March 30 - We're still here.....
Dear faculty and staff of Peoples Academy,
_______________________________This year (or even month) has been quite the whirlwind; from Science Olympiad and One-Acts being cancelled to moving completely online, I can honestly say I feel like I have whiplash, I can’t imagine how y’all are feeling. In the days leading up to our dismissal, you all reassured us, from class period to class period, we felt supported, assured. Thank you for providing us with stability when you did not have it yourself. Within a matter of days, us seniors realized many chapters were unexpectedly ending; as I write this I can think of 30 more, but you all have been support systems we could confide in. Thank you. From the students you have had or known since they barely knew how to write their names to the students who just moved here. Y’all have truly and deeply affected our lives and for that we are eternally grateful. We know that there are still many unknowns for y’all and for us seniors and that this is not the end of the school year just an end to a big chapter in our lives. That being said, thank you for making that chapter fun, educational, and full of growth.Thank you so so so much for everything you have done and continue to do for us students.With much love and appreciation, Maddie Moffet & the class of 2020
This weekend I read a short post by Ben Freeman from Vermont Learning for the Future. He asked for us all to 'take a pause'. I tried this myself during the weekend. I tried to unwind and step away from the intensity of the moment. For the good part of one day, I managed to do so. It was helpful. But, it's hard right now. There are so many unanswered questions and other needs evolving at a rapid pace. Because of this, I feel that in the coming week's we need to slow down, find time to hit the 'pause' button, and reflect on what is happening. We need time to think clearly. I'm going to advocate for time for us to pause. We need time to stop, reflect and prepare for the remainder of the year.
In the meantime, we shall roll along with your current plans and efforts. I am very impressed with your quick adjustment to remote learning and your commitment to our students and your profession. And, I'm not the least bit surprised. I've always said that you are amazing and you continue to impress. Thank you!
The feedback we received from students will help guide us in the coming weeks. Please set aside time to review the comments from Friday's TA and then complete the Teacher Remote Learning Feedback survey linked in the doc and below.
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Calendar:
3/30 - Best Practice (on your own time): Complete Remote Learning Form by 3/31
This Week: Pick a date and invite Phil (or a colleague) into your classroom hangouts. I'd love to see what you are doing and stay connected with the students.
While on the note of hangouts - please do not record Google meets, do not use ZOOM or other free applications as they do not have the necessary student safeguards.
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TA this week:
Friday: Announcements & New TA Challenge
Other days - reach out 1:1 or small group to check in on your advisees and see if they need anything. Report to Michele or a guidance counselor if you are concerned about a student. The EST team is ready to step in and help.
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Some Non-Tech Links related to Remote Learning
1. Very much worth a few minutes of your time - it's helpful thinking for how to plan for everyone: Trauma Informed approach to teaching during Coronavirus
2. Helping to control the rumor mill
3. Online micro-conference hosted by Emily Rinkema and Stan Williams - A New Normal: Assessment & Distance Learning.
4. https://www.investeap.org/ 1-800-287-2173
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Technology tools and updates
Here are a few more tech related updates to share. Links have been added to the Tech Playbook
3.Load this app to add feature to show all tiles in Meet.
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