Walker Howler
Welcome Back Wolf Pack - August 2020
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Dear Walker Families,
Welcome back to school new and returning families! I hope this finds you well. I have missed you all so very much!
While we want nothing more than to welcome your children back to school on-site, we are unable to do so in this current environment due to COVID-19. As such, the Ashland School District will begin the 2020-2021 school year providing Comprehensive Distance Learning for all students through November 6th. In October, our District will review the metrics set forth by the Governor's office and make a determination whether instruction will continue to be delivered remotely (Distance Learning) or in-person (Hybrid).
While we worked tirelessly in the spring to quickly transition to Distance Learning, we know there was much room for improvement. In order to offer the best educational experience for our students, the Ashland School District formed a 48 person committee, comprised of teachers, support staff, specialists, and administrators. We met in June to review the family and staff survey data and then collaboratively and creatively began to develop a robust educational program for our students. The district administrators continued to meet this summer to finalize our plans for Distance Learning and Hybrid models.
Our teachers and staff will return the last week of August to engage in additional professional development and planning time so that we are ready to welcome back our amazing learners! We will have class lists finalized the first week of September. The first day of school for our students will be September 8th. Please find the revised school calendar here.
I know this new reality is still a bit weird. I also know that there is not another group of people I would want to be in community with than the wonderful Walker Wolves. Please know that all of the Ashland educators are dedicated to creating the best school year for your children we possibly can. I imagine you have many questions about what the new school year will bring. I have attempted to answer some anticipated questions below. Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns and I will respond as soon as I am able.
In Community,
Tiffany
Principal
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Mission Statement: The Walker Community values diversity, empathy, and perseverance. We honor the entire learning process from mistakes to academic mastery. We teach our students to advocate for themselves and others. We nurture kindness, creativity, and wonder.
Distance Learning FAQs
Q. What is included in the daily schedule?
A: Please see the sample student schedule below.
Q: How is instruction provided?
A: Learning will occur through live online class meetings via Zoom, balanced with offline activities and assignments.
Q: Will my child be expected to be on the computer for six hours a day?
A: No. On-line meetings, class sessions and assignments will be a blend of live instruction and off-line activities, projects, and assignments.
Q: Will my child have to participate every day to be counted for attendance?
A: Yes, daily participation will be required.
Q: Since we are starting with distance learning, is that what we can expect all year?
A: Most likely we will be in and out of hybrid and distance learning periodically throughout the school year. This will be based on State and County Covid-19 positivity rates. If changes are made, they will occur at the quarters.
Q: Can I opt for distance learning for my child even when hybrid learning becomes available?
A: Yes. Any family can opt for a distance learning only model for the duration of this year.
Q: If I don't have functioning technology for each child, will the district be providing it?
A: Yes, the district can provide devices on loan for distance and hybrid learning if you need it. A District registration survey should be coming soon where you can indicate this need.
Sample Elementary Schedule
The Ashland School District will utilize both synchronous and asynchronous learning throughout Distance Learning.
Synchronous Learning = online or distance education that happens in real time. This can include live video conferencing, chatting, and live-streaming lessons for whole class, small group, and individual instruction.
Asynchronous Learning = learning when the teacher and students are doing work at different times. During asynchronous learning, teachers provide lessons, assignments, activities, etc. that students will be required to complete on their own time. Asynchronous learning is self-paced, more independent learning at the time most convenient for the student to to complete assignments, homework, etc.
Below you will find a sample schedule. Wednesdays will be shorter student days than the schedule shown below and teachers will communicate their specific weekly schedules to families. The schedule includes time for live instruction, breaks, lunch, independent and group learning. The schedule also includes time for students to receive services for Special Education, English Language Development, and Title I Math and Reading Intervention. Teachers will be available for student questions, support, feedback and guidance and will communicate with families on a regular basis.
Registration
Canvas
The Ashland School District has purchased Canvas, a new Learning Management System to facilitate higher quality experiences for all students, families, and teachers. Microsoft Teams helped us in a pinch last Spring, but we all realized the need for something more comprehensive and user-friendly. All students will have their own account and all guardians can login through their own "observer/parent" account to receive announcements, monitor student progress, and communicate with the teacher.
Right now, we are all dealing with the impacts of the Covid 19 Pandemic. While we are all in the same storm, we are not in the same boat. Many of our families are struggling due to the loss of jobs, income, and stable housing. Walker has been working hard to support our families with a weekend food program. Our current funding sources are running low, and we could use your help!
Please visit: https://donate.ashland.k12.or.us/wolfpacksupport/ to donate today.
100% of donations will go directly to purchasing food and supplies for our families in need.
If you are a family in need, please reach out directly to your child's teacher, or Tiffany.
Financial Support
Families who have experienced significant income loss may now be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Apply online or contact your local school.
DHS will continue to work with federal partners to provide help to Oregonians in need. To apply for Nutrition Assistance, visit needfood.oregon.gov or call 2-1-1. Read the full details here.
If you need help paying your electric bill, check out the Oregon Energy Fund. It provides funds for energy assistance to more than 30 partner agencies and nonprofits in Oregon. Find more information here.
Walker School
Mission Statement: The Walker Community values diversity, empathy, and perseverance. We honor the entire learning process from mistakes to academic mastery. We teach our students to advocate for themselves and others. We nurture kindness, creativity, and wonder.
Email: tiffany.burns@ashland.k12.or.us
Website: www.ashland.k12.or.us/walker
Location: 364 Walker Avenue, Ashland, OR, USA
Phone: 5414821516
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Walker-Elementary-School-178914108167/?ref=bookmarks