Findley Flyer-TeleSchool Ed. 3/20
Findley Oaks Elementary-Home of the Findley Falcons!
Principal Christopher's Video Message to Students
Message from Principal Christopher
Dear Findley Families,
We made it through the first week of TeleSchool. I understand that this is a challenge for all of us. Our teachers, students, and parents are all learning to navigate through this new way of learning and teaching.
Many of you have children who attend the feeder middle schools or high schools, so I know that there has been a lot of communication coming at you. I will try to limit my communication to a weekly newsletter sent on Fridays, but there may be some occasions when I will send something out during the week.
In the district communication that was sent on March 17, there was information about remote learning and the various levels (elementary, middle, and high). Remote learning looks different at all levels and can even look different between pre-k though 5th grade. In the early elementary grades, you may see students having more access to non-digital lessons, where grades 3-5 you may see more digital options. This is why our district is distributing devices to only grades 3-5 at the elementary level if needed. Still, ALL of our teachers are looking at creative and innovative ways to deliver instruction to your children. They are receiving wonderful support by our Vanguard Team, a team instructional technology leaders in our school. Our Vanguard Team includes: Amy Rubin, Renee Morris, Ariel Robins, Sharon Ferguson, and Jennifer Taylor. We are so grateful for their support!
I think it is important the we don't worry about perfection. This can be messy at times and that is okay. Yesterday I participated in a webinar and the facilitator said, "now is better than perfect" during this time. Now is the time for our community to be there for one another.
Thank you so much for all that you are doing at home with your children to support their learning. Please be safe!
Camille Christopher
Introducing our Falcon Mascot!
TeleSchool Spirit Day-Friday, March 27
TeleSchool Feedback
Technology Safety and Responsibility
Each school year students participate in Digital Citizenship lessons to learn how to be safe and responsible users of technology in school. Fulton County Schools has technology guidelines in the Code of Conduct and students and parents signed the Acceptable Use Agreement at the beginning of the school year. The Code of Conduct will be enforced while students are participating in Teleschool per Fulton County guidelines. Please take a few minutes to discuss protocols and good digital citizenship with your child.
Mrs. Rubin has put together some resources for you as well https://www.smore.com/rahfm.
We are here to support you and your student. Please reach out if you have questions.
Who to contact for Questions, Concerns, Recommendations
1. The teacher-Always contact the teacher first. He or she knows your child the best.
2. If further assistance is needed after contacting the teacher(s), members of the administration can assist.
- David Applegate- The Instructional Support Teacher (IST) coordinates programs and service delivery for special education students. He coordinates educational testing for students who are referred for special education services. Parents with questions about the special education process should contact the IST for information.
- Cindy Lamb-The Assistant Principal who oversees student information, standardized testing, discipline.
- Kate Hernandez-The School Counselor works with school personnel to foster a positive learning environment for children. The counselor assists parents in understanding children and in developing positive attitudes, techniques, and strategies essential for constructive child rearing. The counselor assists parents and children in obtaining special school and/or community services and helps conduct the SST and testing programs.
- Renee Morris-The Curriculum Support Teacher (CST) i Parents with questions involving curriculum are invited to contact the Curriculum Support Teacher for information.
3. If further assistance is still needed, contact the Principal, Camille Christopher.
We encourage open dialogue so do not hesitate to reach out.
Report Cards
Parents you should be able to see your child’s report card for quarter 3 in Campus Portal https://www.fultonschools.org/infinitecampus.
Please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher if you have questions.
Thank you,
Cindy Lamb
Class Placement Information
Class Placement
Please use the following link to communicate any special considerations we should be aware of when determining your child’s class placement for next school year. All forms must be submitted by Friday, April 17, 2020. Forms submitted after the deadline may not be considered.
Class Placement Information Form
Thank you,
Renee Morris
School Governance Council Elections
Our School Governance Council voting window is now open so please don’t wait to cast your vote! From March 17th – March 24th you will be able to vote for your preferred School Governance Council representative. To learn more about the candidates, please visit the Findley Oaks website where you can find candidate statements.
Please access the voting system by using the unique link that was sent to your email address with your voting information. Please visit our website or contact us via email or phone if you have any questions. Thank you for taking part in this important process. Happy voting!
TeleSchool Information
The recommended Time Allotments are as follows: Pre-K-2-60 minutes per day. Grades 3-5-90 minutes per day. Students have two weeks to turn in assignments from the first day that school resumes.
Communication for Remote Learning:
- Homeroom teachers will send an email to families with the TeleSchool activities and will include assignments for their specials courses on Mondays between 7:30 am and 8:00 am.
- TAG, ESOL, and Special Education Teachers will send communication to their students.
- Our teachers are available M-F during normal school hours (7:40-2:20) so please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
TeleSchool Call Center for Parents/Students (Available beginning Monday, March 16), will be open from 8 am -4 pm-470-254-2300
Here is a link to the Remote Learning Page.
