Voyager Crew Bulletin
May 25, 2020: Last Week of Formal Distance Learning
Strand Spotlights and Info:
Dear Voyager Crew,
It’s Classified Staff Appreciation Week, and we want to send a special shout-out and gratitude to our classified teammates, who run our front office and health office, cafeteria, library, help our students in classrooms, clean and take care of our facilities and grounds, and make sure we are all ready to learn and teach! We couldn’t do what we do without YOU!
Please enjoy your last (short) week with students. Please have your final Zoom meetings on Friday and do not provide new assignments or activities past May 29. You may inform families that you are available via email for any questions or concerns and/or direct them to email me or contact the front office.
On Tuesday I will send you the template for planning for next school year so you may preview it prior to our planning weeks beginning June 1. On Wednesday, Megan Battle will join our staff meeting Zoom at 2:30, walk you through the documents, and answer questions.
Meanwhile, we will continue working on:
- Launching registration to determine student enrollment
- Completion of placement cards and drafting class lists
- Planning for staffing
Read the lastest district newsletter here.
Our district is responding to budget shortfalls. There is a commitment to filling open positions from within, which may necessitate shifting certificated staff to vacant classroom positions. The Board of Trustees already approved layoffs of some classified staff members and classified roles are shifting as well. We know that this is challenging time to face further change and will be as transparent and timely with news and decisions as possible.
OUR THEME FOR THE WEEK is CLOSURE: While the school year does not end officially until June 11, we will end formal distance learning this week and bid farewell to our students in grades TK-4 (5th graders will have promotion activities the week of June 8). We are saying farewell under circumstances which do not allow us to make the personal contacts and participate in traditional closure activities. Nevertheless, we will make the most of our opportunities to connect and celebrate the relationships we've built together this year. We have been through a lot together!
- Instructional Tip: In this last week of distance learning, celebrate and appreciate all you've been through with your students and their families.
- Staff Meeting: We will have an all-staff Zoom meeting at 2PM on Wednesday and Megan Battle will join us at 2:30 to answer questions about our planning document for SY 2020-21.
- Resource Pickup/Return and Book Swap: Thank you for letting parents know when materials from your classroom are available for pickup and that our office is open between 9 and 2.
- Working on Campus: We expect heavier traffic on our campus as you clean your classrooms and families visit to pick up and drop off materials. It's critical that you follow safety and security protocols if you visit the site and any shared spaces (workroom, office, staff lounge). Please use wipes and sanitizer and avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. Lock all doors and gates behind you unless you communicate with a colleague who is still on campus. If you work collaboratively in the same space, please maintain appropriate distance, wear masks, and use sanitizer.
Calendar Events
Upcoming:
Mon 5/25: Memorial Day Holiday/No School
Tues 5/26: Meal Pickup, 11-1PM
Wed 5/27: 2PM: All-Staff Zoom Meeting
Fri 5/29: Last day of formal Distance Learning, 2:30 PM: CHS Senior Class Car Parade
June1-5: Bridges and Benchmark Trainings; IA Trainings
Fri June 5: Report Cards Due
Happy Birthday May Birthdays!
5/1: Dana Kane
5/8: Kimberley Junk
5/14: Yolanda Reyes
5/25: Robyn Fullmer
5/26: Renee Cavanaugh
5/27: Sophia Frost
TBD:
6/11/20: 5th Grade Promotion/Last Day of School
Special Education Updates
At this time, we are still mandated to hold IEP meetings in order to stay in compliance. This means that we still need a general education (teacher) to attend, as this person is a statutory member of the team. The (meetings) will be held via Zoom (or telephonically.) At these meetings, we will be reviewing present levels, progress on previous goals, draft goals, supports and parent concerns. We will (discuss services, but likely )not be able to offer FAPE at this time. Case managers will work to schedule meetings around teacher office hours. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we begin this new adventure. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Tips and Etiquette for Using Online Meeting Platforms (like Zoom): Communication for Staff and Families
For Staff:
Jennifer Landry has published a slideshow full of tech tips and directions here. Reminder that video conferencing is NOT a requirement.
