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'It was almost like Disney World': Shorewood and more Wisconsin districts start virtual learning Monday

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Monday, March 30 was day one of virtual learning for Shorewood schools.

Jesse Dercks, the father of a kindergartner and first-grader, said the highlight was his girls seeing their teachers online.

"It was almost like Disney World, they were jumping around super excited to see them," Dercks said.

Tina Peadro's kids are in Kenosha schools. The district also added online instruction on March 30.

"It's been going pretty good. So far the only problem that I've come across is one of the learning websites that they use is not working well and it's temporarily down," Peadro said.

Data from Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction shows several districts started some form of virtual learning for the first time March 30. Many others started the week of the 16.

For Dercks and Peadro, the lost instruction time isn't much of a concern considering so many families were adjusting to the health crisis.

"It was pretty chaotic so I don't know how productive we would have been with all of that happening at the same time," said Derks.

Milwaukee Public Schools didn't give specifics but a spokesperson told us the district is "exploring ways to provide technology and remote access to all students in the district."

MPS parents like Steven Thompson are picking up instruction packets for their students.

"Some of this new stuff out here is a little more advanced than when we were going to school," Thompson said of his childrens' homework.

"I would love the kids to be back in school," he continued.

To help alleviate some of the stress, parents can turn to PBS. On March 30, it launched educational programming dedicated to each grade.

The DPI is waiving the hour requirement for any school district that requests a waiver due to the during this pandemic. Click here for more information.

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