Frequently Asked Questions

• The district and each school has a Staff page:
o Fairview Elementary School
o Horizon Elementary School
o Parkview Elementary School
o Riverview Middle School
o Plymouth High School
o Plymouth School District

o The Plymouth School District Board of Education has adopted the Wisconsin Academic Standards, which outline what is required to be taught.
o Our detailed application of those standards make up the Plymouth School District Curriculum.
o Visit our interactive District Report Card to learn more about how our curriculum guides our students to create knowledge and develop skills to become leaders and innovators in the ever-evolving global community.

o Using the Wisconsin Academic Standards as our starting point, we develop scope and sequence for each content area and grade level, so that the Plymouth School District Curriculum builds from one grade to the next. Teachers have access to an internal website with links to resources.
o When the state updates the standards, we update our curriculum and review our resources. If the changes are major, we create a team of teachers and administrators, pilot alternatives, evaluate effectiveness, and after careful consideration roll out the new curriculum with training for teachers.

o Plymouth High School offers more than 55 advanced and accelerated cum laude classes that prepare students for the expectations and work demands of college.
o Many of these classes also carry college credit or advanced standing (helping students meet college prerequisites) – PHS students can earn more than 80 college credits while still in high school.
o To learn more, explore our Academic & Career Planning web page.

o We use the Xello College & Career Readiness System to help students explore many career possibilities.
o PHS students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of work-based learning experiences that build upon their academic and career interests, including Youth Co-op, Work Experience Credit, Work Release, Youth Apprenticeship, Youth Services, and Start College Now.
o Through Inspire Sheboygan County, students can explore opportunities with local employers.
o To learn more, explore our Academic & Career Planning web page.

o No.

o Yes. The State of Wisconsin requires that we teach personal finance at various levels, especially at the high school; PHS students need a half-credit to graduate.
o In addition to coursework, many PHS students participate in our Reality Check simulation, where they must make financial decisions with guidance from community partners.

These are learning materials we have selected to help students.

o Bridges in Mathematics: A comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully address state standards in a rigorous, engaging, and accessible manner.
Learn more: www.mathlearningcenter.org/families

o Fountas & Pinnell: A learning system used to determine each student’s reading level. Teachers are able to observe student reading behaviors one-on-one, engage in comprehension conversations that go beyond retelling, and make informed decisions that connect assessment to instruction.
Learn more: www.fountasandpinnell.com

These are assessments, used to measure student progress.

o iReady: A diagnostic system that helps teachers determine how each student is doing.
Learn more: https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/

o Wisconsin Forward Exam: Standardized tests administered in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics; at grades 4 and 8 in Science; and at grades 4, 8, and 10 in Social Studies
Learn more: https://dpi.wi.gov/assessment/forward

o Pre-ACT: Standardized tests administered at grades 9 & 10 in English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science
Learn more: https://dpi.wi.gov/assessment/PreACT

o ACT: A standardized test administered at grade 11 in Reading, English, Mathematics, Science, and Writing
Learn more: https://dpi.wi.gov/assessment/act

1. Talk to the teacher.
2. Reach out to a school counselor or principal and request a meeting to develop a Student Intervention Team plan. At that meeting, there will be discussion about academic concerns, mental health, and other issues; data will be reviewed; and goals will be established for success. Progress will be monitored and the group will meet again.
3. If concerns remain, parents/guardians may request a formal evaluation for special services.

o Yes, there are cameras in all schools.

o During school hours, all doors are locked. Visitors should enter the main office.
o Those going beyond the office will need to present a state-issued ID card and receive a visitor pass.

o Yes, all schools have safety drills regularly for fire, storm, and intruder scenarios.

o All staff go through safety training that is recommended by the state and our local police department. All staff are trained in handling blood-borne pathogens, plus our Medical Emergency Response Teams have additional training in the use of defibrillators and tourniquets.

o All doors are secured during the school day, and all visitors are screened at an office. We have extensive safety plans that are reviewed by the local police department and the state.

