The Lisbon Lines
September 11, 2020
Lisbon Elementary School
We are here to help!
Principal, Mrs. Anoff Debra_anoff@hcpss.org
Assistant Principal, Ms. Wright Lashonne_wright@hcpss.org
Principal's Secretary, Mrs. Johnson Christine_Johnson@hcpss.org
Teachers' Secretary, Mrs. Linda Drews Linda_drews@hcpss.org
Teachers' Secretary, Mrs. Johnson Karen_johnson@hcpss.org
Website: les.hcpss.org
Location: 15901 Frederick Road, Woodbine, MD 21797, USA
Phone: (410) 313-5506
Twitter: @hcpss_les
FROM SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Successful First Week of Virtual Learning
I want to say thank you to all of our teachers, students, and families for such a successful first week of virtual learning. On Tuesday, we welcomed just about 400 students to our virtual school. I am thrilled to have so many amazing students! I cannot wait to get to know our new students and become reacquainted with our returning students in the coming weeks and months. Although we had some difficulties with technology, I am glad we were able to resolve issues quickly. We received a great deal of communication from families last week and we were so appreciative, as it allowed us to ensure that we were able to support everyone with virtual learning. Throughout virtual learning, continue to communicate with your classroom teachers or reach out to Ms. Wright or me, so we can continue to support you.
I am so proud of our teachers at Lisbon Elementary! They work tirelessly day in and day out to re-learn their profession and deliver instruction and in this virtual setting. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated teachers!
I am very proud that 100% of our students had their HCPSS issued Chromebooks on day 1, so technology was not a barrier for our students. On top of Chromebooks, we have deployed many Hot Spots to families who are in areas with no other way to get internet into their homes!
We were also able to give out about 400 supply bags in preparation for the first day of school. This incredible response reflects such a high level of dedication from all our families to support our students. Thank you!
Finally, please take the time to complete your Family File through HCPSS Connect if you have not done so already. We only have 65 students who do not have completed Family Files. Please take some time to complete it this weekend. We will send an individual email to you next week if you need to complete it. Directions are below in the Information Worth Repeating section.
We are looking forward to our second week of virtual learning and hope that it is even more successful than last week. Thank you for your continued support!
Mrs. Debra Anoff
Principal
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
For a complete list of dates and events visit les.hcpss.org/calendar.
September
- 7 - No School - Labor Day
- 8 - First Day of School
- 15 - Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month Begins
- 28 - No School - Yom Kippur
October
- 16 - Professional Work Day - Schools close 3 hours early
NEW INFORMATION
GT PRIMARY TALENT DEVELOPMENT IS COMING
CHORUS - BAND - ORCHESTRA
If you have questions, feel free to stop by any M/Tu/Th/F starting 9/10/20 between 12:00pm and 12:45pm to chat with Mrs. Trueblood and Mr. Carter. You can also email any questions or concerns to the addresses below.
Chorus: kristy_trueblood@hcpss.org
TO HELP WITH UNDERSTANDING RELATED ARTS ASSIGNMENTS ON WEDNESDAYS
Each week your child should have a combination of 5 total related arts experiences (PE, Music, Technology, Media, and Art), either live (with the teacher on a Google Meet) or asynchronous (on their own). If your child participates in two live related arts subjects, they will complete three asynchronous assignments on Wednesdays. When your child participates in three live related arts subjects during the week, your student will only complete two asynchronous assignments on Wednesday.
The best way to access your child’s Related Arts assignments is through each Related Arts teacher’s homepage located on your child’s Canvas dashboard.
In the future, teachers will be adding on asynchronous lessons/assignments in Health and Math. Your child’s math teacher and homeroom teacher will inform you and your child when these lessons will be required on Wednesdays.
Every Wednesday, students are also expected to work on 15-20 minutes of Dreambox and LexiaCore. Thank you for your time and support. Continue to let us know if anything is unclear, you have questions, or you need assistance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SCHEDULES
How Much Time should Students Engage in Lexia Core5
We understand that Lexia Core5 has a recommended amount of time for each student each week. Students can see this amount of time on their screen when they log in.
