I want to thank you for all you’ve done to help not only your child, but teachers as well, with continued learning during this school closure. We understand the stress this has put on your families and value the input some of you gave us in the survey that was sent out last week.
In order to make some of the adjustments you’ve suggested, we are going to move our packet pick up days to Fridays, beginning this Friday, April 3rd. With the Easter holiday next week, pick up will be on Thursday, April 9th, and then we’ll be back to Fridays, April 17th. We’ll do our best to send reminders of the date changes!
As stated before, students in grades PreK-2 will continue to be given materials that will maintain skills. Teachers are planning work around standards and will be passing on some good online learning options, but will not be making them part of their expectations. It’s worth mentioning again that younger students struggle with being self-starters and rely on your support and feedback while working. We don’t believe the work we’re sending requires 90 minutes of your time, but hopefully you’re finding a way to work on at least a portion of the materials with your child.
Teachers are planning on moving students forward with their learning in grades 3-5. Knowing that this may need some technology assistance for both students and parents, I have worked out a plan with Mr. Schrank to get iPads into the hands of 3-5 graders who don’t have a MS/HS sibling device or a device of their own to use at home.
Please let me know (by email or phone message) if you are wanting to check out an iPad by Wednesday, April 1st. They will be available for pick up on Friday.
If you have more than one 3-5 grade student, only one iPad will be checked out to your family.
We ask that you only take an iPad if you have no other device to use at home.
Like the middle school and high school students who have an iPad checked out to them for use at home, we will need a $25 deposit for iPad check outs. Mr. Schrank will also have a usage agreement to sign before taking the iPad home.
At most, three online learning assignments or “live classes” will be given each week. We want to respect that many of our iPads will have multiple users and that ALL of the middle and high school classes are happening online. Teachers will communicate with parents on how and when to access the live classes and most of them will be recorded so they can be accessed when it works best for your family.
Words cannot express how thankful we are to each of you for stepping up to the challenge you’re facing as parents. Together, let’s keep learning moving forward!
-Keep safe and be well, Teresa Hulscher
