A Message from RHS Teachers
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020
Dear Fabulous Families,
Thank you so much for your patience during this challenging time. We have received many positive emails and responses and we thank you for them; they’ve made our days a little bit brighter. We really appreciate your support during these unprecedented times and know how stressful this all is for all of our families. We acknowledge that this has been a challenging time for everyone, including teachers and administration. We are working hard to try and support everyone.
As a staff, we have been working to come up with a timeline and the best way to work with all students in an equitable way. We have heard from some parents who would like more online connections with their teachers. Please note that some staff members are still learning how to use video conferencing technology and we are working to support each other to learn. These decisions have been made as a staff collectively and these are not mandates made by Ms. Bagby-Ellison, administration, or the district. We have been working together as a cohesive team. Ms. Bagby-Ellison has been giving us every opportunity to decide collectively how best to support the students. Teachers have the option of meeting virtually with students at their discretion beginning next week.
Please continue to read your teacher’s and all school-wide messages regarding technology.
We are working on using an instructional platform that will be accessible to every student and hope to have this available sometime after spring break. Please be patient with us as things are rapidly changing. We are all learning and figuring this out together.
Please note that the district is working hard to ensure that all students will receive a Chromebook. There will be more information to come. We will update you as soon as we know more.
Thank you for your continued support. We will all get through this together. Redwood Heights strong!
Stay healthy and safe!
In Partnership,
RHS Teachers, Admin, & Staff
RHS Way School Closure Academic Plan :
Dear RHS Families,
To ensure that I am communicating with every single RHS family, I will be using Robocall, an OUSD RHS mass email tool, Konstella, and possibly a tool called Talking Points. I’ll be working with Ms. Weissman to add resources to our website for quick, easy access. Please excuse duplicate information that has been sent in previous messages.
We are thinking of you and hoping all is well with you during these unprecedented times. We appreciate your continued patience, understanding and compassion as we navigate the rapidly evolving circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to share resources and communicate the actions that the teachers are taking to ensure that our students are receiving academic lesson plans and activities. The teachers and I had a virtual meeting this morning and decided on the following:
RHS Way School Closure Academic Plan :
a Weekly Common-Core-Standard Academic Plan sent every MON
a 3x per week email message to your students every MON, WED, FRI
Grade Level Back to School parent information with basic instructional How To's for reading, writing, and math.
a list of academic resources for parents
a suggested daily instructional schedule for home
From Redwood Heights School PE Teacher, Mr. Estebanez:
"I have created a Facebook PE Group so I can post videos and share content with the families.
The group is called Redwood Heights School PE.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2599791240346997/
If the link doesn't work please search for Redwood Heights School PE or #RHSPE.
Or please send me an email -pablo.estebanez@ousd.org - if you have any trouble finding it."
How to log on to RHS Online Programs
RHS Library: Resources from our RHS library. Log on and see what fun you can have!
The most important thing now is to take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy. I urge you to continue to be compassionate and kind to one another, reach out and support others. Call all loved ones. Connect on social media. The physical distancing and Bay Area Shelter In Place, as critical as these actions are, just means that the bonds of family, friends, and colleagues must be made stronger. This is a challenging time for parents who need to work from home while also taking care of their children. Families all over the world are trying to figure this out right now. Talk to each other, share and post strategies. Now is the time, if ever there was one, to think outside the box! UC Berkeley has a great resource called, The Greater Good Magazine to help us navigate these times with our children. Check out the article, How School Closures Can Strengthen Your Family, @ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_school_closures_can_strengthen_your_family
RHS is a resilient community and will remain strong during these challenging times.
Redwood Heights School RESOURCES:
Family Resources to Support During School Closure
Translated Guides Below:
Spanish Español
Arabic عربى
Chinese中文
Khmer ប្រទេសកម្ពុជា
Hello OUSD Families and Staff.
Below are resources to support you and your family while schools are closed. We will continuously be updating this document so check back regularly for new info.
This week only (March 16-21), Tech Exchange is distributing devices to OUSD families who need them for student online learning during school closures. Families should go to 2530 International Blvd, Oakland, 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday. Families should complete this pre-registration form before picking up a device. Please follow protocols for social distancing to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Internet access may be an issue for many families. Some of the devices distributed by Tech Exchange will have a “hotspot” internet connection, but many devices require internet service. Comcast is currently offering low-income families 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service for new subscribers. This service is normally $9.95 a month.
See announcement in English and Spanish here.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Information
Recent Updates: OUSD COVID-19 Information: https://www.ousd.org/Page/19049
Coronavirus: FAQ for Parents in English and Spanish (KidsHealth)
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus.html
https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/coronavirus-esp.html?WT.ac=pairedLink
Coronavirus: Fact sheets in 24 languages (Ontario, Canada). Note: some resources are specific to Ontario but the information is helpful for minority language speakers.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus#section-11
Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
General Information about Community Services
Call 211 (Phone lines answered 24/7) or use their website to find services
Bay Area Shelter In Place Order→ Bay Area Shelter In Place Information
Food Resources
In OUSD Schools: For all students in OUSD and any Oakland children under 18.
During the closure, our Nutrition Services Department will open twelve schools throughout the city where “Grab and Go” breakfast and lunch meals will be available for our students. The sites listed below will be open at the following times and children will be able to pick up multiple days worth of food to take home.
Monday: 8:00-12:00 (3 breakfasts/3 lunches per student)
Thursday: 8:00-12:00 (2 breakfasts/2 lunches per student)
Food is available to all OUSD students, and any Oakland child under 18 years old.
Please bring a grocery bag or cooler to bring food home for the week.
Northwest/West Oakland: Sankofa Elementary, West Oakland Middle School and Hoover Elementary
Central Oakland: Oakland High School and Garfield Elementary
East Oakland: Bret Harte Middle School, Life Academy/United for Success, Coliseum College Preparatory Academy, Madison Park Upper, Fremont High School, Castlemont High School, and Elmhurst United Middle School
The student does not need to be present but the family will need to provide the student’s name, grade level, and school.
Find a Food Pantry Near You https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ca-oakland
Local Wiki-Free Eats in Oakland (need to call to confirm current capacity)
Mental Health Resources
-Crisis Text Line Text the word HOME to 741-741 for support (national resource: Crisis Text Line Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJaLZGDwYiI
Text this number if you are in an emotional crisis and needing support. If you feel unsafe, please call 911.
-Parent Support and Resource Hotline: Family Paths 1-800-829-3777
Our 24-Hour Parent Support & Resource Hotline provides free and confidential counseling, information and referrals to anyone in need of parenting support. You have access to caring hotline counselors for anonymous calls at any time, or schedule regular callbacks to support you with your parenting or family concerns. We also can refer you to Family Paths’ services and 900+ Alameda County resources.
-ACCESS Line: ACCESS Line for families with Medi-cal insurance. Call this hotline to get connected to counseling or other mental health services. http://www.acbhcs.org/providers/Access/access.htm
-OUSD EAP/Mental Health Resources for OUSD Staff: Teacher and Staff Wellness Resource Teachers and staff can use this resource to connect to counseling and other wellness resources.
-Bay Area Resource Link Hub: Bay Area Resource Links Connect to services and support by category. https://awesome-table.com/-Kl05RmQhlY5Pv2nqWvk/view
Financial Support
This resource below has information in English and Spanish for families who are being economically disadvantaged by COVID-19 and has steps to receiving money from the government if, for example, they work at a restaurant which needed to close due to the pandemic or they cannot work because they are home to take care of an affected family member.
Internet Resources
Comcast is offering free/reduced-price internet for those of low-income who are forced to work or study remotely due to COVID-19. Information here
Family Activity Ideas
Activities for Families: What to do During Social Distancing: https://www.510families.com/covid-19-social-distancing-with-kids-what-to-do-where-to-go/
Giant List of Indoor Activities for Kids:
https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/indoor-activities-for-kids/
Free Read-Aloud Stories for Children
https://www.freechildrenstories.com/
Free or Low-Cost Stress-Reducing Apps for Kids
https://parentingchaos.com/anxiety-apps-kids/
Academic/Educational Resources (Ask your school for Continuity of Education Plan)
From Common Sense Media:
Helping kids stay focused
If you're concerned that your kid won't be able to stay on task while doing online work, you may need to get some tech help. Here are some options:
Screen Time (for iOS) and Family Link (for Android): Use these tools in conjunction with your kids' devices to limit what they can do and when.
Habitica: Gamified Task Manager
Math. About 30 minutes.
Watch a Khan Academy lesson and practice. If your math skills aren't what they used to be, visit Khan Academy's FAQ for tips on how to help your kid with math or get them started on self-directed learning. Here is their Quick Start Guide if you're ready to jump in.
Reading. 30-60 minutes.
If your kid has a book they're reading in English class, make some progress on that. If not, choose one for fun. If you can't leave the house, Libby connects you to your local library. Punch in your library card number and you have access to a wide range of ebooks kids can access on their Kindle, tablet, or computer.
Creative time. 90-120 minutes.
Bring out the pens and paper! This can be a nice chunk of time off screens. Whatever your kid is into—piano, papier-mâché, playwriting—this is the perfect opportunity to let loose. Of course, there are lots of ways media and tech can support these interests if you choose
YouTube has an endless amount of instructional content, including music lessons, DIY creators, painting (gotta love Bob Ross!), and more. Keep younger kids in family spaces so you can make sure they are finding quality content. More choices:
Chores. 15-30 minutes.
Every family has a different way of managing household responsibilities. But if you're finding this to be a particularly challenging time to get your kids to help out, you can try some apps that can help them stay organized and give some incentives.
Brili Routines is a task manager with a simple interface that works well for kids who need a little extra push to complete their daily tasks. Parents set up the tasks and then switch to the kid profile before turning it over. Kids earn rewards and learn to better manage their time. Other options:
Family time
When kids are stressed, they're going to need even more chances to chill out, so this might be a time to relax rules about entertainment media. And while tweens and teens don't always tell you that they need your support, they do. Watching movies or playing games together can be an easy way to be together in a low-stress way. Here are some ideas.
Jackbox Party Packs are collections of games that groups can play using individual devices (phones, tablets, laptops). You can download the game via providers such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Comcast Xfinity X1, and the game network Steam—and then play it from the couch. You can even invite friends and family from afar to join the game while video-chatting. Also try:
Apps to play with family/friends near and far: Draw Something, Trivia Crack, Words with Friends
Streaming movies: Netflix: Here are all the best movies streaming right now.
TV to watch with all ages: Shows that are good for kids of different ages to watch together
Games that use your tablet as a gameboard: Forbidden Desert, Uno, and Tsuro
More Online Resources:
Capstone: Interactive e-books: 3,877 high-interest books! Fiction and non-fiction at all levels. Read-aloud capability. Only 49 Spanish titles but they are popular choices like Sofia Martinez.
Use username and password below:
Username: tryclassroomci
Password: earth
PebbleGo: Easy, a fun database of books for K-3rd students. English & Spanish. Animals, Science, Biographies, Social Studies, Dinosaurs, Games.
Use username and password below:
Username: engaged
Password: learning
Newsela: free news articles for students
Also this as a resource guide: https://sites.google.com/newsela.com/stayingconnected/home?authuser=0
Mystery Science: Free and engaging science lessons for all grade levels!
Vooks: Library of read-aloud, animated storybooks. Free for 30 days with this link.
Britannica: Free encyclopedia resources for kids!
Brain Pop! Free (for school closures) math, science, social studies, language arts for kids. Great introduction to topics. Take the quiz at the end to test your knowledge
Lakeshore Learning: Free printables, craft ideas, lesson ideas for school closures.
Scholastic: Free books that students can read, activities paired with books for school closures
Exploratorium: Hands on crafts, learn about viruses, etc.
S’Cool Moves: Calming techniques and body movements. Download the free posters in the link above.
GoNoodle: Create a free account and get your body movin’!
Freckle is an online, adaptive learning platform that includes content in math, ELA, science and social studies. OUSD has been granted free premium access for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. Your students have been automatically rostered and can access the program through Clever. Intro to Freckle
Code.org for coding (also accessible through Clever page)
Typing Club (also accessible through Clever)
Oliver Jeffers and Peter Reynolds, two children’s book authors, will be doing live readings of their books during the school closures. Oliver Jeffers will read on his Instagram stories and Peter Reynolds will read on facebook. www.facebook.com/PeterHReynolds
Learning Liftoff: 20 Best Homeschooling Websites and Learning Resources
Open Culture: K-12 Educational Resources
Free Academic Resources During School Closures Free Learning Platforms during school closures
Eye to EyeUnlocking Greatness in the 1 in 5 who Learn Differently
Resources for Educators / Families
We understand that as families and educators, school closures and/or students being home from school impacts each of you as well. Below are articles put together by current leaders in education with tips and advice for parents and educators during this time:
Guidance from the Department of Education: Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak
Understood.org: Coronavirus: Latest Updates and Tips
Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Common Sense Media: 17 Apps to Help Kids Stay Focused, Top Time-Management Apps
Learning Disabilities Association of America: Community Q&A Forum
Mario Framework: Advice from international educators who are on prolonged online learning due to school closures
Inside HigherEd: So You Want to Temporarily Teach Online
ADDitude Magazine: How to Explain Coronavirus to a Child with Anxiety
Staying healthy and managing stress:
We realize that the current national response to the COVID-19 pandemic impacts all areas of your lives as you face not only school closures, but business closures, event cancellations, and isolation from friends and loved ones. It is important to find ways to remain calm, stay positive, and manage stress during this time to remain healthy and feel good. Below are tips and suggestions for maintaining a healthy body and mind:
Stay informed.
