Back to School Information

Mon, 09/07/2020 - 12:26pm

Here’s what you need to know for the 2020-2021 school year, including new information on attendance, student meals and meal pickup guidelines, and virtual instruction responsibilities.

The following is a brief overview of the 2020-2021 School Year. More information will be provided during the Back to School Night events on September 22-24.

  • K-5 students begin on September 8, 2020; Pre-K students begin on September 10, 2020
  • Elementary School StudentDay is from 9:00-3:50. Please use this link to access student schedules. There are some similarities across the day for each grade level and there are some differences. Please note that the PK schedule is different from each of the other grade levels.
  • Attendance will be taken during each live meeting: Math, ELA, Related Arts, Synchronous Supports and Content
  • Teacher Assignments, LexiaCore and Dreambox will be completed during asynchronous learning times. The amount of LexiaCore and Dreambox time is greatly reduced from the spring 2020.
  • Students will be graded in the major areas (ELA-Reading and Writing; Math, Social Studies, Science, Health, Related Arts) using the grading codes from before school closure. Student assignments will be submitted through the Canvas email ‘inbox’)

The following are some ideas that may help with getting your child started:

  • Learn the schedule and help your children to understand the schedule.
  • Develop expectations for participation in the learning in a conversation with your child. Write or draw those expectations for reference.
  • Encourage your child to have his/her video on during the live sessions.
  • Set up a dedicated, personalized learning space with your child. It is recommended that the area have minimal distractions and allows a child to be able to sit up while on the computer.
  • With your child, look through the learning resources that are being distributed on September 2 and 3. Identify what they are and wonder together about how they could be used.
  • Consult with other parents to learn strategies to develop schedules and how to help your children to take a break and what to do during those breaks.
  • If needed, acknowledge a child’s disappointment or any other sad feelings being expressed. Let them know that it is OK to feel that way. Help them to understand that although the current situation feels like it is forever, it will pass at some point. Emphasize the importance of maintaining safe behaviors to avoid getting or spreading COVID.
  • Set up and maintain an opportunity for a check in with your child(ren) each day with the goal of hearing their thoughts and acknowledging their feelings and ideas.
  • Use the Canvas inbox to ask questions of the teaching staff. Call or email Dr. Smith or Mrs. Carter for assistance.