November 13, 2020
Dear Burr Families,
I hope you had a great week.
As we continue to work in a hybrid model that includes asynchronous learning (and with a potential move back to a full remote model looming), I think it's important to re-examine the importance of workspace at home. One of your goals as a parent is to help create a learning space at home that is predictable, comfortable, and free of distractions. The link below has some ideas on how to do this. I would encourage you to revisit your child's workspace with your child and give them some ownership on the design, layout, and location of this space.
Additionally, I would ask that you revisit expectations for learning and behavior with your child. These include:
Students should be dressed like they would be dressed for school.
Students should be on time for live meets.
Students should not be writing distracting comments in the chat box or doing anything distracting on camera. Questions related to the lesson and/or class content are ok.
Distracting toys, electronics, etc. should not be part of a student's work environment.
Students should not be eating during live meets - unless given permission by the teacher.
Students should be following directions from the teacher on when it is ok to talk and when they should be listening.
Ultimately, we would ask that you work with your child on independence and agency. They need to own as much of their own learning as possible. Let them (require them) to do the work - which in most cases, they are capable of doing. At the primary level, they may need your help navigating directions (and the reading expectations embedded in using Google Classroom.) However, it's ok for them to watch the videos, learn the technology, and do the work. So, for example, if they need to watch a phonics video, have them watch it without you and be ready to share with you 1-2 things they learned when it is over. Or if there is a game they need to play as a math extension, have them take the lead in explaining the game to you and then facilitating the actual play. I understand the challenges of trying to support your child and do your own work, and I further understand that it's more efficient to "take over" the completion of work from your child. The problem is, they don't necessarily learn independence and agency, and this will catch up to them (and you) in the long run. This doesn't mean you need to take a completely hands-off approach. You may need to scaffold (provide minor supports which you gradually remove) tasks for students. That is ok. Just be wary of doing it for them - no matter how much they protest. It's better to give the teacher a "heads up" explaining what happened if work wasn't completed, then just taking over the completion of the work.
In the parent's corner, I am re-recommending a book - How to Raise an Adult. We did it as a parent book club a few years ago. I would highly, highly recommend that you read it!
Thanksgiving will probably look different for your child this year. Even with everything happening, there is a lot to be thankful for.
As always, if you have any feedback or questions, don't hesitate to contact me directly at jbluestein@fairfieldschools.org
Be well,
Jason
We are learning at Burr!
Important Message from Town of Fairfield - Thanksgiving
Parent Corner
Resource: Link to CDC
Read It (Together): I Am the Storm (Highly recommended)
Read It Yourself: Social Emotional Ideas for Parents
Read It Yourself : How to Raise an Adult
Watch It With Your Children: Pick of the Litter - Disney +
Watch it Without Your Children: The Queen's Gambit - Netflix
Upcoming Dates
November 20 - STAR scores available in Infinite Campus backpack.
November 20 - Picture Retake Day
November 25 - Early Dismissal; students will be learning remotely from home on this day. Schedule to follow.
November 26, 27 - Thanksgiving break, no school.
November 30-December 4th - Diversity Week
Veteran's Day
One of the highlights of the year at Burr is our Veteran's Day Presentation. It brings together history, music, singing, and an impressive guest list of veterans - who speak directly to our students. This year, we were unable to have this assembly live and in person. However, it was really important for us to mark the day (and what it means), so we had a virtual assembly at school during whole school morning and afternoon meets. Our assembly included:
A live explanation of the history and significance of Veteran's Day from fifth grade students.
Whole school interactive songs. While we couldn't sing (due to social distancing), we did learn sign language and percussion. Thank you to our guest music teachers for putting together great "follow along" videos for our students.
Testimonials from our guest veterans. We shared these videos with our students. Veterans introduced themselves and talked about their service. If you want to watch these videos and/or re-watch them with your children, HERE is the link. We are so lucky to have this opportunity.
Democracy Project
A special shout out to our fifth grade students and teachers for their library media project on democracy. Students learned about how elections work, what the Electoral College means (this was a timely year to learn this), and what are some of the important issues that our country is wrestling with currently. Students then researched one issue important to them and created a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that explained their position. The PSAs were awesome and integrated research, technology, and presentation skills. Students also had the opportunity to meet virtually with their Congressman and a candidate for State Elective office. Senator Chris Murphy also sent them a message. See link.