TJH Update #32
March 29, 2020
A Message from Dr. Mitzner
I know it isn't normal to receive the TJH Update two Sundays in a row. I anticipate getting back to my Wednesday routine this week. Last week, as we jumped off into online learning, I didn't feel like I had new information to share by Wednesday AND I was completely wiped out from our new normal.
So here it is on Sunday...I hope your family has had a nice weekend. Late on Friday afternoon, KISD sent information about the 5th Six Weeks grading period closing on April 3rd. I have included this email below so you are able to refer to it easily.
I know the transition to online learning has been an adjustment for students, teachers, and parents. It is my hope you are well and you know how appreciative I am of all our TJH families. A new normal is challenging for all of us. We are simultaneously accepting the new normal while grieving the loss of normalcy. (The TJH staff regularly gets links to articles from me but today -I thought I would include one in this message as well. Click here to read "That Discomfort you are Feeling is Grief" from Harvard Business Review.)
Last week, our focus was reengaging and reconnecting with students. Our lessons and activities were about content while rebuilding relationships and beginning a new normal.
We will continue to use Canvas as our platform for online learning. Each teacher will post the assignments. During the week of March 30, 2020, secondary students will complete, via Canvas, two graded assignments, only one of which may be a major grade. These graded assignments will be clearly communicated by the teacher. Students who are still in the process of reconnecting to online learning due to extenuating circumstances will receive incompletes and will be provided an opportunity to make-up the assignments.
At Tays Junior High, our focus is always meeting students where they are and supporting them.
Should you have any questions about the 5th six weeks grading period, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher, grade level Assistant Principal or me. (You can also send a message to KISD at coronavirus@katyisd.org)
We have established a consistent format for all teachers to post on their Canvas page so you can see when they will hold office hours for speedy feedback and questions (graphic below). Our teachers will be working virtually from 8am to 4pm daily. However, they will not be responding to questions outside of those hours. We are all adjusting to a new normal so I ask you to be patient with us as we all navigate this new format. Please understand that most teachers have teaching loads of greater than 150 students.
I am holding another virtual faculty meeting tomorrow. Know we are working to make this transition as smooth as possible. We care deeply for our students and their families. There is a PDF document from our counselors at the end of this update to provide you with resources should you or anyone in your family need them. We are in this TOGETHER!!
As we all face this challenging time in our world, I am grateful to serve this learning community. Thank you for working together with us during this time to serve our students.
Regards,
Dr. Kris Mitzner
Principal
Tays Junior High
Information about the 5th Six Weeks Grading Period
March 27, 2020
Dear Secondary Parents/Guardians and Staff,
The secondary 5th six weeks grading period will close on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Due to the temporary closure of schools, student report cards will be available online via the Home Access Center (HAC) on Thursday, April 9, 2020. All students are eligible to make-up assignments they may have missed prior to spring break. During the week of March 30, 2020, secondary students will complete, via Canvas, two graded assignments, only one of which may be a major grade. Students who are still in the process of reconnecting to online learning due to extenuating circumstances will receive incompletes and will be provided an opportunity to make-up the assignments. Should you have any questions about the 5th six weeks grading period, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal or coronavirus@katyisd.org.
Additional information regarding online assignments and grading for the 6th six weeks will be released Friday, April 3.
If your student is in need of a device in order to complete online learning assignments at home, please contact the Technology Department using the Campus Device Check Out Form. If you have any technology related questions, do not hesitate to contact the Parent and Student Technology Support Center.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.
Katy ISD
#KatyStrong
___________________________________________________________________________________
27 de marzo de 2020
Estimados padres / tutores secundarios y personal,
El quinto período de calificaciones de las cinco y seis semanas se cerrará el viernes 3 de abril de 2020.
Debido al cierre temporal de las escuelas, las boletas de calificaciones de los estudiantes estarán disponibles en línea a través del Centro de Acceso al Hogar (HAC) el jueves 9 de abril de 2020. Todos los estudiantes son elegibles para tareas de recuperación que pueden haberse perdido antes de las vacaciones de primavera. Durante la semana del 30 de marzo de 2020, los estudiantes de secundaria completarán, a través de Canvas, dos tareas calificadas, solo una de las cuales puede ser una calificación mayor. Los estudiantes que todavía están en proceso de reconectarse al aprendizaje en línea debido a circunstancias atenuantes recibirán incompletos y se les brindará la oportunidad de recuperar las tareas.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el quinto período de calificaciones de seis semanas, no dude en comunicarse con el director de su hijo o coronavirus@katyisd.org.
