Message from the Mill
August 2020: Back-to-School Edition
Digital Learning at Puckett's Mill Elementary
On Wednesday, August 12, Puckett's Mill will kick-off the school year with all students engaged in digital learning. Our faculty and staff is committed to the success of all students, and we are looking forward to an exceptional and unique learning experience for everyone. Based on parent and staff feedback, we have continued to improve our structure, process, expectations, and practices. These improvements will help us meet the academic as well as social and emotional needs of our students. Please know that while we are thrilled to welcome our students this year, we are more excited about the unique learning experiences that we will offer each student.
What can students and parents expect from Puckett's Mill digital learning? While digital learning presents certain challenges, it also offers unique opportunities for personalization and application of knowledge and skills. As we plan forward for the start of the school year, parents and students can expect the following learning experiences:
- Students will be accountable for learning the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) and following a consistent daily schedule (attached below).
- Teachers will use synchronous (Live) teaching and asynchronous (Recorded) teaching daily.
- Students must log into the appropriate Zoom session by the time class begins using their first and last names.
- Students should enter the live Zoom sessions with their video "on".
- Students should mute their microphone when logging into Zoom sessions; the teacher will unmute students during specific times during the instruction period for question/answer.
- Students will be assigned by teachers to participate in small groups. These groups are not optional. Small group instruction provides differentiation to meet the needs of all learners.
- Teachers will hold "office hours" after school from 2:00 - 2:45 PM to support parents and students.
Daily Live Check In
Each day will begin with a morning meeting with the whole class to foster a classroom community, provide connection opportunities for peers, and introduce the learning for the day. The morning meeting will take place at the same time each day.
Balance of Synchronous and Asynchronous Teaching and Learning
Synchronous (live) lessons will focus on content and AKS requiring more support. Small group and individual synchronous instruction will take place for students on a daily basis. Teachers will hold a minimum of 4-5 small groups a day across content areas. Asynchronous (recorded) mini lessons will provide students with independent practice on content and AKS.
Content Areas
Students will receive daily instruction in literacy (reading, writing, word study, etc.) and math following the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) instructional frameworks. Science (Sci) and social studies (SS) instruction will alternate.
Fridays
Friday is a required school day. Teachers may choose to give assessments, provide time for students to work on science or social studies projects, conduct small groups or individualize instruction. Friday will also be a day where Social Emotional Learning (SEL) may take place with the support of our counseling team. While there will be a variety of opportunities scheduled for Fridays (teachers will communicate their Friday schedules), there will be no new content taught.
Teacher Office Hours
Teachers will have office hours for individual questions from students and parents from 2:00 - 2:45 PM daily. Additionally, 7:30 - 8:15 is open by appointment.
Special Areas (Music, Art, PE, STEM)
Special Area teachers will post two synchronous (live) lessons and two assignments per grade level per week. Students will remain with the same special all week and should complete the two lessons/projects by Friday.
Devices
Ideally, all students should have access to a device for digital learning. Some parts of the school day can be accomplished on a Smartphone (live check-in), while the majority of the day is best on a Chromebook/laptop. The school is here to support families. Some parents have already contacted the school (lisa.gilbreath@gcpsk12.org) to borrow devices and we have a list of those students. Please consider purchasing a device for your child, if you are able.
School Supplies and Drive-Through Pick Up
Your child's teacher will communicate any essential items your child will need prior to the start of school. Families are asked to pick up their child's back to school materials (agenda books, interactive notebooks, hands-on materials, school supply boxes (pre-ordered), art supplies, and other grade level specific items) on Monday, August 10 according to the schedule below. If possible, bring your child with you so they may wave at their teacher! Please drive through the bus lane and your supplies will be delivered to your car.
Monday, August 10
- 8:30 - Kindergarten
- 9:30 - 1st
- 10:30 - 2nd
- 11:30 - 3rd
- 1:30 - 4th
- 2:30 - 5th
Digital Learning Master Schedule
See the attachment below. Note: 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers will let students/parents know if they are on Schedule A, Schedule B, or Schedule C prior to the start of school.
Further Details on Academic Blocks
Literacy
- Recorded reading and writing mini lessons (10-12 minutes each)
- Groups (10-15 minutes each)
- Combination of recorded/live/independent work for phonics, handwriting (K-2) Word Work (3-5)
Math
- Recorded math mini lesson (10-15 minutes)
- Groups (10-15 minutes each)
Science/Social Studies
- Recorded Science or Social Studies mini lesson (10-15 minutes)
- Combination of recorded/live/independent work
- May be integrated into literacy
Early Intervention Program (EIP)
- Scheduled and communicated by the EIP teacher for live small group sessions in reading and/or math
Puckett's Mill Virtual Open House - Friday, August 7
Relationships matter, and we want you and your child to connect with your child's teacher(s) prior to the start of the school year. Open House will be virtual this year. Please be on the lookout for a link sent from the teacher so you and your child may tune in!
- 12:30 - 1:15 - Grades K and 1
- 1:30 - 2:15 - Grades 2 and 3
- 2:30 - 3:15 - Grades 4 and 5
In-Person Open House will be held for Kindergarten and students new to GCPS. Look for an email from the school to schedule.
Message from the Cafeteria
Please remember that a new free/reduced form must be filed each school year. Your application from last year will expire on September 16th. If you were on this program last year or your situation has changed due to recent events, please go to the website here and fill out an application. You will only need to fill out one application for all your children, even if they attend different schools in Gwinnett County Public School system. It can take up to 10 days to get approved. You can go to the website here to check the status of your application.
Summer Reading
Library Books
Puckett's Mill Elementary School
Email: sara.tiller@gcpsk12.org
Website: pmesonline.org/home.htm
Location: 2442 S Pucketts Mill Rd, Dacula, GA, United States
Phone: 678-765-5110