Sabercat Update
Message from Mrs. Koop
The first week of new learning is behind us. We have learned a lot, heard a lot, and seen a lot. Our F2F students have done a wonderful job of following all the protocols that have been put in place. They have by far have been the joy of the week!
Reflecting on the issues we encountered last week, I have set forth in this newsletter to identify and clarify.
I would be remiss if I did not share that there are not enough words of gratitude and appreciation for my teachers and staff. Unless you are an educator, you can not possibly know the amount of blood, sweat, and yes, tears that have been shed to make learning happen at Smith Middle School.
Remember, instruction will not be what everyone is used to in years past, and no, it will not be perfect. However, everyday teachers report that it is going better. They as well as students are learning to navigate the new normal.
Just a reminder, if you have a concern, social media is not the best method to receive your information. Please call or email your child's teacher, administrator, or counselor. They are the only ones who can resolve the issue. Just remember, words posted on social media travel and leave a footprint not only digitally but on people's hearts. We all have to reflect, is the message we are projecting is one of positivity and kindness?
In a time like this, where teachers are already overworked, striving to balance F2F and Connect learners, worried about their health, the health of their family, and their students, instead of tearing down, we need to work together to lift each other up. This is a long road, and it will take all of us working together to travel it to a successful end.
Regards,
Becky Koop
District Face Mask Update
Student Grades
Reminders for Connect Learners
Once the classroom is in order, the teacher is letting Connect students into the class. Remember, that is a process too. The teacher must:
- check to see that each student's correct name is displayed
- check that each student has their live video showing
- take attendance of the Connect Learners
Once this is done and all Connect learners are admitted, the class will begin. Any Connect student not admitted at this time will be counted absent. The absent student would then need to work in Schoology to be counted as present for the class period. If a student was present at check-in and was then kicked out, the teacher will readmit.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- The teacher will not be letting Connect students into the classroom that were not counted present. Teachers are teaching and cannot disrupt the learning of others for late arrivals.
- The messaging in Schoology is not immediate. The message will not arrive in that class period.
- Once teachers let Connect students into the class, they will do a quick soundcheck. If students are able to hear, but your student is not, that would be a technology issue you will need to solve at home.
- Teachers are not able to read and respond to emails when students are in class. Teachers are teaching. Teachers will respond to parent emails, before school, during their conference period if time allows, and after school. We ask that teachers respond within 24 hours.
Parents and Zoom
When students on Connect speak, their voices come through our sound system and out of the speakers in the classroom ceiling for all to hear. This is great for learners at home and at school to hear each other. However, it is not appropriate for a parent to appear or speak in the class Zoom. This is not the time for a parent to comment or ask questions. If a parent has any questions or items to discuss, please email your child's teacher or an administrator. This is no different from the policies we had in place if a parent were on campus in a classroom.
Please understand if a parent appears or speaks in the class Zoom, the student will be removed from the Zoom for the remainder of the period.