Akin News 03/25/20
From the Desk of Beckie Webster
Thank you for keeping the focus on student learning:
"Don't worry about them regressing in school. Every single kid is in this boat and they will all be okay. When we are back in the classroom, we will all course correct and meet them where they are. Teachers are experts at this! Don't pick fights with your children because they don't want to do math. Don't scream at your kids for not following the schedule. Don't mandate 2 hours of learning time if they are resisting it.
If I can leave you with one thing, it's this: at the end of all this, your kids' mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during those four weeks is long gone. So keep that in mind, every single day."
We will get through this together!!!!
Updates:
Teams: Please make sure you update your newsletter for 4/2
Maintain daily office hours and planning time with your team
Today, 3/25
- Building connections with our students (calling every student in your class) I heard that our Aviators were so excited to hear from you-building that relationship is key!
Thurs., 3/26
- Send the parent email and Learning Plan to each student (remember to not include other parents' emails to other parents-email addresses are protected)
- Learning Plans will be posted on our website 3/26 at 9:00 am
- Don't forget to add your personal message in the email above
More Updates
Friday, 3/27
- Support the needs of your students and families
Please continue to reach out to Wendy, Yvette, Darby, Beth and I if you or your families need anything. We are here for you all!!!
Our website is being updated today and tomorrow. Learning Plans will be loaded on the campus website at 9:00 am tomorrow.
Video chatting/conferencing/etc. with students/parents is on hold until we talk with Team Leaders-more info. to come!
Technology
Explore with your team
Click Professional Learning Tab - so MANY offerings today!!!
Technology Tools tab- shows you what we have to offer and even how to use some things
LISD Help Desk is now helping students, parents and teachers who need support (512-570-0566) Share with your families!
Sending Emails to Parents
Parents have already given feedback (via LISD parent community) saying that it would be very helpful for teachers to include as much identifying information as possible when communicating via email. They've asked for you to identify what grade you teach. (Parents with multiple children are not always sure which child items pertain to.)
Please keep this in mind as you prepare your emails.
Special Education Updates
NO Ards, initial referrals, evaluations for these 2 weeks (possibly a change if we move to teaching new skills)
All timelines are pushed back 9 school days at this time because school is technically closed
All parents that had students with initial referrals/ARD meetings were contacted by Jenny, Jolee and/or Laura
No related service providers will be sending out learning opportunities for these first two weeks
PLEASE “cc” any service providers and/or casemangers on any correspondence with parents!!!
Counselor Corner
Community building remotely with our Aviators-Spreading Kindness!
This is posted on our campus website now:
Join kids around the world by spreading kindness! Draw a rainbow and display it in your window to show your friends you're thinking of them! Use #aviatorspiritathome to share your photos on social media. (Parents, Click here (opens in a new window) for an article discussing this world-wide trend.)
Remember to Take Care of Yourselves!
Get fresh air, move around frequently, smile, connect with family, give others grace, and boy are we living our mission/vision of a growth mindset!!!!
You guys are amazing and it is a true honor to work alongside you all. Take care Aviators!
Akin Aviators' Office Hours/Planning Time
Team Planning Time: 9-10
Daily Office Hours:
Kinder - 10:30-11:30
1st - 12:00-1:00
2nd -12:00-1:00
3rd - 1:00-2:00
4th - 10:30-11:30
5th - 1:00-2:00
ESL - 10-11
SRP - 10-11
Resource - (Melissa & Shelby) - 10-11
Dys. - 10-11
SLE - 10-11
Resource - (Heidi) - 1-2
Quest - 10-11
Specials - 2-3
Email: beckie.webster@leanderisd.org
Website: akin.leanderisd.org
Location: 3261 Barley Road, Leander, TX, USA
Phone: 512-570-8000
Facebook: facebook.com/montajaneakinelementary
Twitter: @MJAkinElem