Reopening Information for TBE
9/18/2020
Good evening Twelve Bridges families,
This Monday is the last day to complete the in-person vs. interCONNECT survey if you are changing your program choice. To help you with this decision, please review the district's Roadmap to Reopening and the district's frequently asked questions about both programs. . To help, I have compiled a list of the specific questions with answers we have received at TBE.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Have a great weekend!
Will
In-Person School Hours
1st-5th- 8:30-12:00
Mrs. Vickner's class- 8:30-12:00
Mrs. McCormick's class- 8:30-12:00
1st, 2nd, and 3rd will have 35 minutes of at home, independent work in addition to the in-person instruction.
4th and 5th will have 45 minutes of at home, independent work in addition to the in-person instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reopening
Students will be spaced apart as much as possible in the classroom with at least three feet between students and six feet away from the teacher.
2. How will the classroom be arranged?
Desks and tables will be arranged in rows facing the instruction in all classes with maximum distance between students. Teachers will be teaching from a "safe zone" that is six feet from students and will not be required to leave that area to work with students.
3. Will all students need to wear a mask, even my kindergartener?
All students, TK-5th, will need to wear a mask at all times with the exception of snack break or outdoor "mask breaks".
4. Will students be allowed to remove their masks for recess?
Students will have clearly marked locations, six feet apart, where they can sit and remove their masks to eat their snack. Also, under the supervision of an adult, outside, and spaced six feet apart, the teachers may offer a "mask break" to their students. When finished, students will need to put their masks back on. We think students will be able to play (with masks on) during this time. We are still waiting for further clarification from the health department.
5. Will recess be at a different time and with different grade levels?
Snack recess will be done by grade level at different times throughout our day.
6. Can classes be held outside if the weather or air quality permits?
Yes, at the teacher's discretion, classes may be held outside. We are so fortunate to have the outdoor spaces available here at TBE. We have seven learning circles, an outdoor stage, the blacktop, an orchard, the field, and many more open spaces for outdoor learning. We have also purchased several mobile whiteboards for teachers to use during this time.
7. Will students line up for the morning meeting or have recess before school?
No, students will report directly to the classrooms upon arrival.
8. Are there any new procedures for arrival?
Yes. TK-K students will go to their gate between 8:00 and 8:15. At 8:15, 1st-5th students will utilize the main front gate, the back gate, and the custodial gate (near the park) to enter school. School begins at 8:15 for TK/K and 8:30 for 1st-5th. Students will use the gate that is the closest and most convenient. All students will report directly to class. Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask at drop-off unless they are in a vehicle. There will be no supervision before the gates open. Students cannot be dropped off early as we have nowhere to house students before the gates open and cannot have them congregating outside in groups.
9. Are there any new procedures for dismissal?
Yes, students will be walked to the front of the school by their teachers at dismissal time (unless using the back gate, in which case they will proceed directly to the back gate). TK and K will dismiss their classes at 11:45 and 1st-5th will dismiss at 12:00. Students will utilize the main gate or custodial gate to streamline their exit. TK, K, and 1st grade will communicate their unique dismissal procedures to their families. Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear a mask at pick-up unless they are in a vehicle.
10. Will students be required to bring their Chromebooks to and from school?
Depending on the grade level, yes, students will be expected to bring their (charged) Chromebook or personal device to and from school. There will be more information on this coming soon from the district.
11. Can I change my plan for in-person or interCONNECT instruction?
Yes. The district will offer families the opportunity to change their instructional model in December (to go into effect after Winter Break). In addition, students might be moved to the interCONNECT model if they are unwilling to comply with the expectations for in-person learning after the teacher and staff have provided support to the child and/or family. Students will not be able to jump between programs except at the intervals offered. At any time, parents may opt from in-person learning into the interCONNECT program, but not the other way around until the specific district window of time.
12. Will my child's teacher be changed?
It is not our plan to change your child's teachers, however, we are also committed to keeping in-person class sizes as small as possible to promote social distancing for the students and the teacher. It is really going to depend on the number of in-person and interCONNECT learners in each classroom. If we need to change your child's teacher, we will let you know as soon as we are able.
**Mrs. Vickner's and Mrs. McCormick's class will be from 8:30-12:00. More specific and detailed information is coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions about interCONNECT
It depends on the teacher and how they will format their teaching to include their interCONNECT students. Teachers may try several different formats to see which one works best for them and their students. The most common formats being discussed are:
- Asynchronous learning (prerecorded lessons) for most of the day with live teaching and interaction in the afternoon for at least 30 minutes.
- A live stream observation of the direct instruction in the classroom. Students will have a live interaction with their teacher in the afternoon for at least 30 minutes.
- Synchronous live stream learning throughout the morning during live in-person instruction. Students will interact with their teacher (and possibly their classmates) throughout the day.
Teachers are still exploring the format that will fit their style the best. Some aspects of these formats are dependent upon additional technology (which is proving difficult to find due to high demand).
2. Will the learning schedule be the same as it is now?
Most likely not, as teachers will be adapting to a new schedule to accommodate both the in-person students and interCONNECT students.
3. If the teacher is doing the live interaction with students in the afternoon, is there any way my student can receive help before then?
Hopefully! We are looking at making some of our staff available to answer interCONNECT student questions at certain times throughout the morning.