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Dear Families,
Well, we got through week one. On a learning curve, sometimes you need to go there in order to know where to put your feet. (Is that mixing too many metaphors?) We had a few hiccups, but we were all the wiser for each one.
Thank you for your patience.
 As we begin week two, there are a few things that will make everyone's path easier.
- Have you gotten me a gmail address? Google Classroom is only accessible with gmail, so we need one from each family.
- We will try to have the Zoom class open about ten minutes prior to the beginning of class. It would help to log in and RENAME your account. Older kids are vets and can do this on their own, but first and some second graders might need help. We need their 'real names' so that we can log them into the correct breakout (classroom.)
- You need to log in to your gmail account and accept the invitation to Google Classroom. (This is for each student using that account.) There you will find your student's assignments. If you don't use that account for your other email, make a special 'trip' and do so.
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After that point, you will see the Google Classroom icon when you click on the 'waffle' on the right side of your Google window, if you are logged in. You don't need a specific web address to log into each Google Classroom. You'll see every Classroom you need right there.
- When you fill out a form that is linked in Google Classroom, you go back to Classroom and 'turn it in.' There is the opportunity to attach something, but it is not necessary. (As every email does not have an attachment.) Just click that you are done.
- We didn't set up some forms properly and it said you needed permission. If this happens, just let us know and we'll fix it. (Now that we know what to fix.)
- You might be asked to upload a picture or video for an assignment. It is pretty easy to do. A) Download the Google Classroom app to your phone from your app store. B) Log in to that gmail account. You will be able to see the Classroom account, go to the assignment and attach the picture or video. Mark it 'done' or 'turned in.'
- You should have received the Zoom link for your student last week. (We had one mishap. My apologies again.) This link will be recurring for the whole semester. Please let me know if you need that link re-sent.
You should receive an emailed lesson plan about 24 hours before class begins. The lesson plan each week will give you:
- Any materials you need to have on hand for the class.
- The Zoom link.
- The agenda for the 30 minute Zoom session.
- The agenda for the 'engagement' - the 30 minutes that your child will do at home off line.
- The 'response' - a short response, question or project to send back to the catechist via Google Classroom.
If you have questions or concerns, please let me know. Believe it or not, despite a few bends in the road, this is going pretty smoothly.
We are all learning, so relax. This whole pandemic is nerve wracking enough without making ourselves crazy over this. If something doesn't work, just let us know and we'll troubleshoot it.
Please remember that you can attend Sunday mass at both parishes. You need to sign up ahead of time, as spaces are limited, and we need to keep track of attendees for 14 days. For St. Thomas Becket, sign up here. For St. Emily, sign up here.
The dispensation from attending Sunday mass is still in effect, and you may still watch the livestream masses on Facebook and YouTube.
Some of those who must take extra care with infection precautions have chosen to attend a week day mass, where there are many less people. You can sign up for those with your parish, as well.
Please stay healthy, wear your masks and wash your hands!
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