March 2020

Introduction

DeKalb County School District (DCSD), in collaboration with other metro area school districts, will close the school district on Monday, March 16, 2020, until further notice. Student learning will continue through virtual learning assignments.

Parents--please share this email with your child. Please remind them to follow all directions.

Students should check each class subject in Verge daily.

Students-- please reach out to your classmates to make sure they've received this email and forward it (and any future emails) to them as well. My suggestion is to use your agenda planner each morning to list all assignments you need to get done.

May 16, 2020

Click here to view the news from May 16, 2020.

May 10, 2020

This week is an opportunity to make up any missing assignments since we transitioned to online virtual learning--we are not issuing any new assignments. Please note that the final date for students to submit virtual learning assignments is May 15, 2020 and no assignments will be graded after May 15, 2020 as we have to finalize grades for report cards.

We would like to invite y'all to an end-of-year Zoom or Microsoft Teams virtual class summer send off--join your 6A teachers on Wednesday May 13 as we answer any remaining questions you might have about missing assignments and we wish you a fantastic summer. Please email Mr. Valley for the Zoom code and Microsoft Teams link.

Wednesday May 13

Zoom: 10 am

Microsoft Teams: 10:45 am

We hope you'll join us!

Textbooks, Chromebook, Library Books, Personal Items, Space Camp

We will communicate information about returning textbooks, Chromebooks, and retrieving items from lockers once we have the detailed plan. We will also notify with the details from Group Travel Network about the refunds.

Congratulations to our Honor Roll and All A Honor Roll recipients!

Congratulations to our students who earned Honor Roll and All A Honor Roll this academic year. To qualify for the Honor Roll (All A's and B's) and the All A's Honor Roll students must have these grades on the following:

*October's Progress Report for 6th and 7th period (the Connections 9-week course final grades)

*December's Report Card for 1st-7th period

*March's Progress Report for 1st-7th period

Honor Roll

Google Drive (can view from any device)

YouTube (can not view from Chromebook)

All A's Honor Roll

Google Drive (can view from any device)

Youtube (can not view from Chromebook)

May 4, 2020

Video Schedule

If you need information about this week's video classes please email Mr. Valley at Gregory_Valley@dekalbschoolsga.org.

Connections

Please check Infinite Campus and see if you see incomplete for Connections. It means that your child isn't doing work. Please reach out to the Connections teachers with questions. Look up staff email addresses here.

Math (Ms. Dortch)

All announcements about assignments can be found in Verge.

Social Studies (Mr. Valley)

We have our last test of the year on Thursday 5/7. It will be a 25-question multiple choice test covering Australia. The study guide is available now in Verge.

Passwords: Are you having trouble getting into everything?

Let's say you can get in the Chromebook... but can't get into Verge, Launchpad/Rocketship, Infinite Campus, or Google Docs. These are the steps that to try:

Log out of the Chromebook
On the right side of their name there will be a drop down arrow
Click Remove this user
Now you will add user
Type s number and password (what you used to get into the device a few minutes ago).
This will flush out the data stored on the device and it should work.
If that doesn't work then try these additional steps...
You must clear your cache and data from Chrome.
At the top right, click more, click settings
At the bottom, click advanced
Click restore settings to their original defaults then click reset settings
Close browser
Re-open browser and go to Clever to re-log in. Now click Verge and re-log in.
If this doesn't work please email your teacher and/or Courtney_Dickert@dekalbschoolsga.org with the student first and last name, student ID number, and a phone number in case they need to be walked through what to do. Password emails are individual to each student (so you can't just forward an email you got to someone else who is locked out as that won't fix their problem).

From the IT Department: Do you need a replacement Chromebook case or power cord?

These are replacement links that you can use to get a bag and charger so when we collect them (date yet to be determined) you have all 3 items and we don't have to place an order on the spot.

Belkin Sleeve for Chromebook Devices (Black) : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2CNX5W/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_NRfMEbMFD16VH

Pwr cord for Acer Chromebook Charger R11 C738T : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IT5VYTO/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_t0fMEbNF3XMC1

Passwords: Are you having trouble getting into everything?

The password might be be whatever you set it to or what was emailed to you after last Tuesday's episode to get on to the Chromebook.

