Distance learning rollout: Support and resources 
Thank you to everyone for your patience, flexibility, and hard work during our first day of transitioning to distance learning! As we continue our soft rollout throughout the week, we will seek your feedback to see where we need to improve, as well as compile answers to common questions that arise. 

Distance learning terms and definitions: 
The district has adopted Schoology as our primary Learning Management System.  With that said, we know that many teachers are finding creative and innovative ways to interact with students and families.  This varies from teacher to teacher. It will not be uncommon for parents and students to see teachers interacting in a variety of ways such as Zoom, Youtube, and Google Classroom, etc.  While we welcome these interactions, the District's support only extends to Schoology and the curriculum platforms found in Clever.  

To help keep track of what's being used and why, here's a list of platforms, terms, and definitions: 

Distance Learning:  Teaching and learning while student and teacher are in different locations.

LMS: Learning Management System

Schoology: The Learning Management System (LMS) chosen by FCUSD in order to deliver instruction and to facilitate communication between student and teacher

Clever:  Single sign-on for FCUSD Chromebooks (how students log into our network and FCUSD Google account).  Also the portal for our digital curriculum such as Benchmark, EnVision, McGraw Hill, StudySync, etc. 

Zoom: A video conferencing platform.  Currently adopted by FCUSD as a staff online meeting solution.  

Google Classroom:  Google's platform to facilitate learning and teaching between teacher and student. 

YouTube:  Online video sharing platform

Technical Support: In the meantime, don't forget that if you have questions or experience technical difficulty, we are here to help. Please:
  • Visit our website for guidance and information: www.fcusd.org/tech
  • Call our Service Desk at (916) 294-9005 x103200
    • Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free - including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the "xfinitywifi" network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

Internet safety during distance learning: Tips for families 
Your child's safety, whether online or at school is our number one priority.  FCUSD has restricted access to YouTube for our elementary students since August 2019. The Distance Learning platform we are using, Schoology, allows for our staff to upload videos and provide access to educational YouTube videos. Given that video is a powerful tool to communicate information in an online learning environment the restriction on YouTube will be lifted. 

The District filters the Internet connection for District provided Chromebooks that meet the Federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements and has the "Safe Searching" feature set for all YouTube traffic through District account. Unfortunately, these safety precautions are not fault free, monitoring is recommended. 

While relying more on technology and possibly having easier access, children will have an increased online presence and be in a position that puts them at an inadvertent risk for cyber-bullying, online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content.  Below are some tips and resources to keep your child safe on the internet. We encourage you to explore these resources regardless of your child's age.
  • Be diligent in monitoring and discussing your child's use of YouTube videos, websites, and other non-curriculum related materials.
  • Review the following resources: 
    • Tips for Monitoring Kids Online found here 
    • Internet Safety Guide found here
  • If there are any online issues or concerns, please reach out immediately to your school's Principal.  We also have an Online Bullying Report located here.  The form immediately notifies all school administrators and the Director of Behavior Intervention & Student Services.
Unfortunately, there is not a "silver bullet" to combat dangers on the internet; however, we know open communication is crucial to keep our children safe.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to your school Principal if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.

Reminders: Spring Break meals for students in need 
The District will continue its daily "grab and go" meal distribution each day this week (March 30-April 3). Locations and times can be found here. Here are additional updates: 

Spring Break: The District will provide meals for families to support them through our Spring Break (April 6-13). The entire weeks' worth meals will be available for pickup on Friday, April 3. 

Additional meal services for the community: Local food banks are distributing food for anyone in need. Please check details below:
 
Cordova Community Food Locker
10497 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Twin Lakes Food Bank
327 Montrose Dr., Folsom
Monday - Friday
10- a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


Mindful Moment: Connectedness when we're distant
-from Dr. Channa Cook-Harvey, Director of Social-Emotional Learning, [email protected] 

To say that this has been an interesting couple of weeks would be a major understatement. With so much going on, it can feel like it is getting harder to maintain normalcy. We are all in this together, and our resiliency will help us navigate this challenge. 

This year, our superintendent set our "charge" for the year with Climate 2.0. Climate 2.0 embodies our efforts to strengthen culture, climate, and connectedness throughout the district. 

In this unprecedented situation, we've seen a desire for connectedness. Whether that connection is with our neighbors, our local small businesses, school communities, or work colleagues, the need to regularly communicate and connect is there.

As our District begins our soft roll out of distance learning this week, the Social-Emotional Learning Department will be working collaboratively with teachers and departments across the District to embed our 3 Signature SEL practices within the frame of distance learning to strengthen connectedness. These 3 SEL practices consist of a Warm Welcome, an Engaging Activity, and an Optimistic Close.

I invite us all to do the same as a community from our own homes.

Warm Welcome: Set the tone of your day with a warm welcome. That can be by doing some mindful breathing, reading an interesting article, enjoying some morning coffee, or anything that can help you start your day on the right foot.

Engaging Activity: If possible, set aside some time for an engaging activity. Some great ideas include recipe-sharing with neighbors, setting up neighborhood scavenger hunts for kids that can be done on family walks, and sharing messages of kindness and hope in chalk around the neighborhood. Sharing funny memes has also been helpful!

Optimistic Close: Lastly, end your day with an optimistic close by sharing some gratitude and appreciation with those you love, sharing something you learned today, or what you are eager to do tomorrow. 
The 3 Signature SEL Practices Playbook we use has a number of great ideas to get your thinking going. Maybe we can make connectedness and the use of these signature practices something that helps connect our entire community.


Stay Connected
FCUSD Communication and Community Engagement Office
(916) 294-9000 ext. 104530