HORNET HAPPENINGS
April 17, 2020
Dear Halley Families,
Don’t worry… “Bee” happy! Our virtual classrooms will return on Monday…fingers double crossed that our technological upgrade will be strong and working! So…Asynchronous instruction will happen and if for any reason BB does not function properly, Halley students will continue with their learning packets, teachers will give you links to pre-recorded video lessons and brief activities as well as assignments with directions from the teacher. Yes, we have been on a bumpy road with the launch of distance learning but that does not diminish our excitement about seeing our Halley Hornets again, hearing their voices and engaging in our new “communities”. Thank you for your continued support, patience, and involvement.
Please know that our Halley Website is your first stop for information regarding our distance learning plan. Also, our teachers and staff are reaching out to connect with students. We may call, email, or set up virtual chats, so keep an eye out for us! Phone calls will come from a private number or a blocked caller. If you need to update your contact information or add an email address that was not on file, please share that information with your child’s teacher or with our registrar, Nicole Kendall. You may reach her via email at nbkendall@fcps.edu. Also follow us on Twitter!
The goals of distance learning are continuity of learning to the greatest degree possible, ongoing connections between teachers and students, and providing a sense of normalcy and routine as best as possible during a stressful time. We’ll get this done together!
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to either your child’s classroom teacher or specialists and resource staff who support your child. You are also welcomed to reach out to a member of our administrative team by emailing us directly. All staff email addresses can be found on our school website.
Enjoy a special HALLEY VIDEO from our hearts to yours!
Blessings and Virtual Hugs,
Mrs. Peerman, Ms. Johnson and Dr. Simpkins
The NEW way to connect to Blackboard
We just wanted to follow-up regarding the changes made to our use of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra (BBCU) which is the tool that we will use to conduct Virtual Teacher Directed Learning and Virtual Office Hours. The links that we sent originally are no longer valid.
Below is a video, created by our own fabulous 4th grade teacher, Christy Talley, providing step-by-step directions on how to access BBCU and your student’s classroom.
Your child’s teacher has probably already touched base with you about how to access their BBCU classrooms. Either way, we got you! Please hold on to all instructions so that your child will be ready to begin class on Monday, April 20th.
https://youtu.be/GrrE2xk-2rA
Kindergarten Orientation
https://tinyurl.com/HalleyESKinder
Kindergarten Registration
Please contact our Halley Registrar, Nicole Kendall for more information and to register your child. You may reach her via email at nbkendall@fcps.edu
Enrollment forms can be found here
Fun Learning from our Librarian,
Reading and Math Specialists!
Looking for additional fun learning activities while on our Distance Learning Journey? We are pleased to bring you new content that will be featured in our Hornet Happenings! Each week we will share an instructional idea from one of our Amazing Halley coaches: Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Rzucidlo. We want to make sure that our Halley Hornets has lots of instructional options (and fun) in addition to what classroom teachers are providing. The emphasis will be on Reading, Writing and Math.
Stay tuned because you are in for a real treat!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXs3K99pkXk&feature=youtu.be
Click the picture for a super quick intro/hello!
Language Arts
Let's explore Poetry! Click on one of the following links below. Choose a poem(s) of your choice. As you read the poem(s) think about the following questions...
- How does the poem make you feel?
- What pictures are forming in your mind as you read the poem?
- What connections do you have to the poem?
- What is the poem teaching you? What lesson did you learn?
- What is the poem really about?
Draw or write your ideas to any one of the questions above on any paper you have at home. No paper, share your thinking with a family member at home.
Grades K-3: Can Teach Songs & Poems
Grades 3-6: Poetry 4 Kids
For some extra fun...try writing your own poem. Read it to a family member.
Math
Card games are a simple way to engage your child in important math skills while at home. Games like Uno build skills such as following directions, identifying numbers and colors, as well as counting and ordering numbers. Try an activity at home using a deck of Uno cards or regular playing cards. Don’t have cards at home, you can print these free cards.
Card Addition/ Subtraction:
Separate out the number cards from the deck. Make two different piles of cards, one with numbers 5 and below, and the second pile can include all numbers 0-9. The pile of numbers 5 and below will be your cards for the “problem” and the pile that includes larger cards, will be the answer pile. Grab a small piece of paper or a post it note and a pen. Make an addition or subtraction sign on one and an equal sign on the other. Have the child flip a card from the “problem” pile and place it down. Next place the addition/ subtraction sign and then choose another card from the “problem” pile and then place down the equal sign. Have the child figure out the addition/ subtraction problem and choose the correct answer from the answer pile of cards.
For this games and more check out Primary Playground and Smart Tutor for exciting ideas.
Library
Talking about poetry this week? Check out these e-books from our school library! Read these great tips from real poets to help you write your own poetry. Then explore some other examples of poetry.
Click on links below the pictures of the books, then login using the blue FCPS box and finally click the green “Open Now” box.
Tips on how to write poetry:
How to Write a Poem
Finding the Rhyme
12 Great Tips on Writing Poetry
 Everything is a Poem
My Teacher Dances on the Desk
R is for Rhyme
FCPS Distance Learning YouTube Channel
The language arts and mathematics instructional videos that are being aired on Apple 21 are now available on demand on the FCPS Distance Learning YouTube Channel found here. Teachers and parents now have access to playlists which support distance learning, the instructional packet sent home, and classroom teacher instruction. The site will be updated regularly as videos are developed and finalized.
Blackboard 24/7 App
Blackboard 24/7 has a free app that is available to families. Those using a phone or a tablet can use it to access students classwork and virtual classrooms.
Here is the link to download the app on iOS devices.
Upcoming Online Seminars for Parents
The FCPS Parent Resource Center will be holding the following online seminars in the coming weeks:
-
How to Keep Distracted Kids in "Study Mode" (Even if They Have ADHD), Friday, April 24, 10 a.m. - noon
-
Setting the Stage for Distance Learning Success, Friday, May 1, 10 a.m. - noon
For more details, or to register for these seminars, visit the Parent Resource Center here.
Comcast and Cox Internet
Message from Comcast and Cox: We are continuing to offer free internet to families without it. Call Comcast at 1-855-846-8376 or Spanish-speaking assistance at 1-855-765-6995. And Cox offers Connect2Compete at this link: https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html
Be sure to read all the details - so you know what you’re getting. This is not a school program and is not endorsed or required by your school. Your school is not responsible for Connect2Compete accounts.
Gaining Access in Different Languages
The FCPS ESOL department is sharing the link (below) that has directions, in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, on how to access Blackboard, Collaborate, and Gmail.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17DcPOWFqV_U-luqotXSHtLHbXnBpIxmtQ4FD5F2HfsA/edit?usp=sharing
More Resources for Families
Here are links to resources from FCPS:
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