Let's say you can get in the Chromebook... but can't get into Verge, Launchpad/Rocketship, Infinite Campus, or Google Docs. These are the steps that to try:

Log out of the Chromebook
On the right side of their name there will be a drop down arrow
Click Remove this user
Now you will add user
Type s number and password (what you used to get into the device a few minutes ago).
This will flush out the data stored on the device and it should work.
If that doesn't work call 678-676-1188

Press the number 2

Press the number 2 again

Then press 0 #

The system will respond the number does not exist.

Then press 0 # (you might have to go through this cycle again).

You will then have the opportunity to leave a call back number (RECOMMENDED).

April 27, 2020

Email Mr. Valley for the Zoom schedule and Microsoft Teams codes for this week.

Connections

From the IT Department: Do you need a replacement Chromebook case or power cord?

These are replacement links that they can use to get a bag and charger so when we collect them (date yet to be determined) you have all 3 items and we don't have to place an order on the spot.

Belkin Sleeve for Chromebook Devices (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2CNX5W/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_NRfMEbMFD16VH

Pwr cord for Acer Chromebook Charger R11 C738T

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IT5VYTO/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_t0fMEbNF3XMC1

April 20, 2020

Topics Covered:

1. Video Classes

2. Daily Schedule

3. Video Conferencing Schedule

4. Science

5. Connections

6. Social Studies

7. Replacement Chromebook Cases and Power Cords

8. Infinite Campus

9. Bulldog Bulletin

10. Email Addresses

We will utilize two video conferencing systems--you're welcome to use either, both, or none as your schedule allows.

Zoom Meetings

If you need directions for how to use Zoom refer to the email "CMS Team 6A News: April 13, 2020." Email Mr. Valley if you need this week's video conferencing schedule and codes.

New! Microsoft Teams Meetings

Our team has been learning a lot about Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing this week. The nice part about Microsoft Teams is that it works on the student Chromebooks which would allow students to use their Chromebook for this video conferencing instead of a non-DCSD device. On the chromebook you just click the link and it takes you in to the class. Email Mr. Valley if you need this week's video conferencing codes and schedule.

Science (Ms. Poole)

The Hydrology Test will be Monday, April 20, 2020 and that we will NOT be meeting via Zoom on Monday. We will continue our class meetings via Zoom on Wednesday.

Wednesday 11 am Zoom (Optional) & Wednesday 1 pm Microsoft Teams Meeting (Optional): Email Mr. Valley for codes

Connections Classes

Y'all don't forget to do your work for your Connections classes. The connections teachers have noticed significantly more missing work than what I've seen in Social Studies. Questions? Contact Ms. Roberts at lindsay_n_roberts@dekalbschoolsga.org.

Social Studies (Mr. Valley)

All work/graded assignments will take place in Verge. Of course I remain available via email or Verge messenger if you skip the Zoom/Teams route.

Social Studies Zoom Class (Optional)- Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am

Social Studies Microsoft Teams (Optional)- Tuesday at 11:30 am and Thursday at 12:15 pm

Email Mr. Valley for codes

From the IT Department: Do you need a replacement Chromebook case or power cord?

These are replacement links that they can use to get a bag and charger so when we collect them (date yet to be determined) you have all 3 items and we don't have to place an order on the spot.

Belkin Sleeve for Chromebook Devices (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2CNX5W/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_NRfMEbMFD16VH

Pwr cord for Acer Chromebook Charger R11 C738T

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IT5VYTO/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_t0fMEbNF3XMC1

Monday April 13, 2020

1. New Schedule and Zoom Video Conferencing

2. Language Arts (Taylor)

3. Social Studies (Valley)

4. Microsoft Teams (Valley testing the software)

5. Science (Poole)

6. Math (Dortch)

7. ELT Math (Grant)

8. Counseling

9. Infinite Campus Portal

10. CMS Weekly Bulletins

11. Email Addresses

The DeKalb County School District online learning schedule appears above this block of text. We are moving to a block schedule where different subject areas meet on different days. Our team has scheduled Zoom meetings. Please email Mr. Valley at Gregory_Valley@dekalbschoolsga.org (place your student's name in the subject line) and he will email you this schedule and codes.

Zoom--note that we are hosting multiple meetings per day (they're the same meeting... choose when you join...

no need to join the same subject twice in a day!)

