A.B. Daley At Home Learning Information- August 28
August 28, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardian of At-Home Learning Students,
We are excited to welcome students and families back to school for the 2020-2021 School Year. Given the circumstances associated with Covid-19, education doesn’t look the same for everybody. Some students will be at school, while others, like your children, will be involved in at-home learning. Typically, the best place for student learning is at school, where all our resources are allocated. However, we understand your decision for at-home learning and will strive to provide the best experience possible given all of the current circumstances.
At A.B. Daley School, our At-Home Learning program will be instructed by our A.B. Daley teachers. Mrs. Jessica MacPherson (macphersonj@lrsd.ab.ca) will be teaching our Kindergarten and grade one learners, Mrs. Alli Martin (martina@lrsd.ab.ca) will be instructing our grade 2, 3 and 4 learners, and Mrs. Jolene Becker (beckerj@lrsd.ab.ca) will be teaching our grade 5 and 6 students.
Even through these uncertain times, the ultimate goal for our students is to have them transition back into the regular classroom as soon as families feel comfortable. This is where the majority of our resources have been allocated, and where we have the best opportunity at providing a meaningful, dynamic and engaging educational experience.
There will be transition points throughout the school year, for families who wish to attend in-school classes. We would like to have students join back into regular classrooms at natural transition points throughout the year, such as after Thanksgiving, report card times or major holidays wherever possible. Conversations between each family and school administration will allow for case by case re-entry into school.
Here are some things you can expect with at-home learning this year.
Things to consider:
- Parents, your involvement is crucial. This is hard work, but being involved with your child’s learning provides support and it lets your child know that you value their education.
- There will be opportunities for students to be involved with online sessions with their teacher and classmates. Participating in these is expected as we look to support and extend the learning that is done at home. This will also ensure that students have an opportunity to be assessed, ask questions, confirm ideas, participate in classroom collaborative activities, and build learning relationships with their online peers.
- Independent learning will be possible through pre-recorded lessons, digital assignments, and practice work provided by your online teacher.
- A reliable internet connection and access to working technology with video/audio, will be necessary for your child to participate and learn effectively. Use of a headset/earphones with a microphone (such as those often included with a smartphone) are encouraged, as it minimizes feedback during group discussions.
General overview:
- Mrs. MacPherson (Kindergarten and Grade 1) will be available for instruction and support on Mondays, Wednesdays and on some scheduled Fridays. That being said, work will be provided for the whole week.
- Mrs. Martin (Grades 2, 3, 4) will be available for instruction and support Monday to Thursday.
- Mrs. Becker (Grades 5 & 6) will be available for instruction and support Monday to Thursday.
- More information on what the individual weeks look like will come in the near future.
- The instructional focus will be and be in the four core subjects of English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. We will strive to mirror the content being taught in your child’s home class, however, lessons and activities will not be exactly the same as in school. This will allow for an easier transition back into the school when the students are ready.
- Tutorials will be provided on how to access and log in to any online platforms used, the primary one will be google meet for any of our online sessions and your child will be provided with login information for these, as well as any other platforms during our first two weeks of classes.
Student expectations:
- Attend online sessions and connect early to make sure devices are working properly. Younger students may need help.
- Work on course material during the school day.
- Submit assignments on a regular basis.
- Follow digital citizenship guidelines and expectations.
The first two weeks of school for at-home learning students will be about connecting, building relationships, learning and practicing technology and setting up for the school year. Curriculum work will begin the week after that.
You can expect further instructions and contact from your teacher by Thursday, September 3, 2020. As we all are also in-person teachers within the building, we will be focusing our first few days on transitioning our in-school learners, and then will connect with our at-home learners. We ask that you be patient with us as the first few days of September as we get our school learners started off as well.
We are excited to begin this new year with you and your children! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the school, or your child’s At-Home Learning Teacher.
Jolene Becker
Principal
AB Daley