Follow the school schedule that is posted. These are the times that teachers will teach LIVE. We will be delivering the same material that we would in class, just contactless. Teachers will provide instruction and discussions about the topic, and they will expect participation and responses. It is important that students are present for this, just like class. Once the new lesson has been taught, students will remain online for the rest of the period to complete their work. This gives time for students to show what they know, or to realize where they are struggling and to ask questions. Also, if students do their work during the class period, there should not be many assignments to do at the end of the day when parents are preparing dinner, or at the end of the week when the phone calls go out! Following the schedule should avoid the anxiety behind having "too many options," or "not knowing where to start."
A supply list has been provided for the materials that your student will need to be successful this year. A binder and a pencil case should keep these materials organized. You may also choose to create a desk area for your student and keep all the materials on/in the desk. Having materials handy during class will prevent many unnecessary breaks, and students will be more productive.
Set up a work zone! Create a well-lit, comfortable area and designate it only for school work! Stock the area with all the supplies your student may need to minimize the distraction by getting up to get something. Be sure this work zone is in a quiet place, or that students have headphones, to limit distracting other students in the house.
Not a requirement, but surely a tip that works! We know that when we feel good about ourselves, we perform better, and we sit/stand up straighter and more confident. Homeroom starts at 9. Sure, students can log in from their bed or in their pjs, but getting dressed will help students focus and be more productive because they will feel like they are in "work mode."
There are short breaks built into the schedule between each class. Please encourage your student to use the restroom, snack, and stretch at this time to re-energize them for the next class!
Communicate with your student- Kids need to know exactly what you expect from them. Work with your student to create a plan for the days and weeks. Communicate about the educational process: Ask your student what they did each day and what they are learning. Ask to see their assignments or notebooks. Give feedback based on what you see: is it neat and organized? is it sloppy and hard to follow? Be patient with your student. Compliment and encourage what they do well. However, if/when teachers discuss weaknesses, don't just make negative comments, show them how to improve. Ask your student for their own feedback. Do they like their work space? What can help them improve? What is their favorite subject?
Communicate with the teachers- Just like we expect the students to be aware of their assignments and dates, we ask the same thing of parents. School messages are sent out in as many ways as we can think of! Dojo can be used for teachers to send class messages, and school wide information can be sent to everyone. Parents can even send teachers private messages on Dojo! We also use SchoolMessenger to send recorded messages by the phone, and by e-mail. Teachers use Google Hangouts to talk with students throughout the day via chat, call, or voice chat. Mrs. DeTullio operates an Instagram, all staff members have school emails, and some staff members have personal numbers set up for you to call or text. All of these modes of communication are established for your use! Please make sure to listen to your calls and/or read the updates on Dojos and websites to stay "in the know!" Additionally, let us know what is happening on your end! Let us know about your students' strengths and weaknesses, about obstacles at home such as family work schedules, internet connectivity, etc. I think we try to get ahead of things as much as possible by sending out announcements, and contacting you if there's a glaring issue. But, if you feel like you have questions that we have not addressed, please reach out! Keep in mind, since we see so many children, sometimes academic issues aren't as apparent to us as they may be to you at home. Be sure to encourage your student to ask questions during class. The great thing about remote instruction is there are so many ways to communicate! If students do not feel comfortable asking questions on video, they can type in the chat, or send me a personal message. I've listed many ways to contact the teachers!
This is my favorite tip! Not only do we desire for our students to be close, but their families, too! We know these times of uncertainty are stressful, because they are for us, too! Try starting a group amongst parents in your student's classes to spread encouragement and announcements. If you know your student is close to several others, try getting to know their guardians, too. Building a community outside of school will help to increase your students' social skills and pride, and it may even relieve some of your stress, too! Talk to other parents about school updates, due dates, and the remote learning process.
We are letting each other into our homes! Please talk to your student about bring respectful of other people's surroundings, and have your student be aware of what's going on on their end of the screen. Students should be on mute, unless it is discussion or question time. Family members should consider the learning environment and keep music and noise off or low during school hours. Keep in mind that students should have their video camera on the majority of the time. Please convey this to others in the house so the rest of the class does not see anyone indisposed! Family members should not be in sight without appropriate clothing. If students' need a restroom break, that is fine. Please do not have students take the computer into the bathroom with them. Students should have the computer on a flat surface, and it should stay in one spot for the lesson. No need to walk around the house to give us the grand tour. If your student is using a tablet, please consider getting a stand or borrowing a laptop from the school.