Home Learning Resources For Families
The Covid 19 pandemic has changed how we will be educating students in WSESU this school year. This page is intended to support students and families navigating the home learning environment. Here and elsewhere, we are trying to balance support for families with the desire to avoid overloading you or adding to your stress. Our goal is to implement changes slowly and thoughtfully, with plenty of opportunities for feedback. We encourage you to share your feedback with the teacher or staff member who is in regular contact with your family.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Online Tools
Google Classroom
Starting in the elementary grades, teachers generally will be using Google Classroom as a learning platform. For more info, see this Google Classroom guide for students.
Video Conferencing
Contact with Students and Families
Expect schools to provide a direct contact with families (student or parent/guardian) about once a week in the elementary and middle grades. If the level of contact feels too little, or too much, please share this with the staff contacting you
Expect most teachers to provide "office hours" where appropriate. Office hours are a designated time when teachers will be available (phone, email, and/or video) to respond to student questions
At the lower grades, teachers will be communicating directly with adults at home. In the upper elementary, middle school, and high school, teachers should be communicating directly with students.
Where feasible, teachers are making use of video conferencing through Zoom. Check the Online Tools section of this site for more info and support.
Instruction
Expect work to be provided to students in week-sized chunks in the elementary grades, and on an ongoing basis in middle and high-school classes
As we are trying to minimize contact to avoid spread of the virus, we will be providing instruction to students electronically (email, shared documents, video). Paper-based materials were provided initially, but to the extent we can, we are trying to restrict use of paper-based instructional materials.
Many teachers have moved to using Google Classroom - a learning management system - to provide home learning instruction. Check the Online Tools section of this site for more info and support.
Enrichment
The WSESU Online Enrichment website has additional resources for enriching your child's experience while remaining home during the closure
Additonal Enrichment Resources are located on a page here
Resources for Home Learning
Follow the link above for: Parenting Support, Social-Emotional Learning, Learning During Family Routines, Movement and Outdoor Play, and Play with Math and Literacy
Public Broadcasting
Vermont Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and the Agency of Education (AOE) are partnering to support continuity of learning for our students and school communities. This partnership provides access to free educational programming through Vermont PBS At-Home Learning. The Main channel delivers PreK through grade 8 programming that is aligned to national standards and includes interactive lessons and suggested activities. PBS Plus (WGBH) is airing standards-aligned educational programming for grades 6-12. Teachers can create unique accounts with their school email or Google account through PBS LearningMedia. Accounts are free and provide access to a range of additional features. WVER is the Vermont PBS broadcast station likely to be received in Brattleboro.
There is quite a bit of educational programming on our own Brattleboro Community Television (BCTV).
Apps and Websites Used for Home Learning
WSESU Teachers are using a number of applications and websites to support students in this new home learning environment. Some of these fall under the Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This legislation requires creators of apps and websites directed at children to follow strict privacy guidelines, including parental consent. The legislation allows schools to establish accounts for students on behalf of families, but also suggests that families be made aware of student use of these applications and websites. In an effort to keep families aware, we are providing a list of these here, along with links to terms of service and privacy policies of each.