Voyager Crew Bulletin
April 20, 2020: Distance Learning Week 3
Strand Spotlights and Info:
Dear Voyager Crew, I could not be more proud to be your principal through this new adventure. Your commitment to students, to collaboration, to helping, and to connecting has been unwavering and so admirable. This past week you've been focused on ensuring that you are reaching out to students and families whose presence hasn't been consistent or about whom you have concerns. Thank you for letting me and Sophia and other teammates know so we can support and also reach out. We are hearing from families who are expressing frustrations and requesting help with their children's ability to work independently and sustain attention, so...
OUR THEME FOR THE WEEK is PERSEVERANCE: Working in isolation, independently, and without teachers' and peers' assistance is challenging, and we know that frustration and confusion are common. Setting timers for and expectations for "get this much done" and then "take a break" helps with task completion. Families might also try using screen time limits (an option on Apple and other devices) in exchange for finishing assignments--i.e., "you will earn 30 minutes of screen time if you complete x, and 30 more for y..."
- Instructional Tip: In this third week of distance learning, please fine-tune your expectations for student "submission" of work and your plans for feedback. Prioritize what is most effective for you to see and respond to, and consider 2-3 items per student per week.
- Your Extenuating Circumstances: It's not unlikely that you may have your own health concerns or needs to take care of family which prevent you from working as you normally do. Please reach out to me and to Human Resources Director Armando Farias with any questions or concerns about work expectations. WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!
- Resource Pickup: Please ensure you are letting me know if you are providing any new tangible materials for families to pick up from the office. We are letting parents know that our office is open for picking up medication and resources between 9 and 2, but need to know if we should expect a volume of visitors so we can plan for proper safety of all.
- Drive-thru MEAL PICKUP for FAMILIES WILL BE MONDAY this week from 11-1 PM.
- Progress Reports and Grades/Report Cards: At our elementary admin meeting we agreed that progress reports WILL BE COMPLETED and PRINTED but used internally as guides for placements next year versus sent home to avoid additional stress at this time when we cannot ensure support of adequate skills achievement. We expect to have clear guidelines for our elementary approach to second-semester "grades" and progress reports THIS WEEK.
- CERTIFICATED Staff Meeting Wednesday at 2 PM via Zoom: Let's meet as a CERTIFICATED Staff (classified are welcome and optional) at 2 PM this Wednesday to discuss the next weeks of distance learning and expectations for "grading" on our end-of-year report card.
- Mandated Reporting During School Closure: Thank you, Sophia, for providing an important update on our roles supporting students in crisis at the time. Please see the attached PDF below this section for more info.
- Classified Staff: Thank you, incredible Instructional Assistant team, for making yourselves available to connect with colleagues and students!
- Working on Campus: It's critical that you follow safety and security protocols if you visit the site and any shared spaces (workroom, office, staff lounge). Please use wipes and sanitizer and avoid touching unnecessary surfaces. Lock all doors and gates behind you unless you communicate with a colleague who is still on campus. If you work collaboratively in the same space, please maintain appropriate distance, wear masks, and use sanitizer.
Congratulations to our Crew Members of the Year!
Congratulations, Deb Hatheway, SSES Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations, Ellen Cody, SSES and CUSD Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations, Dyan Sebastian, SSES Classified Employee of the Year!
Happy National School Librarians Week, Beth Linde! We love and miss you!
Calendar Events
Upcoming:
Mon 4/20: Drive-thru Meal Distribution at SSES, 11-1 PM
Tues 4/21: SAFE Coalition Meeting via Zoom, 7:30 AM (Jenny attending); AdCabinet Meeting 8:30-10:00 AM
Wed 4/22: IEP Meetings; National Month of the Military Child "Purple Up" Day!; Administrative Professionals Day! Certificated Staff Meeting via Zoom at 2 PM.
Fri 4/24: Friday Flagpole (virtual) Assembly
*This day was also meant to be SSES Luau. Let's wear our Hawaiian/floral/tropical gear to celebrate Voyager unity!
Wed 4/29: School Site Council Meeting to approve SPSA via Zoom, 3PM.
Happy Birthday April Birthdays!
4/9: Sherril Altstadt
4/27: Ellen Cody & Molly Moy
TBD:
Wed 5/6: Virtual CSF Telethon, 5-9 PM
Thurs 5/7: General PTO meeting at SSES, 8:30 AM
5/25: Memorial Day Holiday/No School
6/4: General PTO meeting at SSES, 8:30 AM
6/11/20: 5th Grade Promotion/Last Day of School/Early Release
Special Education Updates
At this time, we are still mandated to hold IEP meetings in order to stay in compliance. This means that we still need a general education (teacher) to attend, as this person is a statutory member of the team. The (meetings) will be held via Zoom (or telephonically.) At these meetings, we will be reviewing present levels, progress on previous goals, draft goals, supports and parent concerns. We will (discuss services, but likely )not be able to offer FAPE at this time. Case managers will work to schedule meetings around teacher office hours. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we begin this new adventure. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Month of the Military Child: Opportunity to Recognize our Military Children!
