Happy Friday, Lil Steamer Families!
April 17, 2020
From the desk of: Principal Hoese
Dear Lil Steamer Families,
The third week of Remote Learning is complete! As we hear from other school districts, I am very proud to be part of the River Bend School District as it continues to lead in many areas of remote learning. However, we are always looking to improve on our processes. As such, there are some important updates to note as we continue with remote learning.
GOVERNOR PRITZKER ANNOUNCES SCHOOL CLOSURE THROUGH END OF SCHOOL YEAR
Announced today, Governor Pritzker has mandated all school closures through the end of the current school year. I am saddened that the school year will end differently than we had hoped, but understand that the welfare and safety of our students and families is the top priority. All of us educators miss our students greatly. As the weeks go by, this feeling continues to amplify and we want nothing more than to be reunited with our school family.
FES UTILIZES A 5-DAY PER WEEK SCHEDULE
This decision was made based on research and discussion presented by the Regional Office of Education. The research showed that elementary students benefit most from consistency and routine during extended periods of remote learning. This research came from American and international teachers abroad, primarily in China and Italy, during the onset of remote learning until now.
ASSIGNED STUDENT WORKLOAD
The recent 60-second parent feedback survey helped reinforce the majority of the current remote learning practices in regard to assigned student workload. There are also some areas to improve on so we are going to implement a few changes moving forward. One area is grade levels utilizing the feedback data in creating lesson plans for week 4 and beyond.
#WINTHEDAY CHALLENGES COMPLETE!
The #WINTHEDAY challenges started on March 17 and concluded on April 17; a full month! Thank you to those who participated and persevered during this time - it was definitely not an easy undertaking! Submit your 80%+ completion evidence along with shirt size fesnewsroom@riverbendschools.net or on the Facebook group titled Steamer Learning Lab.
POWERSCHOOL GRADING
Teachers will now be entering grades into PowerSchool for student work. Any work that has not been completed by a respective due date will receive a grade of zero. The due date is a general pacing date. Students have the opportunity to make up all Q4 work for full credit through the end of the school year. Grades will show a respective letter grade (A, B, C, D, F) in PowerSchool at this time, but will be converted into a Pass/Incomplete grade at the end of the year per our district remote learning grading policy previously sent out.
SPECIALS ARE NOW OPTIONAL
In an effort to provide further flexibility to various family dynamics, specials (art, 5th grade band, music, PE, social/emotional learning) are now optional. Students will still earn a grade for any completed lessons submitted to their respective teachers, but students who do not complete specials’ lessons will not incur a penalty or negative grade. The assignment will show a null grade. Students will still receive a yearly grade based on the first 3 quarters.
COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS
It is paramount that parents remain in regular contact with teachers during remote learning. Teachers will support each family dynamic with all of the resources at their disposal, but must be aware of any situations that may change during remote learning. When in doubt, reach out!
MEAL ASSISTANCE
If your family is in need of meal assistance at this time, regardless of whether you qualify for free-and-reduced meals, please complete the following form: https://forms.gle/iwR9hr79sjNaDMnb9 - if you have previously completed the form, you do not need to complete it again.
#WEDOTHEWORK,
JAGH
From the desk of: Counselor Mrs. Meumann
This is a stressful, unpredictable time for everyone, including families, parents, and children. You can help your children by providing them with a structure and routine.
Here are some tips for navigating remote learning with your children:
Limit distractions.
Make space for learning-Your children will achieve their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning.
Maintain breaks such as snack time and recess.
Routines and schedules are extremely important for children at school, and this is no different in their at-home school. Children will function best if they maintain their routine as close to normal as possible. Setting alarms similar to those they would encounter at school can be helpful for keeping them on a schedule. Around lunch time, encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack so that they are not sedentary for the entire day.Remember to schedule time for fun.
While this is most certainly not a vacation, it’s important to have some fun with your children while they are at home. It’s rare that you have this much time with your children, so use it as an opportunity to bond. Play family card games, charades, or go outside for a hike or walk together.Make sure children get plenty of sleep. Try to maintain a sleep schedule similar to the one they had when they were going to school.
Meal Assistance
Remote Learning in Fifth Grade
TRIO EAGLE CAM LIVE STREAM
Virtual Art Show!
FES faculty staff and families,
For the next six Saturdays I will be displaying students artwork by grade. This week's presentation is from the students in 5th grade.
I think you will be impressed with the artwork.
Broken Chromebook? Please let us know!
Morning Announcements
#WINTHEDAY CHALLENGES
UPCOMING EVENTS
WEEK 4 OF REMOTE LEARNING DAYS
Monday, Apr 20, 2020, 08:00 AM
Fulton Elementary School, 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Fulton Elementary School
Email: jhoese@riverbendschools.net
Website: riverbendschools.org/fes
Location: 1301 7th Avenue, Fulton, IL, USA
Phone: (815)589-2911
Twitter: @FultonSteamers