Mrs. Hunter-Blake's News and Notes
Volume 1, Issue 2
August 14, 2020
16 Days and counting until the first day of school year 2020-2021!
Academic Excellence and Achievement for Every Scholar, Every Class, Every Day!
BES Community Survey Results: 20 Questions
Please make sure to review the PGCPS 2020 Reopening Plan here.
1. What time will scholars have to be online during distance/virtual learning?
Full distance learning for all students during Semester 1 (August 31, 2020 – January 29, 2021): Due to the uncertainties related to the spread of this virus, PGCPS will implement full distance learning for all students during the first semester. Plans will continue to be made for the preparation of in-school instruction once it is deemed safe to do so. All schools will operate during their regularly scheduled hours (Brandywine Elementary School hours are: 7:30am-1:55pm), in an online format.
2. Will instruction be face-to-face (live) or posted (prerecorded)?
In a full distance learning model, students will receive four live synchronous lessons per week in reading/English language arts and mathematics, and one or two live synchronous lessons per week in science and social studies. Classes for health, physical education, music and art will rotate daily. Students will receive one lesson per week for each of these classes. Live lessons may be recorded for viewing at a later time.
While we have a recommended schedule in our guide with content sessions for an hour, it is our expectation that teacher discretion and flexibility will be used to adjust the time accordingly based on student grade levels and age appropriateness for continuous online learning. Teachers will provide small group instruction to three to four student groups throughout the week for both reading and mathematics. Students not participating in small group instruction will have independent practice. Wednesdays will be used for additional small group instruction as needed.
Within the distance learning models, support for English Learners (ELs) and students with disabilities will be provided by classroom teachers and certified specialists (e.g., ESOL teachers, special educators) on a regular schedule. During distance learning live lessons, ELs and students with disabilities should join breakout sessions with their ESOL teacher or special educator during a portion of the instructional block. Small group instruction for enrichment or intervention will be provided on Wednesdays as needed or documented by an IEP, EL plan, or 504 plan.
3. Will scholars follow a structured schedule each day?
Yes, daily schedules will be reviewed during the systemic Orientation Day on Friday, August 28, 2020. At Brandywine ES, we will hold scheduled sessions as follows:
- 8:00am-8:45am: Kindergarten & 5th Grade
- 9:00am-9:45am: 1st Grade & 3rd Grade
- 10:00am-10:45am: 2nd Grade & 4th Grade
Specific log-in codes will be provided. Make sure you have provided your current email address. If you need to update your information or would like to ensure we have your correct information, please do so here.
4. What days are scholars attending school each week?
Scholars are required to attend school M-F from 7:30am-1:55pm. The PGCPS Attendance Policy 5113 will be followed throughout SY21.
5. Is there another way for scholars to learn aside from the computers and earn credit?
Full distance learning for all students during Semester 1 (August 31, 2020 – January 29, 2021): Due to the uncertainties related to the spread of this virus, PGCPS will implement full distance learning for all students during the first semester. Plans will continue to be made for the preparation of in-school instruction once it is deemed safe to do so. All schools will operate during their regularly scheduled hours, in an online format.
6. Will there be any special classes for TAG scholars?
Primary and Intermediate pull-out groups meet at least 2 hours a week from October 1 - June 5. TAG-identified students in Grades 2 and 3 are the primary group and grades 4 and 5 students are the intermediate group. During the First Semester of SY 2020- 2021, both primary and intermediate pull-out groups will implement the Renzulli Learning online program and the First in Math on-line program. Each TAG pull-out student will receive a login and password for each program. The 2 online programs will be implemented beginning in October. The TAG pull out teacher, assigned by the principal, should provide feedback to the students and review the progress of each student weekly.
7. Will scholars have tutors?
Teachers will provide small group instruction to three to four student groups throughout the week for both reading and mathematics. Students not participating in small group instruction will have independent practice. Wednesdays will be used for additional small group instruction as needed. Within the distance learning models, support for English Learners (ELs) and students with disabilities will be provided by classroom teachers and certified specialists (e.g., ESOL teachers, special educators) on a regular schedule. During distance learning live lessons, ELs and students with disabilities should join breakout sessions with their ESOL teacher or special educator during a portion of the instructional block. Small group instruction for enrichment or intervention will be provided on Wednesdays as needed or documented by an IEP, EL plan, or 504 plan.
8. How much time will scholars be provided to complete assignments?
- Teachers will collect a minimum of two grades per week for elementary/middle/high (per period/class) depending on the number of meetings/periods (please see Administrative Procedure 5121 for guidance below).
- Assignments will remain the same weight for class work, homework and assessments by course/grade band and will receive a letter or numerical grade.
- PGCPS’ Grading Administrative Procedure 5121 (listed below) was updated to include language geared toward expectations and updates in grading factors to include distance learning. AP 5121.1 Elementary School
9. Will my child login information remain the same from last year?
Information will be provided on August 28, 2020 during the scheduled orientation sessions.
10. How can broken technology be returned for a new device?
Information will be provided as soon as it is received on the process for dealing with broken devices. NOTE: SY21 distribution will be geared first to those scholars who did not receive a device during SY20.