How to avoid Zoom bombing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-cnHbLwmCt5zHI_DOd8WbHQIyr5HAlneJgW53FOBRN8/edit
From Zoom:
How to Manage Your Waiting Room
Watch this quick video breaking down how to admit participants from your waiting room into the meeting. Watch Now →
Secure Your Virtual Classrooms with Zoom Waiting Rooms
Check out this blog post to learn how to secure your virtual classroom. Read More →
As of March 31st, the Waiting Room feature in our account will be automatically turned on by default to ensure your virtual classes are protected and include only the intended students and participants. Going forward, you must admit your students to the virtual classroom.
How do I admit participants into my class?
It’s simple. As the host, once you’ve started the meeting, you’ll begin to see the number of participants in your waiting room within the Manage Participants icon. Next, select Manage Participants to view the full list. Then, you’ll have the option to admit participants individually by selecting the blue Admit button next to their name or all at once with the Admit All option on the top right-hand side of your screen.
How to Manage Your Waiting Room
Watch this 2-minute video breaking down how to admit participants from your waiting room into the meeting. What’s more, read this blog post to learn how to secure your virtual classroom.
Watch Now: http://click.zoom.us/e/84442/rY6gamqx5UA/bjntw5/1482347500?h=lATqImLlvQ8sapfPYi1Gf0OEQSDC_0AwHWYCgLAeSn8
Read More: http://click.zoom.us/e/84442/ur-meetings-zoom-waiting-rooms/bjntw9/1482347500?h=lATqImLlvQ8sapfPYi1Gf0OEQSDC_0AwHWYCgLAeSn8
Communication to Families:
Dear Families,
You may have begun using Zoom as a way to connect with friends and family groups via video/app. Some teachers may use this feature to connect with your child, though are district is not requiring video conferencing as part of our Distance Learning Plan. We are aware of concerns related to Zoom in particular and will be taking preventive measures.
We have some suggestions for safely/appropriately using this tool:
- Your child should not be alone with an adult in an online meetup platform. If your child benefits from one-to-one support from a teacher, counselor, or (other role), plan to be present and available throughout the session.
- Ensure your child and anyone else in the home who may appear on video is appropriately attired.
- Choose a place in the home that is relatively distraction-free and quiet. Discourage pets and other family members from participating unless it's appropriate to do so.
- Have all supplies your child may need readily available.
- If the meeting is academic in nature, please refrain from eating on screen.
- Take the opportunity to teach your child camera/video conference etiquette--maintain attentiveness and eye contact, remain in view, refrain from entertaining/distracting others.
Minors (under 18) should not create a Zoom account. But important to know is that they don’t need a Zoom account to JOIN a meeting. Therefore, if teachers invite students to a meeting, they will provide the Zoom invite code, and if a teacher wants to hold office hours, they will provide students with the Zoom invite code.
CUSD Learning Resources During School Closure
Your child's teacher has provided with you classroom resources.
Find our District's Elementary Learning Plan here.
Our Computer Lab page on the school website has login information for your students and academic websites your students use can be found here. Military-connected students may access https://military.tutor.com/home for free K-12 education support.
Your APEX Fun Run Team has provided a FANTASTIC packet of daily activities--see the link below this section!
Distance Learning Resources and Accounts sponsored by our School District:
SSES VAPA Teacher Ms. Mirtallo has created a VAPA Google Classroom with EXTRA activities for your child: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/NTU2NDQ4MTc2NzZa (use code jsobtih to join)
American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge: sign your family up for 10 days of heart-healthy activities at https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=khc_resources_search through our school.
