Principal's Update
From Dr. Duffy, James Monroe High School
Update for October 30, 2020
Return to School
As you may know, letters were sent home last week for students selected to start attending in-person classes next week on November 5th. Much of the information in this issue of the Principal’s Update addresses issues related to this new program and its impact on all students.
Transportation
Bus schedules may be found at the bottom of this newsletter. They will also be found on the school’s website. Please note that assigned times will be approximate for the first week or so. Students are directed to be at the bus stop at least 15 minutes before their scheduled pick-up time.
Class Meetings
Starting next week, the schedule for distance learning classes will coincide with face-to-face classes. Our purpose in these classes is to make sure that students who are distance learning and meeting face-to-face are supported by the instruction provided. Students who are unable to attend a virtual class meeting will not be missing instruction that is not contained in the Canvas learning module, but they will have access to lessons and support that help to bring those online lessons alive.
Class Meeting Schedule
As noted above, virtual class meetings will coincide with face-to-face class meetings. One important change from past experience is that Monday and Tuesdays are always A days, and Thursdays and Fridays are always B days. This practice supports our effort to maintain a healthy building. It probably also helps students to remember which days are A days and B days. Finally, this schedule also allows for teachers to connect lessons from one day to the next.
Attendance
We will continue to require students to check in with their homeroom teacher each day in order to be counted as present. The difference in November is that we will also be taking attendance of students in their virtual class meetings starting Nov. 5. Students who miss virtual class meetings will not be penalized so long as they follow the check in process with their homeroom teacher, but they are strongly encouraged to attend all virtual class meetings.
Grading
Another important change we have implemented this year is that students will no longer receive Fs lower than a 50%. Our view of this practice is that giving students extremely low grades for assignments often makes it impossible for students to earn a passing grade. The practice of using a 10-point scale for As, Bs, Cs, and Ds, and a 60-point scale for a Fs, works against our efforts to use grades as a way to reflect student understanding. This policy was put into place and retroactively applied to all grades from the start of this academic year.
Principal Advisory Committees
I want to remind everyone that I am still looking for interested parents and students to participate in our Parent Advisory Committee or Student Advisory Committee. These meetings will be held through virtual meeting platforms. I am very interested in hearing from a wide range of stakeholders as we strive to provide the best educational program at James Monroe High School. Please call or email me for additional information.
JM Student Spotlight: Sean Keane-Seay, 9th Grader
This is a new feature of my weekly update, showcasing student achievement in the face of challenging circumstances.
Sean Kean-Seay completed his test last Friday and was awarded his first degree black belt in Taekwondo! It was a grueling two-hour physical, mental, and emotional test and Sean persevered and captured his goal. His parents noted this was not the first time he has overcome challenges in his life. His first day of kindergarten was disrupted by the earthquake. His first day of high school was altered by the pandemic. Sean has worked more than six years to attain this latest "first." Please join me in congratulating Sean on his accomplishment!
Sean board breaking.
Sean with staff.
IB Learner Profile: Risk Taker
Conclusion
Well that’s it for now, JM. Please take care to do all you can to wear a mask in public, follow practices of social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. Everyone has a role to play to contribute to the over-all public health of our community.
Go Jackets!
How to Stay Connected
Email: tduffy@cityschools.com
Website: https://jmhs.fxbgschools.us/
Location: 2300 Washington Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 372-1100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMHSFXBG
Twitter: @TDuffyEducator