Being accurately informed will decrease worry and stress and allow you to respond productively. The CDC has put together a list of the most important facts to know, and how to best protect yourself. Seek news from reliable sources, and take breaks appropriately. Excessive updates and misinformation can cause stress and undue panic.Stay active and eat well.
Go for runs, do yoga, take walks, and stay active. It is great for both physical and mental health. If you can, maintain a healthy diet. Eating well is the best way to maintain a strong immune system. However, we understand and appreciate that access to produce and fresh fruit is not always possible! Eat as best you can, and don’t stress.Stay connected.
Just because we might not be able to see each other as much right now, doesn’t mean we have to be completely socially isolated! Make sure to check-in on your friends and loved ones… call your friends/family, FaceTime, Skype, Marco-Polo, utilize social media.
Spend time in nature!
Hikes, walks, nature trails, bike rides - these are all things you can absolutely still do! If you enjoy being outside, then get outside. Just try to refrain from doing these things in large groups.
Get out the board games and cards.
If you’re at home with roommates, partners/spouses, or family, this is a good time to whip out the games!Make a list of movies and TV shows you’ve been wanting to watch.
What better time to start checking off that list of movies and shows than when you’re being asked to stay home.Get crafty!
Now is a great time to paint, draw, collage, create a vision board, sew/knit, write, or do any other creative activity that you enjoy.Read/listen to stories.
If you have a book, audio-book, graphic novel, comic book, or podcast that you’ve been dying to get to, why not start now.
RESOURCES FROM OUR COMMUNITY
From Our Garden Educator, Sara Brown
...I just wanted to offer up a chance for students who need fresh fruits and vegetables because of the school closure, to reach out to me to get some fruits veggies from the garden. We have Chard, Collards, Fava Beans, Oranges, Lemons, Onions and Leeks that are ripe right now and lots of herbs. I don't know if anyone needs them but I just wanted to make sure I offered it up. They can reach out to me via email (bsara0896@gmail.com) phone (925-353-0508)....
Best,
Sara Brown
Ms. Akemon RHS LIbrary Clerk & Guardian of the Books
Did you know the Redwood Heights Library has a HOME PAGE? It's true, we do! It has everything you need to learn at home!
There is a link to your Clever Portal, a link to all of OUSD's online resources, I even added fun sites to extend learning about the books we read together in our library! There is a link to our author's who visited: Gene Luen Yang's homepage as well as a link to Judd Winick's Hilo homepage.
If you are keeping up with your reading and want to share your book reviews, there is even a link to print a book review worksheet at home! Don't forget to turn it in when school reopens so you can get your Laffy Taffy!
You can search our library's card catalog too! Plan what you will read when you return to our beautiful book collection. Or look through our wishlist and donate a new book to our collection.
The link is worth your time! Add it to your favorites today!
https://destiny.ousd.org/common/servlet/logout.do?tm=
Thanks for reading with your child during this special time we have together, and be safe out there!
See you in the library!
From our parent, Natalie Slattery. THANK YOU!
I wanted to let you know that in the event of school closures, one of my companies is offering free digital access to their libraries. Here is the information:
You can access books three different ways.
- Here is the Free access to a curated list of CI titles related to viruses, germs and keeping healthy
- Capstone is offering free PebbleGo (K-2) and a large collection of 3000+ titles. Affected schools fill out online form. Capstone's Customer Service will be notified of a completed form and will quickly try to verify that the school is closed. Upon verification, the contact will be emailed a username and password (the same for all successful applicants.) Expiration: Access for all accounts ends June 30, 2020
- Even without a closure, Capstone Libraries can be accessed for free though April 15 at www.mycapstonelibrary.com
All Books
Username: tryclassroomci
Password: earth
our Alameda County Public Health Department website www.acphd.org