On a computer, it's a bit wierd to access -- right at the top of the page, on the right hand side, there is this little button called 4 topics -- click on it and select a topic!

If you would like the code to see a Flipgrid for NCS 7 students to be in touch with their classmates and teachers, please email acjennings@cbe.ab.ca . This Flipgrid is purely for being in touch and sharing what everyone is up to, and it is NOT required to participate.

Flipgrid is a CBE approved tool where students and teachers can verbally and visually communicate. Visit www.flipgrid.com to see the tool for yourself.

Current Topics (send your suggestions to Ms. Jennings!)

• Say Hello! Main page has updates on the Grid from Ms. Jennings or other teachers
• Plants Progress! page -- show us what's growing in and around your area
• What are you up to? page -- what have you been doing (or not doing) during this time?
• Daily Design Challenge page -- stay creative! A daily 15 mins - 1 hr design challenge with minimal resources, post your creations!

Safety considerations:

• students must have a class code; please email acjennings@cbe.ab.ca
• students can only access the grid with a specific email and password (please remember to UNCLICK click the "remember me" button if you have a shared computer)
• all videos are moderated by the teacher and must be approved before being posted (and students will be specifically asked if they want their reply posted or not -- they can see their own videos and teacher replies, but do not have to be posted on the grid for others to see)
• students do not have to record themselves in order to view other responses that have permission to be posted
• students can also insert emojis over their face, cover the camera or insert pictures if they are not comfortable being on the camera and just want to record audio
• Subtopics are being used to break the videos up so they are not all accessed on the main page
• You can change your username on the response; it defaults to your first name and last initial. Keep in mind that this is much like Kahoot expectations -- if Ms. J doesn't know what it is, no go! Your email is NOT listed in the response -- only the teacher can see that
• If it always a good idea to keep a sticky note or bandaid over your computer camera when you are not using it!
• If a parent has emailed to indicate they do not want their child posted on the page for other classmates and teachers to see they will not be posted. They have veto power :)

We encourage you to set up a routine for your days, but formal learning and courses will likely not begin until after Spring Break.

In the mean time, this website

https://cbe.ab.ca/programs/curriculum/learning-at-home/Pages/default.aspx

is being updated to offer you learning resources approved by the CBE to support learning until the system is able to set everyone up.

Parent Email from Tuesday, March 17th

Hi Everyone,

Sounds like classes are cancelled, and no students are going to school Monday. I don't know anything else yet, and have to wait for updates and messaging from the CBE -- in the mean time, I'll be checking my email daily!

Please don't worry about handing in your work, etc. right now -- I don't know much, but I do know there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to determine how to proceed. Until then, please rest and stay well both mentally and physically.

Here are some suggestions for if you if you're feeling anxious:

• Routine and exercise are too of the best strategies to keep calm! Establish a light routine to stick to for the next few days (don't overdo or over-schedule yourself).
• Do a chore, like putting away dishes. You'll feel productive and get some movement in.
• Limit your access to the news; pick a source or two and a time of day to check and stick to it.
• Move your body! Walk up and down the stairs, do a couple laps around your yard or block, do some jumping jacks, etc.
• Sit in the sunshine - inside or out, close your eyes and soak up some rays for a few minutes.
• Music/Dance -- put on your favourite song and rock out, sing along, move to the beat, say the lyrics, get into it!
• Use a guided meditation or listen to a podcast to focus your mind on something else. Repeat the words back as you hear them if you are having trouble with other thoughts coming into your head.
• Cook or bake something
• Play some games. Design some games!
• Make an actual phone call to someone or video stream with them.