*********************************************************************************************************************

ZOOM Video Conferencing

Zoom is a video conferencing application that allows us to set meeting times and everyone can be in the video conferencing meeting at the same time. You can see us and we can see you. It's also great because we can MUTE the class and they have a button they can press to raise their hand and we can unmute them. We can also share our screens with them and walk them through how to find things or work through problems.

Our team was learning how to use this app right before Spring Break and we're happy to be able to offer some options for online classes now.

You will need to download this program/app to a device:

-Personal Chromebook (does not work on the student chromebooks): Download

-Iphone/Ipad: Zoom App

-Laptop/Computer: https://zoom.us/support/download

Be advised that student Chromebook cameras are disabled for two-way video use. Cameras are activated on student devices when a teacher initiates or creates a Microsoft Teams or VERGE web conference with students. Again, this is only when using district-supported devices.

Security and privacy for our students should be at forefront of our minds. Here are some best practices from Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/how-to-get-kids-ready-to-video-chat-for-online-classes

Parents--you'll need to help your student get started with Zoom. Also...note that you can adjust the Zoom settings to turn off the video and audio for your child if you'd like them just to join in to see/hear the teacher.

********************************************************************************************************************

Language Arts with Ms. Taylor

-Monday April 13th ELA will have Focus on Family Project presentations at 10am and 1pm in Zoom (email Mr. Valley for codes).

-Language Arts class with Ms. Taylor will conduct on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am and 1pm (email Mr. Valley for codes).

***********************************************************************************************************************

Social Studies (Mr. Valley)

Social Studies will have class and assignments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Tuesday April 14 (Zoom)

Tuesday April 14 (Assignment 1 of 2: Infinite Campus Grade Checkup)

Tuesday April 14 (Assignment 2 of 2: People of Australia)

Thursday April 16 (Zoom)

Week of April 13 (Homework 518-523) due Thurs.

Thursday April 16 (Australia Map)

I'm hosting Social Studies Zoom classes on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am and 12noon-- you decide when (and if) you wish to join the class. This is OPTIONAL to join the class for Zoom Video conferencing. All work/graded assignments will take place in Verge.

VIDEO CALL INFO: I will attempt to host our first Zoom video call with the class on Tuesday 4/14 at 10 a.m or 12noon (you choose when to join... or not join). Of course I remain available via email or Verge messenger if you skip the Zoom route. Tuesday 4/14 we will get the chance to check in, see each other, say hello, and try it out before utilizing it for class on Thursday 4/16. Again your choice if you want to join us on Zoom at 10 am or 12noon... or if you just want to get the notes and information from Verge. ALL work will continue to be completed in Verge.

Email Mr. Valley for the meeting info.

Here are the steps I am taking to keep the meeting limited to our students:

1. The meeting is password protected.

2. Nobody can join the meeting until I log in.

3. All participants are sent to the "waiting room." Students/parents-Please enter your name or some way I can identify you as one of my students (parents--if you're using your account and your last name or zoom username is different from your student feel free to send me an email letting me know so I have a list of names to admit). I will not let anyone in the meeting that I can't identify as a 6A student, parent, or teacher. If I don't let you in... please send me an email right away at Gregory_Valley@dekalbschoolsga.org to let me know and try to log in again.

****************************************************************************************************************

Social Studies (Valley testing new software)

I had been learning a lot about Zoom before Spring Break. I've spent a portion of Spring Break talking with some friends who use Microsoft Teams (which is video conferencing like Zoom) for work or other school districts and I'd like to try this out. The nice part about Microsoft Teams is that it works on the student Chromebooks which would allow students to use their Chromebook for this video conferencing instead of a non-DCSD device.

I'll host a meeting on Tuesday April 14 at 2 pm to see how and if this works. It is scheduled to be the same meeting as what I'm hosting in Zoom but I'd love to see a few of y'all there so we can see if this will work for our lessons going forward.

Email Mr. Valley for the codes.

*******************************************************************************************************************

6A Science (Ms. Poole)

Science assignments and all weekly announcements will still be on VERGE. Please continue to check there for all assignments/dropboxes, announcements and updates daily. Science assignments will be given Monday and Wednesday, but continue to check VERGE daily just to check-in 🙂. Week of April 13-17 science assignments will become visible to students on Monday, April 13, 2020. Please see VERGE for announcements and details.

