Voyager Crew Bulletin
May 11, 2020: Distance Learning Week 6; Assessment Phase
Strand Spotlights and Info:
Dear Voyager Crew,
We hope you enjoyed TEACHER and SCHOOL NURSES and CHILD NUTRITION APPRECIATION WEEK!!
Thank you for being the both sturdy and flexible structures around which school is built to support students. I have observed each of you demonstrate new strengths and conquer obstacles through this unexpected journey. YOU are our students' lifelines to a most important aspect of their lives: SCHOOL. Your connections, humor, encouragement, feedback, and continued investment in student learning is reminding students that they are cared for and significant in your and one another's' lives. You are working tirelessly under stressful and challenging circumstances while tending to your own circumstances and families. You are always heroic champions, but your capes are flying especially high these days!
We have some exciting news to share!
First, Focus, a philanthropic community organization, has approved a donation of Chromebooks to SSES. We anticipate adding 12 devices to our site, in our attempts to reach 1:1 at this critical time for students to have access to technology. Thank you, Focus! Second, at the CSF Telethon the Vernetti family, longtime supporters of CUSD, earmarked $10,000 for SSES! It will be exciting to determine as a school community and CSF the most effective use of those funds. Theresa Vernetti and I graduated from CHS together in 1989, and I am incredibly grateful for our connection to this generous family.
Our district's approach to preparing for next year is to plan for all possibilities, including a continuation of distance learning AND a plan for inviting all students and staff back to campus with class lists and a bell schedule prepared. We know there are MANY uncertainties and questions. Our preparations will include:
- Launching registration to determine student enrollment
- Completion of placement cards and class lists (end of May)
- Planning for staffing
- Determining consistent online platforms and best practices for instruction
- Determining most appropriate curriculum for distance delivery with evolution to physical classroom learning in mind
Our district is responding to budget shortfalls. There is a commitment to filling open positions from within, which may necessitate shifting certificated staff to vacant classroom positions. The Board of Trustees already approved layoffs of some classified staff members and classified roles are shifting as well. We know that this is challenging time to face further change and will be as transparent and timely with news and decisions as possible.
OUR THEME FOR THE WEEK is OPTIMISM: A spirit of positivity and hope for and faith in a healthier future keeps us going when our spirits falter. Find reasons to smile and lift others!
- Instructional Tip: In this sixth week of distance learning, please explicitly reach out to students who have not provided enough material for you to assess participation and progress.
- Staff Meeting: We will meet as a whole staff on Wednesday at 2 PM.
- Disengaged Students/Families: Thank you for letting me and Sophia and other teammates know so we can support and also reach out. Please know that we cannot refer students TO our MFLC, but we can refer families to her. I am happy to remind families that she is a valuable resource.
- Resource Pickup and Book Swap: We are letting parents know that our office is open for picking up medication and resources between 9 and 2, but need to know if we should expect a volume of visitors so we can plan for proper safety of all. Mondays during meal pickup are NOT ideal. Our Book Swap tables are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Your Extenuating Circumstances: It's not unlikely that you may have your own health concerns or needs to take care of family which prevent you from working as you normally do. Please reach out to me and to Human Resources Director Armando Farias with any questions or concerns about work expectations. WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!
- Mandated Reporting During School Closure: Thank you, Sophia, for providing an important update on our roles supporting students in crisis at the time. Please see the attached PDF below this section for more info.
- Working on Campus: It's critical that you follow safety and security protocols if you visit the site and any shared spaces (workroom, office, staff lounge). Please use wipes and sanitizer and avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. Lock all doors and gates behind you unless you communicate with a colleague who is still on campus. If you work collaboratively in the same space, please maintain appropriate distance, wear masks, and use sanitizer.
Calendar Events
Upcoming:
Mon 5/11: Meal Pickup, 11-1PM
Wed 5/13: Staff Meeting @2PM
Thurs 5/14: CUSD Board Meeting, 4 PM
Happy Birthday May Birthdays!
5/1: Dana Kane
5/8: Kimberley Junk
5/14: Yolanda Reyes
5/25: Robyn Fullmer
5/26: Renee Cavanaugh
5/27: Sophia Frost
TBD:
5/25: Memorial Day Holiday/No School
6/4: General PTO meeting 7PM
6/11/20: 5th Grade Promotion/Last Day of School
Special Education Updates
At this time, we are still mandated to hold IEP meetings in order to stay in compliance. This means that we still need a general education (teacher) to attend, as this person is a statutory member of the team. The (meetings) will be held via Zoom (or telephonically.) At these meetings, we will be reviewing present levels, progress on previous goals, draft goals, supports and parent concerns. We will (discuss services, but likely )not be able to offer FAPE at this time. Case managers will work to schedule meetings around teacher office hours. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we begin this new adventure. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Tips and Etiquette for Using Online Meeting Platforms (like Zoom): Communication for Staff and Families
For Staff:
Jennifer Landry has published a slideshow full of tech tips and directions here. Reminder that video conferencing is NOT a requirement.
