Our dedicated staff members rolled up their sleeves and tried to learn the best ways to promote learning for both the students in the classroom, as well as those who attend virtually. I have the honor of seeing the teachers each day and I promise that they are working so hard, and they continue to show their commitment to learning despite the new challenges and methodologies involved with this new way of learning. We are so fortunate to have our staff, and you will never find a more dedicated group of professionals anywhere else!

This past month was also a new learning experience for our students. In the past, we would make sure that the students understand the routines and procedures in the classroom. Those routines looked quite different as the students were also responsible for learning some of the expectations related to Google Meets and other forms of technology. Although the students will continue to learn these routines as they experience them, it is important to remind them of the following expectations during a Google Meet:

1. Make sure your child is muted. Stay muted unless asked by your teacher to ask a question or contribute to a class discussion.

2. Have the camera on so the teacher can see you and work with you.

3. Wait on the teacher to call on you when you want to contribute your thoughts or ideas.

4. A full listing of Google Meet Expectations can be found here.

Whether your child is attending school in a full-virtual format, or your child is present in the building, all of our students have a portion of their day dedicated to virtual learning. Although the expectations for the virtual hour in the afternoon are different across Grades 1-3, the students may have the opportunity to engage in a live Google Meet with the teacher. When this occurs, please keep in mind the following parent expectations as outlined on the district website:

1. Parents may not appear in a Google Meet with their child.

2. Parents may not interfere in a virtual lesson. This includes posting comments during the lesson.

3. Parents may not record a Google Meet.

News from our Guidance Counselor, Carole Soder

Welcome back to the school year. I know there have been many changes to our school buildings since we were last here in the spring. I am very pleased that we are back to school in person. Our students are adjusting to these changes quite nicely but I do encourage you to let me know if you have any concerns related to your childś adjustment and well being at school.

I am currently the school counselor at Milton and Washington Avenue schools. This is due to the fact that the counselor at WAS has retired. I am the counselor for both buildings until the new counselor is hired for Washington. This means a change to my schedule as I will be alternating a 2-3 day rotation in each building.

I have created a resource for parents and students to use at home, it is a virtual counseling office. Here is the link Soder Bitmoji Office

Inside you will see resources within 5 different rooms, topics include: emotional regulation, mindfulness, literature with read alouds, music, games and lots more! I hope you enjoy and have a great school year!

And as a reminder, the first full week of October is a Week of Respect. As in years past, we will celebrate with a week of activities and fun, including a spirit week!