URCEO Virtual Welcome Kit
Middle School 2021-2022 (Updated 1/15/22)
Considering Transitioning to URCEO Virtual?
We are here to support you should you choose the virtual option for your child's schooling. In this kit, we want to both inform you of our practices and prepare you for the adjustments to this learning format.
Our Welcome Kit shares the most important information and expectations for URCEO Virtual families. If you find that we are the right choice for your family, we look forward to welcoming you to the learning community! Please do not hesitate to reach out early on. Adapting to change can easily lead to frustration, but you are not alone in this journey. We are here to help you.
Thank you,
Mrs. Green & staff
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SCHEDULES
Our students have a compressed schedule and only take 4 classes per term. Each term, which is traditionally a grading quarter, our students complete a semester's worth of instruction. Class periods are longer to accommodate the instructional time necessary to cover learning standards.
Block 1 8:45-10:05 a.m.
Block 2 10:17-11:37 a.m.
Block 3 12:13-1:33 p.m.
Block 4 1:35-2:55 p.m.Each term, students have four classes that follow a pattern:
- Terms 1 & 3 are what you could refer to as the "A class schedule"
- Terms 2 & 4 would be the "B class schedule"
All middle schoolers will be assigned to AVID, a year-long class. During terms, 1 and 3, AVID is block 4. And during terms 2 and 4 it is scheduled for Block 1. This course will support students in developing skills to be successful in the virtual setting as well as prepare them for high school. Mrs. Hunt is our AVID advisor and provides a consistent space for our students as they manage the transition to virtual learning and middle school.
Over the year, students will have seven classes that take place in blocks of time (similar to periods but there are no bells indicating start and finish times). Most classes have SynchMeets that are held the first 30-minutes of the block. Following that time, students can stay to work with the teacher and peers during Office Hours or work independently.
Students will complete a full year's curriculum for math, language arts, social studies, and science. During terms 1 and 3, all students will take physical education and health. During terms 2 & 4, PE fitness goals are integrated into AVID. Click the hyperlink for 6-8 class to preview our class schedule by grade level.
URCEO Electives & Dual Enrollment as an option
Middle schoolers will have an elective class for terms 2 and 4 during Block 4. We offer World Language (independent study using Rosetta Stone), Genius Hour (a self-directed inquiry project), and Yearbook.
Students can apply (see form below) to take an elective through their neighborhood middle school. Students who opt to take an in-person elective at one of the middle schools will have to provide their own transportation. These classes include band and choir but are not limited to these options. Taking an elective at the neighborhood school will also require that students work with their URCEO teachers to schedule 1:1 or small group SynchMeets if the elective conflicts with their scheduled classes at URCEO.
URCEO Requests that Families Identify a Learning Coach for Their Child
In a traditional school, the teacher is in students' physical space and can observe how they are doing and intervene without direct requests based on a child's behavior. Without this advantage in the virtual setting, the home partnership becomes more crucial than ever. We've identified the Learning Coach as a key role in virtual student success.
During the school day, your child's teachers focus on helping them achieve their learning targets, while the Learning Coach serves as the teacher's eyes and ears in the home. The role of the Learning Coach is to:
Support remote learning and establish a suitable structure and environment for the school day at home
Monitor the student on completing their daily tasks
Partner with the teacher to provide motivation and guidance as your child moves through the curriculum
Who can be a Learning Coach?
Any adult the family identifies who is committed to serving as a guide, supporter, and motivator during the school day.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS
Attendance Procedures & Expectations
Student attendance is taken for each class block.
- Students must log into Canvas every school day for each class to access their assignments and resources.
- When a child has not logged into Canvas at the start of a block, they will be marked absent. Teachers do give a 24 hour grace period to allow for flexibility of scheduling.
- If your child is not able to interact with their teacher or complete assignments on a specific date, please call Mrs. McKinsey URCEO's attendance support, at 541.830.6258.
- Speaking with Mrs. McKinsey before 9:15 a.m. will prevent the initial autodialer system call, text, or email (method of contact depends on parent's personal settings on ParentVue).
Student Participation Expectations
Students are expected to engage in learning activities on a daily basis.
- On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays students are strongly encouraged to attend their class SynchMeet. The 30-minute session via Zoom provides direct instruction from the teacher.
On Wednesdays, there are no SynchMeets.Teachers will be monitoring work completed in Canvas and be available for Office Hours in the morning.
- Office hours are recommended for students who need clarification or support with an assignment.
- Daily, students have a variety of assignments to complete in Canvas. If a student is having difficulty with an assignment, it is recommended that they attend Office Hours for assistance from the teacher or instructional aide. Office Hours are posted on the Canvas Home page.
Instructional Time with the Teacher
- SynchMeets are synchronous meetings that are held on Zoom.
- SynchMeets are critical instructional meetings with teachers.
- Attendance is required for these Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday class meetings.
- Teachers post their SynchMeet hours and links in their Courses.
Office Hours:
- Office Hours are opportunities for students to meet with their teachers to discuss assignments, get clarification on questions or check for understanding.
- Students are encouraged to take advantage of this open door Zoom meeting.
- Office Hours are offered daily.
- Teachers will post their Office Hours in their Canvas Courses.
For Students
We ask our students to access Canvas through Rapid Identity. This allows students to open the web version which has more features.
Customizing Your Canvas Dashboard
STEP 1: Be in Card View
STEP 2: Move Your Courses
STEP 3: Accept Your Invite
For Parents & Guardians
We ask that you activate your Canvas Observer account if you have not already!
Your Observer Role will connect you to your child’s Canvas classes where you can view assignments, communicate with the teacher, and more!
Learning Lounge
We offer a designated study space for URCEO middle schoolers on campus (140 E. Main Street, Eagle Point) is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch is provided.
Students can stay for any designated amount of time. Students will not be released prior to 3:00 p.m. unless a parent/guardian checks them out through the office or has a prearranged written agreement. We require this for safety purposes.
Meet Your School Support Team
Mrs. McKinsey: Attendance Issues
Report absences by calling Mrs. McKinsey at 541.830.6258.
If you reach voicemail, please include your child’s full name and grade level in your message.
Mrs. O'Sullivan
Mrs. Green
The URCEO Mission and Vision
Our Mission:
Serve the diverse learners of our community by providing a quality virtual educational experience for all K-12 students to ensure their success in an ever changing world.
Our Vision:
Nurture and guide all students through equitable educational opportunities that encourage students to take ownership of their learning and develop into lifelong learners.