Principal's Weekly Update
Volume 2 Issue 22: January 10, 2021
Message from Mrs. Aulmer
This week all Kindergarten through third grade students will take their MAP tests. The data gathered from these tests will be used by our teachers to plan for the remainder of the school year. These tests are being given virtually and it is important that the students answer each question on their own without any help. This test is not a test that will count for or against the students. The test scores lets us know where the student is in each subject and what objectives we can focus on to help move them forward. The dates for the tests are below in the "What's Happening at QCSS" section of the newsletter. All information about test dates and ZOOM links should have been shared by the teachers with students and families. If you have questions, please reach out to your scholar's teacher.
I have been asked about students returning to the building for instruction. At this time, all of our students will be continuing remotely with synchronous classes. Any updates on a potential return to the building for students will be shared with families as soon as a decision is made to move forward with a different plan.
This semester we will be working on ensuring our students have been exposed to and mastered the required essential standards for their grade level. This will enable our scholars to be prepared for the 2021-2022 school year. For the grades and subjects that have EOG's, we will continue to work on test taking strategies with our scholars to help them be prepared in May.
We are now accepting applications for K-11th grade for next school year. If you have any family or friends who are interested in attending Queen City STEM School for next year, please ask them to visit our website at queencitystem.org and apply for our lottery. Our lottery will be held in February.
Thank you for your continued partnership with QCSS as we work to make this a successful year for all of our scholars! I hope everyone continues to stay safe and healthy.
Digital Portrayal of QCSS
If you believe that we are doing something good and doing our best to make a difference in the lives of our students please go to the links below and write a review of QCSS. I would like to state that we do not want anyone to feel compelled to write a good review, but if you do, please consider completing one. We would like to see a balanced portrayal of our school in the online world.
1. Google Reviews: Please just simply google "Queen City STEM School." You will see the Google descriptions of our school on the right pane. You can click on "write review" to write reviews for Google.
2. GreatSchool.Org: https://www.greatschools.org/north-carolina/charlotte/11902-Queen-City-STEM-School/
3. Niche.Com:
https://www.niche.com/k12/queen-city-stem-school-charlotte-nc/
Kindergarten - Second Grade MAP Schedule
Groups will be communicated by the teacher.
MAP Reading:
Monday 1/11:
Group 1 at 9:00
Group 2 at 10:30
Tuesday 1/12
Group 3 at 9:00
Group 4 at 10:30
MAP Math:
Wednesday 1/13
Group 1 at 9:00
Group 2 at 10:30
Thursday 1/14
Group 3 at 9:00
Group 4 at 10:30
MAP Fluency
Friday 1/15
Group 1 at 9:00
Group 2 at 9:30
Group 3 at 10:00
Group 4 at 10:30
School Counseling Schoology Groups
Our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Bagley, has created Schoology groups for our students to help students receive resources during virtual learning. The groups include Social and Emotional Learning activities, character education lessons, and much more!
If your scholar is interested in joining the groups, please have them use the access codes below to join.
The group access codes:
K-2 School Counseling Group: 3K54-K6KH-X746P
3-5 School Counseling Group: NQGT-WNHG-NVVX7
Shout Out a Staff Member
If you have a teacher or staff member that you would like to "Shout Out" or "Brag" on, please go to the the link below and give them a shout out. The little words do go a long way! Thanks.
What's Happening at QCSS?
Monday, January 11th: K-2nd MAP test on ELA
Tuesday, January 12th: K- 3rd MAP Test on ELA
Wednesday, January 13th: K-3rd MAP Test on Math
Thursday, January 14th: K-2nd MAP Test on Math; 3rd Grade MAP Test on Reading Fluency
Friday, January 15th: K-2nd MAP Test on Reading Fluency; 3rd Grade MAP Test on Science
Monday, January 18th: NO SCHOOL for students
Thursday, January 28th: Family Engagement Night (more information to come soon)
Monday, February 1st: Character Ed Read Aloud: Facebook Live at 8 am
Wednesday, February 3rd: Dine with the Deans on Facebook Live at 12 pm (Noon)
Friday, February 5th: Progress Reports Go Home
Remote Instruction Schedules
Please follow the schedule below for your scholar's grade level. Students' daily schedules will be from 9 am until 2 pm. There will be a time for students to complete assignments for their specials areas teachers, a lunch break, and time for homework/physical activity/ and or one-on-one time with their teacher(s).
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
1) What are the phone numbers for the campuses?
Elementary Campus: 980-299-6633
Secondary Campus: 980-321-7744
2) Who do I contact if I need my Powerschool login information and/or to update my contact information?
Ms. Williams – jwilliams@queencitystem.org
3) Who do I contact if I need my student google login information?
Mr. Bushman, IT Coordinator- sbushman@queencitystem.org
4) I need a chromebook, who do I contact?
Mr. Bushman, IT Coordinator- sbushman@queencitystem.org
5) My chromebook isn’t working/battery is low, what do I do?
Mr. Bushman, IT Coordinator- sbushman@queencitystem.org
6) I’d like to talk with a school counselor. Who can I reach out to?
Ms. Bagley: kbagley@queencitystem.org
7) Are there any resources for parents to help with remote learning?
https://sites.google.com/dpi.nc.gov/remote-learning-resources/home/parent-resources?authuser=0
8) My scholar has an IEP who can I speak with?
Ms. Robinson: hrobinson@queencitystem.org
9) My scholar has a 504, who can I speak with?
Ms. Bagley: kbagley@queencitystem.org
10) Can we use a tablet for virtual instruction?
As long as you are able to access ZOOM, Schoology, and any other platform the teacher will be using.
11) Will speech therapy or occupational therapy be remote as well?
Yes, the service provider for speech and OT will be reaching out to families soon. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Robinson.
12) Will tutoring be offered?
Yes, please reach out to your scholar(s) teacher(s) to discuss options
13) How does my scholar access Schoology?
You must use the following website: queencitystem.schoology.com
-If you received a chromebook from the school, your scholar will be logged in when they enter the website above.
-If you are using a personal device, then you will need to make sure you are logged in with your QCSS Google information.
-Codes are not needed to access classes in Schoology. All class schedules are pulled from PowerSchool.
Video to show you how to login.
14) When I log in to Powerschool I see my student's grades from last year, how do I see this year's grades?
If you are using the app you may need to log out completely and sign back in to refresh the data.
15) My scholar attends the secondary campus who is the principal?
Mr. Alkan is the principal for the secondary school. You can reach him at malkan@queencitystem.org
16) My elementary scholar has four (4) special area classes assigned to them. How do I know what class to tell them to attend daily?
This is up to you and your child. The scholar must complete one (1) assignment per class each week. We suggest that you make a schedule together and stick to that schedule. An example is: Monday- music, Tuesday- Art, Wednesday- PE, Thursday- STEM Class.
Remember that your first point of contact should be your scholar's teacher(s). If you have questions about navigating platforms, assignments, or grades, please reach out to the teacher via email. Also, please utilize the school's website for distance learning information. queencitystem.org
Board Meetings
-Thursday, February 4, 2021 6:30 PM 8:30 PM
-Thursday, March 4, 2021 6:30 PM 8:30 PM
-Thursday, April 1, 2021 6:30 PM 8:30 PM
-Thursday, May 6, 2021 6:30 PM 8:30 PM
-Thursday, June 3, 2021 6:30 PM 8:30 PM
Box Tops for Education
THE NEXT GENERATION OF BOX TOPS IS HERE.
Box Tops is changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online.
Please download the Box Tops for Education App from your App store, sign up, connect with QCSS and begin earning money for the school.
About Us
Email: info@queencitystem.org
Website: www.queencitystem.org
Location: 8701 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC, USA
Phone: (980)299-6633
Facebook: facebook.com/queencitystemschool
Twitter: @twitter_QueenCitySTEM