Bear Bulletin
Maire newsletter: Sept 18th Edition
Dear Maire Families,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Maire Families for your support. We know how hard this work is. It is hard on our staff to learn new technology, schedule zooms, and create engaging work. It is hard on our students to learn virtually, without their friends or teacher actually next to them, and work hard both synchronously and asynchronously. We know it is hard on you, the parents and families as well. Each family is dealing with their own challenges, their own work schedules, and often a multitude of kids to help manage this remote start for. I want to thank you for working so hard to make this work for your child and for their teacher. We know it isn’t easy and we appreciate the sacrifices and problem-solving that parents are enduring.
Two weeks are under our belt. Those relationships with classmates and with their teacher is the foundation for the work ahead. Teachers will be rolling into content next week, along with some state-mandated assessments in the near future, which we know wouldn’t be possible without a relationship with their teacher. When things get hard or challenges pop up, we are here to support you.
It has been a great start to the school year given our circumstances. Have a great weekend and enjoy some quality time with your child(ren).
Ryan Francis
Proud Principal
We Learn. We Lead. We Lift.
Important Maire dates to remember
Oct 1 Fun Run Kick Off
Oct 7-8 Parent Teacher Conferences (Virtual) - More information to comeNotes from the Office
- We still take attendance every morning! If for whatever reason your child will not be in their virtual class for a specific day, please call the Attendance Line at 432-4301 and leave a message. We appreciate it !
Important NWEA Testing Information
* Do not stress about the test. This just helps give us some data about your child's strengths and weaknesses. This is one test. We use more than this to tailor our instruction.
* Make sure you prep and charge your device. Use this device readiness check to make certain your student's device is ready for the test.
* Students will have a zoom meeting for support going so their teacher can help proctor and problem solve.
* If you have multiple students, please consider limiting who is online during testing windows to preserve wi-fi bandwidth.
* If you child loses connection, NWEA automatically saves their progress. Once reconnected they will continue and do not need to start all over.
* Headphones and a calm environment will help your child focus.
* The test is adaptive, which means questions get easier or harder based on progress. Kids will see really difficult questions that they are not ready for as that is how the test figures out their correct level.
* If your child finishes their test earlier than peers, that is okay, but have a plan at home if they finish (such as recess or relaxing with a book) to fill the rest of the testing time.
For more detailed information please read this district letter: Important NWEA Parent Information
Maire SPECIALS Update
Our Maire teachers are doing amazing things every day!
Mrs. Green reading to her 1st graders
Mrs. Brauer dancing with her students during a brain break
Mrs. Miller having a great discussion with her class
Tech Tips & Support
What’s the best way to get Tech Support?
GPPSS is happy to assist families that may have a tech need, and we have developed a brand new form for Parents called "Parent Support", which will direct families to the proper parties. In addition, there is a Parent Technology Support button in the middle of our district website www.gpschools.org that will lead you right to the form.
Stay motivated! We have a couple of weeks under our belt. But, maybe the novelty of virtual learning is wearing off?
Check out this informative article from Common Sense Media on keeping the motivation going.
Chess Wizards (virtual!)
Character word of the month: Kindness
Connect with us !
Facebook page for Principal Francis
Twitter: @GPMaire
Leader In Me: Be Proactive
Spirit Shop Closed
Maire Elementary School
Email: kramerm@gpschools.org
Website: https://mi01000971.schoolwires.net/gpmaire
Location: 740 Cadieux Road, Grosse Pointe, MI, USA
Phone: 313-432-4300
Twitter: @GPmaire