eCampus Academy Update

Jason Bull

Thank you to those who have filled out the parent/guardian commitments, if you haven't filled out the form, please take time to fill out the commitment. Read thoroughly and digitally provide your signature.

We believe students thrive when everyone—students, staff, and parents—works as a team. Strong commitments help us create a learning environment where every learner feels supported, challenged, and inspired. This year, we have outlined clear commitments for students, staff, and parents. These commitments guide how we learn, communicate, and support one another. They are promises we make to help students reach their highest potential—academically and personally. Parents commit to staying engaged in their child’s learning, encouraging a growth mindset, and communicating openly with teachers. Staff commit to providing high-quality instruction, timely feedback, and a safe, respectful space for learning. Students commit to showing effort, responsibility, and respect in all they do. Together, we create a partnership built on trust, respect, and shared purpose—so every student can succeed.

The Power of Partnership

Every member of the eCampus learning community believes deeply in the power of collaboration between school and home. Our students thrive when educators and families work together in meaningful ways to shape the learning experience. In a virtual setting, this connection is even more essential.

The Parent Advisory Committee [PAC] exists to strengthen that partnership. It serves as a platform for families to share their perspectives, offer feedback, generate ideas, and support school-wide initiatives that reflect our shared commitment to student success. Your voice matters, and this committee is one way we ensure it’s heard and valued. By participating, you will help shape the future of our school—honoring our traditions, driving innovation, and supporting the transformation of how students learn in a connected world.

The Role and Purpose of the Committee

The Parent Advisory Committee is a representative group of parents and guardians from all grade levels and diverse backgrounds who:

• Provide input on key school initiatives, events, and priorities

• Share feedback on family engagement, communication, and support systems

• Collaborate on strategies to build a stronger school community

• Advocate for student-centered decision-making

• Help identify areas for growth and celebrate successes
  
  

PAC is not a decision-making body, but a vital advisory group that informs leadership and fosters transparency, trust, and collaboration.

Joining and Participating

We are seeking parents and guardians—past and present—who are passionate about helping our school continue to grow and serve all students with excellence.

Meeting Structure:

• The PAC meets virtually 4–6 times per year

• Meetings last approximately 39-46 minutes

• Each meeting includes updates from school leadership, open dialogue, and collaborative planning
  
  

Who Can Join:

• Parents and guardians of current and former students (K–12)

• Individuals who bring diverse perspectives, ideas, and a desire to support positive change

• No previous experience is required—just your voice, your story, and your commitment
  
  

How to Express Interest:
If you’re interested in joining the Parent Advisory Committee, please complete our brief Interest Form by October 3, 2025. Our leadership team will reach out with next steps and upcoming meeting details.

Together, We Go Farther

We invite you to be part of something greater—helping to shape a dynamic and inclusive virtual school experience that empowers every learner. Your involvement can make a lasting difference not only for your own child, but for the entire school community.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to lead, learn, and connect.

We are excited to share several upcoming field trips this fall. On October 16, our middle and high school students will participate in a hike at Lapham Peak. Our elementary students will visit the Firehouse, Police Department, and City Hall on October 31 to learn more about community helpers. All students will have a STEAM Day on November 14 for STEAM Day, a day designed to spark creativity and problem-solving through engaging science, technology, engineering, art, and math projects. Finally, on December 4, students from all grade levels have an opportunity to visit the State Capitol for a chance to see government in action. More details will be shared with families as each trip approaches.

I hope that you are starting to settle into a solid school routine, and are having fun learning everyday! There are many optional opportunities that your child(ren) can participate in during the month of October. Don’t forget to mark on your calendars to save the date!

Morning Meetings (weekly)
4K- 2nd Grade Morning Meetings with Mrs. Hail Tuesdays at 9:00am - GoogleMeet Link
3rd - 5th Grade Morning Meeting with Mrs. Retzlaff Wednesdays at 10:00am - GoogleMeet Link

October Events

September 30 - Deadline to notify teacher if participating in Pizza Hut Reading Program

October 6- September Monthly Artifacts Due

October 17- In Person Field Trip to Ebert’s Greenhouse Pumpkin Patch (email sent on 10/1)

October 23- NO SCHOOL

October 24- NO SCHOOL

October 30 - Pizza Hut Reading Logs Due (for those who participated)

Looking Ahead

October 31- Watertown Tour Field Trip (more information to come)

November 3 - October Monthly Artifacts Due

October Academic Groups Starting!

