Cougar Reminders
Message from Mr Palermo
Hello Hay Families,
My how times have changed since I have seen you last. It is hard to think of the right words to settle the nerves and anxiety that I am sure many of you are feeling. Things/life have rapidly changed in the last 2 weeks and I am sure that many of you, like myself, are working hard to provide stability for your family at home. These are unprecedented times and it may feel as if you are alone in your efforts to provide for your family due to the social distancing and closures. However, you are not alone.
Throughout the last two weeks many of our teachers, administrators, and directors have worked countless hours to develop a plan that reconnects our community around education and supports for our children. Times like these often bring out the best in each other as many are eager to help and support in any way possible. I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts being made by our Englewood educators and community members to support our children and each other through this experience. That said, the work is far from over.
This is going to be the first of many weekly updates that you will receive during our remote learning experience. These updates will come every Friday and will consist of the most pertinent information needed to support you as a parent. While it is impossible to replace the quality of instruction our children receive from our teachers, many of our Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) and instructional practices can be implemented at home. By communicating weekly on how to support your child/children, we hope to keep the learning experience as familiar and consistent as possible for our children.
Initially, our focus is to get good at things we can control. For teachers, that means recording 10-15 minute mini lessons and creating assignments that connect to those mini lessons. For parents, it will be utilizing the suggested resources we have provided. First and foremost, use the suggested materials to establish a daily schedule/routine for student learning and engage your child/children in learning experiences provided by our teachers.
Once we have established new learning habits and routines we can work on fine tuning the learning experience. The biggest enemy of progress is perfection. We won’t be perfect on April 1st, but we will have a process in place to work towards perfection. I am working to schedule regular grade level/classroom parent meetings through Zoom, so I can consistently get your feedback on the experience and utilize that information to better support you and our children.
If they haven’t already, your teachers will be in touch soon with more detailed information about your child’s class. Though it will be through Zoom, I am eager and excited to see you all soon. I have missed seeing you and your children throughout this time. Stay healthy and stay connected!
Your Helper Principal,
Matt Palermo
Digital Learning Resources
Englewood Schools has compiled extensive learning resources for students to access during the extended closure of our schools. Linked here is a website with the optional, supplemental resources. The site will be updated periodically throughout the closure. While we know these resources do not replace classroom instruction, they are designed to provide students an opportunity to continue their learning. We understand that questions might arise on how to use the resources. If you have questions regarding the resources linked on the website, please contact Learning_Services@engschools.net.
Remote Learning Message from the District
Dear Englewood Families,
As we gear up for remote learning starting on April 1, I want to first ask you, if you haven’t already, to fill out our remote learning questionnaire. This will help us ensure that all students have what they need to learn remotely.
I am sure that there is probably some confusion and even anxiety about remote learning. I wanted to answer as many questions as I can at this time.
Why remote learning?
Knowing that our schools will be closed until at least April 17 (and possibly longer) our vision and moral obligation is clear in that we want to be sure we are Graduating [and educating!] all students to be the leaders, thinkers and explorers of tomorrow.
A plan for remote learning is complex, as we need to be sure it is easy to use for teachers and students alike, as well as accessible for all of our students and families.
What about devices?
We have given families several opportunities to retrieve student devices so they can use them for remote learning. However, if you have not yet gotten your student’s device (or cannot pick it up on Thursday for families at CFHSC), we are making plans to deliver those to you. It is our strong preference that students use Englewood Schools devices, as those are preloaded with many of the tools students will need to use for learning. However, a home device will be possible to use as well.
What if I don’t have internet access?
First, please try accessing these free resources to try to get connected:
Xfinity has announced an Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone program. Through it, Xfinity hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free. Search for a hotspot near you.
Comcast Internet Essentials is offering two free months of their Internet Essentials package starting March 16, 2020. You have to be eligible, so read more on their website. You can also call 1-855-846-8376.
Then, make sure you fill out our questionnaire to let us know. If you are still unable to connect, we will reach out to you specifically to help get your students online.
