Team Meadow Update
April 5, 2020
Team Meadow -
I hope everyone had a break that allowed you the opportunity to unplug and spend some quality time with your family. I know it was much needed in our household.
We start our week back with two teacher work days before students connect on Wednesday. In addition, I will be reaching out to schedule some staff meetings to touch base and share updates.
Until then, a few items:
Celebrate! - Thank you for the opportunity to gather (vis ZOOM) on Thursday prior to break in order to celebrate many team members within our building. Congrats again to Mandy Rennard for being Boone Meadow's Teacher of the Year.
Team Check-Ins- Over the coming days and as you roll into quarter 4, Lauren and/or I would like to touch base with teams again. Invites will come out on Monday.
Tech Assistance - Don't forget that if you are in need to tech assistance (staff), please be sure to submit a tech work order as you usually would. This is the best way to communicate your tech needs to the tech team.
SEL & Increased Risks for Students - Even at a distance, we need to diligent to keep our eyes open to student emotional and physical safety needs. Some families are experiencing heightened stress right now, and you are an important touchstone to these children. Please keep us aware of any concerns you have.
- Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-800-800-5556
Joining class meeting/live instruction - Don't forget that Lauren and I would love to "sit in" on the occasional class meetings or happenings. Our time might be limited, but feel free to include us on an invite, and we'll pop in if we can. Seeing the kids in real time fills the bucket.
Thanks again for all you do, and especially for how you do it,
Tom
Curriculum/Instruction, Attendance & Progress Reports
Prior to break, the principals cross-walked a few questions with Academic Services, and Chris Squier responded with a few points/reminders. Much of it overlaps with our team conversations, and so I've taken her notes and compiled them below. As Chris said, "We applaud your ingenuity and resourcefulness as you re-group and think about what the most important parts of your curriculum are for the rest of the school year."
Curriculum and Instruction - One thing that might be weighing heavily on your mind is making sure that students are prepared for next year. We all want our students to do well, and it is completely understandable that you are concerned if you feel your students are not getting the same learning opportunities they would be afforded if they were in the school house with you.
- As we discussed before break, we need to filter through to identify the learning priorities during this different quarter of learning.
- Continue to give grace and focus on the students in front of you (even virtually in front of you) and respond to what they need as best you are able. The needs might be varied and include social/emotional needs, academic needs or a need for connection.
- When we finally get back to our school buildings and launch into the 20-21 school year, we will assess what students know and are able to do, reteach anything that has not been mastered, and move forward. We will then analyze data, connect with students and help them grow in response to their need.
- As we often say, we have a cumulative effect in this work that we do, building upon each other's investment to provide learning opportunities and experiences for our students. You are not in this alone.
"Grades" and Report Cards – Our report cards are designed in order to help parents understand what their child has learned and where they might need additional help or enrichment.
- You have already supplied parents with a very detailed account of this for the first three quarters in this school year. Overall, feedback has been strong and consistent with comments. Keep that in mind as we move forward, and realize, it most likely won't look the same in quarter 4.
- Learning needs are varied. For the last quarter you might feel compelled to help your students master all of the remaining (report card) standards or you might not. This is driven by need and readiness. You might choose to work with students on specific “power standards” that you know are foundational building blocks.
- Know that your assessments might also look different than they have in the past and that is okay. At the end of the quarter you will report out to parents where their child is in relation to the grade level standards as best you can. Next year will hold its opportunity to assess and continue the learning journey for our students.
Attendance –
- Keep in mind that attendance is still based on students attempting assignments/activities. (We would, of course, like completion, but that is not required for attendance.)
- Teachers can either go into Power School to add attendance each day or check in on work attempted on Wednesdays and Fridays to complete the attendance for the week.
- If a child is not working online, please be sure to reach out to the family and let Lauren, Kristi or myself know so that we can provide support.
With that, please know that we are here to assist however we are able. Don't hesitate to reach out.
Contact Us
Email: thundley@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/bme/
Location: 5555 S Main St, Whitestown, IN, United States
Phone: 3178732226
Twitter: @ZCSBoone_Meadow