CCS Remote Learning

Overview

CCS will support students by offering online remote learning opportunities and resources during our school closure. Our approach to remote learning reflects explicit direction that districts across the state have received from the Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. We recognize that these resources cannot replace school (as defined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) nor can they be a substitute for the in-person experiences and interactions that our schools provide. That said, we remain committed to developing the heads, hearts, and hands of our students during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our educators will work in partnership with families to keep our students positively engaged socially, emotionally, and academically.

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What is remote learning?

CCS remote learning plans have been thoughtfully developed by teams of teachers and administrators who know our students and know our curricula. The activities are ever evolving as we learn more and refine our approaches to distance learning. The assignments and activities for students both build off what students already know and can do independently while introducing new content aligned with the curriculum expectations for each grade level and subject area. Activities may reinforce already taught concepts, deepen learning around key content, allow for important practice of key skills, and expose students to new concepts, skills, and content. The remote learning resources are aligned with our PSB curricula and have been vetted by our educators. You can find more information about what to expect in each grade level by visiting the PSB Remote Learning Family Support page.

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What will remote learning look like?

Educators at CCS have built their remote learning plans using approaches and methods their students already know and, in most cases, have used before. Below is guidance for each level.

K-1

In grades K-1, most teachers are connecting with students via Seesaw and Zoom. Teachers are leading morning meetings, lunches, and story time, among other things, in Zoom, while providing remote learning opportunities and activity suggestions using Seesaw. Specialists teachers (art, library, music, physical education, Spanish) can be seen in a classroom’s Zoom session with students, as well as providing activities via the classroom teacher or in the class’s Seesaw account.

Below, students and families can access remote learning resources and activities across all subject areas, log in to Seesaw, and access the principal’s blog.

All remote learning activities are recommended and supplemental. When school reopens, students will not be expected to turn in assignments nor will they be expected to have mastered new content.

Grades 2-8

Teachers, including homeroom, content area, and specialists, will share remote learning activities via Google Classroom or Canvas (6-8). If students do not automatically receive a notification of an assignment, as provided in Google Classroom, they should proactively check CCS Remote Learning websites. While these activities will not be formally graded, if questions arise, students can reach out to their teachers with questions. All remote learning activities are recommended and supplemental.

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How will students and teachers stay connected while schools are closed?

Teachers will be regularly engaging with parents and/or with students through emails, teacher websites, Google Classroom and/or Canvas. Students can expect daily or weekly messages from their teachers depending upon the grade level and/or course.

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Where can students and parents find the remote learning information?

CCS has developed a remote learning website to help consolidate shared information for our families. Links to this website can be found on the schools main website. Students and families should check their online learning management platforms such as Google Classroom, Seesaw, and Canvas for assignments and activities from their teachers.

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What if a student needs help with the remote learning activities?

There may be instances when a student needs support with their remote learning. When questions or concerns come up, students/families should message their teachers. Teachers will do their best to return all student messages within 24 hours (during the school week).

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How long should students be working on remote learning activities each day?

The CCS Remote Learning activities are encouraged, suggested and optional. Under the current guidance from Commissioner Riley our staff is working on providing at least 3 hours of teacher and student directed work per day. Families should work with their child(ren) to set reasonable expectations for when and how Remote Learning can happen.

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Will students have graded assignments and tests as part of remote learning?

No. The goal is for students to stay connected with their academic learning in meaningful and manageable ways during the school closure period. Teachers will provide feedback on submitted work but will not provide scores and/or grades at this time. We are keeping track of completed assignments and would be happy to share with individual families what engagement has looked like for their child(ren) throughout the closure.

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How will students with a disability be supported with remote learning activities?

Our special education liaisons and/or teams will be available for any questions on ways that activities can be supported.

Our goal is to provide services and support to all students in special education. To be sure we are fully capturing the needs of students and families, we will be operating in phases. Since the close of school, special education staff has been vetting and organizing materials and resources for students. Staff has already been in touch with students and work has started. This will continue. Because every student in special education has a unique learning plan, staff have been actively planning how to address the needs of students as we shift to remote learning. Our team is addressing the entire spectrum of students in special education fully included in general education with services/accommodations, substantially-separate, out-of-district - and within these there are gradations for academics and related services. Each of these categories will require different plans while we also sort out how each service will be provided (live video, phone, recordings, etc)

Please see the Special Education FAQ document using the button on the right side of this page for additional information.

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How will students learning English be supported with remote learning activities?

Our ELE teachers have collaborated with classroom teachers and content teachers across all levels to provide appropriate differentiation of shared activities based on student proficiency level. Please reach out to your child’s ELE teacher for any specific questions.

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What happens if a student is ill and cannot check in with their teacher(s) daily?

Our top priority is for students and families to stay healthy. If a student is sick they should focus all of their energy on getting better. When the student is feeling better, they can reach out to their teacher(s) to determine how they might best access remote learning resources.

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How can students’ social and emotional health be supported during this time period?

Concern over COVID-19 and our district closure can make children and families anxious. The CDC offers the following guidance for supporting each other’s social and emotional health:

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.

• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.

• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.

• Try to keep up with regular routines. When schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.

• Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Parents and staff can also use these resources and the Teaching Tolerance website when talking with children of all ages about it. Encourage children to reach out to a trusted adult if they have concerns. If needed, you may reach out to your guidance counselor or school psychologist via email. We encourage you to stay connected with outside providers as well, including your child’s pediatrician.

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How do students and/or families get technical support throughout this period?

Refer to the Tech Support tab at the top of this website or click here