Science Zoom meetings will be offered Monday and Wednesday 11 AM and 2 PM. Zoom meetings are OPTIONAL and NOT for a grade. All notes, assignments, and graded work will still be posted on VERGE. Monday April 13th I will attempt our first Zoom class meeting (again, joining in is optional). We will check-in and discuss the upcoming week and any questions. The meeting ID and password to each meeting time is provided and will also be announced on VERGE. As always, I am available by email and/or VERGE messenger if you have any questions, concerns or simply want to check in if you choose not to use the Zoom option.

Email Mr. Valley for the codes.

************************************************************************************************************

Math (Ms. Dortch)

Announcements continued to be posted on Verge and assignments are posted on quiz izz. If work needs to be shown I will create a drop box on verge for the picture of their work.

***************************************************************************************************************

Math ELT (Ms. Grant)

Math ELT assignments are given weekly and found in Verge on Math ELT 2019-2020 class page under Resources tab.

Reminders:

-Please verify your student has completed Geometry Test found in Edulastic.

-Students should never email assignments directly to me. Assignments should always be uploaded in Verge under corresponding section.

Week of April 13-17 assignments will be online beginning Tuesday morning.

Friday April 3, 2020

Greetings from Team 6A

We are busy learning new technology and coming up with some new ideas for when we resume online instruction after Spring Break. We will send more news at the end of Spring Break but we wanted to check in today to say hi--check out the video below.

Space Camp Trip

We are continuing to work with Group Travel Network to obtain refunds for the Space Camp trip. Once we have details we will communicate these to everyone.

Week #3 (March 30-April 3) Overview

Counseling from Ms. Davis

If your student needs assistance (academics, emotional, social, career) and would like to speak with our 6th grade Counselor, Ms. Davis, you can fill out this form and she will call you back.

Reading News from Ms. Hirsch

I am planning to put together a slideshow of pictures of students reading (or pictures of students with books they have read). I will put the slideshow on the school webpage and the school facebook page. If you're willing to be featured in this please email your pictures to Ms. Hirsch at cathy_hirsch@dekalbschoolsga.org

Tech Help

The Information Technology Division has been working around the clock to provide technology support to staff and students during this remote work and learning experience. For tech help videos and to seek help from the IT department visit https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/virtual-learning-support/

Social Studies

Two weeks of online school is in the books. You can check your grades in Infinite Campus to make sure that there aren't any discrepancies. As you start your week you may want to create a to-do list each day... you're welcome to download a template to use on your Chromebook.

Week of March 30, 2020:

Monday March 30 (Assign 1 of 2: Notes)

Monday March 30 (Assign 2 of 2: Worksheet)

Tuesday March 31 Social Studies (Check your grades in Infinite Campus and answer the question in Verge)

Tuesday March 31 Turn in Missing Work

Wednesday April 1 (Notes)

Thursday April 2 (Assign 1 of 2: Worksheet)

Thursday April 2 (Assign 2 of 2: Worksheet part 2)

Week of March 30 (Homework 512-515) due Thurs.

Friday April 3 (Assignment 1 of 2: Open Note Quiz)

Friday April 3 (Assignment 2 of 2: Video)

Ms. Gibbs ELT and Math:

My assignments and announcements with due dates are on Verge.

Assignments are also sent via email to each student (includes Readworks).

Updated Dates from the Governor and DCSD

As announced by Governor Kemp, DeKalb County School District will remain closed until April 24, 2020.

DeKalb County School District will take a traditional spring break the week of April 6-10, 2020. There will be no digital learning during this week. On Friday, April 3, 2020, students will receive five (5) days of meals in addition to their Friday meal. This will ensure that our students have food during the week of April 6-10, 2020.

The District will implement a teacher planning day on Tuesday, March 31^st. Students should use Tuesday, March 31^st as a study hall day to complete assignments, if possible, and recharge. Valley-Social Studies will have a quick assignment (to check grades in Infinite Campus and complete any missing work).

Parents, students and staff are encouraged to use the resources available in the DCSD Cares ... Take Care of YOU.

Please visit the DCSD website (www.dekalbschoolsga.org) frequently for up to date information.

