From the Middle EMS and ELA
News from the Principal, April 3, 2020
Hello Parents and Families,
First off, I'm sure you saw the news that we will remain in "remote, online learning" for the remainder of this school year. The last day of school is still May 22nd. While I'm sure this news isn't coming as a shock to you, it is definitely hard to hear. We are all feeling some level of grief around this current situation, and we will continue to do our best every day to meet the needs of all our students.
I know 8th grade continuation is a concern for many. We will find a way to celebrate our wonderful 8th graders. More to come on this.
We LOVED seeing your kiddos on Zoom these last three days. And, for those who couldn't connect to Zoom, we know many students were in contact with their teachers through email and google classroom. This is great! Our attendance rate on the 11:00 am Zoom Meetings all three days was hovering right around 88--90%. This is wonderful, and very close to our "regular" attendance rate (our average attendance rate for "normal" school days is around 92%).
~Annessa Hart, Principal
Parent/Guardian Zoom Meeting
I will be hosting a PARENT/GUARDIAN Q & A SESSION on Zoom.
Please join me on Monday, April 6th from 4:30--5:30 pm--you can join at any time for as long as you'd like.
All EMS and ELA parents/guardians are invited.
This is time for you to ask questions about procedures, internet, Google Classroom ins and outs, as well as other questions you have. We won't be able to discuss specific/individual student needs (per law). Here is the Zoom Meeting Information. (Please do not share with anyone outside of EMS/ELA.)
Topic: Parent/Guardian Q & A Session
Time: Apr 6, 2020 04:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/449426707?pwd=NGtiU3lPSmRBWUN1WkZjakF3cnA1UT09
Meeting ID: 449 426 707
Password: 794758
We will follow similar expectations as our students including:
- Waiting Room (when you click the link, you will be "on hold" until I see your name)
- Please use the audio and video functions if possible.
- Please use your first and last name to enter the conversation.
- When you are not speaking, please MUTE your audio.
Please view this how-to video if you want more information on using Zoom.
Student Grades for Quarter 4
I know students and parents have expressed concerns about student grades. Assigned work and participation during remote learning will not have a negative impact on student grades. We want our students to have every opportunity to build skills in preparation for future success, and yet we understand the difficulties our students are currently facing that might impact their ability to participate every day in online learning. Our teachers and staff are working very hard to ensure that all the work for the rest of this semester is based on the essential skills students need to finish strong. If you have questions about specific classes or assignments, please email the teacher.
Thank you for all your encouragement, questions, and suggestions.
Student Art Gallery
Zoom Video Chat
We are well aware that there have been some concerns shared in the news in the last few days about Zoom safety. All our teachers will be using the "Waiting Room" feature on their zoom--this ensure that they know who is entering the chat before they enter. Teachers have shared their expectations with students for this online learning time, and I've included them below.
If you do not want your student participating in Zoom.com video chats with staff, please submit your opt out request here.
ONLINE EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS
BE PREPARED
Show up on time with your device charged.
Close other tabs in your browser if needed.
Be sure all technology is working 5 – 10 minutes before the meeting.
Don’t run other apps that will weaken your signal.
Join the meeting with YOUR REAL NAME.
MUTE YOURSELF
Mute yourself right away to eliminate background noise.
Keep mute on if you are not speaking.
PRESENTATION / ENVIRONMENT
Consider your surroundings (what will show up in the background)
Consider your appearance (school appropriate).
Find a location in your house with few distractions.
Let your family know you are in a meeting.
Be sure the area is well lit so we can see you.
HEADPHONES
Use headphones if you have them
CHAT RESPONSIBLY
Keep your chat language school appropriate (No profanity or inappropriate gestures or backgrounds).
Include questions you want the teacher to address.
SIGNALS
Use hand signals (don’t just nod /shake your head).
Thumbs Up = Yes / Thumbs Down = No
Hand to ear = Cannot hear
Raise Hand = I have a comment or question
FREE Internet Access Options
Internet Access
- Xfinity has announced an Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone program. Through it, Xfinity hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free. Search for a hotspot near you.
- Comcast Internet Essentials is offering two free months of their Internet Essentials package starting March 16, 2020. You have to be eligible, so read more on their website. You can also call 1-855-846-8376.
Coping With Stress During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Mental Health Resources in Denver Metro Area
Helping Families Cope with Covid-19
As a reminder, Safe2Tell is a resource students can access right away if they have worries or concerns about themselves or a friend.
Attendance Line for EMS and ELA
Phone: 303-806-2300