Sunday Message
Sunday Message Week of March 30th, 2020
Look at that Poker Face!
Got Espanol?
Jude enjoying Senor Mac's Spring Break Spanish Class
Distance Learning Starts on Monday!
Parent Question and Answers about Distance Learning
What is distance learning?
Distance Learning is how students will attend Brevard Academy virtually. Distance learning will be accessible through Seesaw (K-2) and Google Classroom. Teachers will be in contact through email and send links out to their virtual classrooms. They will also have links posted on their websites. Students will watch videos and complete assignments. We hope to roll out live classes sometime in the near future.
When will students return to Brevard Academy?
Schools are currently closed until May 15 under an executive order by Governor Cooper. When Governor Cooper allows us to return to in-person learning, we will return to school.
What will the schedule look like?
Teachers will post the schedules they followed in their classrooms as a guide. This is just a suggestion as families will have to create schedules that work for them.
When will teachers be available for support?
Teachers will be monitoring email for immediate response during the following hours.
Monday-Thursday
Morning--2 hours (9:00-11:00)
Lunch/Recess/Screen Break--11:00-1:00--No immediate response.
Afternoon--2 hours (1:00-3:00)
Evening--1 hour/week--each teacher will post a time on their website.
Fridays--9:00-3:00
Parent Zoom Phone Calls
Each week, we will host 30-minute parent Zoom calls. These are question and answer sessions.
Mondays, 10:00 am
Meeting ID: 705 838 285
Password: 011292
Tuesdays, 6:00 pm
Meeting ID: 997 133 499
Password: 018424
Wednesdays, 2:00 pm
Meeting ID: 905 057 295
Password: 021561
Thursdays, 5:00 pm
Meeting ID: 675 794 630
Password: 004472
Log in information will be posted in the Sunday Message and on teacher websites.
How will technology use be monitored?
Parents, we will be depending on you to help our students to use technology responsibly throughout this process. As a school, we have implemented the highest level of supervision through Gaggle, our online monitoring service. However, parent supervision will be the first and best method of keeping all of our students safe as we transition to distance learning.
What if I need technical support?
If you are experiencing technical problems, please reach out to our technical support.
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday, Wednesday, Friday – On Campus
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Tuesday, Thursday (email techsupport@brevardacademy.school)
If you have questions about an assignment, please contact your child’s teacher.
What if my child gets EC Services?
Services will continue. Your child’s EC case manager will be in touch to ensure that your child is getting appropriate services. Please email EC Director Lori Luhrs or your child’s case manager with any questions.
How long should my child work each day?
We anticipate that your child will spend 2-4 hours on core classes and 45-60 minutes on specialist classes each day. If your child is struggling with an assignment, please email the grade-level support team.
We have multiple ages in our house. Will we have the flexibility to do assignments on our terms/schedule or do the kids have to report to check in on the computer at certain times?
There will be flexibility in terms of when your child completes assignments and when they are turned in. If teachers offer live lessons, these will be recorded and posted later.
When will assignments be posted?
K-6 teachers by 8:30 am daily.
7-8 teachers by 8:30 Mondays and Wednesdays.
Specialist teachers will post weekly assignments by 8:30 am.
Fridays will be Catch Up Days
New assignments will not be loaded.
Students will work on Compass/MobyMax for 30 mins in ELA and Math.
Students will use the day to catch up on assignments.
Teachers will monitor email from 9:00-3:00 to answer questions.
If they have assigned times for online classes, what will the expectations be?
If there are live classes offered, these will be recorded and posted in Seesaw or Google Classroom in case a student misses the class.
Types of Distance Learning:
Synchronous Learning:
Synchronous learning refers to a learning event in which a group of students is engaged in learning at the same time. Synchronous learning happens through live video platforms and instant messaging to provide immediate feedback support for learners. Teachers will be using Zoom as the platform to provide synchronous learning opportunities for students while schools are closed. Links to synchronous learning opportunities will be provided in the coming weeks.
