Parks Press for Parents
Rosa Parks/Millbrook ISSDA
February 8-12, 2021
Our Mission
Our Mission: Every Student a Success!
Black History Month 2021: Honoring our Past, Celebrating our Present, Inspiring our Future
As we continue to be faced with the challenge of providing learning opportunities for all students during this pandemic, parents are called on to be more involved, and teachers are called to be more creative and adaptable than ever before. Maintaining high levels of engagement can be challenging. So, how do we best help our kids make the most of their learning experiences? Here are eight tips to help your child maintain focus and stay engaged during this time of distance learning.
- Understand the expectation for distance learning. How much time should students spend online for learning purposes?
- Determine what type of activities work best for your child.
- Encourage movement. (During asynchronous times.)
- Reduce distractions. Where possible, reduce distractions when your child is completing schoolwork. This includes noise as well as visual noise or clutter. A designated workspace that is comfortable for your child will be helpful.
- Adjust your schedule as needed. If your child is frustrated — or alternately, if your child is very engaged in learning — make a change in your schedule to allow for a break (and revisit at a later day or time) or to spend time delving deeper into the topic. Some learning activities will be easier to move through than others.
- Use a checklist for focus. For some children who really struggle with focusing, a basic visual checklist of tasks needed for a particular activity will be helpful.
- Give your child (and yourself) a break. Your teacher does not want your child to be frustrated with or miserable about learning. In fact, teachers spend time trying to make lessons interesting, and to tailor instruction to provide the right level of challenge for their students.
- Provide immediate positive feedback. Each time your child completes distance learning instruction, provide immediate and positive feedback! Something as simple as putting a check mark, star, or sticker on the work assignment can go a long way in helping to motivate your child. And don’t forget to celebrate yourself, as you are playing such an important role to help your child learn and grow.
Excerpts from: 8 Tips to Help Your Child Focus and Stay Engaged During Distance Learning
by Linda Carling, Ed.D https://education.jhu.edu/2020/04/8tipsforfocus/
Dr. Linda Carling is an Associate Research Scientist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education Center for Technology in Education. She specializes in learning engagement and design and is a parent of a child with a disability.
Does your child have the gift of speaking or acting? The next Amanda Gorman? Tyler Perry? Check out the flyer below for their next opportunity to shine!
Is your child the next Kara Walker? Bruce W. Smith? Is there an artist in the family? Check our this opportunity to participate in the LancasterISD Black History Visual Arts Showcase
Thank you for helping us to celebrate Ms. Catanach with such great love and appreciation.
Letter and Proclamation from Mayor Clyde C. Hairston, City of Lancaster
Parade and Drive Thru Celebration
Office decorated and filled with her favorites!
Congratulations Ms. Brown! Teacher of the Month
Congratulations Ms. Collins-Dansberry! Staff Member of the Month
Congratulations Parents of the Month! Thank you for your invaluable contributions, participation, ideas, and enthusiasm that enrich the education and lives of children at RPM.
#BeRespectful
- Scholars are expected to be on time to their classes. Morning instruction begins promptly at 8:00a.m. Ensure students are on time by logging in by 7:50a.m.
- School uniforms are not required during online learning, however attire must be appropriate. No pajamas or head gear allowed.
- All cameras are required to be on during virtual classes.
- Persistent misbehavior/classroom disruptions will not be tolerated.
- Remain muted until asked to un-mute.
For the health and safety of all, please keep your child home if they are experiencing symptoms.
#BeWordwise
Verb
Meaning: to recognize and show admiration for
Example: We honor our counselor, Ms. Catanach this week.
Noun
Meaning: respect or recognition
Example: Tomorrow’s celebration is in honor of Rosa Parks.
Please continue to use the word of the week in your daily interactions to help build your child's working vocabulary.
Thank you 5th Grade Ambassadors for reading aloud to our classes face-to-face and virtually on World Read Aloud Day!.
Celebrating Rosa Parks Day at RPM!
Be Up-to-Date
Feb. 8 BHM - Monday Motivation (Wear your favorite black history statement t-shirt)
Feb. 9 BHM - Tuesday Heritage Tribute (Wear your favorite African inspired outfit/accessory)
Feb. 11 90th Day of School (Dress in 90s attire)
Feb. 12 One Love (Wear Red, Pink, anything with Hearts)
Feb. 15 School closed (Student Holiday/Staff Development)
Feb. 15-19 Random Acts of Kindness Week
Feb. 16 Mardi Gras (Wear purple/green/gold; or African attire for Tuesday Heritage Tribute)
Feb. 17 Random Acts of Kindness Day
Feb. 17 Oratory-Spoken Word Showcase
Feb. 24 RPM Black History Program 6:00p.m.
Feb. 25 99th Day of School (Dress like you're 99...the 100th day is coming!)
Feb. 25 LISD School Board Meeting
Feb. 26 100th Day of School (Welcome to Wakanda @The Parks)
Yvonne M. Thornton, M.Ed.
Rosa Parks/Millbrook Information Systems & Software Design Academy
Email: yvonnethornton@lancasterisd.org
Website: rpm.lancasterisd.org
Location: 630 Millbrook Drive, Lancaster, TX, USA
Phone: 972-3218-1564
Facebook: facebook.com/RPMElementary
Twitter: @RPM_ISSD