News from the 'View
Skyview Upper Elementary School
What are Flex and 8th period used for at Skyview?
I am very proud of how our students and teachers have been working these past few weeks. During my class walk-throughs I have observed a variety of technology tools in action, participated in breakout rooms and listened as classes engaged in discussions. While the learning environment is certainly different, it is excellent to see and hear our students and teachers interact with one another.
We recognize that the school day, whether in-person or virtual, is long and that our students benefit from time to receive support and engage in activities more at their own pace. There are two times in our schedule that provide this opportunity - flex and 8th period. Students have a flex period every other letter day (alternating with physical education class) and this time is typically used for supports through reading and math club and completion of class-based activities. It is not used for whole-group direct instruction. Flex is a time when many students are working on independent activities based on their own needs. The “8th period” of our student day is traditionally utilized for music rehearsals, receiving additional assistance from teachers/staff and working on curricular programs such as ALEKS and ExactPath. Beginning this week, students will be participating in 8th periods activities according to need and choice. Homeroom teachers will be providing direction to students during morning homeroom for their afternoon homeroom activities. Here is a listing of potential activities that students may be engaging in during this time:
Choice options: ALEKS, ExactPath, Independent Reading
Special Education supports/services
ELL support
Reading/Math specialist support
Band/Chorus/Orchestra rehearsals
Check-ins on zoom - teams will establish a “help link” for 8th period should a student need to check in with a team staff member
I hope that this information is helpful in clarifying our use of flex and 8th period at Skyview. Thank you for all you are doing to support your learners at home!
Mrs. Gorla
Practical Skills!
Home & School Corner
Skyview H&S: https://www.methacton.org/Page/440
Methacton Coordinating Council: https://www.methacton.org/Page/310
Special Education Alliance of the MCC: https://www.methacton.org/Page/317
Title I at Skyview
Skyview is fortunate to be one of the three schools in the district that receives Title I funding. As a result, we are able to provide additional services that allow us to offer greater academic support in Math and English Language Arts. These services are in addition to the core instruction students receive. Students who qualify for Title I support services receive instruction designed to improve and build upon current academic skills. An instructional aide, guided by the classroom teacher and Skyview Reading/Math Specialist, will be responsible for providing the supplemental services. This is done by means of small group instruction and/or individual sessions.
Students are determined to be eligible for these services through results of benchmark testing. If your child qualifies to receive these supplemental services, you will receive notification via letter sent through the U.S. Mail. These letters are being mailed in the coming week.
Skyview Upper Elementary School
Website: https://www.methacton.org/Domain/10
Phone: (610)489-5000
Twitter: @skyview_msd