Palmer High School
Distance Learning Update
Keeping Your Students Productive
The news from Governor Dunlevy came out last night (Thursday, April 9th) that schools will be closed for the rest of the school year. We will finish the school year out with the distance learning model. My greatest hope is that students are developing a routine and are finding ways to be productive with this independent learning model.
I had an epiphany this week that we (all of us) need to find ways to feel productive during this COVID-19 shutdown. I am thankful that I have a job that is challenging me and keeping me productive. I have a 15-year-old son, so I have the advantage of experiencing some of the same challenges as a parent that many of you may be feeling at home. I want to emphasize that our students staying engaged and productive is important and useful for them right now.
Teenagers are social animals, we all are, but teens crave it like nothing else. They no longer have school gatherings as an outlet, so being active in what education opportunities we have, is important. Having them not give up is also very important! They need to understand that online learning can be a productive outlet that will continue to exercise their brains. I would also encourage you to get them out of the house for fresh air, and some form of physical activity.
This week we are trying to refocus on what we are trying to do through the distance learning model. The schools are providing an opportunity to continue to learn. Is it what they are used to? No. Is it providing the same opportunity? No. But what it is offering is a chance to continue to learn and be productive. It's easy to get caught up in the weeds about grading, deadlines, and schedules. It's essential not to lose focus on the task at hand, our students learning, and their futures.
This week Palmer High administration is making phone calls home to the students that we have identified as not engaging in school. The phone calls are an act of caring in the hopes that we can motivate a higher level of engagement. By doing so, students will get some opportunities to interact with their peers and their teachers.
That's a good thing!
How Are You Doing as a Parent?
This week, I asked our teachers how are they doing? We have been focused on how the students and families are doing. How has this distance learning schedule affected the teacher's daily routine? How are teachers managing to keep some form of a balance between work and home, while working from home?
I know the first few weeks I found myself working from early in the morning until late in the evening and on the weekends. Last weekend I put my computer away and didn't touch it until Monday morning. It was good to do that. We are all getting a lot of screen time.
How are you guys doing as parents? I have had conversations with some parents this week, and they indicated they were frustrated and just couldn't keep up with it all. Some families are facing seven classes with multiple kids at home.
If I'm completely transparent, I don't know if this good advice or not. What I have told some is, "we like to treat high school students like young adults. Their schoolwork is their responsibility. Let them bear the weight of that responsibility."
I'm not suggesting you ignore their progress. What I recommend is that you monitor their progress in ParentVue (call 761-HELP for assistance if you need it). Graded work is due at the end of the week. Some teachers have extended this deadline until Sunday night. I have directed staff to update their grade books by Wednesday afternoon, so you shouldn't expect to see updated grades immediately. This Thursday, we will have a progress report by the end of the week (April 17th).
Perhaps parents are feeling overwhelmed because they are trying to figure out google classrooms, what is due, and all the nuts and bolts of being a student. If your student is struggling with a class, ask them to email the teacher or tune into Zoom meetings during teacher office hours (from 12:00-3:00 pm) to ask for help. Tell them to advocate for themselves. It's an essential skill to develop, now more than ever.
I also encourage you to reach out to teachers during office hours. Send an email requesting a phone call to address your student's needs. We all want you to know that we are here for you, and we want to meet your needs, and most importantly, we want your students to be successful and productive.
Thank you for all the support and patience you have all shown.
Mr. Reid
Senior Graduation Checklist
Senior Checklist for Graduation
o Graduation Speeches due, April 15th for audition to speak at graduation
o Take Photo in Cap & Gown in a place special to you! (On top of the Butte, Hatchers Pass, on the Football Field, by the Moose Statue, etc.)
o Send photo to jolene.grover@matsuk12.us by April 20th with how you would like your name read as your picture is shown. (Full name, First, Middle Last or just First and Last) Your choice! If you want, you may add phonetics to make sure Mrs. VanderWeele says your name correctly! VERY IMPORTANT!!
o Fill out Google sheet from Ms. Henry found in the google drive.
o Turn in Scholarships and awards to Mrs. Grover as soon as possible at: jolene.grover@matsuk12.us Make sure to list all scholarships from all schools and the amounts even if you are not accepting them. List awards received throughout High School, in sports, music, art, scouting, academics, etc. This is for the District and to list in Graduation Program. VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
o Make sure all your friends and classmates know about this checklist so we get every graduate. If you do not have a cap and gown, please email me to make arrangements.
Cap & Gown orders will be distributed on Wed. April 15th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Seniors with last names should come at the following times to allow for social distancing.
A -D ~ 12:00 – 1:00 pm E -K ~ 1:00 – 2:00 pm
L-P ~ 2:00 – 3:00 pm Q – Z ~ 3:00 – 4:00 pm