Admin Updates

Hello Seward Families,

Beginning Friday, October 2nd, we will not have live classes on Fridays. Students will have additional time to complete work from the week. In addition, specialist classes and assignments (music, science, PE, art, media and health) will be presented asynchronously via video. Teachers will be available to answer questions and provide extra academic support for students on these days. Additionally, Associate Educators will provide tutoring and live help session. Attendance will be taken with a check in activity.

The reasons for this include:

  1. Students having opportunities to complete work from the week

  2. Our staff deciding to focus on giving meaningful feedback and teaching students what to do with it. We are better able to do this when we have adequate time to review student work.

  3. This also allows teachers the opportunity to collaborate and plan for student achievement.

  4. Lastly, concerns about extended screen time and screen fatigue

For Middle School students this means:

Monday and Wednesdays are always A days

and

Tuesday’s and Thursdays are always B days

Thanks for your continued support of your child(ren) and our staff.

Dear Families,


We are so appreciative of everything you have done to support your child(ren) with distance learning. While we greatly value our partnership, we do have a request. Please do not do any of the work for your child. Do not allow any other family members to do work for another child, either. While it is great to help when there are technology issues, we really need to be able to see the work that your child is able to do independently. Even if the child is struggling with the work, that is okay - that information is very helpful for the teacher. We can best meet your student’s needs when we know that the work they turn in is their own. It is fine to answer questions, talk about the work and help with technology challenges, but regardless of the assessment, activity or assignment, we want each child to do their own work.


Between September 28 and October 9th, all Seward students will be taking a personal narrative writing and math assessment. These assessments will provide teachers with valuable information about what writing and math skills children are already strong in, as well as where they need support. While much of the writing assessment will be completed during google meet class time, some children may need help getting a clear picture of their writing and for K-1, making their voice recording. These are media skills children will use often in distance learning, so teachers will also be practicing it before and after the assessment. Please do not make any changes, edits or revisions to any of your child’s writing. Keep in mind that beginning writers will draw before beginning to write letters and words - this is a normal part of writing development!


In partnership,

Seward Teachers and Staff