MEAL SERVICE PLAN - (Amended)

Beginning Monday, March 30, 2020, we will transition to a modified meal service plan. Under the new plan, meals will be distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Meals will no longer be delivered daily. Students will receive a two-day meal package on each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as shown in the chart below:

The 21 meal distribution sites will remain operational and the bus meal delivery will continue following the amended plan of meal service on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Chromebook Repairs

All students, staff and families should contact the IT Help Desk at 678-676-1188 for support regarding Virtual Learning or assistance with a district issued Chromebook for middle and high school students.
Help Desk tickets and appointments are required to assist with receiving and replacing a broken or damaged Chromebook; or issuing a new Chromebook to a middle or high school student.

Coach Jett's classes

Added 3/23-- His classes are now in Edmodo. If you have any parents or students looking for his class please give them the following class code to use on Edmodo:

2nd- wu2tk3

3rd- hrzrfq

4th- qkeq9k

5th- iu4mew

6th- cbzccy

7th- etmu26

All classes have one assignment and a quiz to complete this week.

Week #2 (March 23-27) Overview

1. Technical Help Needed?

2. Social Studies assignments

3. Meal Service Plan

4. Even More Books Available for Digital Checkout

5. Infinite Campus Portal

6. Weekly Bulletins

7. Email Addresses

Technical Help Needed?

We continue with our Digital Learning Days. Students, parents, and staff who need technical assistance may contact our Help Desk at 678-676-1188. Staff are able to help with questions about Verge and chrome book repair.

Social Studies Assignments

We have had many assignments by now... attached is a spreadsheet that you can download to track your progress on the work (you can download this to your Chromebook--please don't request edit access... and add in the other classes). Please check your grades in Infinite Campus--if anything is mis-marked please let me know.

Meal Service Plan:

We will continue to provide ‘grab and go’ meal service at our 21 school sites and nine DeKalb County Government Recreation Center sites.

Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, we will add bus delivery meal service to neighborhoods and communities.

Additionally, the Atlanta Community Food Bank will begin on March 23rd providing staple food items for our families on a weekly basis at the following school sites: • Sequoyah Middle School • Jolly Elementary • Idlewood Elementary • Chapel Hill Middle • Early Learning Center at Terry Mill

Continue to check the DCSD website, https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/ for updates

Even More Books Available for Digital Checkout

Ms. Hirsch has shared another set of resources where students can checkout digital copies of books: http://www.chambleems.dekalb.k12.ga.us/E-BooksAvailableOnline.aspx

Hundreds of e-books (novels, graphic novels, and books in Spanish) are available for checkout through Sora. They just added hundreds of books today... including the Wimpy Kid books.

Students can access Sora through Launchpad on their Chromebooks OR can download the Sora by Overdrive app.
Your school is "DeKalb County School District"
Sign in with your s# and password.

Connections

Added 3/18/20- This week marked the start of the Semester 2, Term 2 connections classes (6th and 7th period). Students can view their schedule by logging in to Infinite Campus (where they check their grades). We understand that many students have had difficulty viewing their courses in Verge and we have referred this to the County IT department.

Many Connections teachers have assignments in platforms other than Verge. If you're in a new Connections class and don't know what to do please email that teacher. You can find the email address for all CMS teachers at http://www.chambleems.dekalb.k12.ga.us/Staff.aspx

You don't need to do anything if you've already talked to your Connections teachers, if you've logged in and started assignments already, or if you're in a year-long Connections class and you already know what to do.

Social Studies Textbook Pages and Assignments

Added 3/18/2020- I've updated the regular weekly homework assignment in Verge--I scanned in the textbook pages in case you didn't have your orange textbook at home-- now you can do the work, too,

I've gotten a few questions about how you should do my assignments. Ideally you'd type your answers and upload them in Verge (although I don't mind if you write out your answers and scan them into Verge). Please do not write your answer and hold on to it--I don't know you did it until I get it (either typed or scanned into Verge).

If you've never scanned something I use an app called CamScanner (there are similar ones) to take a picture of paper, then I crop the edges, save the file, email it to myself, save it to my device/drive, then can upload it in Verge.

Wednesday March 18, 2020

Assignments and Teacher Announcements:

1.Students should check each class subject in Verge daily.

2. Each morning use your agenda to make a checklist of the work you need to accomplish for each class.

Ms. Dortch (Math) and Mrs. Birnkammer (Accelerated Math)- All announcements for assignment directions are in Verge on your math class page.

Mr. Valley (Social Studies)- All assignments are posted daily in Verge.

We have our unit test on Friday March 20. You will have one hour to complete the 50 question multiple choice test in Verge (no notes, internet, or help from others)--pretend we are taking this unit test in the classroom (it is NOT an open note quiz).

