Apollo Early Childhood Center
November/December, 2020 Updates
Principal's Corner
Dear Apollo Families,
Tomorrow begins our first day of virtual learning. You should have received a communication from your child’s teacher with a schedule, including times they will be hosting Google Meets, with the class. The day(s) will include a combination of both synchronous (live meets) and asynchronous (to be completed independently) learning.
It will be important to support your child(ren) the best you can by making sure they are attending their teacher’s synchronous and asynchronous activities each day. It is our sincere hope that children are attending their daily Google Meets and our expectation is that they are completing their assigned activities. For this reason, I’d suggest doing your best to stay with the same daily wake-up schedule as if the students were attending face-to-face, in-school instruction.
As we transition into our virtual model, it is important to address some of the norms, practices and expectations we must have in place, to maximize the success of each of our classrooms. Teachers will be working to establish these routines with students. It is my hope that parents will help their children follow their teacher’s expectations. The following are some things I would like parents to consider:
Does your child have a designated, learning place? We strongly encourage you to create a place for students to engage in their learning that is as free from distraction as possible.
Has an expectation been established in the home that supports distraction free learning time? Siblings, pets and even parents can create unintended distractions. Parents might consider headphones for their online learner(s). Headphones are a great tool to use to limit distractions in the learning environment. Your intentionality in this area will help students increase success during virtual learning.
Attendance is recorded each day, just like in the regular face-to-face model. Students need to be on time to Google Meets as attendance will be taken.
Students should be dressed and ready to engage during scheduled learning time.
Students should not be eating during class time unless the teacher has invited the class to eat. Liquids and technology do not mix well. Keep drinks away from technology.
Be present in the process. All students, especially our youngest learners, may require your support and attention during learning time. It is very difficult for our staff members to ensure engagement, organization and focus when we are not in their physical space.
Please consider your environment, language and practices when you can be captured in the background of a Google Meet. We understand you are in your own home. We are asking parents to be aware of the messages that may be sent inadvertently during learning time.
Parents, please refrain from engaging with teachers during learning time on a Google Meet. We are asking parents to contact the teacher directly should a question, comment or concern need to be asked of the teacher. It is not feasible for a teacher to engage with parents during learning time.
Thank you in advance for your support and attention. Together, we will make learning time in the virtual model a huge success!
Sincerely,
Jen Kidd, Director of Early Childhood Education
COVID-19 Informational Letter
F2F Will Resume January 19th
Please see the attached letter from our Superintendent, Dr. Salah. Note that all Apollo programs, including child care, are planning to resume on January 19th.
We miss everyone incredibly and wish you all a peaceful holiday season.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
As we head into winter break, things certainly look different this year. We wanted to say thank you for all that you’ve done to support our students and our staff through this year's challenges. We understand that it hasn’t been easy on you as parents and our team wants you to know how much we appreciate YOU.
From our entire early childhood team, we wish you a relaxing and happy holiday season. As we end 2020, know that we look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.
About Us
Email: jennifer.kidd@hvs.org
Website: https://www.hvs.org/schools/earlychildhood/apollo-center/
Location: 2029 North Milford Road, Highland, MI, USA
Phone: 248-684-8040