Micro Elementary School Newsletter
April 27th, 2020
My mind has not fully grasped the reality of Governor Cooper’s announcement on Friday about officially not returning to school this year. It was not totally unexpected or shocking, I just wasn't ready to give up hope that things would return to normal this school year. Like many of you, I too am in mourning that the remainder of this school year will be remote learning. I am comforted by the fact that we will continue to make the best of this difficult situation.
In the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic and specifically how it has impacted teaching and learning, I have been thinking of the Starfish Story. If you are not familiar with the story, here it is:
In our current reality, being an educator is stressful. Our minds are constantly on our kids. Are they okay? Are their needs being met? How are their families? Are any of them getting the information that I am sending? Is anyone doing the work? Who is falling behind? "I can see that she saw the assignment, why did she not do anything?"
The sad truth is, we cannot fully reach all of our students at this time. This is a stressful time for us all. Educators. Parents. Students. Life in general is stressful right now. We are worried that our students are going through a difficult time and we are not there for them. Maybe you are disappointed that you only had 5 out of 25 students in your Google Meet. Maybe only 1/2 of your parents responded to your last Class Dojo message. Covid-19 has placed many uncontrollable factors on our lives, both personal and professional.
However, there are students who we are reaching. There are parents who are responding. Our school community is showing pride for our school online. We have students rocking remote learning. I have seen visual evidence that kids are staying engaged. There are kids that your messages are getting through to. You are helping parents. You are encouraging your teammates. You are still making a difference. Just like the boy and starfish, we may not be able to help them all right now but we will continue to try. You can help that one. We will continue to give our best efforts and make a difference in the lives of the kids that we can. This is the job. Drive on.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
-Theodore Roosevelt
Thank you for all that you do for our students,
TJ
Kristi Aycock reminded me of this great inspirational video. If you have not seen it, its well worth the watch.
Micro Headlines
Moving forward-staff meetings on Wednesday's only at 2:00 pm.
- 2020-2021 Staff Calendar
- 2020-2021 Student Calendar
- April Student Birthdays
- Nominate an Employee of the Month for May
- SEL Self-Care Resources for Educators, Schools, and Parents
- Ms. Hawley set up a sign-up for those interested in recording a video of a read aloud on the Micro Facebook page. Sign up here It is more relevant than ever.
- Wake Electric seeks Classroom Technology Award grant applicants
- Bright Ideas Grants: The grant application and more information can be found at ncbrightideas.com.
- Teachers: Please review and update our Confidential Covid Student Spreadsheet.
- CDC Guidelines for Preventing Getting Sick
- State of Emergency Leave Information
- JCPS Telework Procedures
- JCPS Work Expectations
- Grading Guidance Covid-19
The school purchased a subscription to bookflix. There is a BookFlix link on Mrs. Warren's symbaloo pages . You should not have to enter a password, if you are asked for one the username and password are:
micro
spiders
Symbaloo links :
K-2
https://www.symbaloo.com/shared/AAAAA3egqd4AA41_WWKYcQ==
PD Opportunities
- Professional Development Reminders
- NC State has a great webinar series through their Friday Institute: FI Connects
- NCCAT Online Learning Modules
- #DitchThatTextbook Online Summit
- ScreenCastify is a great tool for recording videos. Mrs. Brannan has shared the following information if you would like to record videos longer than 5 minutes you can get unlimited time with Screen Castify free with a code. The code is: CAST_COVID
just click here. Hit my Account, look for the prices and sign up. You will see a box to put in code. - I have attached the link for a google extension called Nod which allows student reactions during a google meet, such as raising their hand, thumbs up, clapping, etc. Hope this enables your Google Meets with your students to go even smoother.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/nod-reactions-for-google/oikgofeboedgfkaacpfepbfmgdalabej
Self Study Options for all Certified Staff
CEU credit for new learning: Use the Self Study Form which can also be found at the bottom of the Tech Resources page along with instructions for doing a self study. When someone clicks "Would you like more credit options?", they will be taken to PD Options for Self Study with padlets by content area.
- Remote Learning Webinars and Live Sessions through NC State's Friday Center are really good. I have participated in a few so far. Here is a link for more information: https://www.fi.ncsu.edu/projects/remote-learning-to-support-nc-educators/
Great News Worth Spreading
2. Mrs. Yelverton was named April Employee of the Month. She is super-dedicated, loving, and supportive. Well deserved!
3. Mrs. Ochoa was passed the Great Teammate Award for her stellar performance in Mrs. Myers' absence as well for her daily excellence in the classroom and on the bus. Way to go!
4. Watch the video below featuring Laura Warren
5. The staff is collaborating on an inspirational video for our school community. Thank you Laura Hawley and Laura Warren!
Welcome to the World Paisley Noelle!
6 lbs 12 oz
Micro Staff Social Contract
Be Positive
Demonstrate Teamwork
Make the community feel welcome
Treat others with respect
Be Open-Minded
Be Supportive
Motivate Others
Listen to Understand
Micro Elementary Staff will support our social contract by intervening with the gentle question, "Are you okay?" and provide peers with an appropriate level of space.