Dolphinfo
Volume 26, April 20, 2020
Principal's Message
The shelter-in-place lifestyle is a strange one to which many of us are still getting accustomed. Normal sleep schedules vanish, the commute to work and school becomes from-bed-to-desk or couch, and we consume news endlessly, with a focus on one never-ending story. Social distancing orders and sheltering in place are vitally important, but they can also take a lot of getting used to. As news about COVID-19 dominate the headlines and public concern is palpable, I would like to remind you that taking care of your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health.
My advice to you is to try to avoid excessive exposure to media coverage. Constant monitoring of news updates and social media feeds about COVID-19 can intensify feelings of worry and distress. Consider setting boundaries to how much news you read, watch or listen to and focus on your life and actions over which you have control. Where possible, maintain a daily routine and normal activities: eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and doing things that you enjoy. Consider creating a daily routine that prioritize your wellbeing and positive mental health. Activities, like taking a walk, meditating or exercising, can help you to relax and will have a positive impact on your thoughts and feelings. Keeping in touch with your friends and family may ease the stress caused by COVID-19. Assisting other people in a time of need and reaching out to someone who may be feeling alone or concerned can benefit both the person receiving support as well as you, the helper.
Although the idea of social distancing and sheltering in place may seem daunting, keep in mind that this is only temporary and that there are still many ways to regularly connect with others digitally. Try and focus on things that are positive in your life. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or upset, among a wide range of other emotional reactions, in the current situation. Allow yourself time to notice and express what you’re feeling. This could be by writing them down in a journal, talking to others, or doing something creative.
There is a wide range of measures to tackle coronavirus anxiety and protect your mental health and that of your loved ones. Keep in mind that this pandemic will pass and that there is always help available. Taking proactive measures can help manage your mental health during these times of uncertainty.
Recap of the Emergency Learning Plan
Please understand that with the Emergency Learning Plan (ELP) the division is providing flexible and appropriate learning experiences for all students, while at the same time considering issues around equity, access, and the many challenges we are facing. Therefore, to be sensitive and respectful to all, the ELP focuses on ensuring students are learning only the most essential standards needed to move on to the next (grade) level, while recognizing the importance of personal health and wellness.
The ELP was developed to provide a consistent schedule that is helpful to our families as they support their students’ learning. At the same time, an emphasis has been placed on allowing students to access learning opportunities at a time that best meets their needs. It also provides adequate time for teachers to communicate with students and provide needed support to struggling students.
Starting on Monday, April 27, teachers will use Mondays to engage in Professional Learning sessions; plan and create asynchronous lessons for the week or upcoming week; provide feedback to students on submitted assignments; connect with students that have not submitted work or logged into the digital platforms. Students can view recordings of lessons, work on assignments, practice their music, exercise and journal. On Tuesday through Friday, teachers will offer opportunities to extend learning, provide feedback on assignments and hold office hours. Students will attend classes as scheduled or view recordings of the lesson provided by the teacher. Students should spend time working on assignments and checking in with teachers during office hours.
Within their two-hour designated block, teachers are responsible for providing 30 minutes of asynchronous instruction focused on the essential standards and assignment expectations. Within this two-hour window, teachers should also provide a variety of options for students to ask questions about what they are learning and assignment expectations (e.g., synchronously via chat features in Zoom, Google Meet or Schoology, email, etc.). Throughout the week, teachers will offer opportunities for real time feedback during office hours.
Grading
As a reminder, for the third marking period, grades will be calculated based on work that was due on or before March 13. For high school students, they can continue to improve their grade by completing missing assignments that they have been communicating with their teacher about. The third marking period will end on April 24th and Report Cards for marking period 3 will be shared with families via ParentVue Wednesday, April 29. It is important to note that final grades for the year will not be determined until the close of the school year. Students with a failing grade at the end of marking period 3 will be provided the opportunity during the Emergency Learning phase to improve their grade.
For the ELP period, there will not be any grading for students. Students who were on track to be promoted to the next grade level as of March 13, who consistently demonstrate the necessary skills and concepts to be successful in the next (grade) level during the first, second and third marking periods, and who engage regularly in the ELP and turn in assignments during the fourth marking period, will be promoted to the next grade level.
Seniors who were on track to graduate as of March 13, will likely graduate. That is why it is so important seniors work with their teachers during the third marking period to ensure their grades are on track for graduation. During the ELP, seniors must continue to demonstrate they are learning by completing assigned work. Doing so will allow the division to grant seniors the credits needed to graduate.
Building Access
National Gold Council of Excellence
Yearbook Information
Our yearbook sponsor and I have been getting several emails about yearbook distribution. Yearbooks have gone to print. The books usually arrive the last week in May or the first week in June. After their arrival, they will be distributed; however, we do not know how and when that will happen. The school website will keep everyone apprised of new information as it becomes available.
Cap and Gown Pickup
Jostens has agreed to set up a “drive by” pickup of senior caps and gowns on Tuesday, April 28th. Below are the details of the distribution event.
· Pick up date is Tuesday April 28th
· Senior girls with last names beginning with A-M can pick up between 11:30-1:00, girls with last names beginning with N-Z can pick up between 1:00-2:30.
· Senior boys with last names beginning with A-M can pick up between 2:30-4:00 and boys with the last names beginning with N-Z can pick up between 4:00-5:00.
· If you have not placed your order and still need a cap and gown you can order them on www.jostens.com, as long as you order by Sunday April 26th, we will have your order ready
· The address for pick up is 464 S. Independence Blvd, Suite C 112, Virginia Beach.
· You will want to pull into the second entrance of the Kolache Factory and drive straight back.
You will see a sign that says Holland Commerce Office Park. Continue to drive straight and you will see brown office buildings. Jostens is in the second set of brown buildings and will be set up for outside pickups.
2020 Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair Results
The VSSEF have selected their Category Winners for the Senior Division. Ocean Lakes did incredibly well. See attachment for results. The projects were amazing. Given the challenges of being online, the Special Awards judging is on going. Congratulations to OLHS winners and all participants for surviving the Covid-19, 2020 Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair! A special thank you and congratulations to Babette Shoemaker for facilitating, mentoring, and reporting!