Friday, October 23, 2020
Dear Students and Families,
I am writing to share some updates regarding the 2nd quarter, particularly changes to our Monday/LS days. Based on feedback from students, staff, and parents, it is apparent that Mondays (specifically LS days) are incredibly challenging with 30 minute class periods and only 5 minute passing periods. There is also a clear desire for students to be able to make meaningful connections with teachers, staff, and peers through in-person opportunities.
As such, Mondays (specifically LS days) will now become “Community Days.” On these Community Days, students do not “attend” class at a set time but, rather, access pre-recorded lectures and digital curriculum materials and may respond through email, discussion boards, collaborative documents or assignments at a time and pace of their own choosing. Teachers will be available to support students individually or in small groups either remotely during their regularly scheduled class period OR by offering in-person opportunities on-campus.
**Please note that HOMEROOM will still take place from 9:55-10:10 each LS day via Zoom, Google Meet or other technology platform unless being offered on-campus.
By changing the teaching and learning style on Mondays/LS days (Community Days), we hope that students will find more flexibility in completing lessons and assignments, while also seeking individualized or small group support with their teacher, which is often challenging during large group meetings held remotely. We also hope that more students will be able to enhance their connections with teachers, staff, and peers by accessing opportunities on-campus, if so desired.
This coming Monday, October 26, will be our first Community Day. After our first community day, we will gather feedback from students and staff about what worked and areas for needed improvement to make our next community day that much better. We will then expand our services starting in November to ensure all students are invited for a course or grade-level specific opportunity, including but not limited to homeroom gatherings and course or teacher-specific sessions. Know that we are already busy planning the additional Community Days (Monday, November 16; Monday, November 23; Tuesday, November 24; Monday, November 30; Monday, December 7) and will share additional details closer to those dates.
What students need to know:
On Mondays/LS Days (Community Days), your teacher will post a lesson, assignment, or update on Schoology by 8:00 a.m.. You are expected to sign into Schoology on these days and complete work as indicated. However, you do not need to complete your classwork during the regularly scheduled period; rather you have flexibility in using your time during the day. Attendance will be taken via your usage of Schoology by 3 p.m.
On these days, we encourage you to take advantage of opportunities offered on-campus and remotely. Recall that your teacher will be available in-person (on-campus) or remotely during your regularly scheduled class period, unless otherwise stated. Please click the link below to learn about some of our initial on-campus activities available to all students including the lyceum, PERC, and Makerspace, which will be offered on Monday, October 26.
