Monticello Schools Work on End of Year Plan

Monticello School District Administrator Allen Brokopp recently shared some of the district’s plans for the end of the school year in emails to families and on Facebook.
In attempting to inform families with the plans for the remainder of the school year, Brokopp said,”Hopefully, learning about where we are with our educational delivery and some events will allow families to plan or be somewhat at ease for the first time in months. As you know, our normal regimented lives, like yours, have been a roller coaster ride for weeks now. On Friday, April 17th, we were informed that the ‘Safer At Home’ order was extended until May 26th, and physical academic delivery and participation in extracurriculars in our school is finished until after June 30, 2020. The following update is based on information we currently have and the decisions we have made is with the interest of our students and their families as our top priority.”
Brokopp noted that the district had surveyed the 2020 graduates and decided that graduation will be held on July 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
The Senior Honors Banquet will be recorded in a multimedia format released on May 20 at 7:00 p.m., for Seniors and their families to watch. Brokopp said, “We know we can’t do our seniors or scholarship presenters justice, but we will do our best to acknowledge both the student’s accomplishments and the community’s generosity.”
The National Honor Society Banquet will happen virtually, however, it will be live to members and their families. On behalf of the district, Brokopp thanked Greenwoods State Bank for sponsoring NHS. The NHS will be delivered via WebEx to families on April 29, at 6:00 p.m.
Prom has been cancelled but having a fall senior prom is being discussed.
The plans for a virtual FFA celebration are underway in lieu of the spring FFA Banquet.
The 2020 Day of Service has also been cancelled.
All spring athletics have been cancelled. Brokopp commented, in part, “My heart goes out to those seniors that never got to jump that last hurdle, make that last putt, or throw that last pitch….give them a “safer at home” hug because it just isn’t fair.”
Summer athletics are still up in the air, regarding usual leagues, open gyms, fall season practices, etc.
Brokopp said that Vocal Teacher Kim Becker is planning to release a Virtual Choir concert on May 22, 2020, “how exciting!” Unfortunately, all other concerts and arts activities are cancelled for the spring.
Other cancelled or postponed activities include: Canyon Camp, Costa Rica trip deposit, field trips, Kindergarten Graduation, PBIS acknowledgments.
Elementary teachers will be gathering students’ belongings. Elementary parents will be able to come to circle drive for pick-up of their students’ personal items May 26-28, from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Middle and High school students will be emailed a schedule of times for Chromebook and textbook drop off, as well as locker clean out the week of May 26-29. The staff will be staggering drop off times for the safety of everyone, so please adhere to the scheduled times.
Brokopp emphasized that he wanted parents and students to know that the Monticello School District is available if anyone is struggling emotionally. The student mental health team remains active and engaged and is readily available to meet or counsel with any student. Please email Mrs. Wells (wellsco@monticello.k12.wi.us) or Mrs. Brokopp (brokolo@monticello.k12.wi.us) and they will make sure your student’s needs are met promptly.
He also thanked the support staff, pointing out that they are currently delivering 127 breakfast and lunches for students. On Thursdays and Fridays, double meals are provided to ensure students have meals on the weekends. On Thursday, additional staff deliver Pony Packs (bags of food for the weekend) to 69 students. All of this is completely free to families. Anyone who is interested in signing your child up, is asked to please contact the office.
Wrapping up, Brokopp said, “Finally, I cannot thank our teachers enough for their effort, compassion, and innovation. Their kids were ripped from them without warning. Teachers had to develop a new way to communicate, educate, enrich, and be there for our kids. I assure you, this has been harder for them than ever imaginable. We all wish that the end of this school year could have been ‘normal’ and ended differently.”
“I know this was a lot to take in. I know it’s not a perfect plan and I know things will probably change by the time you read this, but know we are working and collaborating diligently to make this as easy on our families and students as we can. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Take care and #ponyproud.”