Parsons ES Partyline
July 13, 2020
Message From Your Proud Principal
Next Steps...
We are working on our plans for reopening. Flexibility is the word that will guide us through the year. I know that there are so many questions, and we are working through them to come up with the best solutions to be implemented as we return to school. Keep posting your questions to our Padlet.
https://padlet.com/sheri_tolar1/11u8unj2eanpab3f
In order to make the best decisions for our staff and students, we are waiting to have final numbers regarding the total number of students who will be joining us in-person vs. digitally. We had approximately 300 students who did not respond to the survey so we are calling each of them so we can have a 'somewhat' definitive number.
Once we have this information, we will be re-working class lists to create digital and in-person homerooms.
What can you do now to prepare?...
- Take advantage of remaining summer GCPS Professional Learning opportunities that are designed to help you in preparing for both digital and in-person instruction.
- Continue to post your questions, thoughts, concerns, etc. on our Parsons' Padlet so that we are able to take them into consideration as we work on our local school plan.
- Please know that we will take full advantage of our additional days together as a staff to make sure everyone is prepared for what this year will bring.
District Updated FAQ posted on GCPS website July 10, 2020
Curriculum Information
Analyzing the Standard
Analyzing the Standards documents are valuable tools for Collaborative Learning Teams to leverage as they plan for instruction. In preparation for the start of the school year, teachers should begin with analyzing AKS 1, 2, 3, and 9 which are the focus for Unit 1: Read, Write, and Reconnect.
https://instruction.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/d2l/le/content/2102023/viewContent/36115179/View-
Odds and Ends
- The county will create formative and summative unit assessments in LA & MA that will be used at each grade level.
- This year, we will use Google Classroom through eCLASS for digital work.
- We have no field trips on My Payments Plus. We will pay as we go IF we are able to have field trips.
- Each of you will receive updated custodial guidelines to share with parents if/when they ask.
Every teacher needs to be preparing to be a Digital Teacher! You know how to teach in person so you need to be preparing yourself for digital since things could change at anytime during this pandemic.
Elementary Digital Learning Recommended Schedule:
Daily Live Check In
- Begin each day with a morning meeting with the whole class to develop classroom community, provide connection opportunities for peers, and to introduce the learning for the day.
- Daily Live Check In would take place at the same time each day and be recorded for students who could not attend live. Attendance will be taken.
Balance of Synchronous and Asynchronous Teaching and Learning Opportunities
- Synchronous lessons will focus on content and AKS needing more support.
- Small group and individual synchronous instruction will take place for students daily to differentiate their learning based on formative assessments and classwork results.
- Teachers are recommended to hold a minimum of 4-5 small groups a day.
- Schools will create a schedule of synchronous lesson times.
- Asynchronous lessons will provide students with independent practice on content and AKS that students are ready to complete independently.
Content
- Students will receive instruction in ELA and MA daily.
- SC and SS instruction would alternate every other day.
AKS
- No new content provided to students on Fridays
- Remediation/Enrichment small groups based on data
- Embedded Professional Learning, Staff Meetings, etc.
Teacher Office Hours
- Teachers would have an open session for students each day to provide help and an additional opportunity to connect with their students.
- Teachers would have sessions available for parent sign up to answer questions and/or conference.
Special Areas
- Students attend one Special Area class per week and engage in two lessons which could be completed on Flex Fridays if needed.
Digital Learning Modules - Every teacher needs to be prepared!
You can register for the course through the PD&E. The course is titled, "eCLASS Preparing for Digital Learning" Course #25849. Returning teachers can watch a few of the modules based on their individual growth needs or you can watch all the modules. Either way, it's a GREAT learning resource.
2020 Summer Professional Learning
Curriculum and Instruction is excited to facilitate professional learning for teachers during summer 2020 in both digital and face to face formats. All Summer Institutes are designed with a common focus equipping teachers with knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to support teaching and learning as we plan to launch SY 2020-2021. Each Summer Institute offers grade level/course specific professional learning to model effective practices in curriculum, assessment, and instruction in both face to face and digital contexts with students. As you review the summer 2020 catalog, we hope that you will select the learning that best meets your professional learning goals as you begin planning for the upcoming school year with your students.
Link: K-5 2020-2021 C&I Summer Professional Learning Catalog
Math Institute Kicks Off on July 15th. It includes how to teach Math Digitally!
In lieu of our traditional face to face Math Institute in early June, we will conduct a virtual Math Institute “Kick-Off” meeting on July 15, 2020. Our learning will focus on deepening the understanding of the Operations and Algebraic thinking AKS, K-5. This will be followed by a Saturday session in August (with students) where we will model the balanced numeracy framework in “real time”. We will send out follow-up emails with more details to principals, master trainers, cluster trainers, and site coordinators later this week. With our new plan, a stipend for teachers will not be provided.
What: Online Summer Kick Off, course #25370
Who: Teachers interested in Math Institute
When: July 15, 2020 (8:00 AM– 12:00 PM)
Where: ZOOM links will be sent at a later time and posted on eCOMM
Please have interested teachers register in PD&E, course #25370
July
7/10 Bibiana Henao
7/12 Juan Salas-Blanco
7/14 Kelly Hodge
7/17 Stacey Gist
7/24 Hyo Gilfillan
7/25 Laura Clark
7/28 Jessica Rodriguez