News from New Haven
Posts from the Principal
A deeper look
Thank you for your questions, patience, and most of all your support through this process of getting our schools up and started this school year. I will continue to provide as much information regarding what school looks like at NH as I can. Admittedly, there are still a lot of inter-working pieces that are dependent on one another. This week, we have been contacting all families that we still needed return to school information from so that we can begin resorting class lists.
What does the survey mean at this point?
Our survey results currently are about 80% hybrid and 20% virtual. We have some grade levels that are heavier on the hybrid model than others. Right now, we are going through every single student and creating a Hybrid list and a Virtual list. We will then take the hybrid and begin redistributing students to make the class lists as even as possible. This will allow us to keep the in-person numbers as low as possible so that students will have the necessary space that they need within the classroom, allowing for distancing and them to not wear masks all day. After measuring every space in the building we can fit about 10-12 students in rooms with the space that they need, however this does vary depending on the room you are in. The state is creating a piece to our Infinite Campus program that would allow a sorting model that encompasses all levels (EL/M/Hs) so that we are able to ensure families are all on the same Hybrid model. Unfortunately, this is not happening until next week, which in turn delays our access. As of right now, we are projecting hybrid information being sent out the week of August 10th. I already know that we will have to make adjustments once the hybrid schedule is set to make the best balance as possible. I know I have already said this, but we will work with our families as best as we can. We are all aware this is not the ideal situation for anyone. I can't guarantee every request, but as a working parent myself I understand the demands.
Open House-
Students will find out who their teachers are through the mail. We are sending out postcards to every enrolled student and they will get to find out their teacher that way. We are working out a plan to schedule kindergarten parents in to meet all of the teachers and visit the classrooms before August 25th. In order for this to happen we will send out an email with a signup genius because we will be restricted on how many we can have at a time. Parents, I am asking that it be limited to 3 people (including your child) that attend. Again, once I meet with our kindergarten teachers we will send out more information specific to this.
I realize that there are many other families new to New Haven that also would like a tour, and we are trying to figure out times and abilities to house this with multiple grade levels. I'm embracing the "where there is a will there is a way" motto and we will be diligent in providing this if possible. Because the calendar has changed and our teachers are starting a few days later, our open house dates will be determined soon.
What does Hybrid -vs- Virtual look like for my child?
As of right now, all of our hybrid students will have NH teachers and will have traditional face to face instruction, activities, and interactions like we typically plan for. The remote days will be a little more student directed with on-line lessons, videos, and meetings at different times. We will be very intentional to get the entire class (A&B) together on Wednesdays on Google meets because we want all of the students to interact together. There will be components that the students will be required to complete while learning remotely. We also understand that in some situations there may not be an adult available during the day to assist students with their remote assignments. As long as the student completes their assignments within those 3 days and submit them their participation will be counted.
As I said in my last newsletter, the virtual model is more for students who can be self-directed or have a good support system at home. Students will have at least 2 days of meeting with the teacher remotely, but could have more (ie: small group reading, identified lessons etc.) The virtual students will be assigned a teacher- it may or may not be a NH teacher, but it is looking like if my numbers stay as they are it will likely to be a NH teacher. In addition to this, there may be other teachers or staff support reaching out to work with students as well. Admittedly, what our teachers do with students in a classroom, face to face, cannot be duplicated to the same caliber virtually. This will be a model in which the relationship between home and school will need to be open and solid.
I have included some information below that explains the parameters of each program. Each teacher will give much more information regarding their classrooms, etc. as well.
Hybrid Transportation Questionnaire
Survey Q&A
There were a couple of questions on the district survey that I wanted to specifically address through the NH lens. Hopefully, this gives perspective to any answers you may have received from the district office. I will always be transparent with you, so if I don't have the answer I will tell you that. However, I will work to find it and report back. We do not have all the answers as of yet, because many decisions being made are dependent on others.
What precautions are buses going to have? - There will be less students on a bus than typical- so there will naturally more available space/ seating. Families will be encouraged to sit with each other. Students will be asked to wear masks.
Can you request that siblings be on the same hybrid model? Absolutely- that is actually what the district is doing with this program that is being integrated with our current Infinite Campus platform. We are waiting for the state to deploy this next week.
Does my child have to wear a mask all day long? - No, not as long as they are 6 feet away from others. We will be intentional about giving opportunities to not wear masks throughout the day. The times students will have to mask: moving in the hallways, going to the restroom, small group instruction, coming from and going to the bus, and when they are within someone's 6 foot bubble. We understand that it is not healthy to wear a mask all day long. We will push fresh air- going outside, etc. when we can. We will utilize the entire campus so that students can go outside for a bit.
Will my student be assigned a chrome book whether they are hybrid or virtual? Yes, we will be sending out a survey to find out exactly who needs what. We were able to ensure that our K-5th grade has chrome book availability this year. Student Device Needs Link
Does my kindergartner have to wear a mask? According to all the sources that we have been in regular consultation with they are saying that kindergartners do not have to wear masks. However, we are asking that they come to school with one so that on the bus, in the halls, and in small group we can help them. If you want your child to be masked you just need to communicate that to the homeroom teacher. If you don't want your child masked, we will take precautions to keep them 6 ft from others. If possible, it is a request that you at least have a mask your child can put on.
My child has specially designed instruction, how will this be met? Our district office special education department has been working diligently to communicate changes and best practices to staff. Students will receive services, although some may look different than normal (for example; speech therapy over a phone or on a google meet) School staff will be reaching out to each family to communicate what each will look like.
