Faculty Focus
April 26, 2020
Welcome to Week #7!
Shoot for the Moon and You Will Land Among the Stars!
Updated Remote Learning Guidance from DESE
DESE sent out several pieces of information including updated guidelines for remote learning and power standards on which to focus. We will discuss the information at the Wednesday 1:00 p.m. staff meeting, and it will be helpful if you review it beforehand, and disucss the standards at cgrade level curriculum meetings throughout the week.
All four items are linked here. The first two are the critical items for our instructional planning:
Strengthening Our Remote Learning Experience
Massachusetts Secondary Prerequisite Content Standards 4.20.20
On the Desktop Updated Guidance for Remote Learning (Letter from Riley) 4.20.20
Massachusetts Elementary Prerequisite Content Standards 4.20.20
After reviewing, we are well positioned on our path with remote learning in terms of our program. As with all new endeavors we will continue to reflect and revise as needed to support our learnings. I was pleased to see that while an emphasis is placed on holding synchronous opportunities to connect with students, an equal emphasis is placed on the importance of asynchronous learning for the many reasons we have chosen our approach. Hopefully the content standards will be helpful to you in making decisions about your focus with curriculum for the remainder of the year.
PD Offerings this Thursday 4/30
Both are tools that promote active learning through use of video in instruction. Each provides ways for teachers to present content, provide meaningful prompts and motivate critical and creative thinking. There is a brief description of each below, and a form to complete for sign-up.
Also, Pat Hand, Marybeth Quinn, Natalie Pinta, and Ardis Francoeur have asked that I let you know that they are available and willing to answer any questions people have on Screencastify and Google Classroom as well as Google Meet. Future workshops will be offered on those as needed.
We are still seeking a facilitator for Moby Max as well as other tools. Keep the requests coming!
Flipgrid: Students record videos on any device in response to a prompt you provide. Link to the eEducator's Guide to Flipgrid.
EdPuzzle: Introduce students to self-paced learning with interactive video lessons. It's easy to add your own voice narration and questions. Use videos from YouTube, Khan Academy, Crash Course and more, or create your own. Edpuzzle Getting Started Guide
Sign Up for EdPuzzle or Flipgrid workshops on Thursday, April 30, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Miscellaneous Updates
Is underway for both the closing celebrations for grade 8 students and the welcoming for our new 6th graders in the fall.
Locker Clean-out and Student Belongings
Plans for and timing of returning belongings to students is under discussion.As there are varied challenges at the different levels and details that need to be worked out, GPS principals have agreed to work on a plan together and not to begin at any individual building until plans for all schools are complete. Please reassure students who inquire:
- They will indeed get their items back
- It will likely not be for a while
- We need our textbooks and other materials back as well!
- They should not bring items by the school until we have sent out plans for coordination of the effort.
Contact Information
Email: lbeattie@gloucesterschools.com
Website: http://omaley.gloucesterschools.com/
Location: 32 Cherry Street, Gloucester, MA, USA
Phone: 978-281-9850
Twitter: @omaleyprincipal