Homecroft Elementary School News
Distance Learning Information and Update
Thank You!
Please know our district may be sending information out later today and/or this weekend. After a late in the day administrative meeting today, I wanted to share an update with you as quickly as I could as we prepare for next week.
Changes occur rapidly, many are out of our control. That being said, we ask for your continued patience and graces as plans continue to evolve.
We will get through these times together. Please stay safe/healthy. I am grateful for all of you and I am proud to be a Hornet!
Tom Cawcutt, Principal
Can we come to Homecroft?
What if I have items from my child(s) locker? On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we are going to have support on-site to deliver locker items to families. The plan/times for this are as follows:
March 30 - April 1st
9:00 - 11:00 AM Last name(s) starting with A-H
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Last name(s) starting with I-P
1:00 - 3:00 PM Last name(s) starting with Q-Z
We are asking ONE parent come into our main entry and we will deliver your child's locker materials to you. Yes, we will do this even if you have more than one child. Please be mindful of social distancing as our lobby/entryway is small. Please be patient.
Distance Learning 101
What is our method of distance learning?
All students PreK-12 will have access to a curriculum packet. Grades K-8, this is by grade level. Grades 9-12 is by course and compiled based on each student's schedule.
How often will these packets come out?
We are planning on a weekly scheduled release. This may change as circumstances change.
What will the first week look like?
Distance learning will begin on Monday, March 30th. During the week of March 30-April 3, families will receive orientation information about the distance learning process, options available, and how to choose. Social-emotional support resources will also be provided.
How will students get access to this packet?
Students will have two methods of access. It is up to the student/family what is best for them. There is no penalty to choosing either option.
Method one: Access the curriculum packet digitally via Class Dojo (Prek) or Google Classroom (K-12). Requires internet access.
Method two: Access the curriculum packet in paper via a site or hub (K-12). PreK via mail.
If a student has internet access, but no device, can they still use Google Classroom?
Yes. If a student has access to the internet, the family can apply to their school to receive a district Chromebook on loan to use during distance learning, beginning on March 30th.
My student was receiving special education, English learner, or other types of support. Will that continue?
Yes, but it may look different. To reduce the potential spread of illness, no in person interaction is permitted. The teacher that provides this service will reach out with ways this can continue in a distance learning plan.
How can I contact my student’s teacher if I have a question?
Teachers can be reached through their district phone extension, district email, or Google Classroom. Teachers will have online office hours and will check email and voicemail at least 3 times daily.
How can packets be returned by students and families?
Packets can be returned the same way they are distributed.
Method one: Submit the packet digitally via Google Classroom.
Method two: Drop off the packet at a hub or site. Look for the designated drop box.
When will our teachers be available?
- 9:00AM-10:30AM and 1:30PM-3:00PM
- Staff available through email, scheduled phone and online meetings
- Teachers checking email and voicemail at least three times each day.
- Students and families can contact us at any time; we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
What if I need a device to access the internet?
Please consider the following when deciding if a district Chromebook is a good fit for your family:
- Do you have devices at home you're able to utilize?
- Do you have a WiFi internet connection, or access to one?
- Does your family have a need/hardship related to accessing a device?
Please note packets are being made available for those that choose not to use digital devices. Your family does not NEED a device. It is an option.
Chromebook check-out will begin on Monday, March 30th.
Check-out will be held from at 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Check out will be available daily until our devices are gone. Again, please be patient with us as we have a limited number of devices.
If you have multiple children, at this time we are allowing for one Chromebook per family. We will update this based on availability.
Where are the Homecroft Hub Sites?
School Distribution, 10:15AM – 1:00PM:
Homecroft Elementary Area
New Time 10:05AM Drake Rd @ Kingston Rd
New Time 10:20AM W. Owatonna St. @ Ewing Avenue
New Time 10:35AM Woodland and St. Paul Concordia Lutheran
New Time 10:50AM 5025 Reid Road
New Time 11:05AM 4107 Beyer Rd W. Rice Lake City Hall
New Time 11:20AM Howard Gnesen Road @ Schultz Road
New Time 11:35AM Rice Lake Rd Gnesen General Store
Free Breakfast & Lunch Available to Duluth Students Through May 4
Please note: Distribution sites will be adjusted beginning Monday March 30. Meal service will pause for scheduled spring recess April 6 - 10.
Duluth Public Schools will have free breakfast and lunches available to Duluth students 18 years of age and younger weekdays through May 4. No paperwork necessary, the student must be present to receive the meal.
>>Bagged breakfast will include fruit or fruit juice, cereal or breakfast bar and milk.
>>Bagged lunch will include a sandwich, veggies, fruit and milk.
Both breakfast and lunch will be served from a school bus at the designated locations and times. Any student from any school can pick up a breakfast & lunch at any location.