April is dedicated as Month of the Military Child and Mindy Hayes, SLO, would really appreciate your assistance in recognizing and celebrating the sacrifices, bravery, resiliency and strength shown by your military students.
Each student has a unique story. For them, being a military kid means moving every 2-3 years, changing schools, making new friends, trying to fit in, and taking on more responsibility at home because a parent is deployed (more worry too). But it also means learning new cultures, meeting new people, seeing the world, having friends all over the world, and feeling a sense of pride knowing that even though their parent is the one protecting our country…they serve too! Our military children are an amazing resource to connect our world!
Please take time this month to recognize military-connected students. Below are a couple of ideas:
- Ways to Recognize Month of the Military Child Virtually: https://www.sdcoe.net/news/Pages/2020-military-child-month.aspx
- Ask everyone to wear purple (official color recognizing military children) for National Purple Up Day on April 22
- Acknowledge Month of the Military Child on your school marquee
- Share the attached military child poems through email, newsletters, or class meetings (sent via SSES Family Newsletter)
- Share the link from Military One Source for kids to receive a Free Month of the Military Child Kit: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDODMILITARYONESOURCE/bulletins/2852c84
Thank you,
Mindy Hayes
School Liaison Officer
Naval Base Coronado
619-991-2509
Tips and Etiquette for Using Online Meeting Platforms (like Zoom): Communication for Staff and Families
For Staff:
Jennifer Landry has published a slideshow full of tech tips and directions here. Reminder that video conferencing is NOT a requirement.
How to avoid Zoom bombing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-cnHbLwmCt5zHI_DOd8WbHQIyr5HAlneJgW53FOBRN8/edit
From Zoom:
How to Manage Your Waiting Room
Watch this quick video breaking down how to admit participants from your waiting room into the meeting. Watch Now →
Secure Your Virtual Classrooms with Zoom Waiting Rooms
Check out this blog post to learn how to secure your virtual classroom. Read More →
As of March 31st, the Waiting Room feature in our account will be automatically turned on by default to ensure your virtual classes are protected and include only the intended students and participants. Going forward, you must admit your students to the virtual classroom.
How do I admit participants into my class?
It’s simple. As the host, once you’ve started the meeting, you’ll begin to see the number of participants in your waiting room within the Manage Participants icon. Next, select Manage Participants to view the full list. Then, you’ll have the option to admit participants individually by selecting the blue Admit button next to their name or all at once with the Admit All option on the top right-hand side of your screen.
How to Manage Your Waiting Room
Watch this 2-minute video breaking down how to admit participants from your waiting room into the meeting. What’s more, read this blog post to learn how to secure your virtual classroom.
Watch Now: http://click.zoom.us/e/84442/rY6gamqx5UA/bjntw5/1482347500?h=lATqImLlvQ8sapfPYi1Gf0OEQSDC_0AwHWYCgLAeSn8
Read More: http://click.zoom.us/e/84442/ur-meetings-zoom-waiting-rooms/bjntw9/1482347500?h=lATqImLlvQ8sapfPYi1Gf0OEQSDC_0AwHWYCgLAeSn8
Communication to Families:
Dear Families,
You may have begun using Zoom as a way to connect with friends and family groups via video/app. Some teachers may use this feature to connect with your child, though are district is not requiring video conferencing as part of our Distance Learning Plan. We are aware of concerns related to Zoom in particular and will be taking preventive measures.
We have some suggestions for safely/appropriately using this tool:
- Your child should not be alone with an adult in an online meetup platform. If your child benefits from one-to-one support from a teacher, counselor, or (other role), plan to be present and available throughout the session.
- Ensure your child and anyone else in the home who may appear on video is appropriately attired.
- Choose a place in the home that is relatively distraction-free and quiet. Discourage pets and other family members from participating unless it's appropriate to do so.
- Have all supplies your child may need readily available.
- If the meeting is academic in nature, please refrain from eating on screen.
- Take the opportunity to teach your child camera/video conference etiquette--maintain attentiveness and eye contact, remain in view, refrain from entertaining/distracting others.
Minors (under 18) should not create a Zoom account. But important to know is that they don’t need a Zoom account to JOIN a meeting. Therefore, if teachers invite students to a meeting, they will provide the Zoom invite code, and if a teacher wants to hold office hours, they will provide students with the Zoom invite code.
CUSD Learning Resources During School Closure
Your child's teacher has provided with you classroom resources.
Find our District's Elementary Learning Plan here.
Our Computer Lab page on the school website has login information for your students and academic websites your students use can be found here. Military-connected students may access https://military.tutor.com/home for free K-12 education support.
Your APEX Fun Run Team has provided a FANTASTIC packet of daily activities--see the link below this section!
Distance Learning Resources and Accounts sponsored by our School District:
SSES VAPA Teacher Ms. Mirtallo has created a VAPA Google Classroom with EXTRA activities for your child: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/NTU2NDQ4MTc2NzZa (use code jsobtih to join)
American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge: sign your family up for 10 days of heart-healthy activities at https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=khc_resources_search through our school.
