Maureen M. Welch Elementary School
Home of Kit Kat the Wild Cat
April 4, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Maureen M. Welch Families,
We are certainly living in extraordinary times! Despite the uncertainty, we are all learning something new and are here to support one another.
KUDOS
- To our teachers and staff who have been working diligently to bring meaningful activities to our students!
- We are proud of the many students who accessed their Google Classrooms this week to continue their education!
- Thank you to our parents, helping your children access devices, log onto their Google classrooms and websites, and most important the encouragement to learn in a new manner.
We recognize that distance learning is not going to be easy and the challenges many families are facing during this time. Patience and flexibility is the key to make distance learning successful. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER! Please feel free to reach out to me or any staff member if you need support for your child.
I close (below) with a post I recently saw on https://www.digitalmomblog.com/homeschool-memes/, on March 23rd and wanted to share her message.
Stay well, take care of your families, stay positive,
Warm Regards,
Rebecca Grimm
What will be different after Spring Break?
The activities for this week were all review in nature. After the break, the teachers will be facilitating activities that will provide instruction on new concepts and skills. The activities will vary from teacher to teacher, as some will be recorded videos and others will be virtual lessons through Zoom or Google Meet. In addition, we will be providing additional activities for students and parents to connect.
What do I do if my child is giving push back on completing schoolwork?
There are some areas in which parents may lower expectations (i.e. - screen time), but it's important to set expectations.
- Collaborate with your child on setting up a schedule and clearly define each time of the day. And this all depends on the child and the home.
- Most children would benefit from having a set time in the morning in which they are dressed, brushed their teeth, had breakfast, and are ready to "go to school".
- During their day, establish when breaks will take place, how long they will last, and what the children may do during the breaks. Everyone needs brain breaks, and the children take them at school with their snack time and recess.
- Also, keep bedtimes the same as they would be on a typical school night.
- Children benefit so much from structure, and having clear expectations may avoid debates with parents about completing their schoolwork.
- Remember, we are I this together. If you need a hand in motivating your child, we can arrange a chat with one of the members of our school team (i.e. Mrs. Grimm, Mrs. Jachimski, Mrs. Wojton)
How do I address the complaining from my child about schoolwork?
Your child may not love all assigned activities from his/her teachers, but the complaints may not be entirely about the assignments. Like adults, many children may be feeling anxious about the pandemic and the stresses related to not seeing friends, not participating in sports, and being in the house so much. Right now, children could be feeling emotionally uncomfortable. One of the best strategies for a parent is to validate how their child is feeling. And like most concerns for children, this situation is temporary. Remind them that they will return to seeing their friends and playing sports and going to places around the area.
What if my child is having issues with a device and can't access the online classroom?
The most important thing to know in this situation is that all teachers will understand. We've all had a moment when technology failed, and we wanted someone to understand. Simply contact your child's teacher and explain the situation. The teacher may be able to resolve the issue or find an alternative way to complete an assignment. If the issue is with regard to a Council Rock Chromebook being broken or not working, please send an email to chromesupport@crsd.org.
When will parents have a chance to submit input for next year's class lists?
This is the time of the year when I typically send families a letter that allows them to provide input regarding the optimal learning environment for their child for the next school year. This will still happen - just not right now. The teachers and I will eventually be working on creating class lists, and we will seek input from parents before this happens.
When will children have an opportunity to get their belongings from school?
After Governor Wolf recently announced that all Pennsylvania schools would be closed until at least April 30th, the district provided strict guidelines that there would be no access to the school buildings. Like so many other areas of our lives, we will have to be patient and wait to see what changes in the coming weeks.
What reflective questions might I be asking my child about Distance Learning?
It may be helpful to ask:
- What were you most proud of?
- What was the most challenging part of distance learning?
- What moment made you laugh or smile?
- Did you complete all assignments?
- Did you give your best effort?
- What things can you now do independently?
- Did you ask for help when you needed assistance?
Over the next few weeks, taking time to reflect after each week will provide the most growth for the children and the adults.
Remote Learning Tips
Strategies to Help Your Elementary Aged Child Navigate A School Day At Home
Support From Our Guidance Counselor
During our Distance Learning, there may still be times in which students need the support of our guidance counselor, Mrs. Nancy Jachimski. She is available during this time to assist students and their families.
Look for the Helpers
This local magazine has a great uplifting article about looking for our helpers in times of crisis. It features the kind and caring gestures of members and business' in our community. Thank you to those who are giving in times of need.
A shout out to all of our parents in the medical and public services fields for their dedication to ensuring the health and safety of our community!
Yearbooks
About Us
Email: rgrimm@crsd.org
Website: https://www.crsd.org/mmwelches
Location: 750 New Road, Churchville, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 944-1800