Can I change my mind once school has started? We are setting staffing around your semester decision. No school can ensure the safety, health, and instructional parameters are being met if models are switched. We have to make sure that I have staffing for all of the needs in the building. I can't move a teacher mid year from one model to the other because of the balance that I am currently planning for. We also are limited the amount of exposure students are getting within the day. Parents will be surveyed at winter break to see if they would like to change their decision for the 2nd semester.
How much notice will be giving if switching the hybrid model? That is a great question, and one that I don't think I can answer. I know the district will give parents notice, unless it's a situation like last spring where the Governor calls a state of emergency. At this point, the only way the hybrid model would switch is by going full day all week.
Parent pick up / Dismissal- PLEASE, PLEASE complete the transportation survey if you have selected the hybrid model. We HAVE to begin to plan for this! I am sure that I will have to be very clear in communicating what that looks like, where to pick up your students, etc. More than likely we will have to assign "zones" (specific doors) that you will pick your child up at so that we don't have 200+ children in the same area to be picked up. I am wrapping my brain around the plan, and will utilize our entire campus- but until I know EXACTLY how many I am planning for I won't be able to create the most efficient and effective means to dismiss. We will have to start dismissal a little earlier than usual so that I can avoid crossing streams (bus, daycare, & parent pickup). I am asking for a little grace on this as we implement planning. If you missed the link above- please take a minute to answer this 2 ? survey so we can plan arrival and dismissal.
HYBRID transportation questionnaire link
How will subs be handled? - The district is trying to assign us at least 2 subs to each building that will be our "go to" subs in case we are in need. This will limit exposure of just random subs coming in and out. Truthfully, we will probably be utilizing our leadership team- meaning myself and our assistants. That being said, there may be days that you need to speak to me that I may need to respond in the evening. Our students and classroom instruction is my first priority.
Will kids be able to leave the classroom? YES! I can't imagine trying to keep my children (when they were little) in our living room for 7 hours, and we aren't going to do that to our students. Students will be going to lunch, students will be able to go outside (whether that is sitting out in the courtyard reading or working on assignments with their teacher, or in the bus loop, etc.) Some Unified Arts classes will be in their homerooms, but some will be in another area- for example- we will utilize the Multipurpose Room for PE- students will have PLENTY of room to spread out and at least stretch their limbs! Obviously, they will also be going to the restrooms while they are here as well.
What happens when a student or teacher becomes ill? If it's not Covid related, we will handle it like we typically do. If it is Covid related, we will follow our chain of command, and follow the lead of the Health Department as far as notification to our families is concerned. If there is a situation, specific information of contact tracing, and next steps for instruction will be given to families.
Will lessons be recorded so that we can watch them when we are not working? I am working with our staff to get as many of the lessons videoed as possible. Some lessons will be through their blended learning platforms, (ie: lexia, reading plus, dreambox, envision, etc.) but some need to be recorded for explicit instruction. It may not be your child's exact teacher, but it will be someone on the grade level. We are hoping to divide and conquer so that everyone has access to the teaching regardless of the model selected.
Again- please be understanding that our teachers (who many are also working parents) will be required to give their attention to those students who are in front of them, plan for those that are remote, and also record and make learning as virtual as possible- all within their working day.
Can you send communication home via paper? I can't promise this just because my entire student population will not be present. I will try to communicate on as many different platforms and ways that I can. We are trying to purchase BLOOMZ as our total communication platform so that all parents are on the same page for everything. We will continue to use Infinite Campus, our FB page, and our Website. I am asking you to consistently look for information on one of those platforms. Sometimes it is hard to send out pertinent information via paper because I need you to have it immediately. The process of copying and distributing paper to 1000 students is very time consuming, and expensive, but we will try to accommodate everyone's needs as long as it is not a financial or time burden.
Is there a supply list? Yes, the supply list is linked and is also located on our webpage. there is information on their for what students would need at school and at home.
NH DEVICE NEEDS: Please complete this form regardless of model chosen.
Hand sanitizer stations around the building
6ft pawprints
Seating
Just a final word
I know that everyone has very personal feelings regarding our current situation. I appreciate our civil liberties, and have my own views as well. Please know that we are making decisions based on what is for the good of the whole. We literally have 180 degrees of opinions, and for every statistic highlighted there is a counter. I am not willing to debate the situation and you also need to understand that the decisions being made do not necessarily reflect any staff members personal beliefs. We are in a situation that where we cannot make everyone happy.
We are educators, and we want our students in front of us as well, but we will abide by the parameters set for us for the safety and well-being of everyone. We too are essential working parents. I have told my staff to try to stay away from social media because even when we try not to, we take view points personally. I am asking that we all give each other a little grace as we navigate this year. We will fumble- This I will promise to you- this is not how we have been trained to instruct students, but I guarantee that we will work endlessly to figure it out, and do the best job that we can for our students. New Haven is blessed to have some of the hardest working professionals I've had the privilege to work with, and there is nothing that I haven't seen them conquer. There is no one (other than their parents) that want to see our NH kids succeed than us. We are working tirelessly to ensure a great year for everyone.
New Haven Elementary
Email: mary.goble@boone.kyschools.us
Website: www.newhaven.boone.kyschools.us
Location: 10854 U.S. Highway 42, Union, KY, USA
Phone: (859)384-5325
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newhavenelementary