Ticket to Read: www.tickettoread.com All K-2 grade students have accounts. Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700####
Compass Learning: https://www.thelearningodyssey.com/ All K-5 grade students have accounts. Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700#### The school is silver
RAZ Kids: https://www.kidsa-z.com/main/Login All K-5 grade students have accounts. The login format is different by grade level. If you need your login info, email your teacher.
Edutyping: https://www.edutyping.com/student All 2-5 grade students have accounts. The school code is corona75 and Username format FirstL### Password: csd4700####
Xtramath: https://xtramath.org/#/signin/student_other All K-5 grade students have accounts/pins.
Sumdog: https://www.sumdog.com/user/sign_in All 1-5 grade students have accounts.
Our Computer Lab page on the school website has additional login information for your students and academic websites your students use can be found here. Military-connected students may access https://military.tutor.com/home for free K-12 education support.
Here's a link to many available resources: http://www.amazingeducationalresources.com
PTO News and Updates
Silver Strand Luau: We are so very sad to report that our SSES PTO and Principal Moore have made the difficult decision to cancel our Silver Strand Luau scheduled for April 24. We are so grateful for our PTO volunteers, parents, and staff who were preparing for this amazing event, along with a slate of amazing vendors and services. We fully intend to reschedule and hold our 25th Luau, but are not in the position to designate a new date at this time. Thank you for your donations and volunteerism--we look forward to mobilizing our forces in support of family togetherness and our wonderful school community SOON! We will have SO MUCH to CELEBRATE!
Put your child's Name in Lights on the Silver Strand's Marquee Sign! We now have a convenient online form to easily schedule your Birthday, Welcome or Farewell message! The cost is $20 and your donation supports the SSES PTO! Schedule online now: http://bit.ly/NAMEINLIGHTS
Silver Strand PTO Board
- President: Lori Blauert
- Vice President: Nellie Ritter
- Treasurer: Leslie Broussard
- Secretary: Leigh-Ann Williamson
- Parliamentarian: Lisa Emme
Silver Strand PTO
Email: silverstrandpto@gmail.com
Call or Text: 619-537-8782
In addition to building community, supporting curriculum, and enriching students' school experience, the Silver Strand PTO is responsible for Family Fun Nights, Holiday Shoppe, Yearbook and Luau to name a few. Our fundraising efforts provide for school field trips and enrichments clubs. We are unable to do what we do without the support of Silver Strand families, teachers and staff.
Coronado Schools Foundation Events & Updates:
Telethon Postponed:
Coronado Schools Foundation is in complete alignment with all communication and directives from Coronado Unified School District, and prioritizes the health and safety of our community, and particularly our children. To that end, we have decided to postpone our annual Telethon, that had been scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2020 from 5-9 pm in the CHS Auditorium. Working with district officials, we will announce a rescheduled date just as soon as that has been determined.
Telethon is one of Coronado Schools Foundation’s largest fundraising events of the year, and all proceeds raised through Telethon go directly back to our schools to fund the STEM and Arts Pathways programs impacting the education of every child enrolled in our district. We ask our business partners, community members, donors, and colleagues to work strategically with us to ensure that our rescheduled Telethon is again another exceptional success for our schools. If you feel compelled to give at this time, visit csfkids.org/telethon and click on DONATE. All donations will be acknowledged LIVE on air.
Coronado Schools Foundation’s mission is to raise and manage funds to provide exceptional learning experiences for all Coronado Unified School District students. We thank you for your partnership in this time of public uncertainty and applaud each one of you for continuing your commitment to the educational enrichment of our children.
Coronado SAFE Resources
Visit Coronado SAFE's website for more resources and info on activities in the community: https://coronadosafe.org/
Military Connections: Focus on Anchored4Life
Silver Strand Elementary School is SO fortunate to have the full-time services of our very own MFLC (Military Family Life Counselor), Marie Millard! Our MFLC is available to help students through the emotions and transitions associated with military life.
Thank you to our community advisory members, MFLC, and students who attended the Anchored4Life Club training in October! Our students learned how to help their peers who are experiencing transitions. The Anchored4Life program at our school focuses on helping new students adjust to Silver Strand, lifts up students whose loved one is leaving for or returning from deployment and sending our warm wishes with students who are relocating. The Team Leads provide care package "Kits" with a theme designed to support each of the four transitions. The kits contain comforting items, coping skills, DVDs to help kids understand that they are not alone and helpful tools for parents. If your child will be experiencing one of these transitions this year, please inform their teacher or the MFLC to receive a free transition kit. The MFLC's information is always available in the Silver Strand office with the other resource materials.
You will also see our Anchored4Life Team Leads around campus this year presenting uplifting messages, helping with service projects and growing in their leadership skills. We are excited to be partnering with Anchored4Life to provide this service to all of our students.
Military Spouse Support Meetings:
ECDC Wed. May 20 8:30-9:30 Transitions
For information about military-sponsored activities for youth, visit the Fleet and Family Services website here.
2019-20 Parent and Student Handbook
Community Agreements and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Stay Connected with Silver Strand Elementary School!!
Check out and "like" our Facebook page to see photos of student events and programs! https://www.facebook.com/Silver-Strand-Elementary-School-176775765849277/