KG April Update #2

Note from Administration

Dear Parents,

As we embark upon Distance Learning on Tuesday, April 14th, we will host a Parent Coffee that will focus on Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.  We hope to answer questions and perhaps model the session that your child will participate in.  If you plan on joining, please do indicate your interest.  If we are overwhelmed with responses, we will create a new session or sessions.  Our virtual parent coffee will take place at 8 am. on Monday, 4/13/20. Please indicate your interest and questions here.  To join the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra session(virtual parent coffee), please use this BBCU link here.  

*Copy and paste the link into Google Chrome.  *It will give you an error at first. Click the refresh button *Enter your first and last name before entering the session.

Please note: When you enter a classroom all mics and videos are turned off initially.   You should also reduce the number of other programs or open applications in order to use the mic/video. The moderator (teacher of the course) will have capability to turn on these features as students need to access these controls.  This will allow more teacher control and student safety within the virtual classroom.

We would also like to share the new webpage on the FCPS website. It is intended to provide additional support for families during this unprecedented time while your child(ren) are Learning at Home.  The link provides resources and strategies to support students as they prepare for distance learning: Learning at Home

We have received a few additional inquiries regarding the Learning Packets.  We are hopeful that all parents have received the packets.  Note that additional packets should be more timely as we continue forward. Note that these packets will supplement learning and that teachers will be sharing both recorded sessions as well as live sessions. If you desire to opt out, you may use this opt out link to stop receiving the printed instructional packets in the mail. You will need your student’s ID number and your e-mail address to access the opt out system. Please note that it may take up to 1 week to process your request to opt out.

Teachers have been preparing their Blackboard 24/7 grade level sites, experimenting with the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra platform, reviewing the learning packets provided by Instructional Services, and even recording new learning sessions to share with your child(ren).  You should have heard from your teacher and note that they would like to know that they have connected with you as well.  Please do not hesitate to respond back to the teacher to verify the connection – this is especially true for our kindergarten through second grade students. Our teachers are excited to instruct your child again!

Note that with the new technology usage and competing needs at home, we understand there will be challenges.  Our teachers are recording their sessions in order for all students to have access. We realize there are possible competing computer needs as well as family work schedules that might interfere with instructional time.  We have coordinated morning and afternoon blocks to ensure that students all have language arts and math instruction. In addition, note that the virtual office hours will ensure that teachers are available for individual or small group instruction. Distance Learning is intended to offer students and families a sense of normalcy, routine and belonging.  It won’t be perfect but we look forward to reconnecting.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact an administrator. Thanks as always for your continued support and patience.

 

Warm regards,

Holly McGuigan          Pier McGrath                   Tia Hawkins

Principal                      Assistant Principal          Assistant Principal

 


News to Share:

 

Yearbooks are available to purchase online – note the short window to order!  Order yearbooks NOW online!  Yearbooks may only be purchased online. The cost of yearbook is $25.00.  All yearbook orders are due by April 17. Go to www.scherlingschoolpics.com and click "Order Pictures/Yearbooks" Enter this code:  FM113559

 

PTA News:

Virtual PTA meeting will be on April 22nd at 7 p.m.   Zoom login information is on the KG PTA Facebook and has been remitted this past week.


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Positivity:  We will show our #joy and #kgpride this week by showing our spirit and resilience.  We are thrilled to be back at school – albeit virtually!  Please participate in our spirit week!  Send your pics to Gardenskent@gmail.com