WHPS Online Learning Plan: Week 2
Middle Schools
WHPS Middle School Online Learning Plan Week 2
Dear Middle School Students and Families:
Welcome to the WHPS Online Learning Plan for Week 2 (March 30-April 3). Last week our students signed into their online learning classes for the first time; it was great to see everyone "back in school" and interacting with their teachers and peers. This week we continue our asynchronous teaching and learning plan.
What are the district's objectives for Week 2?
- to promote student well-being
- to advance student learning
- to offer students feedback on their learning
- to support the needs of all of our students and families
- to use online learning tools effectively and expand the use of engaging resources
Last week, some questions came up...
Are classroom office hours optional?
Our intent is to have students attend office hours. Unless family obligations prevent them from doing so, students are highly encouraged to attend all sessions.
How are students receiving feedback and grades?
During the first two weeks of the WHPS Online Learning plan for middle schools, teachers are providing students with descriptive feedback on assignments and marking those assignments as "Collected."
Are there major changes to the way students will engage in online learning during week 2?
WHPS teachers are hard at work identifying new ways to present learning and engage students. Students will continue to use the tools WHPS has established for online learning including:
- Google Classroom -Teachers will use this platform as the primary means of instruction through uploaded self-created demonstrations, videos and audio from educational sites, informational content, and group discussions. By Friday afternoon of each week, teachers will post learning expectations and assignments for the following week.
- Google Meets - Through the platform, teachers will offer Classroom Office Hours twice per week in each course. Students will engage in learning by using the resources posted in Google Classroom. Teachers will meet with students in Classroom Office Hours to discuss learning expectations, make connections to previous learning, clarify concepts presented for the week, hold group discussions, respond to student questions, and get a sense of student understanding.
- GMail - Like Google Classroom, Gmail is a communication tool that students and teachers use regularly and will continue to use as we move to the WHPS Online Learning Plan.
When will students engage in online learning?
Once students see their assignments posted in Google Classroom, they can complete their work when it best meets their schedule. Each teacher will communicate when work is due, but will remain flexible. To support student learning, WHPS built a schedule for students to check in with their teachers using Google Meets. The middle school schedule can be found here.
Do all classes have Classroom Office Hours?
Yes, all middle school classes, including Advisory, hold Classroom Office Hours.
What digital tools are available to help students with online assignments?
There is a wide variety of tools available on the Internet. Here are some examples.
Natural Reader - Natural Reader is a professional text to speech program. Students simply open Natural Reader and drag and drop a .DOC, .PDF, .TXT, .RTF, or .EPUB file into this online tool and Natural Reader converts text into spoken words.
Speechtexter - This free online resource allows students to speak their response into a dictation box and text will appear. Text then can be copied and pasted into documents or text boxes to create written responses to assignments.
ChromeVox - Pre-installed on all Chromebooks, ChromeVox is a screen reader that allows users to browse the Internet with the aid of synthesized speech played through their speakers or headphones.
How is WHPS supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans?
WHPS is providing multiple supports to students who have IEP and 504 plans. These include:
- Untimed assignments with flexible due dates. Students with IEPs will work with their special educator and teacher to determine appropriate flexibilities.
- All assignments posted in Google Classroom will include accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans. In addition, digital tools to support access to instructional materials are posted above.
- Content Support classes, those classes that provide students with additional targeted instruction, will hold Classroom Office Hours as all other classes do. Students can check in with their special educator for support in meeting their goals.
- Special Educators will use afternoons and Wednesdays for small group work and individual check-ins.
- Special Educators will have access to their co-teacher's Google Classroom to review assignments and be prepared to support students.
- Special Educators and 504 case managers have created individual learning plans to meet each student's individual goals.
- School Counselors will check in with their students with 504 plans during the afternoon or on Wednesday to determine their needs. Students whose 504 plan includes direct related services (e.g. speech and language, counselor or clinician check-ins, etc.) will have an individualized learning plan sent home that outlines how and when services are provided.
- Special Educators of students in Intensive Academic classes will email families directly with plans for continued learning.
WHPS Online Learning Plan Week #2
Monday, Mar 30, 2020, 08:30 AM
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Google Classroom
Google Classroom will be the primary platform for posting lessons and resources. For many of our students and teachers, Google Classroom is a resource they use for learning each day. Over the last week, all middle school teachers established a Google Classroom for each class and invited students, co-teachers, and Department Supervisors to join.
Gmail
Google Meets
WHPS Website
WHPS and Families: Strong Together
Town of West Hartford Website
QUEST Program
Helpful Hints
Daily Routines
With the move to a new learning environment, students are establishing their new schedules and routines. Routines are helpful to provide continuity, support students in achieving their goals, and offer structure through a transitional period. We encourage students to balance their academic work with time for physical fitness, creative pursuits, and opportunities for social/emotional growth.
Support
We appreciate that the WHPS Online Learning Plan is new to everyone: students, teachers, and families. While we cannot replicate the classroom learning experience, we have designed meaningful, targeted weekly learning opportunities for the coming weeks. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's teacher or your building administrator.