Meeting at 9:30am Link Here
Every Monday- 4th and 5th Morning Meeting at 10am Link Here
October Events
September 30- Deadline to notify teacher if participating in Pizza Hut Reading Program
October 4 - September Artifacts are Due for Timberdoodle Families
October 17 - In Person Field Trip to Horicon Marsh (see section on All-School Trip)
October 23 - In Person Field Trip to Glacier Rock Farms (see below for details)
October 24 - NO SCHOOL
October 25 - NO SCHOOL
October 30 - Pizza Hut Reading Logs Due (for those who participated)
November 1 - October Monthly Artifacts Due
Glacier Rock Farms Elementary Trip - October 23rd
eCampus Elementary will be visiting Glacier Rock Farms in Ixonia for the opportunity to visit and explore the farm. Please reference the email sent on 9/25 for more information. There will not be transportation for this trip. RSVP to the survey here, spot is not guaranteed until payment is received.
Book It Pizza Hut Reading Program
Would your learner enjoy a FREE personal pan pizza every month for reading? If so, please reference the email that was sent on 9/25 regarding the details of this offering. A monthly reminder for when reading logs are due, will be sent via email, well as mentioned in monthly newsletters.
Field Trip RSVP and Background Checks This Year
NEW THIS YEAR! In order to RSVP for any in-person field trips we will use received payment as your RSVP for the trip. This means that we will not count you/your child(ren) as coming to the trip until payment is received. You may bring your payment for any trip into the eCampus office or mail it to our office Attention Jenna Retzlaff at 111 Dodge Street, Watertown WI 53551.
Also new this year, all adults riding the bus and attending bus field trips with us will be required to have a background check done. If you plan on attending any bus field trips this year we would highly recommend that you fill out a form now and bring it in or mail it to the ESC so that you can be approved to attend. Background checks are good for one whole academic year.
Looking Ahead
You may notice that there will be NO SCHOOL days listed during the month. eCampus Academy learners follow the Watertown Unified School District calendar. However, you can absolutely continue learning during that time or hault learning, whatever you see fit for your family.
Mrs Houchin's Notes
Hello, I'm Mrs. Houchin, and I'm responsible for offering a variety of elective activities. These include a morning brain break three times a week, as well as classes in general music, art, coding, recorders, ukulele, and more. My classes will begin on September 10th. I invite you to come and explore what we have to offer!
If you're interested in starting with the recorder, please inform the office. Recorders are available for students in 2nd grade and above. Additionally, we have some ukuleles for those in 3rd grade and above if that interests you.
See Mrs Houchin's weekly schedule for opportunities to participate in activities with music, art, photography, and more. Join on October 3rd at 10am to learn how to draw a fall T-Rex!
Coding Club Opportunity
Girls Who Code
We are excited to be offering the coding club again this year for grades 3-6. In partnership with Girls Who Code, we will be offering the opportunity to meet once a month and complete coding activities together. Please see the link below for additional information about the club in regards to the who, what, and when. The first meeting will take place for new members to get started and get set up for the year. Returning members can also attend this meeting to confirm they are all set to the start the year with the club. The club's second meeting will encompass the first coding activity. If you have questions feel free to reach out to vandersteega@mywusd.org
We will build something each week and larger projects may span over multiple meetings when game building. Club meetings will last approximately one hour, once a month. Meetings can be attended in person or virtually. In person attendance is recommended. No coding experience required!
High School News
📸 Picture Makeup Day 📸
If you missed eCampus Picture Day and are in still in need of a high school student ID, Watertown High School has a makeup day on October 11th from (11:09 - 12:56). Students must check in with the front office when they arrive. Students must go straight to the media center and leave right after and not wander the halls!!
*A note for High School students, if you plan to attend any events or classes at the high school. A school ID would be required.
There is no charge to have your picture taken or receive a school ID. The only charge would be if you decide to order a package for your student. Please see the attached document with more information.
If you had your picture taken with eCampus and would still like to order a package. Please reach out to vandersteega@mywusd.org to be emailed a copy of your proof that you can order from.
