Good afternoon, this is Ted Lysiak calling with an important message regarding learning from home as we finish the rest of this year.
First, I would like to thank all of the caregivers at home working hard to balance supporting the learning of your children with all of the other aspects of your life at this time. I know this is not easy. Too often, a lack of good Internet connection, limited supplies or stretched time can quickly frustrate both kids and adults. I want you to know we applaud your efforts and are behind you. I know I can speak for all of our staff when I advise you that in these times, when kids show signs of stress about school work, that is a good indicator it may be time for a break. In the end, doing your best is all we can ask for. Keep up the great work!
Next I wanted to share how we will be moving forward with report cards and grades to finish the year. We want to make sure we are supporting our kids academics as best we can. To that end, each student in grades 2-12 will have their year to date average carry over as their quarter 4 grade. As long as students are participating in the Alternative Learning Plan at a rate of one clock per day they will maintain that grade. Next week teachers will input this grade in Progress Book so you can see that year to date average grade. The Alternative Learning Plan will continue to be available through the end of this school year.
We are excited to announce today that on Tuesday, May 5th students will also have an opportunity to improve their grade in any of their classes if they wish. This can be accomplished by working on class-specific activities teachers will release in what are called our “Academic Improvement Activities”. These are content-specific materials created by teachers that are optional, but can be completed if a student wishes to improve their grade in a certain class or subject. A link to these activities will be posted next Tuesday morning.
Today we will have also released a number of documents to help explain unique situations such as grading scenarios, a Frequently Asked Questions document and details regarding alternative learning for the last month of school.
Helpful resources:
Next, we are nearly finished with a plan for students to pick up their materials from desks and lockers. This will be communicated to everyone no later than Friday, May 8th.
Finally, I ask you to check our social media and district website during the entire month of May. We will be conducting activities each week during the entire month to celebrate our seniors, the class of 2020!
Again, I am proud of the work you are doing as caregivers. Our students are well worth our efforts!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Have a great day, and Go G-Men!
Ted