The Monthly Mustang
The Official Newsletter for Wedgwood School Families
BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION - SEPTEMBER 2020
Welcome Back Message From Mr. Zimmerman
MEET THE TEACHER THIS WEEK!
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP BEGINS THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH FULLY REMOTE SYNCHRONOUS INSTRUCTION
Following the recent announcement that our school district would begin the 2020-2021 school year with fully remote instruction, our elementary staff began to reframe their instructional practices in order to provide students with opportunities to have valuable real-time, or synchronous, interactions. Here are some details about what our students' interactions with teachers will look like during the first few weeks of school.
WHEN WILL LIVE INTERACTION OCCUR FROM SEPTEMBER 8 THROUGH 18?
This year, we have increased the synchronous learning opportunities for students to interact with our teachers while all students are learning remotely. Homeroom teachers will be connecting with students three times a day to support our students and families. We recognize elementary learners may experience challenges with technology tools, so we have included a daily tech support option where the teacher can share tech tips and troubleshoot common issues. We hope your child can join us for the scheduled sessions.
Please note, Wednesdays will have less live interactions with our students so our teachers can participate in training on remote learning tools.
Daily Synchronous Sessions: September 8 - September 18, 2020 (with less interaction on Wednesdays)
- Morning Meeting: 9:30-10:10 a.m.
- Tech Support for Online Resources: 11:15 -11:45 a.m.
- Social and Emotional Learning Session: 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Additionally, special area teachers will be setting up virtual "Meet the Special Area Teacher(s)" sessions. These will occur over the first two weeks of remote learning. Small group instruction delivered by basic skills teachers, special education teachers, and classroom teachers will evolve as the school year progresses.
WHAT WILL REMOTE INSTRUCTION LOOK LIKE FROM SEPTEMBER 8 THROUGH 18?
Students will be given opportunities to learn via an asynchronous platform where teachers are recording lessons, providing documents, and giving direction. Each morning, a daily overview video recording will be shared by each grade level/homeroom teacher so that students know the expectations for the day. You will expect to see more recorded mini lessons by the teacher or our "virtual support teachers". The virtual support teachers prepared mini lessons throughout the summer to support and enhance the remote learning experience, and your child will see this teacher on his or her recording. Please keep in mind, teachers will fully be using Schoology to post their recorded video and learning activities by mid-September, if not sooner. More information about how to support your child with Schoology and other tools will be forthcoming.
HEALTH & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
- One-Way Hallway Traffic - Wedgwood's hallways feature directional arrows taped to the floors, allowing for clear visual aids to help with one-way foot traffic.
- Lavatory Use - The use of hallway bathrooms will be limited to one student at a time. All lavatories will be cleaned and sanitized at regular intervals as per our district's protocols.
- Focus on Social/Emotional Supports - Every day will begin with a period devoted to Social/Emotional Learning activities aimed at building connections and classroom community.
- Classroom Design - Classrooms have been designed to accommodate all social distancing protocols, maintaining a minimum of 6 feet distance from all desks. Non-essential furniture has been removed to minimize high touch surfaces. The sharing of materials or objects in the classroom is being avoided whenever possible.
- Academic Day - Our students' academic day has been modified to minimize contact with others outside of their classroom cohort. Rather than lining up and walking to another room, students in fourth and fifth grade will remain in class while departmentalized teachers will rotate to teach English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Specials area classes like Art and Music will be taught on a modified schedule where students will receive in person instruction for one Specials area class for about eight weeks, while the other four classes will be taught via remote instruction. In addition, nearly all enrichment and intervention programs will be delivered via remote instruction.
- Face Coverings - Face coverings are required for all students and staff.
- Water Bottles Instead of Water Fountains - Water fountains have been disabled throughout the building, in an effort to avoid communal sources of water. Students are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottles from home.
- Signage - Appropriate signage has been placed throughout the building, reminding students about the importance of hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a mask.
WELCOME TO WEDGWOOD: NEW STAFF FOR THE 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR
Ms. Emily Navarra joins Wedgwood’s staff as a special education teacher! Ms. Navarra graduated from West Chester University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. Following stints working with both preschool and multiply disabled populations, Ms. Navarra has worked as in Gloucester City as a preschool special education teacher. Ms. Navarra brings a thoughtful and purposeful approach to her classroom instruction, always working to motivate her students to do their very best, no matter what the task. We’re very fortunate to have Ms. Navarra at Wedgwood School!
WEDGWOOD IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE WITH NEW ADA COMPLIANT DOOR SIGNAGE
STILL WAITING: 2019-2020 YEARBOOK UPDATE
RETURN OF REMAINING STUDENT BELONGINGS
Wedgwood Elementary School
Email: czimmerman@wtps.org
Website: wtps.org/wedgwood
Location: 236 Hurffville Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
Phone: (856) 227-8110
Facebook: facebook.com/wedgwoodwtps
Twitter: @wedgwoodwtps