The Black Bear Corner
March 16 -20
#AIMHIGH
Hello Black Bears!
As our district takes proactive approach for the safety of all, remember to check for frequent correspondence via email or schoolcast. I will keep you all posted as I am permitted to share information. Please remember... do not share operational plans unless it is sent via a district school cast. All information is fluid!
Faculty & Staff absences
If you are unable to come to work Monday - Wednesday, please let me know ASAP. As of right now, you must use sick days.
Student Absences
All student absences will be excused Monday - Wednesday. Absences are at the parent's discretion. A few parents have made contact regarding absences. Please check your email for correspondence from the counselors.
The district is making preparations for a feeding program for all students during the closure. Seven (7) feeding sites have been mandated during the closure... AMS is scheduled to be one of the feeding sites.
Outside Agencies
No outside agencies will be able to enter the building (eg. First Priority, FCA, Team Freeze, etc.). Please do not have visitors come to your classes. Parents will have access to their children, but they will not be able to make classroom visits.
Instructional Plans
Governor Ivey has declared all K-12 public schools closed March 19 - April 6. You are NOT required to provide direct instruction or assignments. You may encourage students to use the various resources available to them (CommonLit, USA Test Prep, Sora, etc.). We have not been given any information regarding testing.
Please complete your 15 - Day Calender of E-Learning lessons. Although E-Learning lessons are not necessary during the school closure, we should be prepared for a possible transition in the future.
Building Access
No staff members will be able to enter the building during the closure. Our custodial staff along with a portion of DCS maintenance will begin disinfecting the building on Thursday, March 19. Please do not call any custodian or faculty member with the capability to enter the building during the mandated closure.
Please take all resources home that you may need Wednesday, March 18. Again, no one will be allowed to enter the building during school closure.
Thank you,
Mrs. Clarke
Coronavirus Information...
ELearning Plan
Maintaining a schedule of instruction without a break in services is important for learning and growth. All students should have internet access at this.
GRADES 3-8
District issued devices have been sent home with all students (Chromebooks) which will allow students to access 15 days of instruction for English Language Arts and Math in Google Classroom or Seesaw. Students will also have access to Accelerated Reader and Epic as technology resources. Wonders anthologies and leveled books can be sent home with students which include stories in the AR platform. District and OpenEd Tech Resources will be published for teachers.
Fifteen (15) calendar day plan should be generated by Monday, March 16 . We should continue to follow the COS. Elective teachers may provide assignments or allow the students to practice test prep during any prospective closings. However, this option should be listed in your lesson plans.
Handwashing Techniques
Drying hands is crucial after washing since wet hands pick up more germs than dry hands.
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
March Madness - Million Word Challenge
Million Word Challenge
AMS, presently leads the pack... We are in the lead with 33,164, 862. AWESOME!
Week #2 - 18,986, 358
Week #1 - 14, 178, 504
Please encourage the students to continue reading and share our numbers with them.
The challenge has begun.... remember we are competing against Decatur Middle School. However, by increasing volume of reading, our students ultimately reap the benefit.
The school that meets the following parameters will earn a day for students to enjoy inflatables as a precursor to testing:
- The window for the enhanced challenge is March 2 - April 6.
- The # of words will be divided by the # of students enrolled.
- Students must earned a minimum of 80% accuracy in order for their words to be counted.
- Only those students that meet 80% accuracy will allowed to attend the celebration.
Let's go BLACK BEARS!!!
Sports... For ALL Coaches!
The order for school closing is COMPLETE and includes ALL DCS facilities. Please see the bullet points below and make sure all these are done prior to 3:30 pm Wednesday, March 18.
All facilities must be closed and locked.
Every outdoor facility gates should be chained and secured on ALL campuses. If your team uses a facility you are responsible for making sure it is locked and secure.
NO practice or meetings of student-athletes can happen on campus for the duration of school being closed.
If you need locks or chains to secure a facility let me know ASAP.
REPEAT - During the school closure NO part of a school campus may be used for ANY athletic activity or training (see AHSAA memo below
Encourage your athletes to train on their own at home.
Continue to be great leaders in our community to make the best out of a difficult situation
Thank you for all you do!
March Birthdays...
March 20 - Peggy McKleroy
March 22 - Zach Linley
March 24 - Mike Dunlap
March 26 - Tracy Glenn
Governor's Visit...
Austin Middle School
Email: ams@dcs.edu
Location: 2715 Danville Road Southwest, Decatur, AL, USA
Phone: (256) 552-4622