From the Middle EMS and ELA
News from the Principal, December 8, 2020
Hello Parents and Families,
This week we have all sorts of fun and important stuff going on. Please see below for important updates.
In particular, we have finals next week, Monday--Thursday. No school on Friday and then we are out for Winter Break. Students are set to return for semester two on January 6th. At this time, we do not have information regarding whether or not we will be in-person or remote, but I will be sure to share with you as soon as I have that information.
If at any time you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out.
~Annessa Hart, Principal
annessa_hart@engschools.net
Attendance Competition!
As we finish off quarter two, we are running a competition next week, 12/7--12/11!
Each student with perfect attendance (which means on time, camera on, and participating/engaged in class) will be entered to win a fabulous prize pack* with prizes such as: Starbucks card, Amazon gift card, King Soopers gift card, board games, pickleball racquets, and much more!
*Each prize pack is unique and will contain different various prizes.
SAC--Budget Survey
Last Wednesday, a small group of staff and parents met for our SAC meeting to discuss budget priorities for the 21-22 school year. Our top budget considerations included:
1. Maintaining electives choices for our middle school students
2. Social emotional/mental health support for students, education for teachers and staff
3. Health and safety
4. Teacher retention
To ensure we have a comprehensive view of our parents' perspectives, if you would like to give additional feedback on the priorities or share other thoughts, please complete this survey. (by December 15)
Finals Schedule
Next week is Finals Week for both ELA and EMS. Because remote learning adds a layer of complexity, we have devised a schedule that will create an easier approach for our middle school learners. We balanced testing needs with social-emotional wellness considerations, and we added in some virtual fun as well!
Click here to view the schedules for our students (ELA, Team 7, and Team 8).
Teachers are sharing these schedules as well and explaining to students how testing will occur.
Attendance is mandatory at each of the sessions Monday--Thursday, just like a regular school day.
Englewood Public Library to the Rescue!
Englewood Public Library has created a new service to help students called “Kids Next Read”. Based on a short survey (linked HERE), librarians assist with picking out books for curbside pick-up.
Free E-Books and E-Audio Books
"During this time of remote learning our virtual library is more important than ever. EMS and ELA students can access free eBooks and eAudio books anytime on our library webpage or by using
this link. Students will use the first half of their school email address (without "@
engschools.net") as their username and their school Chromebook password to log-in. Any questions please contact
brendan_hackett@engschools.net."
Free meals during remote learning
Technology Support During Rolling Remote
Parents/Guardians- Send an email to tech@engschools.net with your students' names and a brief description of the problem. You can also call the Tech hotline @ 303-806-6883.
ATTENDANCE DURING REMOTE LEARNING
Please keep in mind that attendance in daily Zoom meetings is essential and required.
If your student or household is dealing with Covid, please leave a message on our attendance line so we can continue to track Covid in our community.
- Students who do not login will be counted absent.
- Students need to be on time to their zoom call. Missing too much of the Zoom call will result in an absence.
- If your child will not be present in remote learning, please call the attendance line to excuse their absence (within 24 hours of the absence).
- One point of confusion for students has been which day and which zoom. We are on a rotation schedule just like we were while in-person. If students struggle with getting on Zoom, they should email their teachers immediately so teachers can help problem-solve.