Mr. Thornton (ELT)-

Go to Verge for weekly announcements about what you need to do for your probes and go to ReadWorks. If you need help with that or Sci/SS, you can email him.

Ms. Grant (ELT)-

Announcements are made in Verge. Assignments can be found on Verge and uploaded there.

Ms. Poole (Science)-

Weekly announcements will be posted on the Science page of Verge. It will contain information about what you should complete for the week and when assignments are due.

Check the page daily.

Ms. Taylor (Language Arts)-

Check Verge for information. All of my assignments are due by Friday. To access the Common Lit assignments go to Clever and look for the Common Lit icon.

Mrs. Murchison (ELT and ELA)-

My assignments, announcements, and due dates are all on Verge. Additional assignments are posted in Readworks.

School Closure Meal Sites

All DeKalb County students can receive a free bagged lunch daily, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon at the schools listed. In addition, DCSD’s partner, DeKalb County government, will provide snacks to students between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the listed recreation centers.

DCSD has also partnered with Atlanta Community Food Bank, which will distribute food once a week beginning March 23, at some of our feeding sites. The District is seeking additional partners. We are continually reviewing the number of sites and will adjust based on need.

https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/covid-19/covid-19/meal-sites/

Xfinity Free WiFi for Everyone

Comcast officials has announced that the company taking steps to implement new policies for the next 60 days to help ensure people stay connected to the Internet during COVID-19 (coronavirus) closures. One of those steps includes free Xfinity WiFi.

Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free—including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers.

For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/covid-19/covid-19/update-16-xfinity-free-wifi-for-everyone/

Chromebook and Online Help

Last year's homeroom class created tutorial videos to explain some of the digital resources offered at Chamblee Middle School. Feel free to access these if you need a refresher on how it works: https://sites.google.com/view/chamblee-resource-site/home

Students--do you remember the technology scavenger hunts we did in the Fall?

I'm sharing these files in case you forgot the step-by-step process to use our online resources. Please don't re-do these assignments (this is just to help you if you forget how to do something)

Tech Check #1

Tech Check #2

Tech Check #3 (We were going to do this one at school this week... I'll probably assign it for next week).

Scanning Paper

There are some free apps that are good for taking pictures of a worksheet, cleaning it up, and emailing it as a .pdf document. Office Lens and CamScanner are both good at this. You can scan, send it to your email, save to your device, then upload to Verge.

Chromebook Chargers

Students--if you have lost your Chromebook charger and need one you can order this one on Amazon (it's designed for your device).

From the IT Department:

Before we left for the weekend we were in the midst of doing our Chromebook audit to check for students who have Chromebook issues. If you didn't have an opportunity to submit tickets for any issues or you develop issues while we are doing distance learning you can do this here.

Select software then pick it's learning verge. Please include in your description the issue the student is having, any photos, and the student name and s number so that I can make sure a goes to the correct department.

DeKalb County Public Library

Did you know that the DeKalb County Public Library has e-books available for checkout and that you can apply for a card online? Go to https://dekalblibrary.org/ and click on eLibrary.

Even More Books Available for Digital Checkout (added 3/19/20)

http://www.chambleems.dekalb.k12.ga.us/E-BooksAvailableOnline.aspx

Gale Research Resources

Gale has opened up their In Context Middle School database to schools for free. That should be helpful for research assignments. The password is: open

https://go.gale.com/ps/start.do?p=MSIC&u=c19micro

Saturday March 14, 2020

Monday starts the new Connections classes. You can view the schedule for Semester 2, Term 2 in Infinite Campus. Make sure you are completing assignments for those Connections classes as well.

We are finalizing our 9-week grade posting-- overdue missing work that still needs to be completed must be emailed to ELA, SS, Science, & Math by Monday 3/16 at 2 pm. Teacher contact information appears at the end of this message.

Summary of Online Platforms

Information about how to access these appears in the particular class section below or at the end of this email.

Verge (All Subjects)

NoRedInk.com (ELA-Taylor)

Clever (to access Science textbook and access CommonLit for their ELA class)

EdModo (Math-Dortch)

ReadWorks (Murchison, Thornton, Gibbs)

Action.Scholastic.Com (Murchison, Thornton, Gibbs)

Scholastic Magazines (Science, Social Studies)

Math (Ms. Dortch)

Complete all assignments in the Dividing Fractions folder and Multiplying Fractions folder. A new Decimal folder will open in Edmodo. Quizzes need to be taken in Quizizz.

