Pleasant Plains Update for Families
April 15, 2020
Students can access new learning in multiple ways:
Packets of Schoolwork
This week students will be receiving a packet of schoolwork in the mail. As soon as the packet arrives they should begin completing the work for April 14-17.
Going forward, students should complete the work assigned each week and maintain all their work in a folder or binder. Students will work with their teacher to go over their work and/or submit their work for feedback. For students in Grades 1-5 the feedback will be posted in the grade book in Schoology.
Supplemental Materials Posted in Schoology
Our teachers have created supplemental materials to support the schoolwork provided in the packets. The supplemental materials will be posted in Schoology at the beginning of each week. Students can access Schoology on a computer or via an app on a smartphone.
On BCPS TV
Baltimore County Public Schools is pleased to announce another way that students can continue learning during the state-mandated closure of schools. Beginning Wednesday, April 15, BCPS-TV will air teacher-produced instructional content every Wednesday through Friday.
The programming can be viewed on BCPS-TV (Channel 73 on Comcast Xfinity and Channel 34 on Verizon FiOS) in Baltimore County and on the BCPS-TV YouTube channel.
Virtual Classroom Meetings
Teachers will be available to connect with students once a week during scheduled, virtual classroom meeting. To join the virtual meeting, your child will be using an app called Hangout Meet by Google. This app will allow them to communicate with their teachers and to attend the virtual classroom meetings. All BCPS students can access links to their on-line classroom meetings by going onto each teacher’s Schoology course page and joining the meeting. If you do not have access to Schoology and/or your child needs help joining a meeting, please just email your child's teacher. For those of you who do not have computers, students can also join the classroom meetings by calling in on a phone.
Office Hours
Teachers will be available to answer questions about the work during virtual classroom meetings and daily during their office hours.
We all know the learning curve will be huge and at first somewhat overwhelming. We promise to be patient, helpful and mindful that this is new to all students and parents and we will take it slow. But know, “we got this.”
Starting this week teachers will be monitoring student engagement. Please make sure your child is completing their work and touching base with their teachers each week.
My child did not receive their packet of work, yet. What should we do?
Due to the extended closure of schools, updated Student Learning Resource packets will be mailed out for students to access new learning for Continuity of Learning from April 6-24. If you have not received your packet , you can access all of the materials on the BCPS website: https://www.bcps.org/system/studentlearningresources/
If you have recently moved or are temporarily staying with friends or family please let your child's teacher know your new mailing address. Going forward new packets will be mailed to your new or temporary address.
What is the difference between a teachers "Office Hours" and their "Hangout Meet" times?
When are the teachers "Office Hours" and how do I contact my child's teacher?
When are the on-line "Hangout Meet/Classroom Meeting" times?
Grades K-3 - Homeroom (ELA/Math), Art, Music, PE, and Library
Grades 4 - All of the above plus Instrumental Music
Grade 5 - ELA, Math, Sci./SS/Health, Art, Music, PE, and Library and for some Instrumental Music
Other student specific sessions are also provided for ESOL, Special Education, and Counseling services.
Welcome Back Ms. Roush!
Google Meet Times for English Language Learners
UPDATED Directions for joining the on-line classroom meetings/Google Meet (Below)
Directions for Joining the Classroom Meetings
There have been some updates to the Google Meet platform. Instead of a link, students will login to their class using a nickname. To properly access a class please take the following actions:
- Open Google Meet on a computer or through the Google Hangout Meet app on a phone or tablet.
- Ensure your child is logged in using their BCPS username and password
- Click the "Use a meeting code" button
- Enter the nickname for the class you are trying to attend
- Avoid trying to login more than 10 minutes before a class begins
- The teacher will grant you access into the meet. If you are not being granted access you may want to exit out and try again.
- If you do not have access to a computer or the app, your child can call in using the phone number and code posted in each Schoology course.
If logging into a Google Meet on a computer, students must first log into their BCPS account.
If logging on using the Hangout Meet app on a phone, students need to log on using their BCPS username and password.
How to Access a Google Meet (Tips from Ms. Severe)
How to Access Google Meet in Spanish
Links to Important Websites
BCPS TV
Baltimore County Public Schools is pleased to announce another way that students can continue learning during the state-mandated closure of schools. Beginning Wednesday, April 15, BCPS-TV will air teacher-produced instructional content every Wednesday through Friday.
The programming can be viewed on BCPS-TV (Channel 73 on Comcast Xfinity and Channel 34 on Verizon FiOS) in Baltimore County and on the BCPS-TV YouTube channel.
What do I do if we don’t have internet at home?
Below are some recommendations for staff and students unable to access the internet at home:
- BCPS buildings have limited WiFi access available from the building perimeter. If you exercise this option, continue to practice social distancing with any others present and follow state and local stay at home restrictions.
- Many cellular network providers are now offering discounts to customers on smartphone hotspots or additional data. Check with your provider for availability and remind them that you are an employee of BCPS.
- Many internet service providers are offering discounted internet service for the next several months.
- Xfinity's temporary offer for those eligible. https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
Directions to Help Set Up a Parent Account in BCPS One (See Below)
Do you need help with your account? a Computer? or other Technology?
Grab and Go Meals for ALL BCPS Students
UPDATE: Students do not need accompany parents/guardians to pick-up meals.
Monday through Friday. from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
For more information:
https://www.bcps.org/system/coronavirus/Meal_Sites_03_26_2020.pdf
Additional Questions and Answers
Additional Resources for Reading and Math
Pleasant Plains Elementary School
Email: lmarchineck@bcps.org
Website: http://pleasantplainses.bcps.org/
Location: Pleasant Plains Elementary, 8300 Pleasant Plains Road, Towson, Baltimore, MD 21286, USA
Phone: 443-809-3549
Facebook: facebook.com/PPES.BCPS
Twitter: @Pleasant_Plains