Whitney's Galaxy Gazette
Mr. Stacho's Newsletter - April 9, 2020
We're Out Of This World!
Happy Easter
Reminder!
Monday, April 13th is a professional development day. Teachers will NOT be holding their office hours on this day as they will be involved in professional development.
Teachers' Office Hours
Remote Learning Plans
On April 6, our district will be rolling out remote learning plans by grade level. You can find a link to those plans on our district and school website. Here is what you do:
- Click on Remote Learning Plans which can be found on the right side of the screen -or- click on "For Families".
- Once on the Remote Learning Plan site, scroll down until you find the grade level you would like to access.
- Once you access the grade level site, you will find directions and expectations.
Remember that these are choice boards. Please encourage your child to participate in doing at least 3 activities per board (including the middle square). Here is a short video that walks you through how to find the learning plans. Thanks to Mr Diedrick from Kinsner for making it. Paper copies of materials will be available at the front doors of Whitney on Monday, April 6th for those who don't have access to technology.
The purpose of these learning plans is to keep your child learning during this time and reduce gaps in knowledge so that they are prepared for next year school year. We understand that this is not what learning would like like in the four walls of a traditional classroom. The Remote Learning Lessons are approximately 20 (maybe a bit longer for higher grades) minutes in length, as we can not expect our children to sit in front of computer or work on one activity for hours.
If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to either me or your child's teacher. We are all in this together.
FAQs about Learning Plans
Will you include Science and Social Studies?
Yes. Those areas will be included. In the younger grades, you will see Science and Social Studies incorporated in Reading. Boxes will also be labeled to ensure you are aware of which lessons include Science or Social Studies.
How long should one lesson be taking our child?
The middle square may take the most time, as that is new material with teacher instruction. The outside squares will take about 20 minutes for the younger grades, 30 for the older grades. You do not have complete the entire lesson in one sitting. Do what works for you and your child.
Do I need to print out all of the lessons/worksheets/etc.?
No. Your child does not need to answer questions or show their work on the specific worksheet. Your child can use a blank piece of paper to write answers, type them in a google doc, or verbally share answers with you (if it is the middle box, you will want to have your child write the answers out). Staples in Strongsville is offering free printing of the materials. All you do is call them, tell them your request and pick it up.
How will my child be ready for the next school year?
Each grade level across the district has worked as a team to identify essential learning standards in order to prepare students for the next grade level. In the next roll out of learning plans, you will see that each "board" has one or two essential standards listed at the top. Although some boxes will be review, most of the boxes will be practice with new materials. The center box will be "direct instruction", provided by one of the grade level teachers from across the district. This is why we are asking all students to do those middle boxes. There will also be guidance the person who is supporting this learning at home.
What does my child have to submit to their teacher?
They are not required to submit anything. However, the material they submit will allow for the teacher to provide direct feedback to your child. If nothing is submitted, the teacher can not provide feedback. That middle square activity would be a great lesson to submit to the teacher, once the work is complete. Since this is new instruction, this would allow your child's teacher to provide feedback/support.
This is all overwhelming. How can we do this all?
First, we are in this together. If you are stressed, your child can see/sense that an in turn may get stressed/anxious. If you can not get three lessons done to make a Tic Tac Toe, that is ok...you tried. Do your best to get the middle box done. That is the new instruction with direct teaching to help prepare your child for the 20-21 school year. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher. They can tell you what to focus on and help you get through it.
What is in the printed packets in the bins outside of Whitney?
Those packets are for families who may not have access to the internet. The packet does not include a copy of each lesson on the board. It ONLY includes the lessons/materials associated with the middle square.
How do I help my child select what lessons to do?
After discussing the board with your child, feel free to reach out to the teacher for assistance. They may be able to help guide you in the selection of what to complete.
Can my child complete more than three "boxes"?
YES!!!!