#Home&healthy #Flattenthecurve #Teachersareheroes
I have been thinking of you in these uncertain times. As the world continues to present us with the unimaginable, I am reminded of what matters most. To me, the people that have touched my life and the lives of others are who I am truly grateful for. I appreciate each and everyone of you for what you have taught me. Thank you for being a light in these trying times.
As we move into our first week of remote learning, I know that your calm resolve (even if you are faking it!) will be a comfort to our families each day. I wanted to send this information out now as many of you are thinking about the week ahead. Here is some additional information as we go into week one.
EXTEND REMOTE LEARNING PLANS THROUGH APRIL 17
I have had a chance to review each grade level’s initial plans and I am so proud of the meaningful work you are sharing! Please plan on working virtually with your grade level team on Monday to extend your remote learning plans through Friday, April 17. I ask that your team updates your plan using your grade level document below so others can continue to refer to them.
We all know that one of the most important things students can do is read daily, and I see that alI grade levels assigned reading. Yeah! I ask that you share EPIC books with your families by Tuesday as a way of providing families with additional materials. You need to add parent emails so that parents can access this. Watch Megan’s video on how to add parent emails if you need support.
The expectation from the District continues to be as follows: one daily literacy AND one math activity that is emailed to parents AND posted on your webpage. These opportunities should be simple and consistent across your grade level. Please remember that some families may choose not to complete your learning opportunities and we cannot penalize students for this. Because of this, please do not post mandatory daily schedules and learning expectations at this time.
The District expects teachers to respond to parent emails and provide students with feedback. That will vary depending on opportunities you are providing. Please know that I am here to help navigate any questions.
Please plan on emailing and posting your learning opportunities by 9 AM each day starting on Tuesday. This gives families with multiple children with one device the whole day to complete activities. Daily emails should be sent to parents. Please remember to enter parents’ email addresses in the BCC line. Please also link the specials' pages to the bottom of your daily emails and websites so parents are also able to access their opportunities as well. Click here for parent communication that I will send on Monday.
Additional Remote Learning Opportunities in the Specials Areas:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Several online learning companies have opened their tools to parents and educators for free. I have updated our resources page. Please feel free to use this page as you continue to plan. You will also see links for additional video support for digital tools.
PARENTS WHO EMAIL YOU ABOUT DEVICES
Megan did an amazing job ensuring that a student device was sent to parents who indicated a need prior to break. You may have parents emailing you now for a device. Please ask parents to complete this District technology needs survey.
BUILDING USAGE
You are able to access the building until 4:30 PM on Wednesday, March 25. Please take all personal belongings and all planning and grading materials. You might also grab your computer adapter for future use.
Please follow the District guidelines while in the building.
Please do not enter the building if you are sick.
Only staff with access badges will be permitted to enter buildings. We will not have staff available to grant anyone, without a badge, access to a building.
Please do not grant community members, parents, students, etc. access to DCSD facilities.
Please only enter buildings between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 23 through Wednesday, March 25.
Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer prior to entering the building and after you leave.
Please do not access buildings in groups of more than 10 people.
Please do not stay inside any building longer than 15 minutes
Please do not throw any garbage away in any building trash receptacles.
CLASSES FOR EAS
SPED TEAM
Deep breath! We are going to do the best we can! Please read posts from the sped remote learning community (Tip... You need to be in chrome to access it). It has answers to many of your questions and ideas on how to provide services. I know that we pushed several meetings to the week of April 7. Please contact families for either virtual meetings or to postpone the meeting. You can assure parents that you are providing daily learning opportunities aligned to students’ IEP goals.
QUESTIONS
I am available via cell phone, email and/or google hangout. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time. Adeline, Winston and I welcome all forms of communication!
Please also know that I will email as soon as I get any new information from the District. I know you have a ton of questions -- so do I. Sending questions my way -- even if I don't know the answers -- helps me anticipate the needs of our community. My cell is 720-612-1663.
SUPPORTING EACH OTHER
Now is the time for humor, creativity and celebrations! I would love any pictures of ways you have been creative. For example, my husband and I are currently using Adeline as a weight during our “family fitness” hour.
We can also use posts that made you laugh or smile. The Brown’s family favorite is the penguins at the Shedd Aquarium. Now how can you not smile at that?
Here are a few of our own Gold Rush celebrations:
Anita Rudman is recovering from hip surgery!
Ashely Hagerty got a 6th grade position in Highlands Ranch, which is closer to her home!
I want to add tons of good news to our weekly Barker Blog. I know we are a loving, but competitive group. The challenge for creativity, laughs and celebrations is on!
Sending lots of love and well wishes your way! Reach out if you need anything at all. We are a wonderful, supportive community, and I am so proud to be a part of it!
