Dear Families:
Welcome to week 2 of our online learning adventure! We have learned much over the last week and we continue to examine and adjust our methods of delivering instruction. We felt that we were prepared for two weeks of remote instruction, but six weeks has us exploring ways to refine information to make it the most efficient for the longer term.
I have heard from some families that the information, especially via e-mail, is overwhelming. I totally understand! I get copied on all of the e-mails going out to parents and students and I can hardly keep up with all of the communication. We will work to streamline what we can.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2:00pm we are holding a virtual faculty meeting to discuss our plans. Teachers will not be available via e-mail from 2:00pm-3:30pm so that they can attend. We will be discussing google classroom, possible materials pick-up hours, and best practices. Bear with us! Teachers and staff are learning along with you.
As our physical distancing is being increased by state officials, now through the closure of parks and fields, it is difficult to stay in touch with others, even at a six-foot separation. I was hoping last week that we would see some silver linings with this virus and they seem to be appearing almost daily. Classes are joining virtual lunches, students are connecting via zoom or other online platforms, mom’s are having online happy hours, teachers are contacting students, and Fr. Colin is doing Masses on a parish Facebook page. Even one of our vendors (Cedar Grove) contacted us to ask if we would like to go on “vacation status” to save money by not having composting pick-ups. Everyone is working together to help us through this situation.
Report cards went in the mail today. They include the last STAR assessment that your child took in early March. Teachers are available via e-mail if you have any questions.
Finally, thank you for your work and your positivity through all of this. Teachers are working so hard and trying to find the “sweet spot” in delivery of instruction. In person school takes more time to get through lessons as there are many student-to-student interactions and questions. Your children will get through the remote material at a quicker pace than they would if they were at school. That is expected. Please don’t worry. St. Anne parent and Certified Parent Coach, Beaven Walters, has prepared a list of tips and resources for “home schooling”. Here is the link in case you are looking for some moral support or additional resources to keep your child/ren busy.
Hang in there!
Mary
