Virtual School News
September 16, 2020
Dear Families,
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and dedication in assisting with your child's learning as we enter our third day of virtual instruction. We understand that there have been some bumps along the way but please know that we continue to work each day to smooth out the tech issues, processes, and communication so students, teachers and families can have a successful experience with our GF/SGF/AW Virtual School.
Each week I will send out a brief update for families with bits of information, tips on how to help your student navigate online learning, and pictures and shout outs about what is happening in some of our virtual classes. Please look for this in your inbox.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Stellato
Helpful Tips and Guidelines
Our First Few Weeks
The first few weeks of online learning:
- Teachers will spend time building relationships with kids and getting to know them as people and learners. To do this they will often be in small groups which means your child many not be in a Google Meet the entire time scheduled for in person learning during the first few weeks of school. This is okay as they build relationships.
- There will be a strong focus on social emotional learning.
- Students will learn the basic routine of the virtual schedule and what is expected as a student.
- Students will learn basic digital citizenship rules focusing on expectations on a Google Meet and Google Classroom.
- Digital tools will be taught so they are used correctly with the intended purpose in mind.
- Academics will be slow and steady at the beginning. Teachers will gradually add in review and purposeful activities to assess students and determine their needs over time.
Communication
- Understand that emails and phone calls will be addressed before the day has started or for a period of time after 3:00.
- Please follow the guidelines established by your teacher for how you communicate whether it is Remind, email, or phone calls.
- If you have specific questions or concerns set up a time to meet with your child's teacher.
Guidelines for Home Classrooms-What does remote learning look like at home?
- Find a quiet spot without distractions of pets and siblings in the background.
- Be prepared with a charged Chromebook and any materials needed that day.
- Food, drinks, and toys should not be present during instruction. Scheduled time for this after direct learning occurs to help students stay focused.
- Punctuality with Google Meets and assignments is important.
- Background noise and distractions can be heard by all on a Google Meet. Even when a child is using headphones, the microphone will pick up background noises and conversations. Please be mindful of this.
- Students will need home support, especially during the first several weeks. Having an adult available to help, especially with the younger children, is very important.
- Click below to add pictures of your child's home workspace on the digital bulletin board, Padlet. After you click the Padlet link, click the + on the bottom right of the Padlet screen and add the picture.
Tech Troubleshooting
- ALL students must use their school issued Chromebook for schoolwork.
- Students must log in to their Chromebook using the username and password given by their teacher.
- Students with a GF teacher will use a username and password with the @gfsd. org domain.
- Students with a SGF teacher will use the username and password with the @sgfcsd.org domain.
- Google Classroom is a secure site with a strong privacy policy.
- Google Meet is secure. Join links and nicknames only work for students logged in using the given usernames and passwords. Those outside of the system cannot enter without teacher permission.
- Students can mute and unmute when asked to answer a question. Participation on a Meet is just like being in school. It is important to be a part of the class discussion and lessons.
Glens Falls/South Glens Falls/Abe Wing Virtual Elementary School
Email: stellatoj@sgfcsd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/sgfcsd.org/sgfcsdvirtualschool/home
Phone: (518) 824-2250
Twitter: @jerstellato