Dear 7th Grade Students and Parents,
Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this difficult time. As you are aware, instruction will begin again on April 14th and last until May 22nd. We have compiled this document to help you better understand that process, what will be expected of you as students, and what you can expect from us as your teachers during this period of virtual learning.
Instruction
Assignments can be accessed through Google Classroom (be sure to check each subject area). Pay close attention to any announcements and/or updates posted on the first screen (Stream) when you log in.
Things to remember:
● Assignments will be labeled by date and you will need to complete them in the order in which they are assigned. If you want classwork grade credit, you MUST complete your assignments by the due date specified.
● Assignments may be one day assignments or may be extended work given to be completed over a period of a few days. In other words, they may be given in parts and you may be required to complete one part on one day and another the next day.
● You may be asked to do several different types of tasks. You may be required to watch videos, read notes or reading passages, complete IXL, Quizizz activities, Google Docs with questions and answer blanks, or complete online assessments through PowerTest or Google Forms.
Students Without Internet
We have a list of students without reliable internet access. Unless you are one of those students, you will be required to complete your assignments online. Students without internet access will be given assignments in paper packets which can be picked up at HRMS every two weeks starting on April 14th. These assignments will be similar to those that the students with internet access will be completing; however, they may not be identical. The packets will be due every two weeks; with the first packets due on April 24th. Students without internet access will also be required to complete assessments. However, these assessments will be paper-based, completed at home, and returned to the school for grading.
Packet Pick-Up and Due Dates
● Packet 1 - Ready for pick-up on April 14th, due back to HRMS by April 24th
● Packet 2 - Ready for pick-up on April 24th, due back to HRMS by May 8th
● Packet 3 - Ready for pick-up on May 8th, due back to HRMS by May 22nd
Grades
Virtual learning grades will be given in two areas, classwork and assessments. A grade will only be recorded if the score is 70% or higher and does not lower the grade average you earned from the end of the 3rd quarter. Any grade lower than a 70% will not be recorded. For an assignment to count, it MUST be received by the due date indicated. Assessments will be given through PowerTest or Google Forms. Please remember, that there will be no retakes. If you succeed on the first attempt at an assessment, we will record that grade in the gradebook to help you. If you do not succeed, that SOL/topic will be listed as one you will need remediation on when we return in the fall. Remember, we are using this time to continue to learn and practice our skills. The completion of assignments is important and will be recorded; teachers will reach out to students and parents if work is not being completed. You have an opportunity here to complete the assigned work, raise your current grades, and make sure you are ready for 8th grade.
Communication
Remember that as your teachers, we are always here for you. However, we need to make sure that you understand what communication you can expect from us at this time. Here are some guidelines we will be following:
● Teachers will always be available via email; however, you may not always receive an immediate response. We will try our very best to get back to you as soon as possible. However, if you email us after 4:00 p.m., we will respond to you sometime during the next day. You can always expect to hear from us within a 24 hour period.
● Teachers will periodically be emailing their homeroom students to check in and see if their students have any questions. You can expect to hear from us via direct email about once a week.
Office Hours
○ All of your teachers will be available online during direct office hours. This is a time in which you can directly contact your teachers and get immediate or quick responses. During this time, you can email your teachers, participate in Google Hangout chats, or video conference with them.
■ Monday - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
■ Wednesday - 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
■ Friday - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
○ If for any reason one of your teachers cannot participate in the office hours listed above, we will contact you via email and let you know when they will be available for questions.
● Comments in Google Classroom
○ You are, as always, allowed to make comments in Google Classroom. However, please make sure these comments are appropriate and about the material. Also, before you comment, please make sure you go back and read other comments and your teachers’ responses. This will help us clear up any confusion much more quickly. Also, remember that you can directly email your teachers at any time.