11. How will social distancing be handled if scholars return to the building?
Social distancing, handwashing, and reducing the number of people in one group are the most effective safety strategies during a pandemic. Additional safety and health measures will be used by PGCPS to reduce COVID-19 exposure for our staff and students. Social Distancing Guidelines Resource: Social Distancing, Quarantine and Isolation.
12. What platforms will be used during distance learning?
A few sample platforms include, but are not limited to the following free platforms & software:
- Google Classroom
- Google Forms
- Presentation Slides
- Online software (i.e., iReady, Discovery Ed, Newsela, Dreambox, Imagine Learning, Adobe Spark, etc.)
- Virtual platforms (Padlet, Mote, NearPod, etc.)
- Oral presentations during live meetings and use of chat box
- Clever
13. Does my child have to be on camera during class for distance learning?
Scholars are attending a regular day of school and will need to be observed during each of their lessons (just like in a physical classroom). Additionally, scholars will participate in group work with peers and their teachers.
14. Does my child have to were his/her uniform?
During the distance learning phase of instruction (August 31 - January 29) students are not expected to wear a school uniform. Students must adhere to the system-wide dress code which requires students to dress appropriately. Further details can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. When a decision is made concerning the reopening of schools, individual schools, with uniform policies, will determine the feasibility of continuing the school year with or without a uniform as it may be difficult to acquire school uniform attire midyear
15. How are the children expected to have interaction with peers, I am concerned about their social and emotional wellbeing?
Classroom guidance lessons focused on students’ social and emotional health and academic advice will be conducted virtually for all levels. Lunch Bunch will be used in an effort to support our students social-emotional development, schools will provide opportunities for social interaction virtually during the lunch period and through other social activities weekly. Staff will refrain from virtual lunch experiences on Monday and Thursday due to students/families leaving their home to get meals from our meal distribution or grab and go sites.
16. Will there be a parent orientation for parents to understand how to navigate the various platforms?
PGCPS heard from parents and guardians during the implementation of distance learning this past winter/spring 2020 – assistance was needed in the areas of technology, instruction, and other supports. Thus we have strategically designated locations throughout PGCPS where parents can receive assistance with technology, accessing and navigating platforms, and other troubleshooting beginning September 1, 2020. Days/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays,
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Locations:
- Benjamin Tasker Middle School - 4901 Collington Road, Bowie, MD 20715
- Charles Carroll Middle School - 6130 Lamont Drive, New Carrollton, MD 20784
- Drew Freeman Middle School - 2600 Brooks Drive, Suitland, MD 20746
- G. James Gholson Middle School - 900 Nalley Road, Landover, MD 20785
- Gwynn Park High School - 13800 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613
- High Point High School - 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
- Northwestern High School - 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782
- Port Towns Elementary School - 4351 58th Avenue, Bladensburg, MD 20710
- Thurgood Marshall Middle School - 4909 Brinkley Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748
17. Will my child's new teacher information be sent out anytime soon?
Information was sent via ClassDojo on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. We will utilize the provided email addresses within SchoolMax to send out the same information within the next week. So, please ensure we have your current contact information.
18. My child received an "I" last quarter, how do we get this changed?
Brandywine ES will follow AP5116; parents must complete and submit Appendix A to start the process.
19. Will I need to print, download, and scan work to the teachers?Collection of Student Work: Students will receive letter or numerical grades on specific assignments according to the grading policy. Teachers may collect student work via a variety of resources to include, but not limited to, the following:
- Google Classroom
- Google Forms
- Presentation Slides
- Snapshots taken of work and uploaded or emailed
- Online software (i.e., iReady, Discovery Ed, Newsela, Dreambox, Imagine Learning, Adobe Spark, etc.)
- Virtual platforms (Padlet, Mote, NearPod, etc.)
- Oral presentations during live meetings and use of chat box
- Scanned samples
- Hard copies
*Please note this work collection format is determined by each teacher and will be communicated as part of the directions given for each assignment.*
20. How can I help my child during distance learning?
How to Help Your Child/Children with Distance Learning: The term “engagement” refers to the amount and quality of time students spend on distance learning activities. Distance learning activities can be in a synchronous (realtime) learning experience where students have some type of scheduled online interaction with a teacher or group, or asynchronous (not in real time) learning experience where students interact with online resources at their own pace (Carling, 2020).
8 Tips to Help Keep Your Child Engaged During Distance Learning
Student Goals for Parents to Observe: There are specific milestones that determine school readiness. This resource is based on the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and tells parents what students should know and be able to do by the end of his or her current grade.
Best Practices for Parents Based on Experiences from March 2020 - June 2020:
- Establish and stick to a routine (create this with your child, if applicable)
- Communicate with your child’s teacher
- Ask for help
- Do your own work while your child is participating in online schooling
- Encourage frequent breaks that may involve the outdoors
- Give yourself grace
What We Expect From You:
- Update all contact information in SchoolMax and with your child’s school
- Responsibility of parent/guardians
- Set small goals for your child
- Designate a learning space that works for your family
Please take a moment to review the Q & A section from the previous newsletter which covers meal distribution, attendance, textbook and technology distribution, school supplies and a few other topics.
About Us
Email: brandy@pgcps.org
Website: https://www1.pgcps.org/brandywine/
Location: 14101 Brandywine Road Brandywine, MD 20613
Phone: (301) 372-0100
Twitter: @BrandywineElem