eCampus Academy

As part of the leadership team of the eCampus learning community, I want to take a moment to highlight the significance of three crucial values that play a vital role in our students' educational journey: trying hard, having fun and being kind. These values are not only essential for success in academics but also in fostering personal growth and development. I believe these values are very important and further believe these values can benefit your scholar's online learning experience.

Trying Hard: One of the fundamental tenets of education is the effort we put into learning. It is through trying hard that young scholars discover their true potential and learn to persevere through challenges. Online learning requires a unique form of discipline and motivation, as students often have to navigate their coursework independently. Encouraging your scholar to give their best effort not only in academic pursuits but also in time management and goal-setting can help them excel in their online studies. Remind them that success is not solely determined by grades but by the knowledge and skills they gain along the way while working towards their identified goals.

Having Fun: While rigorous learning is important, so is the joy of learning. Encouraging your learner to have fun in their studies can lead to a more enriching educational experience. Find ways to make learning enjoyable by incorporating engaging resources, interactive activities, and allowing them to explore their interests. By fostering a love for learning, you can help your scholar develop a lifelong passion for acquiring knowledge.

Being Kind: Kindness is a universal value that goes beyond the classroom. In the online environment, it's essential for scholars to be respectful and supportive of their peers, as their interactions are often limited to digital platforms. Encouraging kindness and empathy can create a positive online community where learners feel safe and encouraged to express themselves. Kindness also helps students develop emotional intelligence and the ability to collaborate effectively, skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

By emphasizing these values, we aim to create a well-rounded online learning environment that not only prepares scholars for academic success but also equips them with the skills and qualities they need to thrive in their future endeavors. We encourage you to support your scholar in their efforts to try hard, have fun and be kind as they continue their educational journey with us. Together, we can create a positive and enriching online learning experience for all our learners.

Thank you for entrusting us with your scholar's education. We look forward to continuing our journey together, with the shared goal of nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel academically and contribute positively to society.

In Community -

Jason R. Bull

December 25th - No School - Holiday Break

December 26th - No School - Holiday Break

December 27th - No School - Holiday Break

December 28th - No School - Holiday Break

December 29th - No School - Holiday Break

January 1st - No School - Holiday Break

January 2nd - No School - Holiday Break

January 15th - No School - Teacher Work Day

As you know Mrs. Retzlaff is on maternity leave until January. The Retzlaff family welcomed new baby boy Callan Retzlaff on October 26, 2023 at 4:57 pm. Mrs. Retzlaff states he is a little peanut at 6 pounds 7 ounces, measuring 21 inches long. Carson is loving his new role as big brother!

For families whose students had their pictures taken at eCampus earlier this year, it is not too late to order pictures. Please email vandersteega@watertown.k12.wi.us at the eCampus office for more information. We can email you a picture proof along with information on how to order any portraits.

Do you have a creative way to help protect our environment? Maybe you came up with an invention that helped clean our oceans/waterways or help endangered species. If so, feel free to take a peek at this wonderful opportunity.

Open to students in grades K-12. Students can work as a team or individually to win various prizes.

Click Here for More Information

This month's staff question relates to the holiday season and their favorite movie. See our staff holiday movie picks!

Bob Logan - It's hard to beat Christmas Story for humor, but the one I look forward to every year is watching "White Christmas" on the night of the first snowfall. It was a tradition for my wife and the joy it brings her fills the house. ❄️

Alexis Hail - ELF: "bye bye Buddy... hope you find your dad!"🗽

Jason Bull - Die Hard 💥

Erin DeBoth - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 🎄

Angel Vander Steeg - Home Alone, definitely the first one 😱

Hello eCampus Elementary Families!

I hope that you are having a wonderful start to the Holidays! There are many optional opportunities that your children can participate in during the month of December. Don’t forget to mark on your calendars to save the date!

Mark your calendars! 📆

Morning Meetings -

These meetings are run all throughout the school year for students to connect with teachers and peers!

