Team Meadow Update
March 24, 2020
A Tiny Poem
Team Meadow -
Over the past couple of days, Lauren and I have been touching base with teams and have received great questions seeking clarification(s) and some wonderful ideas/suggestions. In effort to keep us on the same path, I'm sharing a few nuggets of info.
Team Check-Ins- The weeks after Spring Break look a little different than these weeks prior, so we've been engaging in dialogue regarding instructional possibilities. Under separate email cover, I am sending a draft copy (via email) of an overview document to serve as talking points for when we dialogue with teams. We've already checked in with a few of you and are trying to get to the rest of teams in the next day or two. The document requires dialogue for explanation, but hopefully, it serves as a guide to assist with the structure of the coming e-days.
Technology Assistance - If you are in need to tech assistance (staff), please be sure to submit a tech work order as you usually would. Dan Layton shared that this is preferred as it assists the team in order to keep track of what is received, completed, etc... This amazing tech team is also exploring ways to assist the ZCS community/families through a "community help desk." More info to come if/when it goes live.
SEL & Increased Risks for Students -
- I am sending including an article I received from Chad Smith from USA Today. It's important to be aware that child abuse, neglect and domestic violence are all at heightened risk for increase during this traditional school hiatus. Our safety tip line is open and it might be helpful to remind students that is will continue to be monitored. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2020/03/21/coronavirus-pandemic-could-become-child-abuse-pandemic-experts-warn/2892923001/
- Also note that the ZCS DSST team met this week and had good discussion about students of need at all levels. If you observe a student who has started to disengage, demonstrate concern or disregard school and it getting behind quickly, please feel free to reach out to myself Lauren, or Kristi. We can pass along to Dabney or other DSST team members. This is a unique time, and gaps can widen quickly for kiddos in need.
Carley & Kyle - They are here to help, and it sounds like you have been reaching out with questions and requests for support. I hear there is a fantastic Canvas "side by side" view feature that may prove beneficial with lesson presentation. You can also invite Kyle to join team meetings to help navigate questions or learn a new tool.
Joining class meeting/live instruction - Although we've been busy with various case conferences, team meetings, communications, etc..., Lauren and I would love to "sit in" on the occasional class meetings or happenings. Our time might be limited, but feel free to include us on an invite, and we'll pop in if we can. Seeing the kids in real time fills the bucket.
Neighborhood Teacher Parades - Since last Thursday, I've received a number of requests from varied people to host some "Neighborhood Teacher Parades." I feel a bit like Scrooge as I've discouraged it, but let me share a bit of my thinking and typical response.
- I love the idea. How sweet that families are giving tremendous welcomes and cheers to share how much they miss the teachers? It is good at so many levels. It's becoming quite a popular thing to do, especially in communities where the personalized connections during these days is less evident.
- Principals have discussed this over the past few days, and we believe we need to pace ourselves. At this juncture, we have no indication that would lead us to believe that we will be back at school prior to May 5 (or before the end of the school year.)
- We are barely in week 2, with a handful or two more to come. Doing something like this might be more necessary/appreciated later (beginning of May, or end of year) which may make it even sweeter.
- With staff scattered throughout Indy metro area, I would want to do this only if we were able to have a high level of participation from staff. When thinking about the excitement kids may have with something like this, Team Meadow would need to be represented well.
- Restrictions are tightening. We need to be examples with that.
- Again, it is a fun, community-fortifying experience. If we wait until later, we can consider and jazz it up to do it right.
Governor Holcomb's 'stay at home' order - At this juncture, our leadership team/ESC directs that we not enter school buildings until the Governor's order is lifted. At that time, our ESC team will determine appropriate times for re-entry. At this juncture, central office is considering April 7th as the next possible date to re-enter and retrieve resources and materials from the school house.
I could continue with more information, but I think I'll stop there for now. So with that, thanks again for all you do, and especially for how you do it,
Stay in touch, and let us know your needs,
Tom
Contact Us
Email: thundley@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/bme/
Location: 5555 S Main St, Whitestown, IN, United States
Phone: 3178732226
Twitter: @ZCSBoone_Meadow