ISD #709 Distance Learning Plan
District Guiding Plan
Birth to Age 5
Duluth Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program: Supporting our Duluth Preschool partners, community child care/preschools, caregivers and families by using the values and principles of Embedded Learning Opportunities. By using learning experiences to integrate into daily routines we can enhance children’s overall development. ECSE Practitioners will work with families, caregivers and our preschool/ child care partners to identify relevant activities to work toward the accomplishment of children’s IFSP outcomes/ IEP goals.
How to support the use of Embedded Learning Opportunities:
- Centers of Excellence for Young Children with Disabilities: INSPIRE ACTION-Intentional within Routines.
- Head Start guidance on enhancing inclusion using embedded learning opportunities
- Using the DEC Recommended Practices
- DEC Recommended Practices
Duluth Preschool: Will provide students with regular instruction through Class Dojo to enable parents to assist their children in learning experiences that focus on the whole child. For families without access to the internet or phones, hard copies will be mailed.
- Teaching teams will provide daily recorded messages to children and post ideas for extending those lessons.
- Parent education and the availability of community resources will be posted and updated regularly by staff.
- Every effort will be made to stay in touch with every family. Fees will not be charged for the distance learning period.
Registration for the 2020/2021 year is currently open.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): Parents currently enrolled in classes will be contacted by ECFE Early Childhood and/or Parent Educators via methods such as a personal phone call, email, text, post card, etc.
Additionally, parents will be provided with hands-on activity ideas that they can readily do at home with typical household items, along with parenting education information (hand-outs, reflective questions and other parenting resources). Fees will not be charged during this distance learning period.
Registration for 20/21 classes will begin April 1.
Additional resources posted regularly on the Duluth Early Childhood Programs Facebook page.
Elementary Gr. K - 5
Teachers are working collaboratively by grade level to provide engaging at home learning opportunities.
Instruction in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Arts and other content areas, adapted by licensed teachers and curriculum specialists for distance learning.
Families and teachers will check in with each other at least once a day. It could be by phone, email or Google classroom. A check in might simply be a phone call to indicate all is well, no help needed. It might be a longer conversation to answer questions and provide direction.
Google Classroom login information will be mailed home to families the week of March 30th.
Students Receiving Special Education Services
Our Special educators are working closely with your child's general education teachers to support your child's learning with their general education coursework.
In addition, they are preparing for the likely changes to IEP service plans due to distance learning expectations on 3/30/20. More information on distance learning and due process expectations coming soon.
- For families who do not have home computers for such access, the District will have some Chromebook support available to support instructional engagement. More information on this check out process is coming soon.
- If at any time you have questions about your child’s plans and programming as we move forward, please reach out to your case manager, your building principal, or the special education leadership team.
- ISD #709 Special Education Distance Learning Plan
Jason Crane, Director of Special Services - jason.crane@isd709.org
Jackie Ward, Assistant Director of Special Services - jackie.ward@isd709.org
English Learners
Testing
Mental Health Services
Duluth Public School District has plans in partnership with community co-located mental health providers to provide alternative options for students to continue receiving mental health therapy services during school closure.
If your child/student is receiving therapy services through an existing agency this school year, please reference that agency's information below regarding how to schedule an appointment, what options they have available for appointments, and whether services will continue.
The following is a list of the mental health agencies that were co-located at each school site this year:
Homecroft Elementary: Human Development Center
Human Development Center:
“HDC therapists will be able to meet with clients for individual therapy sessions at their HDC offices at 1406 East 2nd Street Duluth. If students need to schedule an appointment, guardians can contact 218-624-5683 or intake at 218-728-4491. Therapists will continue to reach out to existing clients regarding appointments and scheduling. They are also considering telehealth options for therapists to provide computer/phone based therapy.”
District Update
We appreciate the ongoing support of our ISD 709 families, staff and community.
>>New Free Breakfast/Lunch Routes Begin Monday March 30: **Times and locations may have changed for your neighborhood!**
Meals are still free for students 18 years of age and younger. Any student from any school can pick up a breakfast & lunch at any location.
Updated Free Breakfast/Lunch Locations, Times
Free Breakfast & Lunch Service will pause for scheduled spring recess April 6 - 10.
>>Distance Learning begins Monday March 30: During the week of March 30-April 3, families will receive information about the distance learning process for grades PreK-12 and students receiving special education services, options available, and how to choose.
Families will be contacted via email and by phone, information will be available through Google Classroom and through paper packets available for pick up, sites to be announced next week.
Families with internet access but no devices may have an opportunity to borrow a Chromebook from the district, contact your school for details.
Find out more about Distance Learning in Duluth.
Distance learning will pause for scheduled spring recess April 6-10.
Emergency Childcare Continues, Consolidated to Four Sites
Emergency childcare is consolidating to longer-term service at Lester Park,Congdon, Lowell and Laura MacArthur Elementaries. During the closure, and in response to the Governor’s Executive Order, we are offering free school-aged (4-12yrs) child care to children of emergency responders and health professionals that are currently attending Duluth Public Schools ISD709 and Stella Maris Academy. The service is also available to ISD 709 employees.
Emergency Childcare Information
Child care will pause for scheduled spring recess April 6 - 10.