Question: There are different policies about when and for how long students should go home when either displaying COVID-19 symptoms or exposure to a COVID positive person. What guidance should I follow? Answer: It is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), that [...]
Read More
Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
Pandemic Expert Gives Advice to Schools
October 15, 2020
There’s a wide range of “best-practices” on how to deal with COVID in your school. Unfortunately, some of these practices appear to conflict with the recommendations of health authorities. The confusion over best practices was born, not from the negligence of school leaders, but from the rapidly changing environment of COVID-19. Dr. Mario Ramirez, an [...]
Read More
Kohl Awards: Teacher and Principal Nominations End Oct. 13
October 08, 2020
Hurry now to nominate an excellent teacher or principal for the Herb Kohl Awards. They can only apply if they are nominated. This is a great way to recognize a teacher and or principal you feel is exceptional in the school community. Anyone can nominate, including students and members of the public. Winning teachers and [...]
Read More
Warning on Cleaning Solutions
October 08, 2020
A warning from Church Mutual, which insures many of our private schools: “Due to the onset of COVID-19 and subsequent guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), organizations are using more chemical cleaners and disinfectants than ever before. Unfortunately, this has given rise to more accidents including severe chemical burns.” “Making [...]
Read More
Drawing Contest
October 08, 2020
Our friends a Hispanics for School Choice are hosting a drawing contest for students. This year’s theme is La Piñata. “Tradition says that breaking the piñata symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. One thing is a fact, Piñatas are colorful, beautiful and fun, enjoyed by children and adults alike, a true representation of joy [...]
Read More
Pre-order Your WCRIS Choice Handbooks Today and Save!
October 01, 2020
The second edition of the WCRIS Choice Handbook is in production. This updated and expanded edition provides an overview of the state’s three choice programs as recently amended in the law, the requirements to join, and how to operate them. A separate handbook is being developed for the Special Needs Scholarship Program. Stay tuned. The [...]
Read More
Counting Hours of Instruction for Virtual Learning Students
September 24, 2020
Question: Given the pandemic and the complexities it is creating for education, must I still meet the hours of instruction requirement for students this school year? How do I count virtual or hybrid classroom instruction? Answer: Yes, you are still required to meet the hours of instruction for this school year. For schools in the [...]
Read More
Teachers Can Get Free Training in Providing Virtual Instruction
September 24, 2020
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has several resources available to help support teachers providing online instruction. Paid for with federal ESSER funds from the CARES Act, the training and programs are open to all schools and teachers. To see a complete list of offerings and to register, go to the DPI’s web page here: [...]
Read More
School Safety Tip Line Launched by DOJ
September 10, 2020
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety launched a new threat reporting tip line on its new website, titled: “Speak Up, Speak Out.” The tipline can be found here. The new tip line allows people to call-in threats of school violence and related concerns to the DOJ. School administrators must register with the [...]
Read More
WCRIS Teachers Win National Award; Other News from D.C.
September 10, 2020
The following information is from the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) September Newsletter. Eight Private School Teachers Receive Neubauer Prize for Urban Teaching Megan Dills, St. Marcus School, Milwaukee Nadia Lopez, Pilgrim Lutheran School, Milwaukee Quanesha Medina, HOPE Christian School (Semper), Milwaukee Michelle Minnihan, St. Martini Lutheran School, Milwaukee Zach Murray, HOPE Christian School [...]
Read More