Hollifield Herald
Co-Vid19 5/4/20
Second Week of Virtual School
Dear HSES Families,
As we begin our second week of distance-learning as well as our staff appreciation week, I would like to recognize and honor the hard work of our teachers and staff members over the last few weeks. This has not been an easy transition for any of us, but the staff has worked extremely hard to learn new programs, to balance their work and life, and to give the students the very best distance program possible. Please join us in celebrating all of our staff members. See the bottom of the newsletter for a reminder of ways to celebrate our staff and a link to all staff members' email addresses. We want to celebrate the teachers, the paraeducators, custodians, secretaries and more!
Families - Be kind to yourself!
We know this has been a challenge for so many of our families. Staff members, students and parents are all navigating a new world of education. As I shared with my staff, please remember during this time that we are all trying to do the very best we can, and remember to be kind to yourself. Read closely the expectations for attendance and grading. There is a great deal of flexibility. Please take liberties to manage the workload as you need to ensure the health and well-being of your family. We are here to support you with any of your needs.
Sincerely,
Amanda Wadsworth
Principal
HSES
This week's art projects filled our "hearts!"
Optional Schedules
Changes in Canvas Pages AND Information on 4th Quarter Grading
Science, Social Studies, and Health -- changes on Canvas as of May 4th:
- Link (appears as a button) for students = Mark task complete.
- Student indicates they have completed the task: Click the “button,” = Click “yes” and “Submit” (See image below)
- Task counted as complete. Students are to be trusted that they completed the task so long as the complete box has been clicked. Submission of an assignment is a “P" (or pass) in content and related arts.
- “P” Pass = 50% of the assignments are completed from the week of May 4 - the week of June 8, 2020.
- If students are not completing content assignments, families will be notified, so students have an opportunity to complete tasks.
Related Arts -- Changes on Canvas as of May 11th
- Related Arts pages will also have a link for students to mark the completion of the task.
- “P” Pass = 50% (2 out of 5) of the RA assignments are completed from the week of May 11 - the week of June 8, 2020.
Language Arts and Mathematics
- For mathematics, students will be graded as P for passing if complete 263 minutes of Dreambox
- For language arts, students will be graded as “P” for passing if complete 263 minutes of Lexia Core 5
- The requirement for receiving a “P” on the 4th quarter report card in the areas of language arts and mathematics is 263 minutes each of Dreambox/Lexia for the weeks of April 27th - June 8th (7 weeks).
Important Links to HCPSS Updates
** HCPSS Help Site:
HCPSS has created a new HELP page. All the latest news, updates, and information will be housed on this page. This new Help site will make it easier for parents, students, staff, and community members to find answers to their most frequently-asked questions.**
Online Streaming and Video Services
To supplement instruction during distance learning, many teachers are sharing age-appropriate and course-specific video content with students via platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo. While some teachers may have been using these services already, many more will likely now be using them regularly to deliver content during our Continuity of Learning plan.
In order for students to be able to access these videos, the Chromebooks that were distributed by HCPSS have been enabled to allow access to online streaming services such as Youtube and Vimeo. Students using either HCPSS devices or personal devices do not need to create accounts and/or share personal data to access HCPSS content on these services.
Teachers are aware that some parents may have blocked access to certain video platforms on personal devices used by their children. This is especially true for elementary and middle school students. Please contact your teacher if you have any concerns or questions about videos that are being assigned to your child. As always, parents and guardians should continue to monitor their students' use of internet sites and services to guard against students accessing inappropriate content.
Lexia Core 5 Tip
We are excited that so many of our students are enjoying Lexia Core5! However, during this unprecedented time of remote learning, we all should be mindful of “overuse” or going above the recommended usage targets. Internal research suggests that, for students who use Core5 substantially above recommended time, extra time does not translate into increased performance on outside measures and can result in a student moving through the program without internalizing skills.
Lexia Core5 activities adapt based on a student’s performance. If a student is struggling with a particular skill, the program automatically reduces the complexity of the task for the student, providing scaffolded support on the specific skill or task, individualizing learning, and instruction for every student. Because explicit instruction is only provided when needed, the program allows students to move efficiently through units and on to more advanced skills when appropriate. As students complete activities, reward animations occur. The adaptive branching structure is composed of three steps: Standard, Guided Practice, and Instruction.
Supports for Families in Need of Translation
There is are four call centers families can use for language support:
- Chinese 410-313-5920
- Korean 410-313-1592
- Spanish 410-313-1591
- Chin 410-313-5968
2) The orientation videos for elementary schools have been translated into Chinese, Chin, Korean, and Spanish. Coming soon!