o In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or gender (including transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity) in any of our education programs or activities.
Any person may report discrimination to the district's Title IX Coordinators:
- Mrs. Anne Gamoke, District Director of Student Services, agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us, (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1024
- Mr. Andy Novak, Plymouth High School Associate Principal, anovak@plymouth.k12.wi.us, (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1036

o All of our schools, along with student groups such as Peers 4 Peers and WeAct, conduct many activities designed to make all students feel included.

o In accordance with Title IX, students may use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity. This information is included in our Annual Notices, shared with families at the beginning of the school year. Parents/guardians or students with questions can contact the school principal.

o We recognize that Title IX compliance may be confusing for some students. Parents/guardians or students with questions should contact the school principal. There are one-stall bathroom options that any student can use.

o You should follow the preference of the individual. If a student requests a name change, we do notify parents/guardians.

o Yes.

o Students receive medically accurate and age-appropriate instruction in human growth and development as part of our health curriculum. Parents/guardians or students with questions can contact the school principal.

o Providing Access To Healing (PATH)
- Opportunity for all K-12 Students in the Plymouth School District to receive confidential licensed mental health therapy
- Learn more: https://mhalakeshore.org/path-providing-access-to-healing.php

o Elementary supports:
- Counseling curriculum: Weekly 30-minute lessons in each K-4 classroom
- Mindfulness: All three elementary buildings collaboratively focus on a monthly mindfulness theme. These themes are introduced to students during weekly counseling classroom lessons, as well as utilized throughout the day by school staff. These themes are shared with parents through monthly newsletters. The Calming Corners/Spaces initiative also enhances mindfulness.

o Riverview supports:
- Life Skills/Social Emotional Counseling lessons taught in 5th and 6th grade
- Signs of Suicide taught by school counselors in 7th-grade family and consumer education class
- Counselors provide ongoing crisis management/response, peer mediations, short-term solution-focused counseling as needed for all students, referrals to community resources for ongoing support
- Numerous community resources linked to Riverview Counseling Website under “Community Resources” tab
- Where Everyone Belongs (WEB) Program improves school climate and provides peer mentorship as WEB leaders model positive behaviors for younger students

o High school supports:
- Character development, school culture, or social emotional learning lesson once a month at each grade level during Panther Time
- Mental health unit in every health class, which includes lesson(s) directly from PHS counselors
- Easy access to counselors for students in need of support, access to community resources, or crisis intervention
- Mental Health Youth Ambassadors initiatives
- Link Crew improves school climate and provides peer mentorship as leaders model positive behaviors for younger students

o The mental health of children is directly connected to their parents’ mental health - parents cannot pour from an empty cup. With that being said, it is important for parents to take care of themselves and their mental well-being. Attending therapy and being mindful of other detrimental behaviors, such as excessive alcohol/substance use, should be explored. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/mental-health-children-and-parents.html

o Tips for keeping lines of communication open:
- Parents should communicate with teachers and attend all conferences and school-related functions that pertain to their children.
- Parents need to listen to their children without judgment and validate their feelings.
- Parents should spend quality time with their children regularly.
- Parents should be mindful of screen time and instill rules regarding the amount of time spent on screens.
- Students should be getting ample amounts of sleep nightly without disruptions from cell phones and social media. Adequate sleep is directly correlated to better mental health.

o Encourage your child to be involved:
- Join an extracurricular! PHS activities & clubs / PHS athletics /Riverview options
- Do community service! - Panther Community Connection volunteer database

o Community-based resources:

Crisis Resources:
- Crisis - Emotional Support
Rainbow Kids
- Rainbow Kids Program Information
Big Brother Big Sisters (School-Based Program)
- Parent Welcome Guide
- Student Welcome Guide
- Parent Permission Form
- School Referral Form
Child Assistance Team (CAT)
- Child Assistance Team (CAT) Information
Providing Access To Healing (PATH)
- PATH Information Link
Mental Health Counseling Agencies in Sheboygan County
- Resource List
United Way
- Mailing List/Newsletters
Mental Health America
- Youth Mental Health Crisis Card
- Back to School Resources and Toolkit
- Community Mental Health Resource Card
- MHA Lakeshore Mindfulness Resources
Family Resource Center
- Website
Safe Harbor
- Website