TJH Update #31
March 22, 2020
A Message from Dr. Mitzner
Know that as we enter into this unprecedented time, it is my hope you are well and you know how appreciative I am of all our TJH families. A new normal is challenging for all of us. I love problem solving; yet, it is challenging to forecast all the different elements to launch our online learning.
This new format gives everyone an opportunity to be at home practicing social distancing. The priority is reengaging and reconnecting with students. Lessons and activities should be about rebuilding relationships and beginning a new normal.
TJH already used Canvas as a platform for learning so we will continue and expand this use. Most students and parents are familiar with how to access Canvas. I have included a one pager at the end of this update to provide you with resources as well.
Next week will be a slow and easy week of 30 minutes a day per content area focused on engagement and learning. There will be lots of kinks to work out, but please don't stress.
From our first days at TJH, our staff is used to hearing me say, "Relationships before content". We are going to treat this like the first week of school/online learning. This is a new experience and we need to ease kids into this learning style/restructure the class to fit a very different learning environment. Our teachers will be reaching out and posting to Canvas to reestablish their relationships with our awesome students.
We have established a consistent format for all teachers to post on their Canvas page so you can see when they will hold office hours for speedy feedback and questions (graphic below). Our teachers will be working virtually from 8am to 4pm daily. However, they will not be responding to questions outside of those hours. We are all adjusting to a new normal so I ask you to be patient with us as we all navigate this new format. Please understand that most teachers have teaching loads of greater than 150 students.
I am holding a virtual faculty meeting tomorrow and our PTSA has some great ideas to rebuild our community via technology.
Winston Churchill once said, "Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential." Know our team at TJH and KISD is giving continuous effort to support our students and families during this time.
I am just as nervous the night before we begin online learning as our first day of school in August!
Regards,
Dr. Kris Mitzner
Principal
Tays Junior High
Letter to Parents from KISD about Secondary Online Learning
From: Katy ISD Communications <communications@katyisd.org>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2020 3:40 PM
To: KATY ISD Recipients <recipients@katyisd.parentlink.net>
Subject: Secondary Student Online Teaching & Learning
March 20, 2020
Katy ISD Secondary Parents/Guardians,
During the time period for which we are not offering face to face instruction, Katy ISD will initiate an online learning platform beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020. The transition from face to face classes to an online platform will be available through Canvas. The week 1 goal is for our teachers and students to reconnect and reengage with lessons and activities. Additional information regarding grading and attendance will be forthcoming.
Your child’s recommended online schedule for week one is below. The first week the general guideline is 30 minutes per course each day, though students may need to spend more time on advanced academic courses.
Online resources for families are directly accessible through MyKaty Cloud and Canvas. Teachers will reference these resources in their instructional delivery.
Parents of students who are served by specialized special education programs (e.g., ECSE, Life Skills, CAP, ASIP, AB, TIP, and Deaf Education) will be contacted by your child’s teacher/case manager regarding individualized resources and supports. Special education students who receive their instruction in a general education setting with accommodations and in-class support should follow the general education model. Additional information will be forthcoming from case managers.
We recognize that intervention is critical for students with dyslexia. During this first week, as students are acclimating to online instruction, we have added free audiobook resources available to students with dyslexia. Most students are familiar with these resources, but they may contact their dyslexia teachers directly if they need assistance with access.
Thank you for your support and cooperation as we transition to the online learning platform and ensuring your child’s continued academic success.
Parents and guardians can find digital resources and support here.
Katy ISD
Letter from KISD about Online Resources
March 22, 2020
Dear Katy ISD Parents/Guardians and Staff,
We know working and studying from home can be a challenge as we navigate our current circumstances together. Should you be in need of free or reduced internet service, the District has compiled a list of resources in the area from the major local service providers. Additional information and support regarding mobile learning can also be found on the Katy ISD Instructional Technology Mobile Learning web page.
Should you have any questions, or require assistance with your child’s technology or access, please contact the online Katy ISD Parent Technology Help Desk through the Tech Help Form.
Katy ISD
- Sixty (60) days of free Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month.
- For new customers, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com (website includes written, and video chat customer service options) or by calling 1-855-846-8376 (English) or 1-855-765-6995 (Spanish).
- Sixty (60) days free broadband and Wi-Fi access for households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have a Spectrum broadband subscription.
- No installation fees for new households.
- Enroll by calling 1-844-488-8395.
Consolidated Communications:
- Offered two months of Free Home Internet Service including free installation for those who are not currently Consolidated customers. Take advantage of this offer in two easy steps:
- Call Consolidated Communications: 1-855-399-3084
- Mention Offer Code: “Two Months Free”
AT&T is Offering:
- If you have at least one child receiving free or reduced price school lunches, your family may qualify for an affordable home internet service through AT&T. For more information, visit the following site:
- Access from AT&T
FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge:
On March 13, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the “Keep Americans Connected Pledge.” Ajit Pai, FCC Chairman, released a press release emphasizing the importance of keeping Americans connected as the country experiences serious disruptions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Most service providers pledged for the next 60 days to:
- not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;
- waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.
Several major service providers have already taken the pledge. Please check with your service provider for their policies and services.
KISD Health Update from Website
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