To Join a Zoom Call:
Teachers will provide an access code and phone number to access the call.
At the scheduled time, log into the Zoom call.
Asynchronous Learning:
Asynchronous Learning involves coursework delivered by web, email, and message boards that are posted in online forums. A-synchronous learning is self-paced (with deadlines) and includes assignments that will be posted in Seesaw or Google Classroom.
Is tutoring available?
Yes, we will post regular tutoring opportunities for families in links through your teacher’s Seesaw or Seesaw or Google Classroom.
Can we pick up personal items?
Following guidance from the Transylvania County Health Department guidelines, only essential items for learning will be available for pick up. Essential items are Chromebooks and Food. When distributing these items, we will use the following guidelines:
Maintaining 6 feet of space between all individuals
Cleaning of surfaces that have interaction/use
Wear gloves for handling and exchange of materials
If anyone has any of the symptoms (low fever, cough, body aches) they should not participate/stop by.
What if my child needs counseling?
Ms. Monk is available for counseling services. Please send her an email at mmonk@brevardacademy.school.
What if we need food resources?
Please use the following document to help you find food resources. Click here. Please reach out to us by emailing us at baclosed@brevardacademy.school.
Do you have any resources I could use to talk to my child about the coronavirus?
As adults, we must remain calm with our actions and words and share factual information. Sharing accurate information during a time of heightened concern is critical. One of the ways we can protect our community from illness is to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading.
Here are some resources you may use to talk about the coronavirus with students:
Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus
What if I need counseling services during the closure?
The student services team at BA is committed to continuing to support the social-emotional health of our students during this time. Our plan is as follows:
Students will receive social-emotional resources, videos, and lessons once every other week via Google Classroom (3rd-8th) or Seesaw (K-2nd)
Parents can email Mrs. Monk to set up an individual check-in with their child via zoom video conferencing.
Group counseling is paused until we return to school
Parents can reach out for support, resources, and/or consultation via email during our office hours (9-10 am) for an immediate response or at any time for a response within a day
Families can reach out for any food or resource needs via email by emailing baclosed@brevardacademy.school. A full list of area feeding sites is available here.
Student Services Office Hours:
Parent Office Hours: M-F 9-10 am via email
Student Office Hours: By appointment only (via Zoom)
Distance Learning Tips for Students
Students:
Pick a place that will be your “classroom.” Stock it w paper, pen/pencils, and any school books or materials
Set a schedule for yourself about when you will be online
Check your T.E.C.H. Tabs closed, Electronics put away, Cell phone off, Headphones in
Schedule your breaks and rewards either by task (“when I finish ___, I will____”) or by time (“every 15 minutes I will stand up and stretch.” )
Stay connected! Ask questions, send emails, participate in group chats and video meetings
Organize your work
Make a file for all the emails & communications from school
Make a calendar about what is happening and what is due when
Keep track of your passwords and log ins
Reach out. Having trouble with tech? With a school topic? With managing life at home? Send a note to your teacher and/or a trusted adult
Save time each day to:
Read!
Create! (make some art, build something, play some music, dance, etc.)
Move! (get outside, do some yoga, set up your own workout routine)
Online Etiquette
When joining digital meetings, keep your mic muted and unmute only when you are speaking. This cuts down on background noise
Avoid side chats-- they distract yourself and others (just like in class!)
Don’t eat on camera-- it can be noisy and some people find it unappealing.)
Dress for class! School dress code applies online, too!
It’s okay to just use audio and not appear on camera, if you prefer. (It also uses less data if you’re not on wifi.)
THINK before you post/send. It’s one thing to say something inappropriate in class, but online, there's a record and many more people can see your words. Stay on task and on topic.
Distance Learning Tips for Families
For Families:
Help students choose & use a consistent workspace
A solid schedule will be your best friend
Balance work and break time for all
Try to keep normal bedtimes and morning routines
Use timers to help keep track
Help, but don’t hover.