ALEKS Math Daily Work Time
If you have a math class, you are expected to work on it for about an hour every day, 5 days a week. What is the single most important math skill? The ability to consistently work on your math! To encourage daily work, Mrs. Barr hosts math hour Monday - Friday from 10 AM - 11 AM. Join the CLASS app during this time (only Mrs. Barr can see you and/or your screen) and have a time/place to stay on pace with your math and ask questions when you need to (and get help right away!). You will find the link to the CLASS link on your SPLP landing page on your ALEKS class.
UWO on the Road
Admissions is on the road for UW Oshkosh in the coming month. See below for locations.
For more information click HERE
Tuesday, October 1 – Monona Public Library @ 6:30 p.m. (Madison, WI)
Wednesday, October 2 – Brown County Public Library Central @ 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 3 – Portage Public Library @ 5 p.m.
Tuesday, October 8 – Muskego Public Library @ 6 p.m.
Monday, October 14 – Brookfield Public Library @ 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 24 – Mead Public Library @ 6 p.m. (Sheboygan, WI)
Would you like a virtual visit? Virtual Visit Options
Dual Credit Options
Start College Now (SCN)
Start College Now provides an opportunity for high school students to earn college credit and high school credit at the same time. High school juniors and seniors are eligible to take classes during the Fall and Spring semesters. Tuition and books are paid by the school district. Contact eCampus for more information as deadlines do apply for each semester and can vary by Technical College.
Credits earned can by applied towards a degree at the Technical College and many other Wisconsin colleges.
Early College Credit Program (ECCP)
The ECCP statute allows Wisconsin public and private high school students to take one or more courses at an institution of higher education for high school and/or college credit. Under this section, “institution of higher education” means an institution within the University of Wisconsin System, a tribally controlled college, or a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in the state. While technical colleges are not eligible institutions under the new program, pupils that have completed 10th grade will continue to have the option to take courses at technical colleges through a separate statute, 38.12(14).
Students MUST submit their ECCP applications (no exceptions) to their school by:
- October 1 for spring courses
- February 1 for summer courses
- March 1 for fall courses
Parking Permits for WHS
eCampus students in Grades 9-12 who attend WHS for any face to face classes or go to the digital learning classroom will need a parking pass. All parking information is collected online via Skyward. WHS Parking Permit forms can be found in the Online Forms link in Skyward Family Access.
The following information is requested in the online form: student driver’s license number, car make, model, year, color, current insurance vendor, and policy number. Parents will need to add the parking fee of $50 (which is specific to eCampus students) to the checkout process when completing the registration. The parking fee must be paid in full. After the parking permit form is submitted and paid for, tags can be picked up at the WHS bookkeeper's office.
Yearbook & Senior Pictures
Yearbooks
The 2024-2025 yearbooks can be purchased online through the Herff-Jones website: http://bit.ly/2WFzrGD. The WHS order number is 3818 (if needed).
This year, the yearbook fee will be $50. This is the only way to purchase a yearbook for this school year. Please plan accordingly as no extra yearbooks will be ordered.
Senior Pictures
Request a Transcript
You can request a transcript through Parchment: Click Here for Parchment
If you are seeking an unofficial copy, please contact the eCampus Academy Registrar at vandersteega@mywusd.org
Career and Accelerated Degree Pathways
Attention high school-aged eCampus students and families! Did you know that eCampus Academy offers a Career and Accelerated Degree Pathways Program? Students in Grades 10-12 can pursue a Technical Diploma or Associate Degree while enrolled in high school in one of 10 high-demand career areas. These online courses, in cooperation with Wisconsin technical colleges, will also count as high school credit in eCampus. Students in Grades 9-12 who plan to attend a four-year institution may complete up to 30 transferable college credits, putting them on a path to potentially graduate with a Bachelor's degree in three years from a University of Wisconsin System School.
The eCampus Academy Pathways Program saves students time and money while accessing high quality, future-ready learning experiences and professional programs. We're really excited about this opportunity for students.
Wisconsin Immunization Requirements
Please see the updated immunization requirements for school, grades K-12 below. These requirements are effective for the 2024-25 school year.
If you have any questions about immunization requirements, please contact Lynn Gilbert, District School Nurse at gilbertl@mywusd.org or 920.262.1460 ext 3219