A Message from Dr. Michael
Next steps for distance learning at WCPS
WCPS teachers,
Thank you all for your continued patience over these last several days as we continue to work through the changes that come with our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We have been holding virtual meetings with principals, working with Division of Curriculum staff, and developing plans to share with you to provide continuity of learning for all students.
We are moving to a distance learning platform where teachers will engage with students using online tools like Google Classroom and Zoom conferences. A Distance Learning @ WCPS site continues to be populated with resources for teachers, and it will be your starting point when you begin working from home on Monday, March 30.
This communication is intended to lay out the general process for distance learning through the school closure period. You will be receiving more specific information from your school principal by the start of your normal work day on Monday, March 30.
We recognize not all of our students, and not even all of our teachers, will have access to online tools. Whether there is no internet service, poor internet service, or a student does not have a device, there will be barriers to online access. It is important that we offer an alternative, and we also need you to encourage students to use all possible options to continue learning. Families will even be invited to use school parking lots to connect to the WCPS network so students can download assignments and upload completed work for feedback. In addition, printed learning packets will be made available at each school.
There is no expectation for teachers to be working from March 16 - 29. You will be working remotely from your homes from March 30 - April 24. Here is what you can expect in the days ahead:
March 30 - April 3:
Your principals will be sharing details about how your remote work day will kick off for this first week.
We intend to use this initial week to offer professional development for all teachers to learn more about the digital tools for continuing instruction and to reconnect remotely with students. This is going to be a truly cooperative and collaborative effort. Lean on your fellow teachers, your school administrators, and our content specialists for support.
Division of Curriculum staff have prepared packets with one project per grade level to engage students in learning while you transition to a digital learning environment. These projects will be available on the Keep Learning @ WCPS website during the week of March 30. Parents will also be able to pick up packets at their child’s school if necessary. Students will be working on the projects while teachers focus their time between April 1 - 3 on welcoming students and practicing with online tools. These projects will not be collected or graded.
April 6:
WCPS will officially transition our environment to an online and interactive experience between students and teachers by Monday, April 6. We understand and expect to face challenges along the way. But with our collective collaboration, patience, flexibility, and a continued commitment to our students, we will successfully navigate this change together.
We know you will have questions moving forward, and we ask for your patience as we continue to share additional information and direction in the days ahead. It has been encouraging to see the many ways our staff has rallied in the community to support and assure our students as they grapple with the uncertainty of this national emergency, and we are confident that momentum will carry into these efforts for distance learning.
Thank you!
Boyd
Dr. Boyd Michael
Email: michaboy@wcps.k12.md.us
Website: www.wcpsmd.com
Location: 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown, MD, USA
Phone: 301-766-2816
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007105785980