April 2020 Winnetka Wire
To read the latest Letter from the Superintendent and other updates from the District, click here:
https://conta.cc/2KdFxVV
Monday, April 20, 2020; Earth Week - Grey Day
On Monday, April 20 we will have our second District-wide Grey Day, with a focus specifically centered on Earth Week. A guide of activities that can be done outdoors and indoors are organized by grade level band when applicable. Further information and instructions can be found here:
As a reminder, Grey Days were added to the calendar to achieve the following:
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Provide all students with common, theme-based activities designed to be accessible to the whole family.
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Add time for students to engage in independent work and to catch up on assignments/projects.
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Afford teachers common time to prioritize curricular objectives across the District for consistency and alignment.
Associates & Remote Learning
A shift to Remote Learning has required our teachers, students, administrators and parents to adapt to an entirely new way of receiving instruction. As such, all of our roles are being reinvented as we seek to support our students. Under normal circumstances, our Teacher Associates play a critical role in the classroom, supporting students on an individual and small group basis, providing review of instruction, reinforcement, assistance in classroom management of routines and practices. As we settle into a second phase of Remote Learning, we have taken some time to establish guidelines for our Teacher Associates so that they are able to maintain their own role in contributing to Remote Learning and support of students.
Our Kindergarten and First Grade classes each have a dedicated Classroom Associate. In addition, we have Special Education Associates throughout all grade levels that are present to provide supports specifically designated within Individualized Education Plans (IEPs/Special Education). If you do not have a student in Kindergarten, First Grade or within our Special Education program, it is likely that you and your child will not interact with a Teacher Associate during Remote Learning.
If you do have a student that may be interacting with a Teacher Associate, expect to see any of the following from this dedicated team:
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Participation in Synchronous Lessons
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Supporting Small Student Groups
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Checking in with Individual Students requiring specific supports
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Leading a game, story, review session, song/dance with students
In addition, our Teacher Associates are using this time to collaborate with teachers on lesson development, differentiation and modification of materials and professional development specific to Remote Learning and support individual needs of students. We are working together to continuously monitor how our Teacher Associates are supporting our students so that we can make adjustments where necessary.
Technology - Patience & Help Desk
As we experience Remote Learning with millions of other students, we will experience technology challenges - many of which are out of our control. If something is not working, your child can take a break and try again later. If it is frustrating, encourage your child to step away from it and do something offline. Sometimes we have no choice but to slow down.
Please know that the technology staff, both school and district level, are working diligently to respond to your requests. The best way to get support is to email the help desk
help@winnetka36.org
. The average response time for issues that fall into our realm is under three hours.
Device Loans/Replacements
To request a device, please
complete this form
. Devices will be distributed safely to those who request them. Our technology staff is able to arrange for device pick up one day per week. You will be contacted within 24 hours of your request.
Proxy Filter
We are working to replace the proxy filter. The proxy filter is what keeps kids from accessing inappropriate content online whether at home or at school. In the next week or two, you will receive an email from the technology team regarding Securly with additional details.
Inquiries Regarding School Access
Schools have been receiving questions from parents to access our school buildings for student belongings and materials. Due to the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation and in accordance with the Stay-at-Home Order issued by Governor Pritzker, we are limiting public access to our school buildings at this time. We will be able to help facilitate the pick up of student items when the Stay-at-Home Order is lifted. Our first priority is supporting our public officials in taking measures that help protect the collective safety of our community.
Family Learning/Support Opportunities
Our partners in District 39 have shared this opportunity, open to our families:
Tuesday, April 21st 7pm
Topic: Connecting Kids: How to Virtually Connect Kids at a Time When They Can't Be Physically Connected
Description: Tony DeMonte from Wilmette School District joined by Dr Dominguez from Family Service Center will talk about strategies on how to maintain social relationships during these unique times. Tips on how to facilitate digital connections and example apps/tools will be discussed.
Special Education Services
The Department of Student Services would like to assure parents that special education staff members have focused their time on the development of flexible learning options for students with IEPs. We recognize the importance of continuing to provide special education services to our students who require this support to access the core curriculum. Now more than ever, schools need to be focused on the importance of providing an appropriate, accessible, accommodated educational program to all students in light of their current circumstances.
We would like to assure parents that their children's IEPs will be implemented in this new context as reasonably as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, related services within a student's IEP. Please note that the provision of special education support during remote learning will not be exactly the same as it would have been had schools remained open.
Students will receive some direct instruction and will also be completing activities independently with support from associates and special education staff. Students will have access to their case manager and any related service provider who has provided services as indicated on his or her IEP.
Case managers will check in with students and reach out to parents weekly. Most special education instruction will be asynchronous in nature. Some instruction may be synchronous (meaning live) for particular therapies, however, not all services can be provided in this fashion. If students are asked to participate in any specialized group therapy, parental consent will be required.
Please know that our goal is to help each of your children be successful as a remote learner with the support of their special education teacher and/or related services provider.
Questions? Contact Beth Martin bethmartin@winnetka36.org
