Engagement is the Key
April 17, 2020
As a school we are very aware that this is different and hard to manage for many of our families. Teachers and counselors will do their best each day to be responsive to student needs. In return, we ask that students do their best to engage with their teachers, participate in activities and respond to feedback given.
We will be reaching out to students and their families who have not yet engaged in instruction. Parents, please check your email regularly and voice messages often and respond to us if you get one of these communications.
Be well Thomas Titans- we will get through this.
Glenn Widor
Link to full message from Superintendent Gumina today:
Grading scenarios if school resumes by May 18th
Grading scenarios if we do not return to school this year
What does Pass/ Incomplete mean?
Teachers are holding virtual office hours each week to assist students. Here is an outline of when they occur. (some teachers are holding additional teaching/ support sessions as well)
Please turn on your notifications in the Parent Portal. As a parent you will be better equipped to know what is and what is not getting done. We will be closely monitoring student work and engagement. Our goal is to have a 100% passing rate for this school year!
Titan Tips: Working & Learning From Home
Adjusting to our new normal, working and learning from home, is challenging. Here are a few tips to help get you started in a positive direction.
1. Set up a dedicated space to learn: Sometimes my "space to learn" varies depending on the work I am doing, the kind of day I am having, or the distractions in the house. For example, I like to read in a comfy chair, but when I write or type for an assignment, I need to be seated at a table. At the end of the day or when I'm finished with work for the day, I have a space dedicated to my school/work materials and I make sure materials are returned here (this includes my laptop and I charge it).
2. Check school Google email every day: I know this can be overwhelming if there are multiple messages or assignments. Often times I'll open an email, read it, but not have the time or energy to follow up immediately. I click the envelope at the top of the email to make it "unread" again. This helps me remember to come back to it later.
3. Check Google Classroom every day: Again, this can be overwhelming looking at multiple classrooms and multiple assignments. It becomes even more overwhelming if you don't check it for a few days. It's easy to become discouraged when we feel behind.
If teachers provide a weekly to-do list, if you're able to, print it! If not, save it to your desktop, take a picture of it, or save it in another place you can easily access it.
Check back next week for more tips!
Student Center Staff on hand to help!
Office Hours
Our Counseling Staff is working remotely to provide you with information and/or support you may need during this absence from school. We are checking email regularly and have office hours available for you to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Our office hours are:
Tuesdays from 1:15-1:45
Fridays from 10:45-11:15
carolyn_charleton@webstercsd.org
Crisis Resources available to you 24/7
A crisis can happen at any time. And it isn’t always a life-threatening situation. Maybe you’re stressed about school, work, family or your housing situation? There’s a new way to reach out. New York State has partnered with Crisis Text Line, an anonymous texting service available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy. Text GOT5 to 741741.
Use the Safe School Helpline: The number is 1-800-4-1-VOICE (1-800-418-6423) ext. 359. This is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reports may also be made by texting the word "TIPS" to 66746 or online at safeschoolhelpline.com. The company also has introduced the Safe School HelpLine app, available for both Apple and Android devices. This app quickly gives users all three options for reporting valuable information.
There is also Lifeline, a 24 hour crisis line, in Rochester. You can call 211 or 275-5151
Titan Updates
Dual Enrollment Payments Delayed
In regards to spring dual enrollment billing. Billing has been delayed due to the closure. Our new billing date is set for April 14th. Bills will be mailed to the student home. Payment will be due back to the college on or before May 13th, This will provide families with more time to pay their bill.
From the Nurse...
Work Permit forms and instructions are on the Health Office web page. see top left of the page and click work permit.
Reminder for Fall 2020 all 9th and 11th graders are required to have a current physical on file. Many Doctors are still doing well child visits.
We can still receive faxed physicals. The Health Office fax number is 670-8023. I get email notification of the fax, so we will keep track of your child's physical.
Reminder all students entering 12th grade in the Fall must have the 2nd Meningitis shot to start school in September. Doctors are still doing Immunizations, so please check with their office.
Work Permits
Work Permit Applications During Covid-19
School districts in NYS must continue to issue employment certificates to qualified applicants, including during school closures. During the period of school closures due to COVID-19, Webster CSD is offering online applications at this link.
The College Search Process
Megan Sarkis is the Assistant Director of Admissions at SUNY Brockport. She has put together a presentation about the college search process. Please watch at the link below.
College information for Juniors and Seniors
HESC Updates at the link below:
https://www.hesc.ny.gov/coronavirus
Current information from MCC
Our Academic Advisors are available to meet virtually with students for assistance with class selection and fall registration. Fall 2020 Registration is up & running. Students may simply email: eadvisor@monroecc.edu
For assistance with Financial Aid questions, students may email our Financial Aid Office directly at: financialaid@monroecc.edu
ACCUPLACER Placement Testing is looking for solutions for remote testing. More information on this should be available soon.
NACAC has created a tool for you to easily find out changes to college admission deadlines, deposit deadlines and more. Check out the link below to access the search tool.
https://www.nacacnet.org/news--publications/newsroom/press-releases/nacac-update-coronavirus/
Can't get on a NYS college campus....take a virtual tour at the link below.
HESC - NYS virtual college tours.
College Applications
We are able to electronically process all supporting documents needed for college applications. Please contact your School Counselor directly.
Excelsior Notification
Go to link below to sign up to receive notification of when the Excelsior scholarship is available for SUNY schools.
Information pertaining to SUNY Colleges
Changes to Deposit Deadlines. Some SUNY campuses have elected to extend their deposit deadlines. Other SUNY campuses may honor requests for extensions on a case by case basis. We will post this information on the Counselor Portal as it becomes available.
SAT/ACT Test Requirements Under Consideration. We are exploring options for those students who have yet to take their standardized tests. This information will be made available shortly.
Open Houses Offered Virtually. We are in the process of updating our Open House web page to list virtual events. In the meantime, your students can visit here to find links to virtual tours at SUNY campuses.
SUNY College Fairs in Albany and Long Island Canceled. The in-person Spring SUNY College Fairs in Albany and Long Island have been canceled. Plans are underway to host a virtual SUNY College Fair. Details, including the date and registration link, will be forwarded soon.
SUNY Welcome Center Events Now Available Online. Information Sessions scheduled for March - May at the SUNY Welcome Center in New York City are now available as live webinars. Students may register for these events at suny.edu/studentevents.
Application Services Center and Recruitment Response Center Remain Open. If you have questions, you can continue to reach out to us by phone, email or chat.
Teachers need love too! Send them a shout out!
Because we love you...stay home!!
Thomas Principal