Eagle Updates
April 5, 2020
From Mrs. Barry:
If you engage on social media at all, you've seen a million thoughts about and ideas for "homeschooling." One of the most powerful articles I've read discussed the difference between "crisis" schooling and "homeschooling."
First and foremost, the article reminds us that homeschooling is a choice, while the situation we are currently in is not. We are reacting to a situation for which we have no control. None of us wanted this. Trust me, your children's teachers would MUCH rather have them at school (and I'm sure many of you feel the same way!). We are all navigating this new "normal" with limited notice, planning, or training. We WILL find a way to make it work, but we were thrust in unexpectedly, and it requires time to determine the BEST steps to take for our students.
The article also reminds us that crisis schooling does not look like regular school. Parents cannot - and should not - replicate all that happens in a 7-hour day on campus. We do not expect you to suddenly become a teacher! Our children are not used to being home all day, without the social interaction of their peers. They are used to interactive lessons with partners, small groups, stations, and more. It's impossible to replace this with a worksheet, an online link, or even a Zoom meeting. The personalized instruction and guidance they get from the teacher can only happen in the environment for which it was designed. If your child is working 2-4 hours a day on schoolwork, that is plenty!
As district leaders, we also must take into account that not every child has 24/7 access to the internet, or even a device to use to access the materials, etc. I recently heard from a mom whose only device is her iPhone - and she has 4 children! Another parent shared that they have a computer, but with multiple children at each level (elementary, middle, and high) and her own work needs, finding time for each to have "study" time is very difficult.
Our teachers are diligently working to determine how they can take what they do in the classroom and translate that into work done at home. Thus far, our focus has been on connecting with our Eagles, engaging students in learning through the Digital Backpack, and providing support where needed. As we continue through this challenging time, teachers will be working through what is essential learning and how to best modify instruction for the current situation.
Bottom line: give yourself grace! Take time for "unschooling" - child led learning and learning from life! Work on soft skills such as doing laundry, sewing on buttons, or washing dishes, and enjoy the unexpected time you have together as a family. We are all in this together and will figure it out together! As SBISD employees, we have the following norms during this time: patience, flexibility, and positivity. I think these are perfect for all of us, every day!
If you would like to read the article referenced, here is the link:
Welcome home to MWE!
Welcome, Baby Camila!
From the Counselors:
Mindful Tips for Kids during COVID-19!
“We acknowledge scary stuff, but then we want to expand our perspective to include the goodness happening right now, too.”
- Susan Kaiser Greenland
We are all experiencing various challenges and difficulties in dealing with COVID-19. Often times, we can see these difficulties more evident in children because they lack the vocabulary to express how they feel.
Here are some tips for children to be more mindful at home.
- Wash your hands, but make it mindful. You’ve heard it a million times: To fight the coronavirus, wash your hands as often as possible for at least 20 seconds. Next time you’re over the sink, start noticing how that actually feels. Maybe close your eyes and take in the sensations you’ve never paid attention to before. (Is it cold? Slippery? Has that wrinkle in your palm always been there?) Try using the time to think of five things you’re grateful for. Beats singing “Happy Birthday,” right?
- Bubble breathing. If you have a bottle of bubbles lying around the house, this one’s for you. First, breathe in slowly, filling every inch of your lungs with air. Then, with your mouth pointed toward the bubble wand, let out a slow, steady stream of breath until a huge bubble begins to form. Focus on your breath as the bubble grows bigger. Repeat this a few times, and notice the way your body and mind feel after.
- Connect at home. Staying away from other people is important right now to keep us all healthy, but it feels strange. If you’re missing a sense of connection, the “Fun House Mirrors” game is an option. Grab a parent or sibling, stand across from each other and choose a leader. The leader’s job is to make slow movements; the partner makes the same movements. The goal is to follow each other so closely that you’re moving totally together.