3) Pre-COVID-19 translated documents are here off the HCPSS website https://www.hcpss.org/languages/
4) COVID-19 information is translated into Spanish, Chinese, and Korean and are in this link off of the HCPSS page https://www.hcpss.org/coronavirus/
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) – HCPSS
The new Coronavirus COVID-19 continues to be of concern for Howard County residents, as well for those nationwide and around the globe. HCPSS staff members have been diligent in efforts to remain fully aware of new information as it becomes available and are planning for every conceivable scenario.
International Student and Family Services – HCPSS
The Office of International Student and Family Services (OISFS) is seeking bilingual interpreters to provide language support. OISFS recruits interpreters on an ongoing basis. All applicants complete an assessment process, and if selected, attend initial training in the fall to earn certification. Interpreters are utilized as needed.
Front Office Support
The front office staff is still working to provide support to our parents during this time. Below is a quick reference guide on whom to contact regarding specific questions. If your question is not addressed below, feel free to reach out to either one of us. We regularly monitor our emails and will get back to you promptly.
Attendance
School attendance will now be measured through participation in the various continuity of learning activities posted by your student's teacher.
For questions regarding attendance contact
Rachel_Maddock-Cosden@hcpss.org
Technology device delivery and returns
Registration/Address updates
Meal service
Forgotten user name or password resets:
https://hcpss.me/account-self-service/
Using Forgot Password/Username functionality on an HCPSS Chromebook. While on the Chromebook’s login screen, click on Apps in the lower left corner. Select HCPSS Self-Service from the menu.; A webpage will open.
hcpss.me
Counseling Connection
PTA - Next Year's Board
Interested in being a part of our PTA next year? Think about it, and if you are, contact the PTA President, Shamaa Ahmad-Talha at hses.pta.prez@gmail.com. We know you are busy so take care of your family and life, but this is a "think about" item to keep in mind as life gets a little smoother.
School Psychologist Office Hours (Previously Shared)
Dear HSES Husky Community,
I hope that you are all safe and healthy! I miss everyone and hope to "see" you soon!!
As of 4/20/2020, I will be holding daily office hours Monday - Friday from 2:00-3:00pm. During this time, I will have appointments available to meet virtually with parents, students, and/or staff to answer questions, address concerns, and/or to just connect.
Meetings will take place via Google Meet or over the phone. If you are interested in setting up an appointment, you can either complete the form from the Grade Level link, fill out this form, or email me directly at nancy_hammer@hcpss.org.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Nancy Hammer, C.A.S., NCSP
School Psychologist
Hollifield Station Elementary School
Howard County Public School System
410-313-2550 410-313-2557 (fax)
Virtual Office Hours:
M-F, 2:00-3:00 PM
If you have an immediate need for help with depression, suicidal thoughts,
or other serious mental health issues, please contact:
Grassroots Crisis Intervention: 410-531-6677
The Maryland Crisis Hotline: Dial 211 and then choose option 1
The Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 and a trained counselor will respond
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline:1-800-273-8255
Staff Appreciation (Previously Shared Information - NEW - Staff addresses link)
Dear Hollifield Station Families,
Although our students and teachers can’t be together at school, we can still show our amazing teachers and staff how much we appreciate them!!
The week of May 4th to May 8th is “Virtual” teacher appreciation week!! Here are a few suggestions on how you and your child can show our hardworking teachers your appreciation. Your student should be able to access their teacher’s email information through canvas!
- Draw a picture or take a picture of a flower and email to your teacher.
- Send a short video from your child expressing their thanks.
- Email your teacher a picture of what you think kindness looks/feels like.
- Send a thank you eCard to a specific teacher, staff member, and/or principle through email. There is a lot of free eCard options to choose from (JibJab, Paperless Post, Blue Mountain).
- Send a letter or drawing with “I Miss You!”
- Send an eGift Card!!
- Or fill out this Form from Administration to share with the teachers! https://forms.gle/A81KLHDGSJvmDWgr8
All staff members addresses: https://hses.hcpss.org/school-staff
Please help make Staff appreciation week one to remember!! Thank you and take care!
PTA Hospitality
Hollifield Station Elementary School
Email: amanda_wadsworth@hcpss.org
Website: https://hses.hcpss.org/
Location: 8701 Stonehouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD, USA
Phone: 410-313-2550
Twitter: @hcpss_hses