During virtual learning, HCPSS expects students K-5 to spend at least 15-20 minutes per day on Lexia Core5 and no more than 100 minutes a week.
If teachers notice that students are engaging with Lexia Core5 for more than 100 minutes a week, they may reach out to families as a reminder.
After 19 minutes of inactivity, the student will see a prompt asking them if they want to continue. After 20 minutes they will be logged out and the 20 minutes will be subtracted from their time.
For additional Lexia Core information, please refer to the Family and Community Resources on your child's grade level Canvas page.
What is Content?
On your child’s Canvas calendar, you will see that they will have live Content twice a week. Content is Science and Social Studies. While Health is also considered content, it is being done asynchronously this semester. Content is during the same hour block as a student's Related Arts. If your child has related arts on Monday/Thursday, she/he will have Content on Tuesday/Friday (or vice-versa).
During Quarter 1, Science will be taught between September 14 and October 9. Social Studies will be taught from October 12 through November 8. Health will be asynchronous.
What are Synchronous Supports?
This time will eventually be used and you will be informed by the classroom teachers when it starts. It may be used for reading groups, interventions, math groups, special education, etc. So for now, students can use this time for independent reading or math.
What Does My Child Do On Wednesdays?
All students will participate in asynchronous independent learning via Canvas assignments each Wednesday. Students should check their Canvas portal for classroom and Related Arts assignments, as well as Dreambox and LexiaCore.
Assignments could be listed on the main course page or under assignments and/or modules on the left-hand side.
Why Do Calendar Courses Sometimes No Longer Show Up?
As of now, the maximum number of courses that can be visible on Canvas is set to ten. Please be sure to have ELA, Math, Science, and current week's related arts clicked on. This will help you find the codes and assignments for the week. Our hope is that Canvas will no longer limit it to 10 calendars at a time.
TECHNOLOGY HELP
As time progresses, ease of use of the platforms should increase. If you are still experiencing issues with connectivity, ability to access Google Meets, accessing Canvas or using the platforms for learning, please use the resources that are found on cces.hcpss.org.
Student Technology Resources: Provides guides, resources, and videos for HCPSS student technology. Below are some direct links to commonly used resources:- Canvas Orientation - includes how to navigate Canvas
- Google Meet - includes a video overview of how to login
- provides a variety of resources for using an HCPSS Chromebook
- Password and Username Self-Service: Allows families to request a password reset or student’s username. New students can use this application to retrieve their account information.
- HCPSS Connect Parent Resources: Provides HCPSS Connect—including Synergy, Canvas, and Family File—guides and videos for parents.
HCPSS STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK 2020-21
The Student & Parent Handbook will no longer be printed and instead will be available online. The 2020-21 Student & Parent Handbook is available here.
The handbook outlines district-wide practices and policies related to students and parents. It additionally features sub-topics that describe various services, procedures, and protocols implemented in Howard County Public Schools.
The 2020-21 Student Code of Conduct can be found within the Student & Parent Handbook and also is available online.
INFORMATION WORTH REPEATING
ATTENDANCE DURING 2020-2021 FALL SEMESTER
Active student participation is the key to student achievement, both in the classroom and during distance learning. Teachers will design engaging lessons and activities, both for virtual live classes and online assignments. Regular participation is essential for student growth, and students are expected to engage in learning activities every week.
Student attendance for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday instruction will occur as follows:
- At the elementary level, both the Homeroom teacher and Mathematics teacher will take attendance, noting whether students were present online for synchronous instruction.
- Daily attendance will be based on teacher-recorded attendance for the entire school day.
- If there is a technical difficulty, a student may submit asynchronous work for a particular day to receive credit for attendance.
