Good Afternoon BRSSD Community!
In this update is information on the following:
- Reopening Update
- Distance Learning
- Instructional Support - Zoom Troubleshooting
- Second Harvest Food Distribution - Saturday @ Nesbit
- Flu Vaccinations
Reopening Update
The BRSSD Board of Trustees met last night and engaged in a thoughtful and informed conversation regarding the reopening of Belmont-Redwood Shores schools for in-person hybrid learning. While there is no doubt that we all want to return to the classroom in a traditional format, we must decide, given the reality of COVID-19, when it is the appropriate time to do so.
As part of our gradual reopening plan, we anticipate that we will be able to offer a full distance learning pathway (daily live instruction, 100% remote with a balance of synchronous and asynchronous learning) and a hybrid option (alternating days, 50% in-person, 50% independent work). When we make the shift to this offering, it will require significant transition and student reassignment. Because of the significance of this shift, the opportunity to make changes will be challenging. When we reopen with an in-person learning option, families will be required to declare their choice for the remainder of the year or until we resume full time, in-person instruction for all students, every day (classrooms of 25-30).
While there is not a formal timeline for forward movement, we will continue to make thoughtful forward progress. We will begin with a survey of our employees and then follow-up with a survey of our community. Our next reopening update will be at the Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, October 15th. Additional information will be shared with our community as it is available.
I encourage you to listen to the presentation and discussion that took place during last night's meeting. A link to the recording of this portion of the meeting can be found here. The presentation can be found here.
Distance Learning
We've appreciated our community's support as our staff has continued to pivot and adjust to distance learning. So much of our work is about building relationships and connections with our students through interaction and engaging instructional practices. I am proud of our staff and their commitment during this transition. I also recognize the long hours our staff is putting in to ensure our students are prepared for their future. Likewise, I am appreciative of our families for adjusting schedules and supporting their students while at home. I know that troubleshooting internet issues and tracking logins have become a larger part of our lives than ever before.
Please help us by keeping the following in mind:
Independent work allows teachers to target instruction. Please help your child with connectivity and technical issues as needed but allow them to gain academic independence. It is through submitted work that teachers learn about your child's strengths and challenges. As with in-person instruction, independent work is an important part of learning.
Asynchronous instruction for one student means small group instruction for others. We continue to encourage "bookended" instruction, meaning that teachers start and end instruction with live connections. The "bookends" may occur over two days. Asynchronous work time instruction is also when work with individuals or small groups occurs, and when our teachers complete district-wide assessments that help us better understand our students' needs.
A shortened day for students is not a shortened day for staff. Our staff is keeping traditional hours and engaging in planning, preparation, and collaboration throughout the afternoon. While we encourage you to continue reaching out to your child's teacher or principal when needed, please recognize that their workload is higher than ever.
Instructional Support - Zoom Troubleshooting
Thank you to the generous support of our community through School Force donations, we are able to fund a new position this year: Instructional Support Teacher! We welcome Noel Ekstrom to this role, formerly a Ralston ELA teacher. Mr. Ekstrom comes to this role with experience working throughout the TK-8 grades, a background in both special education and general education, and a personal passion for integrating technology into instruction. Mr. Ekstrom's primary role is to support our teachers and coach them with pedagogical tools and strategies; he will be hosting professional development as well. As part of his work, Mr. Ekstrom has put together a Zoom Troubleshooting video to support students/parents through Distance Learning. Please click here if you are experiencing difficulties with Zoom on a regular basis.
