Good Afternoon CCDS Families,
As we continue to navigate these unchartered waters due to COVID-19, CCDS is taking additional steps to continue support and learning for our students. April brings the continuation of campus closure through the end of our school year and the continuation of Distance Learning for our students. Campuses may be closed but students are still attending school across the state and our teachers are providing many learning opportunities for the students.
Teachers are preparing to introduce new learning for the students. Over the past few weeks, we focused on establishing connections with the students, being sure students and families were accessing Distance Learning, and we are all learning to navigate our new “School.” Now we are ready for finishing the year strong by introducing new learning at all the grade levels. We are focused on continuing progress and growth.
During this challenging and stressful time, it is important to act in the best interests of our students.The only way schools can properly recognize the almost unimaginable stress and anxiety that the coronavirus has and will have our communities is to
not evaluate and assign grades
for distance learning during the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
Middle school may look a bit different than elementary in that CCDS middle school teachers will check to see that students have completed required assignments, and they will follow up with students who may struggle to do so. We will seek a balance between being flexible and understanding of our students' diverse experiences, while also wanting to support students in doing as much work as they can, so they can continue learning.
What we will do:
- Provide ample feedback to students regarding their work.
- Ensure students are engaged and accessing learning to the best of their ability.
- Provide opportunities to practice skills they have developed and offer enrichment activities.
- Encourage exploration and curiosity.
- Introduce new learning concepts with the intent of assessing students upon return and re-teaching as needed.
Some norms and expectations for students and families:
- Our focus is continuing progress and growth for your students. Parents and guardians are a key component in this now and we will rely on you and your student to do your “personal best” in navigating Distance Learning. We understand this looks very different for everyone and that learning looks very different at home than in a classroom.
- Teachers are tracking student work and logins to keep track of engagement. This is very important for us in that we want to respond quickly if students are struggling to access their learning and to ensure that progress and growth is being made. Please let teachers know if students are ill or there is difficulty in getting them online, similar to sending an attendance note when your child misses school.
Please don't hesitate to contact me or
Wendy
with any questions you may have as we navigate the unfamiliar together.
Colly
