Curriculum Corner
October 2020
Trying to get into a Groove!
Reflections from the September Start of School
The past month has provided me with many growth opportunities as we face the challenge of implementing plans for the new year under the new reality of teaching during a pandemic. Structures have been put in place to allow teachers to collaborate and support each other through the content building structure. Digital curriculum resources have been purchased and are being learned. Lots of job embedded professional development related to online teaching and learning has been created and shared. That is just a fraction of my "to do" list!
All staff and teachers are feeling some level of stress and anxiety as we get further into the school year. Teaching in our new reality is hard work and we have many teachers that are struggling in new ways. It is easy to give a reminder of self-care and not as easy to put it into practice. Here are five ideas for practicing self-care as you teach during the coronavirus pandemic from understood.org:
- Set and maintain boundaries
- Reflect on your feelings and needs
- Recognize what is and isn't in your control
- Acknowledge moments of gratitude or joy
- Use self-care routines throughout your day
Thank you for your patience as we all learn more about digital teaching and learning and make adjustments to ensure a high quality education for our students.
Jen Larva
Grading Flexibility during COVID-19
Due to Hybrid and Distance Learning models being implemented during the 2020-21 school year, adjustments were required to the Family and Student Handbook. Guidance from MDE ask educators to design new assessments and grading systems that cause no harm and minimize long term impacts for students (MDE 8.18.20 Assessing Learning Guidance for the 2020-21 School Year). The policy committee will review the proposed additions/changes during their October meeting.
Content Building and MEA
At the secondary level, teachers should plan for approximately 1.5 hours of content over the three days. Secondary principals will be communicating with teachers regarding expectations. Please see below for the elementary DL and "Group B" students:
- Kinder: 3.5 hours
- 1 & 2: 4.5 hours
- 3-5: 5.5 hours
"Group A" students will be in-person on Monday and Tuesday and will have "at-home remote" learning on Wednesday. The following guidelines can be used for these students:
- Kinder: 1 hour
- 1 & 2: 1.5 hours
- 3-5: 2 hours
3 Useful Applications and Websites
Canva (canva.com): design platform with user-friendly templates to help students and teachers create visual products (free)
Flippity (flippity.net): program that converts Google Sheets into interactive cards and games (free)
Kahoot (kahoot.com): platform that allows the creation and playing of learning games and quizzes (free and paid version)
Digital Learning Landing Page
Check out the Elementary PD or Secondary PD section on the left column to locate past learning that you may wish to revisit.
Check-In with Families
Save the Date: October 26 PD Day
Planning is underway for our October 26th Professional Development day.
The staff development committee reviewed the exit ticket data from the September PD day and many staff were satisfied with our Back to School virtual learning structure. We are excited to be able to continue our virtual learning opportunities and will be introducing "709 Online". Our district is filled with staff that bring forth a wealth of knowledge and passion for teaching and meeting the needs of our students. 709 Online is all about having our teaching staff share their gifts and knowledge with colleagues.
Certified staff will be engaging in a full day of learning together. Here are some of the highlights of the day:
- Continued Implicit Bias discussions with colleagues
- 709 Online: breakout sessions choices led by teacher leaders on topics being identified by teachers
- Digital Learning
- Relicensure Areas
- Foundational Early Childhood training on how trauma impacts communication
New Faces in the Curriculum Department
Joe Schingen, Digital Support Coordinator x1961
Don Simons, CTE Curriculum Specialist x2243
Cindy Miller, Library Media Curriculum Specialist x1850
Erika Drengler, PE Curriculum Specialist x2228
Kaylee Pelkey, E-Squared/Acceleration x2935