El viernes 3 de abril se dará a conocer información adicional sobre las tareas en línea y la calificación de las seis semanas.
Si su estudiante necesita un dispositivo para completar las tareas de aprendizaje en línea en su hogar, comuníquese con el Departamento de Tecnología utilizando el Formulario de Salida del Dispositivo del Campus. Si tiene alguna pregunta relacionada con la tecnología, no dude en ponerse en contacto con el Centro de apoyo tecnológico para padres y estudiantes.
Gracias por su continua paciencia y comprensión durante estos tiempos sin precedentes.
Katy ISD
Letter to Parents from KISD about Secondary Online Learning
From: Katy ISD Communications <communications@katyisd.org>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2020 3:40 PM
To: KATY ISD Recipients <recipients@katyisd.parentlink.net>
Subject: Secondary Student Online Teaching & Learning
March 20, 2020
Katy ISD Secondary Parents/Guardians,
During the time period for which we are not offering face to face instruction, Katy ISD will initiate an online learning platform beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020. The transition from face to face classes to an online platform will be available through Canvas. The week 1 goal is for our teachers and students to reconnect and reengage with lessons and activities. Additional information regarding grading and attendance will be forthcoming.
Your child’s recommended online schedule for week one is below. The first week the general guideline is 30 minutes per course each day, though students may need to spend more time on advanced academic courses.
Online resources for families are directly accessible through MyKaty Cloud and Canvas. Teachers will reference these resources in their instructional delivery.
Parents of students who are served by specialized special education programs (e.g., ECSE, Life Skills, CAP, ASIP, AB, TIP, and Deaf Education) will be contacted by your child’s teacher/case manager regarding individualized resources and supports. Special education students who receive their instruction in a general education setting with accommodations and in-class support should follow the general education model. Additional information will be forthcoming from case managers.
We recognize that intervention is critical for students with dyslexia. During this first week, as students are acclimating to online instruction, we have added free audiobook resources available to students with dyslexia. Most students are familiar with these resources, but they may contact their dyslexia teachers directly if they need assistance with access.
Thank you for your support and cooperation as we transition to the online learning platform and ensuring your child’s continued academic success.
Parents and guardians can find digital resources and support here.
Katy ISD
Letter from KISD about Online Resources
March 22, 2020
Dear Katy ISD Parents/Guardians and Staff,
We know working and studying from home can be a challenge as we navigate our current circumstances together. Should you be in need of free or reduced internet service, the District has compiled a list of resources in the area from the major local service providers. Additional information and support regarding mobile learning can also be found on the Katy ISD Instructional Technology Mobile Learning web page.
Should you have any questions, or require assistance with your child’s technology or access, please contact the online Katy ISD Parent Technology Help Desk through the Tech Help Form.
Katy ISD
- Sixty (60) days of free Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month.
- For new customers, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com (website includes written, and video chat customer service options) or by calling 1-855-846-8376 (English) or 1-855-765-6995 (Spanish).
- Sixty (60) days free broadband and Wi-Fi access for households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have a Spectrum broadband subscription.
- No installation fees for new households.
- Enroll by calling 1-844-488-8395.
Consolidated Communications:
- Offered two months of Free Home Internet Service including free installation for those who are not currently Consolidated customers. Take advantage of this offer in two easy steps:
- Call Consolidated Communications: 1-855-399-3084
- Mention Offer Code: “Two Months Free”
AT&T is Offering:
- If you have at least one child receiving free or reduced price school lunches, your family may qualify for an affordable home internet service through AT&T. For more information, visit the following site:
- Access from AT&T
FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge:
On March 13, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the “Keep Americans Connected Pledge.” Ajit Pai, FCC Chairman, released a press release emphasizing the importance of keeping Americans connected as the country experiences serious disruptions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Most service providers pledged for the next 60 days to:
- not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
- waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Several major service providers have already taken the pledge. Please check with your service provider for their policies and services.
KISD Health Update from Website
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