The Friday Update - COVID19 Edition
Weekly News and Updates for the Fine Arts Faculty of PCSD
Happy Friday!
More than anything, I can say that I am completely impressed with each of you. You have risen to the challenge with hardly any notice and literally flipped the script on what instruction looks like. I cannot even begin to tell you how truly amazed I am with the resilience and strength you each have shown and am encouraged with how you are supporting one another and engaging students in new and meaningful ways. I have had more than several of you mention that you are actually enjoying this challenge and I can promise IT SHOWS!
I don't know if you realize it or not but from my vantage point, I can honestly say this single event/situation has made you each better, stronger, more innovative, creative teachers and has helped you collaborate in ways beyond anything we could have planned. It's powerful for sure - finding the positive is a must. I think we are just barely scratching the surface of the good that is coming from this "forced" time of pause.
My prayers are with you all as you are not only working excessive hours to make this a positive time of learning and productivity for your students but also working to maintain normalcy for your families while trying to stay healthy, keep necessary supplies in your homes, and remain calm in this time of uncertainty. I am definitely your fan. You are rock stars! Don't forget it!
See below my favorite tweet of this past week. It is SO true!
A Few Reminders
TEAMS! TEAMS! TEAMS!
Please Begin Using
Several Ways:
- Download the FREE App on your phone or tablet
- Click the 9 dots on the upper corner of your outlook email online. TEAMS is one of the apps there. Click it and login as you would your district email.
Most of your schools are using TEAMS. Please make sure you are also looking at the Fine Arts Teams. Many of your colleagues in your content are asking questions that you need to see and help answer.
This brave new world of digital learning is a *ahem* TEAM Effort and this simple app will make it a cinch for us all.
Digital Learning Social Media Sharing!
I am loving seeing all that you each have going on through your Social Media outlets!! See some reminders:
The following HASTAGS are important to use in your posts so we can track all that is going on with regard to digital learning and the need for normalcy and consistency! It is SO good to see how the arts are healing during this time. I want everyone to see it and be able to track it.
- #PauldingDLD2020
- #pauldingfinearts
- #KeepGALearning
PCSD Instagram - I am sharing the password with any arts teacher interested in posting. There is no way I can keep up with all you are doing by myself so if you would like to share, please let me know and I will share that password with you.
PLC
**IF YOU HAVE ALREADY TURNED IT IN - please DO NOT try to submit again. I have already sorted those that have been turned in. I am adding digital learning details to those so you don't need to. Bottom line is this - if you turn it in, you are covered. I have not had a single person who has already turned it in who will not get their PLC credit so adding to it won't change anything.
Marathon Verses Sprint
Quick Reminder - we are in a marathon NOT a sprint. The coolest lessons also come with intense planning. At some point, you are going to have to be ok with simple ideas for quick lessons and even borrowing the many ideas that are being shared. You do NOT have to reinvent the wheel with every single lesson. Continue to lean on one another and share!!
Creativity Takes the Cake
Questions Answered and a FEW To-DO's
1. What should we do about our art shows or other things that are scheduled further out (like April and May)?
- Really, you should just hang tight. Anything occurring at your local school that I did not plan is up to your building level administration and you will need to go through them for any changes. I will be very honest and say that I am sure they are slammed so if it is something that is not to happen until mid-April or May, you may have to wait for an answer.
2. Fine Arts Day - Are we rescheduling that?
- No - I don't think it would do us any good to try and reschedule Fine Arts Day. There are a LOT of moving parts and layers of Fine Arts Day with hundreds of people's schedules involved from vendors/food trucks and artisans to performers and directors, getting everyone on the same page with a date that also works with the host school will literally be impossible. Instead, I am looking forward to FAD21. Please take a look at this survey and give your opinion about the best date. If we can go ahead and get it on the calendar now, we can hopefully roll some of our commitments to next year. Missing a year WILL affect what we are able to do in the 20-21 school year with regard to scholarships and grants but we will do what we can.
3. State Graduation Seal - is that still a thing?
- YES and the deadline still applies - PLEASE share with your seniors to be getting that in. The deadline and details have NOT CHANGED for this. Since they are home, they have all the time in the world to get this done. CLICK HERE TO SHARE THAT LINK WITH STUDENTS.
4. Scholarships, Scholarships, Scholarships - This money is STILL AVAILABLE and students now have time to apply. Be sure they know to do so! Links below:
Katie O. Anderson
Email: KAnderson@paulding.k12.ga.us
Website: paulding.k12.ga.us/finearts
Location: 3236 Atlanta Highway, Dallas, GA, USA
Phone: 404-825-3982
Facebook: facebook.com/pcsdfinearts
Twitter: @katiepcsd