EdModo Class Codes:

https://dekalbschools.edmodo.com/

1st Period: upbhfd

2nd Period: ggycgw

3rd Period: bnj8s2

4th Period: 4thru3

5th Period: z97v2u

Accelerated Math (Mrs. Birnkammer)

Assignments will be posted in Verge.

Science (Ms. Poole)

Assignments will be posted in Verge. There will be a dropbox in Verge for The Oceans (Concept S) vocabulary and Study Guide on Verge that they can submit their vocabulary and study guide on Monday, March 16th. The dropbox will be open/available until 4 pm.

The Concept S quiz will take place on Wednesday in Verge.

Students will submit their Ocean Floor Diagram illustrations when we return.

ELA (Ms. Taylor)

Ms. Taylor's previously assigned ELA argumentative essay is due on Monday by 4 pm. Ms. Taylor will open up a dropbox in Verge where the assignment must be uploaded. Please do not email the papers to her.

NoRedInk.com Class Codes--assignments will be posted in here.

•1st period: clever fox 78

•2nd period: capable road 61

•3rd period: many loaf 21

•4th period: icy moose 6

•5th period: complex planner 52

Diversity Dinner and Focus on Family Project

Ms. Taylor's students are to continue working on their Focus on Family project. The due date was scheduled for March 30 and 31. The assignment can be completed at home and please have it ready to turn in upon our return to school. Please do not email this assignment.

The Diversity Dinner is postponed until further notice.

Social Studies (Mr. Valley)

Assignments and a schedule will be posted in Verge.

Continue to use your study guide to study for Friday's unit test. This will be a timed test and will take place in Verge. You will only be able to access the test on Friday.

Mrs. Murchison's ELA and ELT class

Mrs. Murchison will email your assignments and probes.

Readworks.org/student code is MM74B5. Password is 1234.

Action.Scholastic.com is rideking3

Mr. Thornton's ELT Class

Complete reading assignments in ReadWorks. Class code is NPKGYV.

Math Practice and Daily Journals will be posted and completed in Verge.

Action.Scholastic.com is rideking3

Ms. Gibbs' Math Class and ELT Class

Math practice and daily journals will be posted and completed in Verge.

Complete reading assignments in ReadWorks. Class code is USMPXR

Action.Scholastic.com is rideking3

Online Platforms

How to Access Clever (Rocketship) and Verge from Internet (if you don't have your Chromebook):

http://www.chambleems.dekalb.k12.ga.us/Academics.aspx

Click on the tab that says DCSD launchpad.

Scholastic Magazines:

New York Times Upfront- upfrontmagazine.com

Junior Scholastic- junior.scholastic.com

Science World- scienceworld.scholastic.com

The password (all lower case) for these publications is chamblee1

Infinite Campus Portal

If you haven't already, sign-up for the Campus Portal, it’s a confidential and secure website that allows parents/guardians to log in and view their child’s progress in school. There is even an app for your smartphone! http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/infinite-campus/

Students are already able to access Infinite Campus by going through the Clever/Rocketship.

Weekly Bulletins

CMS does not send home weekly couriers. All school-related information is relayed via the PTSA weekly email bulletin. Subscribe at https://chambleemsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/

Teacher Email Addresses

Below are the team teachers’ email addresses as a reference guide. Please note that not all students on each team have every one of these teachers and some students may be cross-teamed for accelerated Math, exceptional education, ESOL services, or their Extended Learning Time class. As a reminder… Team 6A and Team 6B simply refer to which group of teachers a student has.

6A Team Faculty:

Ms. Lennise Dortch, Mathematics and 6A Team Leader

Lennise_Dortch@dekalbschoolsga.org

Mrs. Anne Birnkammer, Accelerated Math

Anne_Birnkammer@dekalbschoolsga.org

Ms. Kala Taylor, Language Arts

Kala_Taylor@dekalbschoolsga.org

Mr. Gregory Valley, Social Studies

Gregory_Valley@dekalbschoolsga.org

Ms. Cieara Poole, Science

Cieara_Poole@dekalbschoolsga.org

Ms. Mikai Grant, Math Extended Learning Time