Parent coffee with Mr. E
Please join Mr. E for a virtual parent coffee tomorrow, Thursday, April 23rd at 9 am. Please email Sharon Stemme at snstemme@fcps.edu for the link to the coffee. We hope to see you there!
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Video from our Liberty staff to our Liberty community
Please enjoy this video message from our staff.
Letter from Mr. E
Dear Parents,
I would like to begin by saying thank you for the positive response you gave to us yesterday. It was a much needed boost to our morale. Secondly, I would like to clear up some confusion or misunderstanding that stems from the terms “synchronous and asynchronous” learning.
It can be tempting to believe that brick and mortar classrooms must be substituted with virtual video chat classrooms and be scheduled like a school day to be considered “school”. When the news says that schools have “canceled” instruction when we cannot go synchronous with a video chatting tool like Blackboard Collaborate, it adds to this misunderstanding.
Asynchronous/non-scheduled instruction is really the core of distance learning. Synchronous/scheduled times allow for interaction and processing, not necessarily direct instruction. Many tools can be used for synchronous instruction, not just video chat. While this learning is more self-directed, it allows for the student to control the time, place, path, and pace of their learning which is empowering and differentiates for them.
I have attached an article if you would like to learn more about the best practice behind these approaches that have been guiding our design and decision making at Liberty.
Yesterday, FCPS made available two video chat tools for schools and gave us a choice on implementation. Those tools are Blackboard Collaborate Ultra which requires one on one scheduling of each student and Google Meet which requires having a Google Classroom set up. I provided our staff with a choice on which tool they would use based on their comfort, readiness levels, and content area needs.
We will be formally training the staff on Thursday afternoon on the process for each of these tools. However, I gave the staff permission to self-train using the resources that were provided to us by FPCS, and they began work on doing so yesterday evening. Those staff will begin implementation today to help us see how things work. Some staff will be ready to use the tools on Friday, and most everyone else will begin use of video chat tools the following week. No matter what, quality synchronous learning is happening today and Friday. Students should regularly check their google email for messages from teachers on how to access their weekly learning opportunities.
Regardless of the timing of the transition to these tools, we will be following the posted bell schedule and utilizing all the tools available to us. I appreciate your patience with the email communications from teachers, blackboard notifications, and our need to be responsive to the changing landscape.
I could not be more proud of our staff for their adaptation, ability to overcome challenges, and positive attitude amidst all of this. We have so many amazing examples of their creativity and quality instructional approaches.
I know it remains overwhelming at times to figure all of this out in your homes. I trust your judgment in knowing how to help your child manage their priorities and emotions. We are here for extra support if you need it.
I am confident that in the coming weeks, a semblance of a routine will develop, and we will move past this day to day uncertainty. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep heading towards it.
And Happy Earth Day! I hope you can enjoy some time outside today.
Blessings to you and your family,
Adam Erbrecht
Principal
3rd Quarter Grades
Due to last week’s pause in teacher-led “live” instruction, the third quarter has been extended until Friday, May 1, 2020. Students will work with their teachers to make up third quarter missing/incomplete assignments and complete reassessments by May 1, 2020.
ParentVUE/StudentVUE access will be turned off to allow for teachers to enter grades from Thursday, April 23 through Friday, May 8. Grades will be available in ParentVUE/StudentVUE on Saturday, May 9.
Report card mailings to all parents/guardians who have not opted into electronic delivery will begin on May 12, 2020.
More information about grading and reporting for the remainder of the school year will be available later this week.
NJHS Applications
Due to the school closing on 3/13, NJHS applications can be sent electronically to Ms. Storch at jlstorch1@fcps.edu until 4/30. No applications will be accepted after that date. Please reach out to her with any questions. Thanks!
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Yearbook update
Good News! We have extended the deadline to order a Liberty Middle School yearbook to June 1. For your convenience, yearbooks will be mailed to your home address. Click here for more information and to order your yearbook.
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Social worker Resources
Click here to find some additional resources and announcements from our school social worker. These resources can also be found on the Liberty MS Website.
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Connect with Liberty Middle School on Facebook and Twitter
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