Every Monday - 4K and Kindergarten Morning Meeting at 9am Link Here

Every Monday - 1st through 2nd Morning Meeting at 10am Link Here

Every Wednesday - 3rd through 5th Morning Meeting at 10am Link Here

Looking Ahead

December and January Artifacts are not due until January 15th, before report cards are submitted. 4K learner stories are due via google drive by December 21st.

December Academic Groups! (prior sign up required)

ZONES of Regulation - Mondays at 1pm- Zoom Link Here

December Events

December 1st - November Artifacts are Due (timberdoodle families only)

December 4th- Designs for The Snowglobe Family Ornaments DUE

December 4th- RSVP to Mrs. Hail (haila@watertown.k12.wi.us) if you want to attend The Gingerbread Man Robot Storytelling + Cookie Decorating

December 4th- ZONES of Regulation Group at 1pm

December 7th- The Gingerbread Man Robot Storytelling + Cookie Decorating at 1pm (email sent on 12/1)

December 11th- ZONES of Regulation Group at 1pm

December 18th - Snowglobe Glowforge Projects back to students

December 18th- ZONES of Regulation Group at 1pm

December 21st- Pizza Hut Reading Logs Due (for those who participated)

December 21st- 4K learner stories due via google drive (timberdoodle families only)

December 23rd - January 2nd- NO SCHOOL - Holiday Break

Mrs. Retzlaff is on maternity leave until after Christmas Break. An email was sent on 10/24 with who to reach out to with any questions or needs during her time off. Mrs. Houchin will be hosting 3-5th grade morning meetings this month. In January, there will be no morning meetings until Mrs. Retzlaff returns.

Mrs. Houchin offers a variety of different opportunities that can be found here. Use the link at the bottom of her schedule to access all of these free activities!

College Applications

At this time, students should be applying to the college(s) of their choice. Pay special attention to any due dates and required documents specific to the process.

If you are seeking assistance with any question in regards to the application process, please contact the eCampus office.

Specifically if you need help with the University of Wisconsin System, please use this site as a resource: https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/

Are you looking to tour a campus? See: https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/find-your-uws/campus-tours/ Book a virtual, in-person, or find more information on self-guided tours on each campus site. See their events calendar for more details.

Want to see an application demo or UW Journey demo, check out the calendar of events: https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/resources/calendar-of-events/11/2023/

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the form that is used to initiate the financial aid process regardless of where you plan to pursue a postsecondary education. The student and family information included on the FAFSA will be sent to colleges/universities you have identified on the form in order for a financial aid package to be prepared for you.

Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid to help pay for college. Several events will be held virtually as well as in-person if you are seeking assistance with completing this form.

https://collegegoalwi.org/

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@watertown.k12.wi.us

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.

Since we continue to have new families each month, we'll continue to share videos and information that might be useful at anytime throughout the year. Returning students are familiar with the SchoolsPLP learning platform, but we encourage everyone to watch these short videos created by our own lead teacher, Tracy Poches, as a refresher. Who knows, you might learn something new.

Welcome to eCampus

Logging in to SchoolsPLP

Understanding SchoolsPLP Overview

Navigating an online course in SchoolsPLP

Parents are able to login to SchoolsPLP to check grades and see if their student is on pace. The short video below will show you how to do this. You will need your student's ID and school password to login. If you need login information, please call or email Keisha Logan.

Parent Log-in

We Want to Hear From You!

In our ongoing effort to assess our efforts as a school, we're offering our families an opportunity to share their feedback so that we may reflect on what's working and on those areas where we can grow and learn in eCampus. If you would, please take a moment to complete the brief feedback questionnaire that's linked below. We definitely value your input as partners in the teaching and learning of our eCampus students! Thank you!

eCampus Academy - Feedback Questionnaire

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” - Lewis Carroll

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Email: info@ecampusacademy.org
Website: ecampusacademy.org
Location: 111 Dodge Street, Watertown, WI, USA
Phone: (920) 262-1420
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eCampus-Academy-109040691913298