Information for our fall academic group offerings went out on 9/24. Thank you to those families who have signed your learner up for groups. You will receive an email and google meet invitations (via Google Calendar) with specific meeting details. Groups are scheduled to begin the week of October 13th.

Ebert’s Greenhouse Pumpkin Patch - October 17th

Please reference the email sent on 10/1 regarding more information. Should your family be interested in attending, please email your learners teacher with the total number of participants. No transportation will be provided for this trip.

Book It Pizza Hut Reading Program

Would your learner enjoy a FREE personal pan pizza every month for reading? If so, please reference the email that was sent on 9/26 regarding the details of this offering. A monthly reminder for when reading logs are due, will be sent via email, well as mentioned in monthly newsletters.

Field Trip RSVP and Background Checks This Year

In order to RSVP for any in-person field trips we will use received payment as your RSVP for the trip. This means that we will not count you/your child(ren) as coming to the trip until payment is received. You may bring your payment for any trip into the eCampus office or mail it to our office Attention Jenna Retzlaff at 111 Dodge Street, Watertown WI 53551.

All adults riding the bus and attending bus field trips with us will be required to have a background check done. If you plan on attending any bus field trips this year we would highly recommend that you fill out a form now and bring it in or mail it to the ESC so that you can be approved to attend. Background checks are good for one whole academic year.

Looking Ahead

You may notice that there will be NO SCHOOL days listed during the month. eCampus Academy learners follow the Watertown Unified School District calendar. However, you can absolutely continue learning during that time or halt learning, whatever you see fit for your family.

For seniors who have received an offer letter:

Direct Admit students are required to complete this form if you are considering any of the universities. Create Account and fill in your school email and your personal email.

1. Filling out the form does not mean you are committed to attending any of the universities.

2. Technically, you have until May 1, 2026 to accept or reject any of the universities.

A university can only provide a financial aid award letter if you have filled out the form and completed the FAFSA.

As you are aware, eCampus Academy is participating in the Direct Admit Wisconsin program for the Class of 2027. UW Direct Admit is an opportunity for 11th grade students to be automatically admitted to participating University of Wisconsin system schools free of charge. Direct Admit Wisconsin offers early and proactive admission to participating Universities of Wisconsin for rising seniors at participating Wisconsin high schools.

In order to participate, 11th grade families must log into Skyward Family Access and “opt-in” by Wednesday, April 30, 2026. Directions are attached on how to locate the Direct Admit Wisconsin in Skyward Family Access. If you need help logging in to Skyward and completing this process, please contact Angel Vander Steeg at vandersteega@mywusd.org or call 920.262.1460 x3206 for assistance.

Students interested in participating in high school athletics can use the provided link to find important information about getting started. The link will guide you through the requirements and steps for participation, including Red Card information, which is necessary to be eligible for sports. Be sure to check it out so you’re prepared for the season!

Start College Now provides an opportunity for high school students to earn college credit and high school credit at the same time. High school juniors and seniors are eligible to take classes during the Fall and Spring semesters. Tuition and books are paid by the school district. Contact eCampus for more information as deadlines do apply for each semester and can vary by Technical College.

Credits earned can by applied towards a degree at the Technical College and many other Wisconsin colleges.

The ECCP statute allows Wisconsin public and private high school students to take one or more courses at an institution of higher education for high school and/or college credit. Under this section, “institution of higher education” means an institution within the University of Wisconsin System, a tribally controlled college, or a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in the state. While technical colleges are not eligible institutions under the new program, pupils that have completed 10th grade will continue to have the option to take courses at technical colleges through a separate statute, 38.12(14).

Students MUST submit their ECCP applications (no exceptions) to their school by:

• October 1 for spring courses
• February 1 for summer courses
• March 1 for fall courses

The 2025-2026 yearbooks can be purchased online through the Herff-Jones website: http://bit.ly/2WFzrGD. The WHS order number is 3818 (if needed).

This year, the yearbook fee will be $55. This is the only way to purchase a yearbook for this school year. Please plan accordingly as no extra yearbooks will be ordered.

Parents are reminded to double check the spelling of their senior’s name in Skyward as that name will be used for the yearbook and graduation purposes (diploma, etc.). If you want a middle name on your student’s diploma, please make sure it is updated in Skyward before the school year begins.

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@mywusd.org

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.

Check out our Student Success Slideshow on setting up for success, dressing for sucess, attendance, and advisory expectations. These insights will guide a path to academic and personal success.