EMS/ELA STAFF NEWS
Week of 4/6/20
The Adventure Continues!
As we continue this journey of online instruction/learning, it is important to remember that we are going to feel out of our element and make some mistakes. Our intention is to keep the communication open and give each other (and ourselves) lots of grace.
Due to remote learning for Q4, we will be adjusting our grading scale to ensure that our system is equitable for all, especially considering some of the roadblocks our students are facing that are out of their control. Therefore, the new grading scale that will be used by all teachers at EMS and ELA is as follows:
90--100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
69-0 P
For teachers who use a standards based grading scale currently, we can talk about how to adjust your scale to reflect the above letter grade scale.
If students receive a P, this means they received a "pass" for quarter four. This is a "compromise" of sorts that doesn't send a "hold harmless" message and encourages students to still participate and learn. The P indicates that a student did not accomplish all the standards compared to his/her peers, and likely has some gaps/deficiencies going forward.
Students' graded work should absolutely reflect whether they participated or not, mastered a skill or not, and so forth. However, it is unfair to penalize students who cannot access online learning. A grade of PASS (P) does not factor into a students' GPA.
The above details will not be shared out with all parents/students. This is our "internal" staff message.
Kids are Checking in....
Please share these expectations for video chats with students via your google classroom.
BE PREPARED
Show up on time with your device charged.
Close other tabs in your browser if needed.
Be sure all technology is working 5 – 10 minutes before the meeting.
Don’t run other apps that will weaken your signal.
Join the meeting with YOUR REAL NAME.
MUTE YOURSELF
Mute yourself right away to eliminate background noise.
Keep mute on if you are not speaking.
PRESENTATION / ENVIRONMENT
Consider your surroundings (what will show up in the background)
Consider your appearance (school appropriate).
Find a location in your house with few distractions.
Let your family know you are in a meeting.
Be sure the area is well lit so we can see you.
HEADPHONES
Use headphones if you have them
CHAT RESPONSIBLY
Keep your chat language school appropriate (No profanity or inappropriate gestures or backgrounds).
Include questions you want the teacher to address.
SIGNALS
Use hand signals (don’t just nod /shake your head).
Thumbs Up = Yes / Thumbs Down = No
Hand to ear = Cannot hear
Raise Hand = I have a comment or question
Yesterday, Governor Polis announced suspension of the state law on the frequency and duration of employment performance evaluations for school districts, charters schools and BOCES licensed personnel, including teachers, special service providers, principals and administrators to enable schools and districts to focus on providing alternative learning opportunities for their students.
With the suspension of in-person learning and other disruptions caused by COVID-19, plenty of questions have arisen about educator licensing requirements, educator preparation programs, educator effectiveness requirements and educator development.
CDE created a frequently asked question page to answer your questions. Please visit the page...
If you are still having Zoom issues, you may need an update. Please send your individual webhelp request asap.
If you would like to try the educreations app and do not have an ipad, simply write a webhelp request and ask for one
GoToConnect (using Jive) to block your phone number when calling families/students
We now have a cloud-based phone system for the next 90 days. This will block your phone number while using your personal cell phone. You can use this product on your computer or cell phone. PLEASE REMEMBER TO LOG ALL 1-1 CONTACT WITH STUDENTS IN IC.
1. register to begin to use the GoToConnect product (click link below). Use your Englewood email account when filling out the registration.
2. To add the app so you can use it on your cell phone, click link 2 below for the directions to help you download information.
If you are not prompted during your account registration to download the computer software, then use link 3 below. It will help guide you through the computer installation. Please watch the video. It's beneficial!
For technical support please send an email to webhelpdesk@engschools.net for assistance.
Staff meetings will be every Thursday at 3:45 via zoooooom
We will have staff meetings on Thursday afternoons--lasting up to one hour.
Annessa Hart is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: EMS/ELA Staff Meeting
Time: Apr 2, 2020 03:45 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Thu, until May 21, 2020, 8 occurrence(s)
Apr 9, 2020 03:45 PM
Apr 16, 2020 03:45 PM
Apr 23, 2020 03:45 PM
Apr 30, 2020 03:45 PM
May 7, 2020 03:45 PM
May 14, 2020 03:45 PM
May 21, 2020 03:45 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us04web.zoom.us/meeting/uZMtd-iqqD4uXeAXpm1ErnfJTghFLgNtAA/ics?icsToken=98tyKu2vrjsrGNKQtFztf7ItW4X8b9-1l0lLi5tNkU7AES5VSDfxPsRuNZxrMfmB
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/470012654?pwd=aTNmTjF0RXo1M1V1UGMycXJKeG5pUT09
Meeting ID: 470 012 654
Password: 910845
Some google classroom highlights from this first week of online learning...
Lance offers Life Skills students his "lecture" from on the bike trail!
Lucy as Co-Teacher
Beckett as Co-Teacher
He said...
There's a First time for everything...
Before we even formally invited them, students were grouping up to get back to learning...
Technology Tutorial Links
SCreencastify tutorials...thank you Jackie!!! Simply click on the links below (in order)...
Please remember that gen ed teachers will still need to attend IEP meetings via zoom. SPED teachers will be in touch to schedule these with you.
FREE Wi-FI Options...
Free Wi-Fi Resources (also shared with parents and students)
- Xfinity has announced an Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone program. Through it, Xfinity hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free. Search for a hotspot near you.
- Comcast Internet Essentials is offering two free months of their Internet Essentials package starting March 16, 2020. You have to be eligible, so read more on their website. You can also call 1-855-846-8376.
SAVE YOUR STAMP RECEIPTS...
Please remember to take a minute to complete our 1:1 model survey
Message from Paul:
We are trying to determine the best way to support kids and teachers with the 1:1 model. Currently, we are 1:1 take home. We would like to hear from your teachers if they would like to continue this model, or go toward a 1:1 model where devices remain in schools. This option would require carts and a device checkout system, should teachers want to send home devices for blended/flipped learning. Here is the link to the survey.
VOLUNTEERING EFFORTS
1. You can donate blood by scheduling with Vitalant.org.
2. Help locally by donating grocery gift cards or volunteering to shop/deliver food for shut ins with www.littletonfamilyservices.org.
3. You can support other efforts in your neighborhood by signing up at helpcoloradonow.org. They list all sorts of ways to support those in need throughout our metro area and state.
ENGLEWOOD SCHOOLS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
This can be a stressful and scary time for everyone. Feeling prepared and knowing what you can do to help you and your family stay well are some ways to help minimize stress. This resource for parents/caregivers provides ways for families to prepare as well as how to help children from different age groups cope with what is going on. If you think you are having symptoms of COVID-19, please follow these guidelines from CDC. These resources from Tri-County health can also help you stay informed and reduce the risk of spreading or catching COVID-19. Additional mental health and food resources can be accessed here.
As a reminder, Safe2Tell is a resource students can access right away if they have worries or concerns about themselves or a friend.
COVID-19 Student and Family Reporting Line
If you or a member of your household has COVID-19 symptoms or has a confirmed diagnosis, please contact your healthcare provider and then let us know by calling 303-806-6881. Your information will not be shared; however a nurse will follow-up with you to gather information that will help us keep our community safe.