Student attendance for Wednesday instruction will occur as follows:
- A student will be counted as present if they do one or more of the following since the previous Wednesday:
- Submit an assignment to one of their teachers
- Engage in synchronous instruction with an HCPSS teacher
- Complete work in the Canvas learning management system, DreamBox or Lexia Core5
If your child is absent, please send a note explaining the absence to this email address: LESattendance@hcpss.org
Important Links for Attendance
Attendance Notes: Please send all attendance notes to LESattendance@hcpss.org
An absence note is required for every absence, within 24 hours of your child returning to school. The note should include:
- Your child's first and last name
- Your child's grade
- Your child's homeroom teacher
- The date of the absence
- The reason for the absence
Extended Absences:
If your child will be absent for more than 3 days, please fill out an HCPSS Extended Absence Form for approval and email the form to Mrs. Drews at linda_drews@hcpss.org. The form can be found at https://www.hcpss.org/f/aboutus/absence_request.pdf.
FOOD SERVICES INFORMATION
Meals will be provided at no cost to all students through December 31, 2020, subject to U.S. Department of Agriculture funding availability.
The food services program during the 2020-2021 first semester (Sept. 8, 2020-Jan. 28, 2021) will consist of Grab-and-Go meals served Monday through Friday from 8–9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m., beginning Tuesday, September 8. Breakfast and lunch can be picked up at either mealtime.
MEAL LOCATIONS
Lisbon is a site for meals. Grab-and-Go meals will be distributed at the cafeteria door (to the right of the Lisbon Mural) in the front of the school building . For convenience, meals may be picked up at any location where meals are being served.
Details and updated information on meal service for all school locations is provided on the HCPSS Nutrislice website and mobile application.
MEAL PICKUP
Children do not need to be present; parents/guardians may pick up meals for their child(ren). Those with children attending multiple schools may do a single-stop meal pickup.
Parents must indicate their child(ren)’s name(s) when picking up meals.
ASSIGNING A DESIGNEE
Some families may find it difficult to pick up meals for their children at the locations or times when meals are served. Parents/guardians may pick up meals for their children and up to one other family without completing a request form. Families also may authorize a designee, who may pick up meals for up to three families, by submitting an online or paper form.
See guidelines for meal pickup by designees for detailed information.
Visit the Food Services website for all the information about Food Distribution during the first semester.
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FOR FREE AND REDUCED MEALS (FARMS)
The application is also on the last page of the Family File when you update your emergency contact information.
Immunization Information
All students need the required State of Maryland immunizations in order to attend school. Parents are responsible for providing proof of immunization to the school prior to the start of school or proof of an appointment for necessary immunizations within 20 calendar days of the first day of school.
The health room will contact families directly if their student still requires additional vaccinations to meet state requirements. Please see Vaccine Flyer for upcoming immunization clinic opportunities.
Immunization records can be emailed to the school nurse at leslie_williams@hcpss.org. Please also use this email for any health-related questions you may have. Thank you!
FAMILY FILE EMERGENCY FORM IS OPEN IN HCPSS CONNECT
It is time to update your child's Emergency Contact information in HCPSS Connect even though we are starting the school year online. This is the most important step as we prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 School Year. Your Family file needs to be updated every school year.
You will be asked to update or provide the following information:
- Parent/guardian contact information.
- Emergency contacts.
- Medical information
- Arrival and Dismissal procedures.
- Media coverage.
- Data confidentiality.
- PTA Directory.
You can access HCPSS Connect here http://www.hcpss.org/connect/
Parents who have forgotten their login credentials for Family File may click the “Forgot Password” link on the sign-in page.
If you need additional assistance, please fill out this Connect Help Form.
CONNECT WITH LES AND STAY INFORMED
Website
- Our website, les.hcpss.org, is updated regularly.
- Important news and information is located on the main page of the site including an archive of our weekly newsletter, Lisbon Lines.
- Staff information and email is located under the "Our Staff" tab.
- A subscribeable google calendar is located on the "Calendar" tab.
- Email is our main form of communication.
- You will receive news and information automatically to the email address you provide in your Family File. We will not inundate your inbox with email. Look for the weekly Lisbon Lines on Fridays.
- If you would like email sent to different email addresses, update your email in Family File with the email address you prefer.
- You can subscribe additional email addresses by visiting the HCPSS News site here. http://www.hcpss.org/hcpss-news/
- Weekly announcements, important information, updates, and more will primarily be sent through email.
- You also have the opportunity to opt-in for text messaging