Medford Elementary Newsletter
2020-21 School Year Vol. 9 (Distance Learning Information)
Dear Medford Elementary Families:
Last Friday, November 20th, was our last day of in-person learning for the time being. Students will transition to our distance learning model starting on Monday, November 23rd. The Medford Elementary staff have appreciated all of your efforts to support the implementation of our In-Person Learning Model. The shift to distance learning will include many challenges for all of us, but we will do everything we can to make distance learning a success. We learned from last spring and have been planning for this shift since school has started. Please reach out to me at 214.6312 if I can be of any assistance to you. The office will remain open daily when school is in session from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday-Friday. A return date to our current learning model is tentatively set for December 7th.
If your child was unable to bring certain materials home last week for the distance learning transition, you may pick up any student materials Monday, November 23rd from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. You can come to the front elementary door and we will get you the materials you need.
Student Attendance
Teachers will take attendance by the end of each school day. This could be subject to change depending on the grade level. Students will be marked present for online engagement or direct interaction on a given day, such as:
Participation in a group meeting (google meetings)
Accessed Seesaw or Google Classroom during the day
Completion of assignments
Phone call, text message or email exchange between teacher and student or parent if a student is unable to do school work during 8:00 am - 3:00 pm on a particular day.
Student Responsibilities:
Teachers have already or will share out a schedule for instruction with each student. Students are expected to participate in the daily, synchronous/asynchronous learning schedules and complete all assignments by the following day. Parents/care providers may reach out to teachers via school email, SeeSaw, Google Classroom or phone to ask questions or get feedback on assignments from 8:15am - 3:00 pm.
Teacher Responsibilities:
Teachers will share out the distance learning schedule with each family. Synchronous/Asynchronous learning will take place using (Seesaw in K-4 or Google Classroom in 4-6). Lessons/Activities will be posted by 8:00 am each day. Teachers will be responsible for following the learning schedule, providing content via Seesaw/Google Classroom, and responding to student & parents’ needs via phone, email, and Google Meets during identified office hours. Teachers will make reasonable means to respond to students within 24 hours. In the event of illness of the teacher, the teacher will notify families that synchronous/asynchronous lessons will not take place on that day, but activities will still be posted on Seesaw/Google Classroom for that day.
Synchronous (Live) and Asynchronous (Self-paced lessons)
Students should receive live instruction daily (morning meetings, whole group, small group and/or individual instruction).
Teachers will be available online daily from 8:15-3:00 with the exception of their prep time and 30 minute lunch and additional 30 minute prep. Please view your child’s schedule for specific times.
Teachers will provide homework help or office hour time during the week for students and families. This could be done a number of ways, including after a live morning meeting to clarify or answer questions.
Teachers will provide a combination of paper/pencil and technology learning opportunities.
Teaching of core content (reading, math, writing, and/or content) will be done daily.
Friday afternoons can be used to stretch and catch all learners.
Students with special needs, English learners, 504 students, will continue to receive services during distance learning.
Live lessons will not be able to be recorded due to COPPA laws.
Important Dates:
November 23-25 -- Distance Learning
November 26-27 -- Thanksgiving Break (No School/Distance Learning)
November 30-December 4 -- Distance Learning
December 7: Anticipated return to school in current models. There will be further communication to come.
Ideas to Help Support you and your child during Distance Learning.
Here are some things families can do to prepare your house for Distance Learning:
- Creating a "school area" in our home. Devices should remain at the table. Have a consistent workspace set up with extra paper, pencils, and markers/ crayons for them to use.
- No food or drink will be allowed at our table. This will help keep devices safe and mimick how they would be learning at their desk in the classroom.
- Create a schedule with breaks. Students love routine and familiarity. Try to create a schedule that consists of learning with breaks.
- Set boundaries. Plan on telling your children when they are in "school mode" and when they are in "fun mode" as the rules are different. Students at Medford Elementary are familiar with our Tiger Pride Expectations. Feel free to talk to them about this.
- Have fun. This can be challenging for all of us. If it doesn't work out perfectly in the beginning, that is okay. Ask for help from your child's teacher or from me. We are here to help in any way we can and we want to help. We will miss your children being in the halls, playgrounds, and classrooms during our distance learning time!
#Medfordstrong
HOW WILL WE HANDLE SCHOOL ISSUED DEVICES THAT NEED REPAIRS?
Managing COVID-19 Symptoms at Home
Breakfast and Lunch PIck-Up During Distance Learning
To reserve meals, Medford School District parents/guardians please complete the Meal Order Form (click on button below) to assist in planning.
Parents/Guardians may pick-up one five-day meal pack per child at the following dates/times/location:
Dates:
* Monday November 23rd and * Monday November 30th
Pick Up Times:
* 7:00am - 9:00am OR * 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:
Medford High School - Front Entry
*Parents/Guardians are asked to remain in your vehicle and wait for a meal distributor to approach your vehicle (drive-through style). If you have any questions, please contact Marnie Davis, Food Service Director at marnie.davis@aviands.com.
A Message from our Social Worker
School social workers act as the connection for school, home, and community services to help children with emotional, developmental, and educational needs. As we transfer to distance learning as a response to the increasing numbers of COVID-19, the challenges for parents and students change as well. The worry of health concerns from the pandemic, isolation, mental health, and financial concerns are all amplified. In these times, school social workers are more important than ever. I will be available during distance learning to assist families with resources, liason for attendance concerns, meal packs, mental health support or any school concerns. Look for social emotional lessons posted from your child's teachers and I will be available during the normal school day hours of 7:30 - 3:20. I can be contacted by telephone at 507-214-6369; by email at pwetmore@medfordtigers.org or by contacting your child's teacher.
Thank you
Please be safe.
Ms. Peggy Wetmore
Elementary School Social Worker.
Important Dates on the Horizon
Nov. 23, 24 & 25: Distance Learning Days
Nov. 26-27: Thanksgiving (No School)
Nov. 30-Dec. 4: Distance Learning Days
Dec. 7: Anticipated return to school in current models. There will be further communication to come.
Dec. 24-Jan. 3: Winter Break
Jan. 21: End of 2nd Quarter
Jan. 22: Teacher workday (No School for Students)