Cougar Connections # 32
Week of March 23-27
Please read Governor Ducey's new directive for schools from March 20, 2020:
Important Information
Dear Families,
I would like to take this time to let you know about the plans that are in the works for school from March 23rd - April 10th. Our main priority is keeping all of our students safe, while still being able to provide them with the best educational instruction possible as we shift to remote learning. We appreciate your patience and support during this time.
Please continue to check this newsletter platform that will be emailed and loaded on our AOTMS website weekly as it will keep you updated. We are working on creating online learning for all of our students and will update you on how this will take place. Some packets of work may be assigned and we are working on the logistics of that process.
We are in the process of gathering information on who has a computer and Wi-Fi at home and who is in need of a computer. I sent out a computer survey and once the results are in we will support families with technology and distribute computers in a systematic way.
Teachers are working to create learning that meets our standards while being realistic. We are going to launch remote learning after we gather as a staff and have defined what the expectations are remote learning.
I will be sending out to all families on our mailing list, a video with more information on Saturday. Please know we miss your children dearly and are working hard to ensure we are supporting all students while keeping instruction happening in all grades.
Please know:
1) AOTMS will use Google Classroom as our platform for learning
2) It is important that AOTMS is consistent is what we want students to do in moving forward so we can support all of our students
3) I know that remote learning will create a new burden to families. Please know we are aware and cognizant of this as we are taking time to craft meaningful lessons.
4) Remote learning is new for all of us: students, parents, and teachers. Many of our amazing teachers have already used Spring Break to learn about remote learning, gather resources, created google classroom rosters, have attended online webinars, and have created a plan to connect with students. Even so, we are still learning.
5) While we put together a remote plan, please engage your children in the activities listed here in the newsletter
6) We know many students want to get items from their lockers. We are asking AOTMS students and families to not come to school for the duration of school closures per the Governor. We are creating a schedule where we will stagger students coming to school if getting items for the locker is vital. We are working on communicating this schedule to families.
Please know you will be receiving an email and phone call from our AOTMS teachers early next week because our first priority is our AOTMS students, our AOTMS families, and your safety and health at this critical time. Our teachers are working on creative ways to keep our instruction moving along and that will be communicated to you next week.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, I welcome your email.
Mrs. Goodson- Principal
Academy of Tucson Middle School
Important Dates Coming Up:
March 23-April 10:
NO Brick and Mortar school
Please check your emails for updates on our new learning at this time or email Mrs. Goodson: jgoodson@aoths.net for questions.
Staying Connected:
Share your Pet Pictures!
Join PAC Facebook page to stay connected with AOTMS families
If you are interested in getting involved in the PAC, Parent Group at AOTMS, please follow the FB link below:
Share your Cool Creations!
Keeping kids entertained during Corona Virus Outbreak at home
FOR YOUNGER KIDS:
- Make a fort. How many hours did you burn growing up building the perfect hideaway?
- Do an easy craft. No need to go over the top, just give your kiddos some construction paper and crayons and let their imaginations soar.
- Make an obstacle course. Use old pillows and toys to set up a quick-and-easy obstacle course in the living room. Just lay out a few instructions for your little ones to follow.
- Make a simple recipe. Get kids involved in the kitchen by having them help you prep lunch or dinner, with supervision, of course. Here's a list of simple recipes to get you started.
- Get building. Use Legos or building blocks to create a true masterpiece. Go for a more complicated build, like a bridge, to give your kids the lowdown on basic physics.
- Cuddle up with a few books. There's no such thing as too much reading, so carving out an hour to hunker down with your kids' favorite titles is certainly a good idea.
- Stage an impromptu concert. Ask your children to practice a favorite song or dance and have them perform it in front of the family in a post-dinner talent show.
FOR OLDER/TEEN KIDS:
- Have a movie marathon. Thanks to streaming services, there are plenty of movies on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Postpone your strict screentime rules and veg out in front of the TV.
- Write letters to relatives. Have your kids craft a letter to a grandparent or family member. It also helps them practice their penmanship, talk about a win-win.
- Do a puzzle. Amazon is chock-full of puzzles for kids of all ages. Prime one to your house and let the kids go wild.
- Plan a scavenger hunt. Lay out some clues to hidden treasures around the house to keep kids busy.
- Have a board game night. A tried and true family favorite, getting a little competitive for a few hours will keep boredom at bay.
- Dig up some of those activity books. Have a few puzzle or coloring books laying around you usually reserve for family road trips? Now's the time to break 'em out.
- Have a mini self-care day. DIY your own bath bombs, let children apply a face mask, and give each other little back massages for the ultimate relaxing experience.
Academy of Tucson Middle School
Email: jgoodson@aoths.net
Website: http://www.academyoftucson.com/
Location: 7310 East 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: (520) 749-1413
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aotschools/