Ticket to Read: www.tickettoread.com All K-2 grade students have accounts. Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700####
Compass Learning: https://www.thelearningodyssey.com/ All K-5 grade students have accounts. Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700#### The school is silver
RAZ Kids: https://www.kidsa-z.com/main/Login All K-5 grade students have accounts. The login format is different by grade level. If you need your login info, email your teacher.
Edutyping: https://www.edutyping.com/student All 2-5 grade students have accounts. The school code is corona75 and Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700####
Xtramath: https://xtramath.org/#/signin/student_other All K-5 grade students have accounts/pins.
Sumdog: https://www.sumdog.com/user/sign_in All 1-5 grade students have accounts.
Our Computer Lab page on the school website has additional login information for your students and academic websites your students use can be found here. Military-connected students may access https://military.tutor.com/home for free K-12 education support.
Here's a link to many available resources: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com
PTO News and Updates
Silver Strand Luau: We are so very sad to report that our SSES PTO and Principal Moore have made the difficult decision to cancel our Silver Strand Luau scheduled for April 24. We are so grateful for our PTO volunteers, parents, and staff who were preparing for this amazing event, along with a slate of amazing vendors and services. We fully intend to reschedule and hold our 25th Luau, but are not in the position to designate a new date at this time. Thank you for your donations and volunteerism--we look forward to mobilizing our forces in support of family togetherness and our wonderful school community SOON! We will have SO MUCH to CELEBRATE!
Put your child's Name in Lights on the Silver Strand's Marquee Sign! We now have a convenient online form to easily schedule your Birthday, Welcome or Farewell message! The cost is $20 and your donation supports the SSES PTO! Schedule online now: http://bit.ly/NAMEINLIGHTS
Silver Strand PTO Board
- President: Lori Blauert
- Vice President: Nellie Ritter
- Treasurer: Leslie Broussard
- Secretary: Leigh-Ann Williamson
- Parliamentarian: Lisa Emme
Silver Strand PTO
Email: silverstrandpto@gmail.com
Call or Text: 619-537-8782
In addition to building community, supporting curriculum, and enriching students' school experience, the Silver Strand PTO is responsible for Family Fun Nights, Holiday Shoppe, Yearbook and Luau to name a few. Our fundraising efforts provide for school field trips and enrichments clubs. We are unable to do what we do without the support of Silver Strand families, teachers and staff.
Coronado Schools Foundation Events & Updates:
Coronado Schools Foundation’s mission is to raise and manage funds to provide exceptional learning experiences for all Coronado Unified School District students. We thank you for your partnership in this time of public uncertainty and applaud each one of you for continuing your commitment to the educational enrichment of our children.
Coronado SAFE Resources
Visit Coronado SAFE's website for more resources and info on activities in the community: https://coronadosafe.org/
Military Connections:
Thank you to our community advisory members, MFLC, and students who attended the Anchored4Life Club training in October! Our students learned how to help their peers who are experiencing transitions. The Anchored4Life program at our school focuses on helping new students adjust to Silver Strand, lifts up students whose loved one is leaving for or returning from deployment and sending our warm wishes with students who are relocating. The Team Leads provide care package "Kits" with a theme designed to support each of the four transitions. The kits contain comforting items, coping skills, DVDs to help kids understand that they are not alone and helpful tools for parents. If your child will be experiencing one of these transitions this year, please inform their teacher or the MFLC to receive a free transition kit. The MFLC's information is always available in the Silver Strand office with the other resource materials.
You will also see our Anchored4Life Team Leads around campus this year presenting uplifting messages, helping with service projects and growing in their leadership skills. We are excited to be partnering with Anchored4Life to provide this service to all of our students.
Military Spouse Support Meetings:
ECDC Wed. May 20 8:30-9:30 Transitions
For information about military-sponsored activities for youth, visit the Fleet and Family Services website here.
2019-20 Parent and Student Handbook
Community Agreements and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Stay Connected with Silver Strand Elementary School!!
Check out and "like" our Facebook page to see photos of student events and programs! https://www.facebook.com/Silver-Strand-Elementary-School-176775765849277/