Willett Whaler
Week of December 20, 2020
Principal's Corner - Mr. Jeffrey Cateon
Based on the decision made by the School Committee on Thursday night as shown in Mr. Sawyer's email to families below, we will be fully remote beginning January 4th, 2021.
- We will work on providing you with all classroom teacher extended remote plans here on the next Whaler.
- Morning Announcements will air live daily on our Facebook page at 8:45 AM
- Reminder to all families that students should be in school appropriate attire during all Google Meets, even on remote days. If they wouldn't wear it in the classroom, please don't allow them to wear it on camera during their Google Meet.
The next PTO meeting will take place Wednesday, January 13th at 6 PM.
Our next Whaler will go out on Sunday, January 3, 2021.
Enjoy the upcoming holidays and stay safe.
If you haven't already, please join us on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter , Instagram) and on our Website.
Mr. Sawyer's Family Update
Dear APS Families,
Last night the Attleboro School Committee held a special meeting, at which it voted 9-0 to switch to a remote model starting Monday, January 4, to last at least through January 15. This two-week period is specifically targeted to prevent further spread associated with holiday travel, as recommended by our local Health Department. The School Committee will reevaluate conditions at their next regularly scheduled meeting, which is Monday, January 11, and determine if we can return to the hybrid model on January 19.
I know this is a significant hardship for families, especially those with our younger students. The School Committee moved up its timeline for last night’s meeting expressly to provide families with more time to make necessary arrangements. Detailed information about schedules, expectations, and resources will be sent by schools next week.
Sincerely,
David A. Sawyer
Superintendent
REMIND Information
Cohort A - https://www.remind.com/join/ab44878
Cohort B - https://www.remind.com/join/cohortbf
AVA - https://www.remind.com/join/avafam
We are unable to make changes in existing REMIND accounts. Please refer to the document below that provides directions to make any changes to your account.
From the Desk of the Assistant Principal - Mrs. Christine Brierly
Welcome Back!
We are so excited to be back with all of our Willett community! We recognize that the next few weeks will be an adjustment while we temporarily move to full remote learning for all of our Willett friends. I would like to take this opportunity to remind all the families that if you need help, we have several ways we can provide you with assistance. If your child is struggling or is unsure of the expectations during remote learning, please first reach out to the classroom teacher. Often, they are the ones who can most quickly and effectively solve many school related issues. If the teacher is unable to help or you need additional help, we also have a technology coach, Ms. Elena Jones, who can troubleshoot school based tech concerns, a district wide family engagement specialist, Ms. Sarah Angelovski, who can help with a whole array of issues, an instructional coach, Ms. Julie O'Boyle who can answer many curriculum questions, our school adjustment counselor, Ms. Renee Bernier, who can assist with any social emotional or behavioral concerns, our school nurse, Ms. Virginia (Vicky) O'Malley for any medical concerns, and of course, myself as the assistant principal and Mr. Cateon as the principal. There are numerous additional staff who are available and eager to be there for you as well. We are ALL here to help you and the children with any needs that you may have. Please reach out to any one of us by calling the school or emailing us directly. Any Attleboro schools staff member's email would be their first initial followed by their last name@attleboroschools.com (example- cbrierly@attleboroschools.com)
Together, we can continue to not only get through a difficult year, but to thrive during it!
Be kind. Be well. Be happy.
A Message from the Health Office
LIfetouch
Lifetouch has provided a special offer to ensure each family at our school gets the opportunity to preserve this school years’ memories. To order school pictures and take advantage of this offer, visit mylifetouch.com.
Clever Family Information
Norms and Tips for Remote Learning.
Norms:
- Be on time for the daily morning check-in. Attendance will be taken, and your child will be marked absent if they are not present for the check-in.
- Select an appropriate learning space to allow your child to be present in the lesson and ready to learn.
- Ensure that your child's device is charged for daily use.
- During a live learning session, your child should be visible to the teacher with the camera on. Virtual backgrounds included in the Google environment can be used.
- Complete and submit work assignments on time through Google Classroom.
- Use all applications in the Google Suite appropriately.
- Adhere to all Attleboro Public Schools policies.
Google Meet Tips:
GOOGLE MEET TIPS
Before the meeting:
- Find a comfortable spot to sit. It is best to keep your device on a steady surface if possible.
- Make sure your background is school-friendly.
- Try your best to be on time.
- Enjoy a snack before the meeting begins.
When the meeting starts:
- Mute your device by clicking the microphone button.
- Be sure that your camera is on.
During the meeting:
- Be patient, this is a learning experience for everyone.
- Be engaged - looking, listening, and thinking.
- Unmute your microphone when your teacher asks you to talk. Mute your device again when you are finished speaking.
- Even though we are not in our school building, our school rules and expectations still apply.
- Families please be considerate and allow the children the opportunity to work with the teacher.