How will students interact with teachers?
We will be using Google classroom for grades 2-12 and Seesaw for grades K-1. Preschool students will continue to access online resources instead of remote instruction.
Teachers grades K-12 will plan to connect with their classes live via zoom for about 30 minutes a day. In middle and high school, this will be a seminar or Pirate time class. Teachers will post recorded videos of lessons in each subject area and explain the work students are expected to complete. Teachers will have one hour of office hours each day to answer student and parent questions in real time.
Is remote learning mandatory?
Teachers will be taking attendance each day and monitoring students’ work. If your student does not participate, we will be reaching out to you to help troubleshoot and help your student continue learning. We do not want students to fall behind.
What is the time commitment?
Mondays will be teacher planning days and instruction will take place Tuesday through Friday. We expect students to spend about 30 minutes working in each subject area in addition to brain breaks and specials/electives. Here are possible schedules by grade levels:
K-3 Sample Schedules
4-6 Sample Schedules
Middle School Sample Schedules
High School Sample Schedules
What about all the screen time?
At this time, technology is the best way for us to provide dynamic learning possibilities for students. Teachers will make efforts to provide work that is away from screens whenever possible.
What about students on individual plans, 504, IEP, ALP, ELP?
Special Education:
IEPs:
Although IEP services will look different temporarily, they will be conducted. Special education staff will be in touch with you and your child by phone and/or email to collaboratively discuss your child’s learning priorities and how best to address them. Case managers and service providers will work in collaboration with teachers and families to provide services and support students on IEPs within the general education platform as much as possible. Some services will be embedded into teacher lessons, some will be differentiated assignments within Google classroom and some will be provided in small groups or 1:1 by a service provider or paraeducator under the supervision of a teacher -most likely the “in person” services will occur via Zoom.
Evaluations and IEP meetings:
As much as possible, evaluations for Initial referrals and Reevaluations will continue as scheduled. Although some assessments can be done by phone or virtually, like parent/teacher interviews, screeners and checklists, others will require face-to-face time with students. As that occurs, teams may need to delay these assessments until school is re-opened. We appreciate your patience on this. All IEP meetings will be held virtually through phone or Zoom video conferencing. Once the meeting is scheduled through Zoom, a hyperlink will be sent via email. Once received, just click on the link as the meeting is about to start. In the event it is not feasible for you to use this technology, participation in meetings by ordinary telephone conferencing can be effective.
504 Accommodation Plans:
504 Plans will be followed to the best of our abilities -families may want to discuss options based on their child’s disability with classroom teachers should they have concerns about distance remote learning for their child.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education:
Although ELP supports will look different temporarily, some supports will be embedded into teacher lessons, some will be differentiated assignments within Google classroom and some will be provided in small groups or 1:1 by a service provider -most likely the “in person” services will occur via Zoom.
Gifted and Talented Education:
ALP supports will mostly be embedded into teacher lessons, some will be differentiated assignments within Google classroom and some supports -like Affective Goal supports-may be provided in small groups or 1:1.
How long will we do remote learning?
We will be learning remotely until we are back in school or until the school year is over.
I know that this new way of learning will be challenging for teachers, parents and students alike. It is also a great opportunity to look at instruction and learning in different ways. We are all in this together and are here to support you and your child in any way possible to continue learning.
As always, it’s a privilege to be part of this great community where we all take care of each other.
Sincerely,
Wendy Rubin, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Upcoming Dates and Events
March 31- Last Day to pick up Student Devices- Charles Hay 3-4pm
April 1-Remote Learning Begins for Students
Grab & Go Meals
When: Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00pm.
Where: Cherrelyn Elementary (4500 S. Lincoln St.) and Bishop Elementary (3100 S. Elati). Meals can be picked up at the kitchen doors (Cherrelyn: kitchen door is located on Sherman, Bishop: kitchen door is located on Delaware).
Considerations: Special dietary needs can be specified at time of pick up. Nutrition Services will provide meals as available for children with allergies or conditions rising to the level of a disability.