Dear Parents,
Building on my previous communications about school calendar changes and plans for a gradual transition back to school, I want to further describe what parents, students and staff can expect next week. I want to once again emphasize how proud I am of our extraordinarily dedicated administrators and staff who have been working throughout the summer to create safe conditions for the return to school.
STAFF: Health & Safety Training, Preparation for Blended Learning Environment
Superintendent's Conference Days: This week, our teachers returned on Wednesday and Thursday for two days of health and safety training and preparation for our new blended learning environment (teaching hybrid and full-remote models simultaneously). Our staff was happy to be back in the buildings, reconnect with colleagues, set up their classrooms and plan for welcoming students. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, our teachers will be back in the buildings for a third day gaining further proficiency around the complex and new tech skills required.
Tech Equity Aligned with our tech equity goal to ensure that every student has an appropriate learning device and can access school materials and platforms that will be used for remote instruction, we are in the process of distributing more than 1,500 district-loaned Chromebooks and wifi hotspots.
Next Week Next week will be a 'dry run' for teachers, culminating on Friday, Sept. 11th, when we will physically welcome back Gr K, 6, 9 and 10 students and have the remainder of our students across the district participate remotely. On this day, our teachers will field test the technology tools they will use this quarter; they will use classroom equipment and Zoom software to meet and connect with students learning remotely. This summer we improved our bandwidth across the district; Friday will be the first chance to test our system in full force, with all students being logged in at the same time and lessons being taught simultaneously from classrooms district-wide.
STUDENTS: Remote Learning Orientation (all students Gr K-12)
Sept. 9th and 10th: Students at all levels will be expected to complete age-appropriate asynchronous, self-guided remote learning activities to explore a variety of topics to prepare them for the upcoming school year. These activities can be completed any time before Friday, Sept. 11. Video lessons and hands-on activities will reinforce the digital skills necessary for success in our hybrid instruction model. Among the topics to be covered:
- acceptable use policy and digital citizenship
- important Google Classroom skills for managing assignments and staying organized
- modules from Google's Applied Digital Skills curriculum focusing on specific tools and digital responsibility topics
- basic Zoom use
- information about how to seek out support and assistance when necessary
- additional instructional tools like EdPuzzle and FlipGrid
Click here for a comprehensive look at what the remote learning orientation for students Gr K-12 will look like next week. Students may access the activities and digital skills coursework beginning on the morning of Wednesday, September 9. Students are expected to complete all lessons by the end of day Thursday, September 10 in preparation for the opening of school.
Sept. 11th: In-person experience for our students transitioning to new schools and synchronous learning for all students across the District. Students learning remotely will have the chance to meet their teachers and work through connectivity issues.
Sept. 14th: This will be the first official day of our hybrid and remote model instruction.
PARENTS: We are Here to Support You!
A host of parent support materials are available on the website to help your family navigate the remote learning piece of the learning model you have selected. We recognize the challenges associated with remote learning and want to provide support to help your child navigate a positive remote learning experience and minimize technical difficulties.
On the website you will find a series of short videos with parent tips on many topics:
- student organization
- configuring of Google apps
- where to access help when you need it
For general tech questions, we have created a new help desk feature at the elementary level. When you submit a request for assistance, you can expect to hear back from either one of our technology coaches, a teaching assistant or one of our cadre of Mamaroneck High School volunteers signed on to assist.
More details on school reopening will be coming shortly from your child's building principal, including your child's schedule if he/she has not already received it.
Despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, I am confident the 2020-2021 school year will be marked by growth and continued resilience for students, faculty and our families. We will update you frequently on evolving conditions around the pandemic guided by local and State regulations as we work earnestly to protect the safety and health of our school community.
I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.
Respectfully,
Dr. Robert I. Shaps
Superintendent of Schools