Sunrise Lions Gazette
Week of April 13th
A message from Principal Dial...
Hello Sunrise Families!
I write this month's newsletter from my kitchen table with a very heavy heart. I miss our kids terribly and worry about them each and every day we are apart. What gets me through these dark moments is knowing that the Sunrise staff is working overtime right now to prepare to provide high quality, engaging instruction to your children. We have had more virtual meetings than I can count in order to ensure that we are all prepared and ready for tomorrow. What I do know is there will be hurdles as we are venturing into this unknown territory that none of us were prepared for. I ask, from the bottom of my heart, that you are patient with us as we work out the kinks this week. Your chid's teacher wants nothing more that to ensure that your child is emotionally okay and still engaged in learning even tho' we cannot be together.If you encounter problems with technology or the lessons, I ask that you reach out to the teachers after you review the information provided below. I have tried to anticipate questions you might have as you embark on this At Home Learning journey. We anticipate this week to be very bumpy but that it will get easier as we go. These next two weeks will be content review in order to ensure your child, and you, have time to adjust to the technology demands before bringing in new learning.
Altho' we were not prepared for taking our beautiful brick and mortal school online, we are well prepared to continue to have positive relationships with you and your children. The mantra of Sunrise has always been "relationships first" and that will never change. THAT is what will get us through this trying time. We will all come out of this stronger and with a bigger bond than we could have ever expected. We are grateful for such a wonderful community and know that your support will help the staff and students get through this.
I know that this is a trying time for you and your children. We appreciate all of the work you are putting into keeping your child engaged with school. As always, please reach out to me with any concerns. I am only an email away.
Your very proud principal,
Mrs. Dial
What is Zoom?
Are meals still available at Sunrise?
Are you still taking attendance? If so, how?
Wait- where do I find all this cool stuff teachers are creating?
3rd-5th graders are using Google Classroom and 6th graders are using Canvas as their learning platforms. K-2 will have links that will take them to their learning activities.
All classrooms will utilize a cool site called Zoom which will allow teachers and students to safely interact virtually (a webcame is best when using this platform). We are calling this time Connection Hour. This time will become one of your child's favorite times of the day because they will get to "see" their teacher and classmates. Your chid's teacher will provide you with Zoom links in their lesson plans so that you know what time to connect and what link to use.
How are teachers grading work?
What if we don't have a computer or wifi?
There are several ways your child can access curriculum even if you don't have a computer or wifi.
1) There will be a specifically designed packet for each grade level that will be available for pick up from Sunrise on April 20 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. To minimize contact, the packets will be grab-and-go through the student pick-up lane. These packets will not be returned to teachers but parents can take pictures of the completed work and send to teachers via email or Dojo if they choose. Please note, these packets are only for students who have NO ACCESS to Wifi. We do not have enough for all students so please adhere to this rule. If you were not able to pick up packets last week and have the ability to print, please email karen.dial@dvusd.org and we can send you a pdf version.
2) There are many ways you can get wifi if you don't have it.
Cox https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html
Comcast https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
Century Link https://news.centurylink.com/fccpledge
PLEASE NOTE: DVUSD's Information Services & Technology Department will not be able to help set up or troubleshoot Wi-Fi. Families need to contact their internet service provider for help with the wi-fi connection if needed.
3) Public Wi-Fi Hotspots are a good option if you need wifi.
AT&T
https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1103818
Cox
https://www.cox.com/aboutus/wifi-hotspot-map.html
Spectrum
https://www.spectrum.com/wifi-hotspots
Xfinity
Wi-Fi Information from CenturyLink (no locator, but good information)
https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/wireless/what-is-a-wi-fi-hotspot1.html
How to find WiFi hotspots
The easiest way to find WiFi hotspot is to open up your computer or smartphone and start looking! In many public areas, you’ll find that there are a lot of open, public WiFi hotspots you can connect to, free of charge. You can also look for WiFi hotspots provided by your own ISP.
Are WiFi hotspots safe?
Private WiFi hotspots, such as mobile hotspots and prepaid hotspots, are completely safe. However, the security methods used to protect your data can vary widely between public hotspots.
As a rule, it is not recommended that you do anything on a public WiFi hotspot that could compromise your personal data, such as shopping online, using online banking apps, and other such things. For web browsing, checking email, and social media, though, public WiFi hotspots are usually very safe.
4) Did you know that many gaming systems can access the internet? I didn't but I do now! Try your Xbox or Playstation and see if your system will work.
What is Digital Citizenship?
We encourage parents and guardians to read the terms and privacy policies before creating an account for any online resources used.
Note to mobile users: To view subpages with schedules and more, click on the hamburger menu (three lines) next to the word "Pages".
Eeek- I am having technology issues. Can you help?
Of course! Check out all of the ways below that we are here to support your technology needs. The only thing we cannot help with is wifi connection. You will need to go through your provider for that.
When you encounter an obstacle with technology, you are not alone.
Check out the ways you can get support!
Google Form to Request Student, Parent, and Guardian Support:
Click on the Support Request tab above or go to https://url.dvusd.org/HomeTechHelp
Accessibility Support
Use these resources to customize the accessibility features of a device to your needs.
Visit: https://www.dvusd.org/Page/66988
DVUSD Digital Platform Overview
Accessing Canvas - for students and parents
Accessing Google - for students and parents
All Digital Platforms - Support for parents & students with their use of technology tools for learning in DVUSD.
I need some face time with my child's teacher...how can I get this?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gL-U8gkrWFFLsneuyfRahP4MYyS06A7XjmlX1INhfFQ/edit?usp=sharing
My child misses morning announcements. Can we still see them?
Wait- can I still order a yearbook?
I still need more info. Is there a district site I can go to?
Sunrise Elementary School
Email: karen.dial@dvusd.org
Website: https://www.dvusd.org/Domain/31
Location: 17624 North 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Phone: 602-467-5900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunriseElementarySchool-DVUSD-717071555161598/
Twitter: @SunriseLions
What is provided for the week of April 13th?
Daily Hours
Preschool: 1 hour
Grades K-4: 2 hours
Grades 5-8: 3 hours
Grades 9-12: 2 hours per content/per week
During the week of April 13-17 PreK-1 teachers will provide student work via the school website and teacher webpage. 2nd-6th grade students will receive home instruction via the Canvas or Google Classroom Learning Management Tools. We are excited that 2nd is joining the Google Classroom crew this week!