The Jefferson Buzz
September 4, 2020
A Message from our Principal...
Dear Jefferson Families,
The second exciting week of our school year has flown by. We’ve certainly been met with some challenges with online instruction, but working through each situation has helped us get better at it daily. More importantly, we’re learning every day more about our precious students. So many of them are showing us how eager that they are to learn and grow. They especially seem to love and enjoy different forms of communicating with each other and their teachers.
There are two areas this week for which we need your help. First, is student attendance. We are required by law to take attendance every day. We have learned that we have to take attendance throughout the day because students don’t always come back to their class meeting after the first session of the day. It is vitally important that students attend each of their scheduled classes, including the daily music, art, PE, or library class. Can you help your student to understand that online instruction is actual school? Additionally, students need to be encouraged to participate actively in each of the sessions that teachers have created.
Second, to be very honest, we are trying mightily to find the balance between live instruction (synchronous) and off-line work time (asynchronous) where students work on assignments without the teacher in front of them. We are highly aware that too much screen time isn’t good for students. We are also learning that keeping our zoom meetings open most of the 5-hour day gives students more flexibility in asking for help. It also provides a reminder to return to live instructional time. However, that could give the impression that students have to be working online all day - which is not our intention. This balancing act is further complicated as teachers try to fit in all of the instruction needed so that students can reach essential learning targets.
We need to hear from you. In this newsletter is a link to a survey that asks for your feedback on how things might be going so far with remote learning. I realize that we’ve only had two weeks of school, but your overall impressions and ideas are important for us to have. When we know more, we can make better decisions. If you are able, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey.
As always, please keep in touch. Your ideas and suggestions are very important to me.
Most sincerely,
Dr. Judy Floeter
Helpful Terms
Asynchronous Learning: teachers prepare lessons and activities for students to complete on their own time, at their own pace.
Communication: ways to get messages to parents and students.
Digital Engagement: strategies to keep students engaged in learning while they are online or in a remote location.
Remote Learning: teachers and students are in two different locations at all times. Teachers prepare lessons and activities for students to complete either independently or via a video conferencing service. School is not open for students (and/or teachers) to return to.
Synchronous Learning: teachers and students are in a classroom setting or in a video conferencing environment together, at a specific time, learning the same content.
Video Conferencing Service: an online platform that allows students to meet with classmates and teachers from a remote location at the same time. Common platforms include Zoom and Google Meet.
Reminder...
Early Dismissal
Starting Wednesday, September 9th the second Wednesday of each month will be an early dismissal day. Student hours will end at 12:45 and teachers will not be immediately available to students after that time. Students/parents/guardians are always welcome to call the office with immediate questions or send their teachers emails that will be responded to at a later time.
Daily Attendance
LIVE ZOOM w/ D50 Tech Department!
https://cusd50.zoom.us/j/82268929999?pwd=U2tpdjZ2OTd0eHgraWJmaWVlb0Nqdz09
Starting September 14th, students CAN check out books from Jefferson!
- Login with your 202_____ number for username and password.
- Search by genre or title and click the hold tab on the book
2. Mrs. Kriete or Mrs. Binz will email you when your book is ready.
3. Pick up your book at the front entrance of Jefferson starting September 14th
Monday 3:00-6:30pm OR Wednesday 12-3:00pm
Bee Mindful...
Sincerely,
Mrs. Julie & Mr. Jason
Parent's Corner
Hello Jefferson families!
Here are some tips to help prepare your child for e-learning!
1. Have a designated learning space
Print or write out your child’s schedule with breaks built in
Ensure you have the appropriate equipment (WiFi, laptop, headphones & charger)
Stock their work area with school supplies
Include pens, pencils, markers, paper, notebooks, and any other materials your student may need
Allow space and comfortable seating
Make sure this area is quiet or has a door that can be closed
Reduce distractions (Put away toys/activities, turn off the television and video games, etc.)
2. Make a schedule and try to stick to it
Have them set their alarm clock for in the morning
Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and wakes up in time to prepare for their day and eat breakfast
Remember, there has to be flexibility
Take train breaks for online learning
3. Try to build as much structure and consistency as possible, setting times for meals, schoolwork and other activities.
Monitor your children’s grades
Make time for reading & math practice
4. Understand the remote learning plan
Make sure your child signs into their chromebook a few minutes early
Every student should be signed on no later than 9am EVERY week day
Please reach out to child's teacher or the school’s Parent Community Liaison if you have any questions
5. Keep the lines of communication open
Talk to your children about their day
Do you still have questions?
Check-In and reach out to your child's teacher or the school’s Parent Community Liaison
Happy e-Learning!
You are a Rock Star!
Most sincerely,
Alisha Durán
Bilingual Parent Community Liaison
815-943-6464 Ext. 2448
aduran@cusd50.org
Jefferson Remote Learning Expectations For Students and Parents
We Are Here For You!!
jfloeter@cusd50.org Principal
trayas@cusd50.org Student Support Facilitator
(815)216-5709
jtheisz@cusd50.org Social Worker
jhenning@cusd50.org Social Worker
(847) 497-5945
aduran@cusd50.org Parent Community Liaison
(779) 803-4255