Cowboy Parent Courier
March 26, 2020
Stay Connected to CMS
Website: http://cockrillms.com
Location: 1351 Hardin Boulevard, McKinney, TX, United States
Phone: 469-302-7900
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cockrillms
Twitter: @cockrillcowboys
Hello CMS Families! I hope you are healthy and doing well. Our staff has been working hard to launch our digital learning platform on Monday, March 30th.
On Monday and Tuesday, I conducted fourteen Zoom meetings with the instructional teams on our campus to discuss the plans they have developed. A couple of things were trends across every meeting. First, our teachers miss their students. It is really hard to be away from the school, but we are ready to provide digital learning if that keeps everyone safe. Second, every teacher on campus is excited to engage with students as we implement our fourth quarter curriculum. They have worked hard as teams to prioritize essential curriculum standards for the fourth quarter and they have designed lessons that we hope engage kids and keep them plugged into the process.
We recognize that this type of learning is new for our families. We welcome your feedback so we can continue to improve our quality of service should the school closure be extended. I ask that you be positively constructive in your feedback to teachers. They are working hard to make this wonderful for students, and it is probably impossible for them to anticipate the circumstances in every home for every learner in our community. Additionally, we believe there are many quality learning opportunities in your home that involve family interactions such as playing games together, cooking, going on nature walks, and doing family chores. We hope students engage in these meaningful activities as well.
Finally, I want to note that this learning format will be difficult for some students for a variety of reasons. We recognize that fact and ask that parents use discretion in determining an appropriate learning schedule for students at home. We want every student engaged in the process in some way, so please stay in contact with the teachers and let them know how it is going.
I want to address some questions that might come up as we learn together next week. See information below.
We miss you!
Dr. E
Digital Learning Q&A
My children need breakfast and/or lunch. How can I get help?
Students may pick up Grab & Go meals at Vega, Malvern, Webb, Finch, McNeil and Slaughter Elementary Schools from 11:00-12:30pm. Students will receive that day's lunch and the following day's breakfast.
Where will students access lessons?
All instructional materials will be in Canvas, which is our digital learning platform for middle school. Students log in to Canvas with their student login (Username: s+student ID#, Password: their unique password they created) and parents log in with their HAC account login.
What if my child has forgotten his/her password?
If a student needs help during this time, we ask that they email StudentHelp@mckinneyisd.net. Students should email their name, student id, campus, telephone number and a detailed description of the problem. Technology Staff will strive to support the students over the phone or by remote control.
What if we need help accessing some of the resources available?
Mrs. Scott, our Media Resource Specialist, has developed this Google Slides presentation to help you. It is divided into sections by topic to help you navigate more easily. Access that help HERE.
What if my family doesn’t have a device to access Canvas?
MISD sent a survey to parents requesting information about technology at home. One laptop is being provided to any family who indicated that no device is available in your home. If you completed the survey and that need exists, MISD should have already contacted you with instructions to pick up your device. If you did not receive the survey and need assistance, you may go to any middle school Friday, March 27th from 8:00 am-4:00 pm to receive assistance in the drive-thru laptop deployment line.
What if my family needs WiFi?
Please refer to the MISD or CMS Facebook page for helpful information. There is a post that lists various ways to access free internet at this time.
How much time should my child spend learning each day?
Teachers have designed self-paced units of study that will be open for a designated period of time, which is typically one week. Lessons are designed to take 25-30 minutes daily per content area. Some students will work more quickly and others may need to spend more time studying. We encourage students to develop a schedule based on their access to technology and other responsibilities in the home.
How will my student be evaluated?
Traditional letter grades are not being implemented during the week of March 30th. Teachers are providing lessons, opportunities for practice and online discussion, and quick checks that will allow teachers to provide feedback to students.
How will lessons be delivered?
A variety of instructional strategies will be utilized to deliver instruction, but students should be prepared to listen to a recorded lesson and complete independent practice.
How do students interact with the teacher?
Teachers are available to support students Mondays and Wednesdays - 9:00 am - 11:00 am and Tuesdays and Thursdays - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Students can access the teacher through Canvas.
How do parents contact the teacher?
Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher via email if you have questions.
How quickly can I anticipate a response from the teacher?
We anticipate being able to respond to parents and students within a 24 hour window.
How do we access support from a school counselor?
Our CMS counselors are available via email and they are ready to support you as needed.
Last Name A-G Ms. Hoover thoover@mckinneyisd.net
Last Name H-O Ms. Helm chelm@mckinneyisd.net
Last Name P-Z Ms. Starnes cstarnes@mckinneyisd.net
How can I talk with my child about Corona Virus?
This article from the Child Mind Institute provides some simple, straight forward ideas that might help you at home.
What social/emotional supports can CMS provide to support my child during this time?
Our school counselors and teachers have collaborated to develop a Canvas Club CREED course specific to this need. There are no assignments specific to the course, but there are a number of quality resources students may access. We encourage students to enroll in the Canvas course and check it out. Any student may enroll in the course using this link. https://canvas.mckinneyisd.net/enroll/CRF9FT - once students click this link, they will see a button that says "Enroll in Course." Once they do that they have access.