WHAT IS TALKING POINTS?

Talking Points is a communication platform that our district recommends teachers in grade 3 - 12 utilize to communicate with families. This app can translate text messages between teacher and family member in over 100 languages. Other than email, this is the most direct way to communicate with me during remote learning. Please check the Contact page for instructions on how to set this up.

WHY HAS MY STUDENT BEEN ASSIGNED TO A COHORT?

Students have been assigned to a cohort for HYBRID learning. At some point this year, students may learn both online (remote) and in person with the teacher. This is called HYBRID. When we enter hybrid learning, students in Cohort A will attend school in person on Monday and Tuesday while students in Cohort B learn remotely. Students in Cohort B will attend school in person on Thursday and Friday while students in Cohort A will learn remotely. All students will be remote on Wednesdays. Again, cohorts will only be used by the teacher when HYBRID learning begins. The district will let us all know when this is the case. If you decide to have your student attend the after school programming being provided by Parks and Recreation, their assigned cohort will determine which days your student can attend.

WHAT DO SYNCHRONOUS AND SYNCHRONOUS MEAN?

There is a lot of new vocabulary being used this school year. If you are feeling confused by it all, you are not alone!

SYNCHRONOUS means the students are learning and working WITH THE TEACHER at the same time. For example, a "normal" school day in a "normal" year is synchronous from start to finish. This year, we are scheduled to have a synchronous Math lesson from 10:00 - 10:55. This means that all students will be learning with me at the same time. However, just like in a "normal" school day, students may work in a small group with me or independently for some part of the lesson.

ASYNCHRONOUS means the student are learning and working WITHOUT THE TEACHER at the same time. Students are expected to complete work without the teacher present during certain hours of the day. This year, in 5th grade, students will work asynchronously from 1:45 - 2:30. This is time for students to practice the skills they are learning with their teacher or prepare for an upcoming lesson. Some students may need to receive services from other teachers during this time. If this is the case for your student, assignment expectations will be adjusted as needed.

WHEN ARE FAMILY OFFICE HOURS AND WHAT ARE THEY?

My office hours are scheduled for MONDAYS from 2:00 - 2:30 PM. Appointments will be 5 minutes each.

Teachers have been asked to set aside 30 minutes each week to allow families the opportunity to check-in with the teacher. 30 minutes is not enough time to meet with each family each week, so I will do my very best to be equitable when meeting with families. I will use Sign-Up Genius to schedule meetings with families. I plan to create 5 minutes appointments to meet with as many families as I can. I MUST stick to this time limit in order to be respectful of everyone's time. If we need to continue our conversation at another time, I will follow-up with you individually. Please see the Office Hours page to sign-up.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY STUDENT HAS TO MISS A PART OR ENTIRE DAY OF REMOTE LEARNING?

Attendance will be taken by me each day during our Morning Advisory meeting at 8:25. Just like in a "normal" year, the deans of students will reach out to families if a student is marked VA (virtually absent). Teachers will also be taking attendance at each class throughout the day. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL EVERY DAY FROM 8:25 - 2:30.

If your student is sick or cannot attend class, families are expected to call the Absent Line ( 617-629-5465) to let the office know. If you can, please also let me know. Three or more absences in a room will require a doctor's note. Similarly, if your student has an appointment and must miss part of the school day, please also let the office and me know.

HOW WILL GRADING WORK THIS YEAR?

More information about grading will be made available as these decisions are finalized and communicated to teachers. The district plans to use the standards-based report card system that has been used in elementary school for the last several years. Again, as more information is made available to me, I will share it with families.