As we extend the school closure to May 1, please know that we are in the process of creating the following, which should be in place by the end of this week:
- Clear master schedule that outlines when each teacher will be offering live instruction, office hours and more. This includes academic instruction in the core subject areas of English, ELD and math, and our unique programs, such as the STEAM Studio with Francesca and Johnny B, Theater with Donzell, PE with Coach Rachel, Storytime with Ms. Barbara, the Edible Garden with Farmer Matt, etc...
- Clear plan for support services, such as RSP and small group instruction with aides and TAs
- Times to come work in the Wildlands or the Edible Garden (one family at a time)
- Clear learning objectives for all students so that they know what is expected of them and what they should be focusing on (starting with high school seniors)
- Clear system of providing students with feedback on their work, evaluating student work, assessing student skills and parental documentation of student work
- Social Emotional Learning supports
- District recommended screen time for students (each student may vary):
- TK-K: 1 hour per day
- Gr 1-3: 2 hours per day
- Gr 4-5: 3 hours per day
- Gr 6-12: 4 hours per week per subject area
The District's primary mission, currently, is to get technology into the hands of every student, focusing first and foremost on high school students and students with the greatest need.
Therefore, please know the following:
Wednesday, March 25 will be another day of device check-out for those families who need a device.
Thursday, March 26 will be a day for teachers to come onto campus (by appointment) to retrieve their own devices from their classroom and for parents to pick up materials in the Teacher's Lounge (not items from the classrooms).
Additional days for device check-out will be added as needed, so long as we are allowed to go onto campus for such a purpose.
Deep-cleaning of all rooms is currently underway.
Deep-cleaning of all rooms is currently underway.
Upcoming Days to Note:
Friday, March 27 - Teacher PD Day. No teachers will be teaching live, as they will instead be engaged in an all-day Professional Development and Grade Level Planning experience.
Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2 - Minimum Days all week, which means that students will be expected to complete less school work, and teachers will be expected to engage in 2 hours of PD and/or Grade Level Planning each day.
Friday, April 3 - Cesar Chavez holiday observed. NO SCHOOL.
Friday, April 3 - Cesar Chavez holiday observed. NO SCHOOL.
Monday, April 6 - 10 - SPRING BREAK.
Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 17. Virtual school resumes at full tilt in accordance to the master schedule and newly laid out learning objectives.
Here is a TIMELINE of events so far:
- Thursday, March 12, we handed out a tech-free, but tech-possible, school-wide lesson plan to all TK-5 students in the regular curriculum and posted it online just in case schools would close the next day or thereafter
- Friday, March 13, it was announced that school would indeed close for two weeks
- Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15 we discussed, and parents set up: Venmo @WalgroveCares
- Monday, March 16, parents and I distributed books, food and gift cards to families in need
- Tuesday, March 17, parents and I distributed books, food and gift cards to families in need
- Mon-Friday, March 16-20, parents used the lesson plan (and sample schedule and grading rubric) as touchstones, while teachers provided additional guidance and support using a variety of methods (while they taught their own children and worked to set up systems for virtual instruction moving forward)
- Friday, March 20, Ms. Lettieri, a parent volunteer, Mike and I checked-out devices to approximately 40 families
- Monday, March 23, the Superintendent gave an address, notifying us that schools would be closed and instruction would be virtual through May 1, and that greater structure and clarity would be forthcoming
- Tuesday, March 24, all schools in Local District West are having staff meetings to share some of what has so far been decided with regard to structure and clarity
- Wednesday, March 25, Ms. Lettieri and I will check-out more devices to families
- Thursday, March 26, teachers and parents will be allowed onto campus by appointment to pick up certain materials
- Friday, March 27, students will work independently while teachers engage in all-day Professional Development
- Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2, students will enjoy minimum days all day (at the discretion of their families) while teachers each spend 2 hours per day engaged in PD
- Friday, April 3 is Cesar Chavez holiday, observed. No school
- Mon-Fri, April 6-10 SPRING BREAK
- Mon-Fri April 13 - 17 Virtual school will continue per the master schedule
