Cedar Grove Friday Flash
September 18, 2020
Dear Cedar Grove Families,
On Wednesday, September 23, we will have our virtual Back to School Night from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. To join the meeting, you will need to log in to your child's classroom using his or her Google name and password. For those who are unable to attend, the sessions will be recorded and will be posted to your child's classroom by the end of the day on Friday, September 25. For 5th grade parents only, look for a separate Zoom link in the 5th grade newsletter you will receive today.
Earlier this year we sent out a request that students not change their Central Office assigned passwords. It has come to our attention that some students are still doing this. During the course of setting up the NWEA testing credentials, we found we could not access some student accounts using their assigned passwords. It is very important that your students keep the passwords assigned to them. If you need to know what that password should be, please contact your student's classroom teacher.
If you are concerned about security, please know that MCPS uses grade level-specific password requirements that allow for us to ensure a balance of security and appropriate accessibility for a student’s age. Our practices are outlined in the MCPS Computer Systems Security Procedures document.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Derby and Mrs. German
MAP Testing Continues Next Week:
The following information is a continuation from last week's message regarding the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments that began this week for all students. We realize that these virtual assessments are challenging, but we will work with your child to make sure he or she is able to access and complete them. We greatly appreciate the assistance from our families in helping children log on to the testing site. Thank you!
The Maryland Department of Education is requiring schools to administer fall diagnostic assessments in math and literacy to students in grades Kindergarten through 12. The assessments are designed to inform instruction and determine present performance levels of students on math and literacy standards; these are not graded. We will continue to administer the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment next week to students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Since these assessments are taken at home and online, it is very important that you carefully review this presentation to help your child prepare. Teachers will also be helping your child prepare and will provide practice opportunities. Your child's teacher will also be sending you this same presentation and will include the dates and times of testing. Prior to testing, please have your child ready to enter their Zoom class a few minutes early and have his or her student ID (five digits@mcpsmd.net) available.
Important Information Regarding Your Child's Attendance
Parents, there are some important changes to reporting your child's attendance during this time of distance learning. Students are expected to attend all live virtual learning classes in which they are enrolled. However, in some instances, this may not be possible due to illness or extenuating circumstances. If a particular class lesson is missed, students may then access the recording of the class lessons to engage in the daily learning during an alternate time within 72 hours of the absence. Please note that lessons are not accessible after the 72 hours. Parents/Guardians may then submit a Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form to document that their child engaged in the lesson and to request the unexcused absence to be reconciled to Present. If extenuating circumstances exist, parents/guardians are encouraged to communicate with the school’s administration ahead of time. The Live Virtual Lesson Absence Form must be completed for each documented absence.
Parents/students may view a short video on how to access missed/recorded lessons by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/k8_QZvxr760
In addition, parents are asked to continue the practice of reporting their child's absence online. If your child will be absent for one or more days, please let his/her teacher and the office staff know by submitting the form linked below:
Both of these forms are located on our school website in the green "Quick Links" box and by clicking on Attendance.
George B. Thomas Learning Academy (Saturday School) Programs
The George B. Thomas Learning Academy, or Saturday School, will begin offering online instructional programs in reading, language arts, and math, small group tutoring sessions, and coding classes beginning September 26. Classes will be offered in both the fall and spring on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For more information or to register your child, please visit their website at www.saturdayschool.org.
Tech Tips and Reminders
Parent Resources for Virtual Learning
The MCPS Parents page has been updated to include various online resources for families to help them navigate virtual learning. Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/parents/ to see the list of resources.
From Mrs. Hirschhorn, Media Specialist
Hello everyone! I am looking for student input for the Morning News Blast! I sent out an email to your students with links to forms -- one for a Joke of the Day and one for Sharing their Online Adventure Stories. Please encourage your students to contribute. The Morning News Blast is for them! Thank you!
Please click on the link below for this month's Media Monthly. You may also access the Media Monthly on our school website. This will provide you with some great information and available resources.