Family Newsletter
8/30/20
Zoom into our online classrooms-
With all that being said, the schedule that we are following is a lot for the beginning of the year. Our teachers are just getting started with students and we may not yet be "live" for the full slots of time. We are encouraging them to be responsive to students needs and meet each child and family where they are. We also know that many of you are participating in learning pods, so what we are holding tight to is starting the "live" sessions on time for each block of the day. Each teacher has autonomy to go a little longer or shorter based on the needs of the students each day. This mirrors our expectations of instruction while they are in person learning and we want them to continue this practice during online learning.
I've been popping into zooms this week and wanted to share a few tips to help maximize learning from whatever location your child is learning from.
1. When on zoom, have them turn on the speaker view. When they have gallery view on it takes more of their working memory to process everyone else on the screen rather than focus on the speaker.
2. Have them work from a designated learning space that is as free from distraction as possible. We want them to be comfortable, but also in a space that doesn't tell their body it's time to rest.
3. Make sure that they are near an outlet. The iPads will need lots of charging throughout the day, especially if they are being used during the independent blocks as well.
4. Designate no screen time each day. With kids being on their screens all day, it's important for them to have time when they are off their devices, interacting with others in person, and getting outside or taking movement breaks.
5. It's okay for your child to turn their screen off and take a break. If your child is getting overwhelmed, frustrated, or needs a quick snack or bathroom break- just turn the camera off and take care of what is needed.
Remember, our goal is still to return to in person learning and by following these tips above, your child may have a smoother transition back to the classroom.
It has been so great to see teachers and families together on campus this week for Meet and Greets. Kids have had a great week together and will grow more and more comfortable with the routines of online learning. Although we are online, it is clear that kids are connecting again and they have been so happy to see one another.
I have had many questions, concerns, and ideas shared via email and phone calls this week. Please know that you are not bothering me and I am always happy to hear from you. Your voices are a vital part of the learning for this quarter, so if something is not working or you need support, please reach out to the teacher or administration. We are all here to help you support your child and to make this a successful experience.
I look forward to getting to know your families better and serving our community. Robinson is an amazing school community and I'm grateful to be here among such talented, caring, and hard working educators and families. Thank you for this partnership and I promise you that this will get easier everyday.
Take Care-
Angeline
Welcome to Bridget Waldman our new Kindergarten teacher
Theme Days for Wacky Wednesday
Thank You to PTO
- Swag Bags for new students. These included a tee shirt, car magnet, pen, cute Robinson Bag, and helpful information for families.
- Purchased sweet and salty treats for staff members from their favorite things list to brighten their welcome back gifts.
- Purchased yard signs for staff yards. There are a few of these in our front yard space in front of the school if you want to check them out.
- Purchased the river rocks for students and staff to decorate and leave out front around our marquee.
- Purchased a memorial bench for Mr. and Mrs. Moore to honor their service to our school community.
They also do other things for us to support our school community that don't go unnoticed, but these were some big ones that I wanted families to know about because they made such an impact on the recipients. Thank you to our PTO and families. We are #RobinsonStrong
iPad Insurance
Payment for iPad insurance is no longer offered through Infinite Campus. However, you can pay for iPad insurance through your MySchoolBucks.com account:
- Log in to MySchoolBucks.com or create a free account.
- Click School Store at the top of the page and select Browse All Items.
- Choose the Store Item and add it to your cart.
- Check out!
Parents can also download the "MySchoolBucks" app to set up an account and make payments. Those who prefer to not use our online payment option can pay via cash or check, working directly with Robinson.
Tech Support
Click Here for help and information regarding Zoom
Click Here for the Tech Chat Help Desk during school hours only
Click Here for the Technology Troubleshooting and Tips Guide
Click Here for how to set an alarm on the iPad to join your zoom
Click Here for help with Clever, Dream Box, and Brainpop
Opt out of One-One Zoom Calls
We believe that one-on-one and small group instruction is key to differentiation and the personalized support of students. This work is difficult to replicate in an online learning environment. The use of Zoom or other video conferencing tools can help facilitate this type of important interaction in the virtual environment. However, it is important for staff and students to be familiar with the relevant policies and expectations to ensure these interactions are positive, productive, and safe for all involved. Please review THIS DOCUMENT for guidelines about one-on-one conferences. If you do not want your child to participate in one-one zoom calls, please email me at
angeline.oneal-hogrefe@kirkwoodschools.org please include the child's name and teacher in the email.
Library Curbside Pickup Information
Art Sketchbook Pick Up
Students will use these books both for reference in art class and for paper for their art projects.
Please pick up your sketchbook from the OLC on September 11th from 8-5. You will highlight your name on the grade level roster to identify that you have received your sketchbook.