Panther Updates
March 23-27
Principal's Message
Governor's Latest Executive Order
Gov. Cooper has closed public schools through May 15. I have a principal's meeting tomorrow from 9:00-11:00. The following topics will be covered:
- WCPSS Remote Learning
- WCPSS Device Distribution
- Building Openings
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Distribution
- Human Resources Q & A
- Miscellaneous Updates
Building Open Tuesday or Wednesday Only
The building will be open ONLY for teachers and staff to pick up materials for remote learning/instruction on Tuesday or Wednesday (March 24 and March 25) from 11-3pm. You are not required to come in. This is only if you need to pick up materials for remote learning. Choose the day that works best for you. Please note the schedule below:
We are structuring the times because we want to limit the number of people in the building at one time. If you do not need items for remote learning, you do not need to come in.
PreK-2nd Grade and Office Staff can come from 11:00-1:00.
3-5 and Specials/Specialists can come from 1:00-3:00.
This is grab and go only. Get all that you think you will need for remote learning in the event that the school closure is extended past May 15. We will not re-open the building following these two days unless directed by the district.
Do not come to school to pick up any items for remote learning if:
- You or others in your household are feeling ill or have a compromised immune system.
- You are uncomfortable with the risk associated with being in public.
- You have been around someone with symptoms of the virus.
PLTs
Please send an invitation to Kayla and I so that we can join your Virtual PLT or Department Meeting. If your PLT has not already collaborated to discuss the instructional resources available on the WCPSS Remote Learning site, please consider doing so this week. During this time of extended closure, it will be important for PLTs to collaborate when deciding what instructional remote learning activities are shared with students.
Staff Meeting
We will have a staff meeting at the end of this week or beginning or next week. I'd like to get some additional guidance from the district prior to us getting together. I'll keep you posted.
District's Current Guidance on Video Conferencing with Students
- While there is not a perfect video conferencing platform for students at this time, we recommend the use of Google Meet for ease of use.
- You can find the Getting Started Guide on the Remote Learning website.
- We will be providing more documentation next week but for now, a few recommendations:
- Where students have multiple teachers, coordinate the timing of any virtual class meetings in order to prevent conflict for students.
- Always test audio and video connections before connecting with students.
- Make sure the computer is in a location with good lighting.
- Set protocols for how students will interact with others.
Self-Care During Difficult Times
See the March 23 email from Jasmin Traughber with resources about self-care. Please engage in self-care - it's so important - especially now. And hey - the more time you have to practice them now and make them routine, the more likely you may use them when we are up and running again - and maybe a great thing to teach your kiddos and start your days off. Just a thought! Here are some free resources from Calm.
IEP Meetings
The district will be rolling out online training on virtual IEP Meetings. When I get additional information, I'll let you know.
Staff Device Pick-up at Crossroads
Our district's Chief Technology Officer, Marlo Gaddis, has collaborated with her team to host laptop pick-up events at Crossroads. See the information below:
We are offering you an optional opportunity to pick up your laptop this week during a Laptop Pick-up Event at Crossroads II in Cary.
You are not required to attend a Laptop Pick-up Event. If you are unable to pick it up, you will receive it at some point in the future (TBD). After Laptop Pick-up Events conclude, we will assess the inventory and share options.
When you arrive for your Laptop Pick-up Event, you will be directed to park in the back parking lot at Crossroads II. You MUST have your WCPSS badge to enter the building and receive your laptop. We recommend you bring your own pen. If you have hand sanitizer or wipes, we recommend using it prior to entering the building and again after you exit.
We are taking several steps to limit exposure and interaction, including:
- Scheduling schools for certain time windows only.
- Limiting the number of people allowed in the building at a time.
- Frequently cleaning the Laptop Pick-up Areas.
- Limiting our interactions with and proximity to each other during the event.
Although we are taking these steps, you may come in contact with other individuals picking up laptops. Coming to Crossroads II to pick up your laptop is not without risk. Please DO NOT come if:
- You or others in your household are feeling ill or have a compromised immune system.
- You are uncomfortable with the risk associated with being in public.
- You have been around someone with symptoms of the virus.
Your school’s Laptop Pick-up Event has been scheduled for:
Location: Crossroads II, 110 Corning Rd, Cary, NC
Date: 3/26/2020
Time: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
You may drop in at any point during the timeframe above. Once you arrive, look for signs in the parking lot directing you where to park, enter the building, and exit the building.
Teleworking Opportunity
Public Schools First NC is proud to partner with KPJR Films to live stream this award-winning, must-see 60-minute film, Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope!
The film will be live streamed March 26th at 7:30pm to 8:30pm on vimeo. Vimeo link and password for the film screening will be posted on date of event. Indicate on our Facebook event that you are attending and will be make sure you receive updates on the link.
Immediately after the live screening of Resilience on March 26th (shown from 7:30pm to 8:30pm), please join our webinar panel discussion about the film and next steps.
Webinar starts at 8:30pm.
To participate in the webinar, you must register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3481106995807992332
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, March 23
Virtual Meeting for Office Staff at 11:00
Tuesday, March 24
Building Open from 11:00-1:00 for Pre-K-2nd Grade & Office Staff to pick up items
Building Open from 1:00-3:00 for 3-5 and Specials/Specialists to pick up items
Virtual Global Team Meeting at 1:00
Wednesday, March 25
Building Open from 11:00-1:00 for Pre-K-2nd Grade & Office Staff to pick up items
Building Open from 1:00-3:00 for 3-5 and Specials/Specialists to pick up items
Virtual Meeting for Office Staff at 11:00
Thursday, March 26
Laptop Pick-Up Event at Crossroads from 2:00-3:00
*IAs are meeting virtually daily.
Pleasant Union Year-Round Elementary
Email: kbrown20@wcpss.net
Website: https://www.wcpss.net/pleasantuniones
Location: 1900 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh, NC, USA
Phone: 919.870.4230
Twitter: @PleasantUnionYR