How to avoid Zoom bombing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-cnHbLwmCt5zHI_DOd8WbHQIyr5HAlneJgW53FOBRN8/edit
From Zoom:
How to Manage Your Waiting Room
Watch this quick video breaking down how to admit participants from your waiting room into the meeting. Watch Now →
Secure Your Virtual Classrooms with Zoom Waiting Rooms
Check out this blog post to learn how to secure your virtual classroom. Read More →
As of March 31st, the Waiting Room feature in our account will be automatically turned on by default to ensure your virtual classes are protected and include only the intended students and participants. Going forward, you must admit your students to the virtual classroom.
How do I admit participants into my class?
It’s simple. As the host, once you’ve started the meeting, you’ll begin to see the number of participants in your waiting room within the Manage Participants icon. Next, select Manage Participants to view the full list. Then, you’ll have the option to admit participants individually by selecting the blue Admit button next to their name or all at once with the Admit All option on the top right-hand side of your screen.
How to Manage Your Waiting Room
Watch this 2-minute video breaking down how to admit participants from your waiting room into the meeting. What’s more, read this blog post to learn how to secure your virtual classroom.
Watch Now: http://click.zoom.us/e/84442/rY6gamqx5UA/bjntw5/1482347500?h=lATqImLlvQ8sapfPYi1Gf0OEQSDC_0AwHWYCgLAeSn8
Read More: http://click.zoom.us/e/84442/ur-meetings-zoom-waiting-rooms/bjntw9/1482347500?h=lATqImLlvQ8sapfPYi1Gf0OEQSDC_0AwHWYCgLAeSn8
Communication to Families:
Dear Families,
You may have begun using Zoom as a way to connect with friends and family groups via video/app. Some teachers may use this feature to connect with your child, though are district is not requiring video conferencing as part of our Distance Learning Plan. We are aware of concerns related to Zoom in particular and will be taking preventive measures.
We have some suggestions for safely/appropriately using this tool:
- Your child should not be alone with an adult in an online meetup platform. If your child benefits from one-to-one support from a teacher, counselor, or (other role), plan to be present and available throughout the session.
- Ensure your child and anyone else in the home who may appear on video is appropriately attired.
- Choose a place in the home that is relatively distraction-free and quiet. Discourage pets and other family members from participating unless it's appropriate to do so.
- Have all supplies your child may need readily available.
- If the meeting is academic in nature, please refrain from eating on screen.
- Take the opportunity to teach your child camera/video conference etiquette--maintain attentiveness and eye contact, remain in view, refrain from entertaining/distracting others.
Minors (under 18) should not create a Zoom account. But important to know is that they don’t need a Zoom account to JOIN a meeting. Therefore, if teachers invite students to a meeting, they will provide the Zoom invite code, and if a teacher wants to hold office hours, they will provide students with the Zoom invite code.
CUSD Learning Resources During School Closure
Your child's teacher has provided with you classroom resources.
Find our District's Elementary Learning Plan here.
Our Computer Lab page on the school website has login information for your students and academic websites your students use can be found here. Military-connected students may access https://military.tutor.com/home for free K-12 education support.
Your APEX Fun Run Team has provided a FANTASTIC packet of daily activities--see the link below this section!
Distance Learning Resources and Accounts sponsored by our School District:
SSES VAPA Teacher Ms. Mirtallo has created a VAPA Google Classroom with EXTRA activities for your child: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/NTU2NDQ4MTc2NzZa (use code jsobtih to join)
American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge: sign your family up for 10 days of heart-healthy activities at https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=khc_resources_search through our school.
Ticket to Read: www.tickettoread.com All K-2 grade students have accounts. Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700####
Compass Learning: https://www.thelearningodyssey.com/ All K-5 grade students have accounts. Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700#### The school is silver
RAZ Kids: https://www.kidsa-z.com/main/Login All K-5 grade students have accounts. The login format is different by grade level. If you need your login info, email your teacher.
Edutyping: https://www.edutyping.com/student All 2-5 grade students have accounts. The school code is corona75 and Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700####
Xtramath: https://xtramath.org/#/signin/student_other All K-5 grade students have accounts/pins.
