Updates from Principal
Principal's Corner: 8-24-20
Updates: 5-3-20
Dear Meredith Families,
I hope you enjoyed the nice weather and sunshine this weekend! As of Monday May 4th, 2020 students are expected to participate in distance learning as often as possible. Our teachers are offering synchronous and asynchronous learning in an effort to both stay in touch with students and provide families an opportunity for some flexibility. Please take a moment to watch the Coffee with the Principal video below for information and updates for the work ahead.
Best,
Principal Overton
Updates: 4-17-20
Click on image to the left to access Ms. Overton's Coffee with the Principal from 4-17-20
Updates: 4-13-20
Updates: 3-23-20
Meredith Spirit Week!
Join us as we keep our community connection strong!
Tag Meredith on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
Facebook @William.M.Meredith.School
Instagram @official_meredith_school
Twiter Principal Overton @MeredithElem
Use the Hashtag #MeredithMagic
We tried to keep the days simple so everyone can participate if they decide to. We hope you will join us!
Dear Meredith 8th Graders,
We miss you!
Please read the attached letter below to learn about our plans for the spring of your 8th grade year!
Check out our music page from Mr. Sobol!
Schools will remain closed for the duration of the 2019-2020 School Year
Spring Break
Dear Families,
Please note that teachers are off duty during Spring Break from April 6th-April 12th. If you have any questions or need support please contact Ms. Overton via email at loverton@philasd.org. Teachers will resume posting assignments on April 13th. Have a safe and healthy staycation.
Thank you to everyone who came out on Friday to pick up a Chromebook for your child. The Chromebooks are very user friendly. Please click the links to discover tips and trips for our Dell Chromebooks as well as a quicker stepper on how to use Google Classroom!
Tips and Tricks for the Dell Chromebooks
Does Your Child Receive Speech Services?
Check out the Google Site created by Julie Davis our Speech-Language Pathologist. She has included an abundance of resources and ideas for home practice. sites.google.com/philasd.org/speechresources/
Instructions/Schedule for Chromebook Pick Up 4/3/2020
Thank you to everyone who indicated a need for a device. We have prepared enough for the needs indicated. If you did not fill out the form and need a Chromebook please email Ms. Overton by 3pm today 3/31/2020. Please read the entire document below for instructions:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kTUFKzjUhpmcXtklft4JQA-jlBNseoS5TVvLn3oi57A/edit?usp=sharing
Participation in the 2020 Census
Have you filled out the 2020 Census yet? The information you submit has a direct impact on schools and communities as it relates to the distribution of government funds. Bonus! This is a great quick Civics lesson for all of your children. Have a great day!
Message From Dr. Hite 3/31/2020
Do you need access to technology at home?
You can borrow a Chromebook from Meredith! Fill out the Google Form here and we will contact you with details. Chromebooks will be distributed to families the week of the 13th. Please complete this form by Sunday 3/29 by 12PM.
Update from Dr. Hite 3/23/2020
Schools will be closed through April 6, 2020
www.philasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MAR-23-Parent_Family-Letter-REVISED-1.pdf
New Meal Locations and Times/Academic Packet Updates 3/23/2020
News and updates 3/15/2020 from Ms. Overton
Click Here: Resources for learning
Message from Ms. Overton
3/21/2020
Dear Meredith Families,
I am incredibly proud of you for making it through week one with your children at home. I know that the added challenge of educating your children while working and taking care of a home is a great feat. Please know that our teaching team and staff met virtually last week to begin preparing for the weeks to come. We are missing our students and longing to be back at school. Until that time comes we are thinking about the best ways we can serve our students.
Many teachers have updated their Google Classroom pages or sent updates to families. Some teachers and parents hosted virtual hangouts to have lunch with their students. Our team spent time this week learning how to use a variety of platforms that may be employed in the weeks ahead.
I will continue to reach out with updates. Be well. Be safe.
Best,
Ms. Overton
Food Services
Beginning Monday, March 23, grab-and-go meals will be available at 80 sites which can be found here: https://www.philasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/StudentMealSites_March23_Flyer.pdf
These District school sites will be open on Mondays and Thursdays only, from 9:00AM to noon. Each person will be able to pick up 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches for a total of 6 meals. Our hope is that the new schedule is more convenient for families and will help them avoid having to return to their local grab-and-go site every day.
Other non-District sites will continue to have meals available every day. More information about all meal distribution sites can be found here:https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-14-find-free-meals-and-safe-spaces-for-students-while-schools-are-closed/
Student Learning
The school district will make a new set of learning guides available beginning March 24th, and is working to expand learning opportunities beyond the guides. More details to come.
Please continue to check our Google Site which is being updated daily with news for parents and daily videos for the children.
https://sites.google.com/philasd.org/meredithschoolnews/home
Virtual Spirit Week
Join us in spreading your #MeredithMagic by posting pics of any messages of love & encouragement to fellow Meredith students & staff. Use the #MeredithMagic hashtag and tag @official_meredith_school on Instagram or William M. Meredith School on Facebook. Help us spread the love but not the germs.
Meredith Virtual Spirit Week
3/23-3/27
Monday: PJs all day!
Tuesday: What are you reading? Tag a photo of the book you are currently reading and tell us what you love about it.
Wednesday: Pets/Pals- Tag a photo of you and a four legged friend or a stuffed animal that is helping you study.
Thursday: Mismatched day! Tag us in a photo of you best clashing attire.
Friday: Meredith Spirit Day! Proudly rock your Meredith t-shirts, sweatshirts, or hoodies!
PSSAs and Keystones are Cancelled 3/19/2020
Pennsylvania Department of Education Cancels Statewide Assessments Includes PSSA, Keystones and PASA
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced today the cancellation of all PSSA testing and Keystone exams for the 2019-20 school year as a result of COVID-19. This includes the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA).
“Our school communities are operating within unprecedented conditions,” said Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera. “Schools are making extraordinary efforts to remain connected to students and families, to provide food service and to put appropriate systems in place to continue student learning. Assessments should not be the focus of school leaders right now.
“To be clear, all assessments are cancelled for this year,” he added. “The department will submit the requisite waivers to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), but no schools in the Commonwealth will be administering these tests this year.”
PSSA testing was scheduled to begin April 20.
Keystone testing was scheduled to begin May 11.
The PASA testing window is open; however, all testing was halted on Monday, March 16, when all public schools closed.
Secretary Rivera said the department is monitoring emerging federal guidance, working with other states to advocate for flexibility, and will pursue appropriate waivers to the fullest extent allowable as soon as the USDE guidance is clarified. The USDE has already stated that it will consider a “targeted one-year waiver of the assessment requirements for those schools impacted by...extraordinary circumstances.”
Secretary Rivera added that PDE will continue to release information on the effects on accountability and school reporting as it becomes available.
The department has been providing ongoing guidance to school communities in the form of FAQs. The guidance information is available at education.pa.gov/COVID19. For more information about Pennsylvania’s education policies and programs please visit the Department of Education’s website or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Supplemental learning Lessons Guides from the SDP
Earth Day Resources
Click here for a Meredith Earth Day Project:
docs.google.com/document/d/1tznCWXYLrVSWfkr3FqlTzVY1V7Iawl0i_MZZQ-GSNDc/edit?usp=sharing