Introduction

The goal of our Remote Learning Opportunities during this current Covid-19 Pandemic is to provide activities and work to be completed at home for those families opting to continue with remote learning. It is the intent of the district to provide a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities to align with in-person instruction as best as feasibly possible.

Setting a positive and flexible tone can help ease uncertainty surrounding remote learning and ensure that we all work together to make the most of this opportunity to work and learn in a different setting.

Two-way collaborative communication between our schools and families will be critical in helping to support our students who are choosing to participate in remote learning. Individual schools and teachers will be providing log on information and remote learning scheduling for their students.

Remote Learning Platforms

Windsor Locks Public Schools will continue to use Google Classroom and the Google Suite of tools for remote learning.

For families choosing to participate in remote learning In grades PreK - 2 the primary way to access their learning opportunities will be the SeeSaw learning platform which will integrate the Google Suite and learning tools. In grades 3 - 12, students will access their assignments and instruction through Google Classroom.

Teachers will be integrating additional technology applications into their digital learning platforms. To support these efforts, the Connecticut State Department of Education has created the CT Learning Hub to support teachers, students, and families with resources to support student learning. We encourage families to also access this resource to support remote learning as well as social and emotional resources.

CT Learning Hub Information Flyer - English and Spanish

Synchronous - Live Stream Learning Opportunities

The Windsor Locks Public Schools will be installing a web camera and microphone based system during August and September in order to offer live stream instruction during portions of the student day. Teachers will post times when they will be live on their Seesaw and Google Classroom pages with the appropriately designated links. This new technology is intended to enhance the learning for both our in-person and remote learners during our current pandemic. We ask for our families collaborative patience as it is installed and our teachers integrate this technology into their classrooms and instructional platforms. Please be aware that not all instructional formats or learning opportunities will have a live stream component to them.

ANY THIRD PARTY RECORDING OR IMAGE CAPTURE OF WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC SCHOOL LIVE STREAMING INSTRUCTION THROUGH THE USE OF A PHONE OR OTHER DEVICE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Teacher Availability

Teachers will be available to students daily Monday through Friday via WLPS email or through the Seesaw and Google Classroom Platforms. Teachers will communicate expectations to their remote learners around live stream teaching, assignments, and feedback through the Seesaw and Google Classroom Platforms. Teachers are expected to provide feedback and communication daily.

Remote Learner Expectations

Students participating in remote learning have expecations for participation and appropriate behavior just as they would in the physical classroom. Please click on either of the two links below that highlight remote learning expectations for students at the elementary, middle, and high school.

Remote Learning Expectations for Elementary Students

Remote Learning Expectations for WLMS & WLHS Students

iReady Diagnostic

The Windsor Locks Public Schools will be using the iReady diagnostic to support students in grades K - 8 in the areas of math and reading. The second diagnostic will be given this January to both our in-person and remote students in grades K - 8. For further information please click on the recording of the district’s parent presentation offered on January 13, 2020, and the accompanying slide presentation.

• Windsor Locks iReady Parent Presentation

• Windsor Locks iReady Parent Presentation Slides

Smarter Balance and Next Generation Science Standards Remote Assessment Information

Districts are required to administer the Smarter Balanced Assessment and Next Generation Science Standards. In a typical year, we use the individual student data to understand student progression towards college and career readiness in Mathematics and English Language Arts, as well as progress related to the Next Generation Science Standards. This year’s administration of the test will largely serve the following purposes at the state level:

• Evaluate the full impact of the pandemic on student achievement and growth.

• Target support and resources to areas where they are needed the most.

• Restart the academic growth measures by providing a baseline for future administrations.

Remote students will be able to take this year’s SBA and NGSS at home. This is unique this year.

We encourage families who have children who will be taking these assessments remotely this year to look over these linked resources from the Connecticut State Department of Education. They will further assist you in providing the best environment possible for your child while they take the assessments.

• Parent/Guardian Remote Summative Testing Checklist for Smarter Balanced & NGSS

• Parent/Guardian and Student Agreement for Remote Summative Testing for Smarter Balanced and NGSS

• FAQ on Remote Testing for Parents

• CSDE Provided Video - How Students Complete the Sign-In Process to Take a Test at Home

• Windsor Locks Parent Presentation for Taking the SBA and NGSS Remotely

• Windsor Locks Parent Presentation for Taking the SBA and NGSS Remotely Slide Deck

Tech Support

Training and How To

Routines and Structures

Distance learning will be a bit different for younger learners, so it’s important to help them establish the same types of routines and schedules they are used to in a traditional classroom.

General Guidelines for Distance Learning

• Set up a work area for your student at home away from TV/social media distractions.

• Come up with a schedule, but let your child have input. Distance learning doesn’t have to be between regular school hours. Set aside study times, break times, and recreation times that make the most sense for your child.

• During work times, consider limiting phone/social media access. We know when the phone is nearby, focus on work declines substantially. There may be times when phone access is appropriate during work time, like a group project or study session over the phone with friends. There should be a balance, but many aspects of distance learning will be individual.

Eliminate Distractions

Because students will be learning from home, it’s important to help them create a learning space where they can be successful. While every house has a unique set-up, it’s important to try and remove as many distractions as possible. For younger learners, this may mean moving some toys into the closet or into a different room. For older learners, it may mean putting their cell phones away or keeping the television off.

Organization

Distance learning offers an opportunity for you to help your student develop or continue using great organizational skills. Give your student the opportunity to organize their learning space in a way that makes sense to them and where they know the location of each resource. Allowing them to have a space for their pencils, notebooks, markers, and other materials will help them develop organizational skills that can be reinforced throughout the year.