Elsie Rogers Express
August 18, 2020
Kindergarten Virtual Orientation
Please be on the look out for an additional Smore Newsletter tomorrow, Wednesday Aug. 19, 2020, that will provide a link to a virtual Kindergarten Orientation. The information provided will be reflective of general school information as well as some virtual. When we come back to school in person, the Kindergarten team will address additional topics like drop of, pick up, lunch etc.
Virtual Learning Attendance Expectations
If a student is present for any of the synchronous (LIVE) class time and is completing independent slides and activities for the day they will be marked present for the day.
If a student is not present for the synchronous (LIVE) class time but they are completing independent slides and activities assigned for the day they will be marked as present. This scenario allows for students who can't attend live to be in attendance if they complete the assigned work on their own.
If a student is not present for the synchronous (LIVE) sessions and does not complete any of the assigned slides and activities within 48 hours the student will be marked absent.
A parent may call the school to report an illness absence which will be coded as excused. An absence without a parent phone call and reason will be coded as unexcused. Students will be given additional time to complete missed work due to absences just as they would in a normal school year.
*Please work with your classroom teacher or building administrator if you have concerns regarding student attendance and work completion expectations."
Please use the following email: elsierogersattendance@phm.k12.in.us as it is the preferred way to let the school know of your child's absence. Please put your child's name and grade in the subject line.
Attention: Elsie Rogers will no longer be using Class Dojo for communication purposes. As a school we will be using Seesaw. Please take guidance from your classroom teacher to get connected!
A Message from Dr. Sears, P-H-M Social-Emotional Learning & Mental Health Director
1. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and mental health are paramount, especially right now. P-H-M is committed to supporting students through weekly SEL lessons so we can intentionally teach students the skills they need to thrive both now and in the future. The SEL lessons also provide a time to help build and maintain social relationships, even in a virtual world. SEL lessons will be delivered by your student's classroom teacher one time per week starting the week of August 24, 2020. The SEL lessons will begin with an overview of SEL and the lesson framework. Then, in the coming weeks we will move into discussing some ways to manage stress and practice cognitive flexibility.
For additional information on stress management or hotlines, please review the information and resources below:
- Stress Management Techniques
- Coping with stress during COVID-19
- Anticipatory Grief
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (Call 911 for emergencies): The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. The lifeline can assist with crisis prevention for you or your loved ones.
- Safe School Helpline-1-800-4-1-VOICE x359: The Safe School Helpline is a 24/7 communication service that empowers school administrators to make proactive decisions as well as creating reporting responsibilities for students, parents and community members to share in the maintenance of a safe learning environment. This is monitored around the clock so reports can be addressed in a timely manner.
2. P-H-M will have a Diversity Superintendent's Advisory (SAC) for the 20-21 school year in order to provide the school constituency the opportunity to provide input toward the achievement of district-wide goals for valuing and celebrating diveristy as well as working to end racial injustices and discrimination. We invite parents/guardians who have a current P-H-M student to apply if they are interested. Applications will be accepted through Friday, August 28, 2020 until 4:30 p.m. Please use this link to find out more and to access the application.
3. Due to COVID-19, we understand that family financial situations may have changed. Health and human services information and resources are available in St. Joseph county and available by calling 2-1-1 or (866) 211-9966 or at this website.
4. We all need a break sometimes, including our students. That is why a "Virtual Chill Space" was created to help support students during their virtual learning time breaks. The "Virtual Chill Space" includes several activities, such as exercise and movement, relaxation, mindfulness, reading, art, games, dancing, puzzles, etc. to help elementary and some middle schoolers "chill" for a set amount. It is intended to be a short break if a child needs it. Many of the sites are linked using Safe YouTube to limit ads and comments, but parent/guardian supervision on the internet is always advised. It certainly is not required and is a parent/guardian option that was created as a resource for your consideration during this time, so please feel free to explore this site (LINKED HERE) to see if this is something you might be interested in using with your student.
_________________________________________________________________
Jennifer Sears, Ph.D.
Director of Social-Emotional Learning & Mental Health
Psychologist
Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
How to Log Into Google Classroom
Homework Helpdesk
In order to provide students with after hours academic support during virtual learning, we are piloting a P-H-M homework helpdesk. We have assembled a team of elementary, exceptional education, and content specific secondary teachers who will be available via email from 7:00-9:00pm, Monday-Thursday. These helpdesk teachers will be responsive to student and/or parent emails, providing specific academic support as needed. This might include responding to an email or even an interactive Google Video Hangout to provide academic guidance. Additionally, the helpdesk teachers will communicate back to the student's regular teacher related to what supports were provided so we can work collaboratively, creating the best possible virtual learning environment for our students.
Students and/or parents can contact the after-hours homework helpdesk by emailing homeworkhelp@phm.k12.in.us starting on Monday, August 24th.
Virtual Learning Meals
Starting Wednesday, August 19, 2020, until in-person learning begins, meals will still be available for pick up. The meals will be charged to your student(s) lunch account as per your meal status for the school year. USDA regulations require that only parent/guardian may pick up meals for their student(s).
You may go to www.schoolcafe.com to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch Application and to make on-line payments to your student(s) lunch account.
Meal Locations: Prairie Vista Elementary School, Grissom Middle School & Penn High School
Lunch Times (Same for all 3 locations): Breakfast is 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Lunch is 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Meal Prices: Breakfast - $.30/$1.10/$1.25 Lunch - $.40/$1.90/$2.10
* Reduced Price, Elementary Price, & Middle/High School Price
Christy Campbell, Principal
Email: ccampbell@phm.k12.in.us
Website: https://elsierogers.phmschools.org/
Location: Currant Road, Mishawaka, IN, USA
Phone: 574-259-5231
Twitter: @ElsieRogersES