The Cat’s Connection
September 2020 - Volume III
Keeping Our Families Updated
What a September already! Our staff was able to reenter the building today after a few days of unsafe air quality. We are back and trying to catch up a bit and working towards connecting with each of our families, which will be wrapped up by the end of this week.
Something of note, due to a variety of circumstances our School Board has opted to move our Comprehensive Distance Learning start date back a week. We will be beginning our academic programs on September 28th.
In the meantime, our staff will be busy preparing to make this a truly worthwhile experience. I know our families are itching to get started and we want to ensure that we have a good plan which requires our learning management system to be fully charged, and time to ensure our students all have access to devices and connectivity. The 28th start date gives us a fighting chance to start successfully. This is all new and we ask for your grace and understanding as we work through all the details.
As we move into this next couple of weeks we will ensure that we are connecting with our kids and setting up times to help them transition to all that is new.
Glad you're a part of our school!
Jamie
When Will School Start?
The Dallas School Board has postponed the start of Comprehensive Distance Learning which will now begin on September 28th.
September 28, 2020: Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) will begin!
What does a day look like in Distance Learning?
How Do I Access My Student's Schedule?
Forget your Home Access Log In?
Did you forget your Home Access log-in over the summer break? No problem! Click on the Home Access Link and select, "Forgot My Username or Password". Follow the prompts to reset your password.
Don't have a Home Access Log In?
Are you an upcoming 6th grader, or new to the district? No worries. Click on the link below to request a Login. Yes, it's that easy!
Are you still having problems getting access?
Give us a call at 503-623-6662 or drop us a line, and we'll get you set up.
Student: Has my email address changed?
New student email addresses:
Explanation: In order for us to meet new requirements placed on districts due to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Children’s Online Privacy & Protection Act (COPPA), and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we had to change all student email accounts.
Homeroom teachers will walk our students through how to access their new accounts.
*Remember to write down your new password and safeguard it by not giving it to anyone else. Any email currently linked to your student account will be available through your new account.
This new email address will also be your login address for the new Canvas learning management system and Homeroom teachers will be working with you to ensure successful login to your new account.
Chromebooks for Students
September 15, 2020:
Phase one deployment is complete and we distributed our Chromebook inventory today. Don't worry though, more Chromebooks are coming! We'll have additional information regarding Phase Two of deployment very soon. Please stay tuned!
Students Who Already Have Devices:
For those students who already have their own device, please confirm it will compatible with the Canvas program:
- PC laptops (running Windows 10)
- Chromebooks (purchased no later than a year ago)
- Mac laptops (running at least macOS 10.15 Catalina)
- iPads (running at iOS 13)
Students who do not have Internet Service:
We are also providing wireless hotspots for those students who do not have Internet access at home. Teachers will be asking students about their access when they make their calls. Please let them know if you need assistance with Internet access. More information regarding this topic will follow.
Please Note: Some Chromebooks that were distributed in the Spring may not be compatible with the Canvas system. We'll be addressing this on a case by case basis and when we have additional devices to distribute.
1:1 Learning Technology Initiative (LTI) Agreement
Canvas Learning Management System - Parent Training September 15th via Zoom!
Dallas School District will be holding a Zoom Parent Training to go over the Canvas Learning Management System. The training will take place on September 15, 2020, from 6 - 7:30 pm. Click on the Zoom link here:
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82108972759?pwd=RDkxanRKS1ZLRFBWWGdmVUR0ZzZ5Zz09
Meeting ID: 821 0897 2759
Passcode: 727121
Lunch is Served! (and breakfast)
Student Bus Rider Registration - Due October 9, 2020
Upcoming Dates!
September
- Monday, September 14, 2020 - Comprehensive Distance Learning Orientation Week (all students)
- Tuesday, September 15, 2020 - Phase One Chromebook Deployment - for students who DO NOT have a device; 9 am - 6 pm @ LaCreole Middle School
- Tuesday, September 15, 2020; 6 - 7:30 pm - Parent Training Zoom Meeting for Canvas Learning Management System. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82108972759?pwd=RDkxanRKS1ZLRFBWWGdmVUR0ZzZ5Zz09
- Monday, September 28, 2020 - First day of Comprehensive Distance Learning (all students)
October
- Friday, October 9, 2020 - No School, State In-Service Day
- Friday, October 9, 2020 - Bus Rider Registration Form Deadline. See https://www.dallas.k12.or.us/bus-information for details.
- Friday, October 23, 2020 - No School, District In-Service Day