- S.T.O.P. If you want to take it a step further, try a more traditional practice known as S.T.O.P. The “S” tells us to stop what we’re doing — pause the video game, put down your homework — and sit or lie down. Then comes “T,” which stands for taking deep breaths, in through the nose and out of the mouth. “O” is for observing what’s happening in your mind, body and emotions while continuing to breathe. There’s no right or wrong thing to feel, so just think about what you’re feeling inside. Finally, “P” asks us to proceed with our day while still thinking about how we feel about everything going on.
These simple practices have a powerful grounding effect on kids and on their parents, too!
Source: https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-23/kids-mindfulness-tips-coronavirus
Morning Announcements!
We would love to start each day seeing all of you! We will have morning announcements LIVE on Zoom at 9am. Tune in daily to do pledge, birthdays, songs, read alouds and exercises. This is a great way to start your day and see your friends and teachers.
We look forward to seeing you!
A challenge from Mrs. McCracken:
Each week the Elementary Librarians are challenging students to explore and use the resources we have available in SBISD.
This week, students/teachers are challenged to explore a topic on PebbleGo and then share their experience with the hashtag #SBISD_readers and #SBISDLib.
Tag me on Twitter @MWElibrarian #SBISD_readers so I can see all the challenges you complete! If you don’t already, please make sure to follow me @MWElibrarian
District Information
Dear Students and Parents,
Week 3 content is now posted in the Digital Backpack.
Here’s what’s new:
- College Board/AP exam updates posted by Advanced Academics (4/3/2020)
- Art and Music lesson posted in Fine Arts
- New virtual field trips
- Week 2 content now in the eLearning archive
- Week 3 printable PDFs for PK-5th grade in the eLearning archive
- Student Accessibility Supports for read-aloud assistance and math tools
This week, more of our teachers, especially at the secondary level, are moving assignments and courses to itsLearning (ITSL) our learning management system. For these courses, the Digital Backpack continues to serve as another layer of instructional support.
Reminders
- Grab and Go Meals Continue SBISD Child Nutrition Services will continue the four-day schedule for Grab and Go Meals. Click here for more information.
- Important Updates from Dr. Craft - Please be sure to take a few minutes to read this afternoon’s email message from Dr. Kristin Craft, Associate Superintendent for Academics for additional important information.
- Short Holiday Week – This is a shortened week, with a four-day weekend ahead. The district will be closed on Friday, April 10 and Monday April 13. As a result, next week’s Digital Backpack information will be forthcoming on Thursday evening.
Have a great week!
Information from SPECIALS
HEALTH FITNESS ACTIVITIES!
Coach Hollmann has created a Facebook page where she is uploading daily videos and activities for the kiddos. She is also posting videos to help explain some of the activities being put out by the Health Fitness Department. The name of the page is --- Coach Hollmann is Here to Help: https://www.facebook.com/CoachHollmann/
She wants us to remember that the kiddos really just need to be going outside, getting some Vitamin D and working out their wiggles. She is also putting links on her itsLearning page. I hope you are able to have fun with your children as they engage in some physical fitness activities.
ART FOR EVERYONE!
Mrs. Waggenspack, our very own Art Queen, also has art ideas for you! You can access her Facebook page -- Mrs. Waggenspack's Art Room -- or check out her blog at www.elementaryartfun.blogspot.com. You can also google "SmArt Class." On this page, you will find tons of activities, videos, links, and more!
She wants to see what amazing things our students are doing, so please share!
MUSIC AND MORE!
Join the Music at Meadow Wood Facebook page for messages from Mrs. Camey!
Important Info about Study Packets
Beginning the week of April 20, self-study paper packets will be mailed to your home
address for each child in grades PK-5, as we discontinue our drive-thru packet pickup
process. (Note the self-study guides distributed this past Friday included instructional
material for week 3 and 4.) Please be sure your address is correct in Skyward!
SBISD Grab and Go Meals
Sponsor Spotlight!
Memorial Village ER is a valued supporter of MWE. Memorial Village ER provides a higher standard in emergency care. Their mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, VIP emergency care. Please show your love and appreciation by using Memorial Village ER.