Digital Resource Guides
Here is a link to Amy Rubin's TeleSchool support for parents and students (classlink, eBooks etc...): https://tinyurl.com/foesonline
Virtual field trips: https://www.smore.com/tu1j8-virtual-field-trips
Classlink [Launchpad] Launchpad Access
Gallopade-(K-5 Social Studies)
IXL
MackinVIA
McGraw Hill Math and Science
Office 365
SAFARI Montage
Art Extras-Optional art activities
Meal Distribution
Haynes Bridge Middle School, Esther Jackson Elementary School, and Holcomb Bridge Middle School, will be serving as a central distribution site for meals and during the school closings. We are grateful to be able to serve your family during this time of need.
Food Service-11:00 am-1:00 pm-Monday, Wednesday, Friday ONLY
- Meals will be delivered via drive-up
- Stay in your car-food will be passed through the window
- A meal will be provided for every child under 18, or under 21 with special needs- in the vehicle (children must be present to receive meal)
- Monday Meals-2 Breakfast and 2 Lunches per child
- Wednesday Meals-2 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches per child
- Friday Meals-1 Breakfast and 1 Lunch per child
- Service from 11:00 am -1:00 pm or until meals run out (whichever happens first)
- If you arrive as a walk-up you must follow the social distancing rules
- The CDC and public health officials are continuing to share guidance the general public practicing “social distancing”, which they have described as “all individuals should limit community movement and adapt to disruptions in routine activities.” The CDC also says, “social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.”
Message from David Applegate, Instructional Support Teacher
Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times
All children and young adults require support from caregivers during times of stress and uncertainty, such as those we are facing now with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Coping with the unknown and navigating school closures, abrupt changes in routines, loss of connections with teachers and friends, and fear around contracting the virus- are burdens for all, and caregivers play an important role in helping children and young adults understand the changes and process their related feelings. Individuals with autism may need additional support to process the news and adapt to the many changes. This population may face additional challenges related to comprehension, communication, difficulty understanding abstract language, an insistence on sameness, and a greater likelihood of anxiety and depression—all of which may be exasperated during this stressful period.
The following 7 support strategies are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism during this period of uncertainty. In addition, examples and ready-made resources are included to help caregivers implement these strategies quickly and easily. These materials purposely represent a variety of styles/designs/complexity to model the range of what may be most meaningful across ages and skills, and to demonstrate what can be generated with few materials by busy caregivers. Specific adaptations and additions may be necessary to best meet the varied needs of individual children and young adults.
These strategies are intended to be a menu or toolkit of ideas that may be helpful-- caregivers may take one idea at a time and find a way to make it work for their child(ren) with autism and their family. Caregivers may want to start with a strategy they have used in the past, or perhaps find a tool to address the issue that is creating the most immediate stress. Consider involving the individual with autism in the decision-making process about what tools would be most helpful.
7 Strategies to Support Individuals with ASD through Uncertain Times
1. Support understanding
2. Offer opportunities for expression
3. Prioritize coping and calming skills
4. Maintain routines
5. Build new routines
6. Foster connections (from a distance)
7. Be aware of changing behaviors
Suggested Citation:
Hume, K., Waters, V., Sam, A., Steinbrenner, J., Perkins, Y., Dees, B., Tomaszewski, B., Rentschler, L., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N., White, M., Nowell, S., & Odom, S. (2020). Supporting individuals with autism through uncertain times. Chapel Hill, NC: School of Education and Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retreived from: https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/supporting-individuals-autism-through-uncertain-times
Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times Full Packet
The Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times Full Packet contains all of the content, strategies, and resources related to supporting individuals with ASD.
Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertian Times Full Packet.pdf
Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times Article Only
The Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times Article Only contains all of the content and strategies related to supporting individuals with ASD. This content is adapted from Hume, Regan, Megronigle, & Rhinehalt, 2016.
Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertian Times Article Only.pdf
Message from our Counselor, Kate Hernandez
Hello and hope that everyone’s first week of remote learning went well! At my house, we’re adjusting to our new routines and schedules. This little guy sure is happy to have everyone at home! This is the face that I see every time I look in his direction.
SST and 504 Meetings: If you have a scheduled SST or 504 meeting, I will be reaching out to you for an optional remote meeting via Microsoft Teams. If you’d prefer to wait until school resumes, we will reschedule and meet in person when we return.
Staying Connected: I am available to you and your child(ren) throughout our digital learning days. I can check in with students and assist with worries, frustration or any other challenges, and provide resources if needed. The best way to reach me is via email hernandezk@fultonschools.org or my work cell phone (678) 906-6212. Please feel free to reach out!
Additional Resources: Here are a few resources to help with self-care and to ease stress and/or loneliness your child(ren) may be feeling.
- A list to help to stay focused on the positive.
- I’m also attaching some fun yoga poses and some positive self-talk cards.
In partnership,
Kate Hernandez
School Counselor
Findley Oaks Elementary
(678) 906-6212
COVID-19 Website
Social Distancing
The CDC and public health officials are continuing to share guidance the general public practicing “social distancing”, which they have described as “all individuals should limit community movement and adapt to disruptions in routine activities.” The CDC also says, “social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” Please be mindful and take precautions daily. These measures and overall good hygiene practices will help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus.