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SANY Middle Schools:
Syracuse Academy of Science includes grades 5-7
Utica Academy of Science includes grades 6-8
All middle schools will follow the same alternating day block schedule. The full-time distance learning model and the hybrid model have similar structures, to ensure a consistent learning experience across models. In both models, on Monday through Friday, students will participate in the courses they are assigned, and teachers will use the same pacing to introduce new learning. Students in both models will receive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) support during their Advisory period.
SANY will offer to all ELL and Special Education students in grades K-12 to attend hybrid learning 4-days per week. We will periodically reassess the effectiveness of online instruction for all students in order to maximize learning. We may make adjustments to students' learning model (online or hybrid) by reassigning students to increase in-person learning opportunities based on their individual learning needs and CDC guidelines.
Full-Time Online Education Model:
Full-Time Online Education Model:
In this model, students in all grade levels would engage in both online, synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) learning 5 days per week, Monday through Friday. New instructional content will be offered to all students, attendance will be required, and students’ work will be graded.
Total direct/synchronous instruction time will be similar to the hybrid model
Additional instruction will be provided for English Learners, as required
Additional instruction and specialized services will be provided for Special Education students based on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Social-Emotional Learning will be provided weekly for all grades
Daily office hours with counselors by appointment
Hybrid (In-Person/Online Education) Model:
Hybrid (In-Person/Online Education) Model:
The hybrid in-person/distance-learning model delivers in-person instruction in SANY schools, with physical distancing and health and safety measures in place to protect students and staff, per CDC and NYS guidelines. In this model, students will attend school in-person on two consecutive days and engage in self-directed, asynchronous distance learning on the other three days.
Additional instruction will be provided to English Learners as required
Special Education services will be provided both in person and virtually to meet IEP hours to every extent possible
IEP teams will meet in the fall to make any adjustments to services or accommodations needed to access distance learning
Social-Emotional Learning will be provided weekly for all grades
Modified transportation will be provided, with physical distancing
Face coverings/masks are required for students and staff while at school/work unless medically exempt
In-Person Learning during Hybrid Model
In-Person Learning during Hybrid Model
Each grade will be divided in three sections, A-B-C.
Students will be contained in a classroom with the supervision of the school staff throughout the day including 10 minutes breaks between classes.
Online Education during Hybrid Model
Online Education during Hybrid Model
Social Emotional Support (both in-person and online education)
Individual and Group Counseling
Counselor open office hours
Weekly/biweekly Character Lessons
Fun virtual activities such as game day, pajama movie night
Special Education Services
SPED students will get their regular services while they are in the building.
Online Education SPED services:
Resource Services
Each class will have a set time to reach their special education teacher through Zoom. This will be the time for students to get help with their classwork.
Consultant Teacher Services
Special Education teachers have been added to Google Classroom for all subjects as a second teacher. In this way they can see assigned works for SPED students and modify as needed. The district uses online platforms such as IXL which have modifications and individual plans for all students including SPED.
Indirect Services:
Parent contact - at least 2 x\week
Meetings with regular education teachers including:
Department meetings
Grade Level meetings
Modifications/Accommodations
Direct Services:
Zoom meetings
Pop in on core subjects Zoom meetings
Individual Zoom meetings
Special education teachers will document any modifications/accommodations and resource sessions.
Distance Learning Practices in Middle School from Spring 2019-20 (Deans will prepare this section)
Distance Learning Practices in Middle School from Spring 2019-20 (Deans will prepare this section)
Daily work;
All classwork are on Google Classroom for example DIN, Exit Tickets, classwork, etc. (Assigned, posted, and/or scheduled on Google Classroom)
Office hours: Based on the building schedule, teachers open Zoom sessions and invite students by posting the link in their Google Classroom.
Recorded or pre-made videos for students are shared on Google Classroom ( E.g.Screencast-o-matic, recommended). Another sample video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW1a99BMU38
Intervention teachers are assigned (office hours) for a smaller group setting by communicating with the Department Chair/Grade chair.
Students weekly works are graded and grades will be submitted every Monday for the previous week
At least 1 participation grade.
At least 2 assignment grades.
Families are contacted once per week (Initial contact by phone, additional contact can be parent’s preference) and recorded in the School database.
Teachers regularly update the Online Education Google site/Daily Agenda for the upcoming week(s) with assignments.
All teachers prepare a course syllabus and share with scholars and parents for online distance learning. Sample syllabus;
Teachers take daily attendance/participation
Online meetings
Staff Meetings
Admin Meetings
Department Meetings
Grade Level Meetings
Meeting with Parents
We constantly communicate with our parents. Our open communication allows us to be on the same page and support our scholars’ well being.
Social Emotional Support
Individual and Group Counseling
Counselor open office hours
Weekly/biweekly Character Lessons
Fun virtual activities such as game day, pajama movie night
Teachers prepared “We miss you video” for students. https://youtu.be/PIWxaXoKQfE
SANY MS conducted parent survey
Virtual Circle with staff
At Utica Academy of Science Middle School, we value our staff morale and do our best to support one another including but not limited to conducting staff virtual circles.The one that provided below was about “Teacher appreciation week”. Teachers have shared who or what inspired them to become an educator.
Utica Academy of Science Middle School uses every opportunity to listen to its staff and let them share their thoughts and ideas.
Weekly Wellness Check form
When teachers started working from home, it became more difficult to check in with them. In order to overcome this obstacle, we have developed a Google Form where teachers are asked several wellness questions including;
Cloud Check-In: What kind of cloud are you, today?
Cumulus: energized, blissful, lively
Cirrus: at ease, light, content
Altocumulus: tired, tense, concerned
Cumulonimbus: frustrated, anxious, angry
What are you grateful for this week?
Anything you need more help with, instruction wise
What did you accomplish this week? Be as detailed as possible.
Last but not least is “Love Jug”
We have a dedicated staff member to send a Google Form to all staff called “Love Jug” to collect thank you notes, appreciation notes, acknowledgement notes to other staff members anonymously. This dedicated staff member puts them together as a presentation video. We have weekly all staff meetings every week on Fridays. This prepared video gets shown to all staff during these weekly meetings.
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