Stay connected to teachers and the school
Please respect teacher working hours and where possible, avoid contacting staff after hours or weekends.
It’s okay to ask for help with tech, with emotional support, with academic questions
Avoid getting overwhelmed by options.
Yes, there are wonderful websites and platforms out there
No, you don’t need to know/sign up for/use them all
Take care of yourselves so you can be there for your kids.
Send Us Your Photos
We love to see all our students smiling faces and we sure do miss each and every one of them! Share with us some of the ways your children are staying active, working on projects, maybe a cool place they have found to read. Send pictures to our Facebook page or to ebrewton@brevardacademy.school. We will share photos and videos on social media.
News!!!
Amended 2019-2020 Calendar
Check out the changes to the official school calendar. Current changes to the calendar include moving Spring Break to March 23rd-March 26th with March 27th being a teacher workday. Don't worry if you have plans already set for the original spring break dates of April 10-April 13th. Just shoot Mr. Duncan an email at tduncan@brevardacademy.school to discuss the possibility of declaring your plans an educational trip.
Official 2020-2021 School Calendar
Yearbooks! Yearbooks! Get Your Yearbooks!!
Make sure you order your yearbook soon! We have extended the sale price of $40 through the rest of the sale period. We have only ordered a few extra and will not be able to order more.
Please go to Jostens website to reserve your copy today!
Mountain Roots Camp Opportunity
All Brevard Academy families receive a 10% discount for camp by entering the code "BAFAMILIES" at checkout. To register, visit http://www.mountainroots.org/register-.html .
Mountain Roots will be running 7 weeks of fun and active day camp this summer (including 4 weeks at Brevard Academy) for students ages 4-10.
Leadership opportunities for middle school students are available through the Roots Crew program.
Contact Executive Director, Ali Lien, at ali@mountainroots.org with any questions.
Martial Arts Camp Opportunity
The Traditional Martial Arts Studio in Etowah is offering minimal services to those who MUST have childcare. Due to the new regulations, they will not be able to hold martial arts classes. They must have a minimum of 7 kids sign up to open and will be offering a safe place for kids to complete their school studies under supervision. For $175/week your student may bring their chromebook and knock out their virtual work.
If you would like more information, give them a call!
PTO News
Food Resources
TWO WAYS TO FIND FREE, HEALTHY MEALS FOR KIDS AGE 18 AND UNDER:
1. Text FOODNC to 877-877 to receive a text with the three drive-thru or pick up sites
3. Visit NoKidHungryNC.org/MealUpdates for information on delivery meals by bus and other updates from school districts and community partners serving meals.Fitness & Food
Bored With the Same Old Food?
Check out the link here and let us know what you think!
Gentle Reminders
Review Us
Thank you for your support!
#ILoveBA
Visitors, Help Keep Us Safe
When visiting the campus, for any length of time, please be sure to park in the designated parking spots and walk in. Cars blocking the fire lane causes unsafe conditions to all on campus, should there be an emergency. Also, please remember to bring a photo ID in each time you visit the campus.
Brevard Academy: A Challenge Foundation
Email: feedback@brevardacademy.school
Website: https://brevard.teamcfa.school/
Location: 1110 Hendersonville Highway, Pisgah Forest, NC, USA
Phone: 828-885-2665
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrevardCFA
Health & Wellness
Illness Policies
To review our Sickness Policies, please visit our website.
The best defense against sickness is regular handwashing.
Getting Outdoors
Contact Information
Financial Assistance
Support Brevard Academy
Amazon Smile
Ingles Advantage Card
Relink your Ingles Card every year and select Brevard Academy as your school of choice. Click here to link your card.
Business Sponsorship
Be Excellent with Your Education!
March Challenge--March is Women's History Month. Challenge yourself to read a biography, watch a movie, interview a person or visit a historical site virtually to learn about Women's History. Send me a short, well-written letter to me about what you learned to tduncan@brevardacademy.school.
Choose excellence!
Mr. Duncan