Sumdog: https://www.sumdog.com/user/sign_in All 1-5 grade students have accounts.
Our Computer Lab page on the school website has additional login information for your students and academic websites your students use can be found here. Military-connected students may access https://military.tutor.com/home for free K-12 education support.
Here's a link to many available resources: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com
PTO News and Updates
Silver Strand Luau: We are so very sad to report that our SSES PTO and Principal Moore have made the difficult decision to cancel our Silver Strand Luau scheduled for April 24. We are so grateful for our PTO volunteers, parents, and staff who were preparing for this amazing event, along with a slate of amazing vendors and services. We fully intend to reschedule and hold our 25th Luau, but are not in the position to designate a new date at this time. Thank you for your donations and volunteerism--we look forward to mobilizing our forces in support of family togetherness and our wonderful school community SOON! We will have SO MUCH to CELEBRATE!
Put your child's Name in Lights on the Silver Strand's Marquee Sign! We now have a convenient online form to easily schedule your Birthday, Welcome or Farewell message! The cost is $20 and your donation supports the SSES PTO! Schedule online now: http://bit.ly/NAMEINLIGHTS
Silver Strand PTO Board
- President: Lori Blauert
- Vice President: Nellie Ritter
- Treasurer: Leslie Broussard
- Secretary: Leigh-Ann Williamson
- Parliamentarian: Lisa Emme
Silver Strand PTO
Email: silverstrandpto@gmail.com
Call or Text: 619-537-8782
In addition to building community, supporting curriculum, and enriching students' school experience, the Silver Strand PTO is responsible for Family Fun Nights, Holiday Shoppe, Yearbook and Luau to name a few. Our fundraising efforts provide for school field trips and enrichments clubs. We are unable to do what we do without the support of Silver Strand families, teachers and staff.
Coronado Schools Foundation Events & Updates:
Coronado Schools Foundation’s mission is to raise and manage funds to provide exceptional learning experiences for all Coronado Unified School District students. We thank you for your partnership in this time of public uncertainty and applaud each one of you for continuing your commitment to the educational enrichment of our children.
Coronado SAFE Resources
Visit Coronado SAFE's website for more resources and info on activities in the community: https://coronadosafe.org/
Military Connections:
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM LINDA GILDAY
In recognition of April as the Month of the Military Child, Linda Gilday, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, shared her thoughts April 29, on the challenges and rewards of raising children in a Navy household, as well as the vital role they play serving the U.S. Navy alongside their uniformed parents.
-Navy.mIl: https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=112799
-Navy Live Blog: https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2020/04/29/month-of-the-military-child/
-Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @USNavyCNO
CELBRATING MILITARY SPOUSES
Friday, May 8, Noon
The Association of Defense Communities and Blue Star Families invites military spouses to a special event celebrating YOU! The event will begin with a special thank you to military spouses from Mrs. Karen Pence, Second Lady of the United States. The event is free and open to all. Space is limited.
Register: https://covid19militarysupport.org/event-archive/military-spouse-appreciation-day/
Silver Strand Elementary School is SO fortunate to have the full-time services of our very own MFLC (Military Family Life Counselor), Marie Millard! Our MFLC is available to help students through the emotions and transitions associated with military life.
Thank you to our community advisory members, MFLC, and students who attended the Anchored4Life Club training in October! Our students learned how to help their peers who are experiencing transitions. The Anchored4Life program at our school focuses on helping new students adjust to Silver Strand, lifts up students whose loved one is leaving for or returning from deployment and sending our warm wishes with students who are relocating. The Team Leads provide care package "Kits" with a theme designed to support each of the four transitions. The kits contain comforting items, coping skills, DVDs to help kids understand that they are not alone and helpful tools for parents. If your child will be experiencing one of these transitions this year, please inform their teacher or the MFLC to receive a free transition kit. The MFLC's information is always available in the Silver Strand office with the other resource materials.
You will also see our Anchored4Life Team Leads around campus this year presenting uplifting messages, helping with service projects and growing in their leadership skills. We are excited to be partnering with Anchored4Life to provide this service to all of our students.
Military Spouse Support Meetings:
ECDC Wed. May 20 8:30-9:30 Transitions
For information about military-sponsored activities for youth, visit the Fleet and Family Services website here.
2019-20 Parent and Student Handbook
Community Agreements and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Stay Connected with Silver Strand Elementary School!!
Check out and "like" our Facebook page to see photos of student events and programs! https://www.facebook.com/Silver-Strand-Elementary-School-176775765849277/