Together In Teaching

We are so excited to start learning together. We know this year is going to be different, but we have been working hard to set up a remote platform that will be consistent and easy to navigate. The K-2 team will be using one website as a home for all 4 classes to create an easily accessible way to find all classroom information.

We can't wait to meet with you on Thursday and Friday! But first, we wanted to give you a sneak peek at how our schedule will work before then. We hope to answer some of your questions here. And we can certainly answer more at our meet up. But, feel free to email any questions you still may have.

You will be receiving a link for our common website soon. From here you can access your child's weekly and daily schedule. Teachers will have the zoom link posted on their Clever page (for safety and security) and we will be using one "meeting room link" for most sessions for easy access. Each days activities and necessary materials will also be posted within our site. We will be using several online resources such as SeeSaw, Digital Readers, IXL and more. Most of these sites will be accessible through one single sign on called Clever! More information will be coming on those specific resources at our orientation.

The District has a created a common schedule for all classrooms. We will be following that schedule. So, there will be a common beginning and ending to our days as well as Lunch/Break. However, we will not be learning and working on the computer for the entirety of those learning blocks.

Teachers will be doing a short live lesson at the beginning of most sessions and then students will be working at home at their own pace. The first 6 weeks is vital to getting to know each other and build our routines together. We will work over time to foster independence and confidence. Some of those blocks will be reserved for small groups or 1:1 sessions to work with the teacher. Teachers will be available throughout the day if your child needs any additional support navigating assignments. We aim to be mindful of screen time & set realistic expectations for our K-2 learners. We believe that consistency benefits everyone but understand that family needs vary and we are very willing to support. Your communication and feedback will be vital in helping us shape our day. We expect after we get started there could be some adjustments to the schedule as we get to know our learners and families.

Our activities are centered around developing routines and fostering independence. Our hope is that your children will be eager to learn and join us each day!

You can help your child get the most from virtual learning by helping with consistent expectations. We will work to build these habits too through our activities and sessions together.

The following behaviors will help your child focus and engage with teachers online:

• Find a quiet space and set up a learning place or office for them to access all virtual lessons. Help your child set up a special spot for class & make them a part of the process.
• Teach your child how to turn the mute on and off. Help them to know when the teacher can hear them. Teach them to turn the camera on and off. Explain that the teacher can not see them when the camera is off.
• Help them practice keeping their head in the viewable screen.
• Remind them that toys and food don't come to virtual lessons.
• Practice having them raise hands and wait for the teacher to say their name.
• Remember that the zoom picks up all background conversations.
• Be patient with them, yourself and teachers. This is new for all of us.

Our K-2 team has compiled take home bags that include some of the following materials: hard-copy activities, books, manipulatives & supplies. We will add to these take home bags every two weeks.

• Student last name A-G Wednesday from 8:30-3:00
  
• Student last name H-Z Thursday from 8:30-3:00
  
• Friday will be a makeup day with support from the EKES PTO to deliver.
  

We will also be utilizing digital resources like Seesaw, IXL, Digital Readers etc., but are working to balance these amazing resources with hands on activities as well.

Mr. Benson will offer a technology help session each morning from 8:15-9 AM and you can also access these self-guided "how to" resources below.

Technology guides and passwords are included in your child's orientation materials. Clever is the main portal for accessing most other apps & sites. First step! Set up Clever!

See the quick link before for digital resources/how to videos regarding some of the sites we may be using.

Will the lessons be recorded?

• Group lessons will not be recorded for privacy reasons. We will post follow up activities within Seesaw and assignments will also be clear in our learning site as well. At times, teachers may post video lessons/activities for students to access outside of the learning block.

Will there be any in person activities scheduled?

• We are working on that and hope to share more soon!

I will be working from home or have other children, I am worried about the schedule.

• We are committed to working with individual families to make this routine work. Based on your child's needs we will also identify top priorities to help personalize their learning and find ways to support. Communication from families will be key.

How will feedback be given?

• Feedback will be provided, in a developmentally appropriate and timely manner. Feedback may be verbal, written, or live-in real time. Students will also have the opportunity to provide feedback to each other, as they share their learning with each other. All types of feedback will honor each student's strengths, and provide support and scaffolds to deepen and extend their learning. Students will also work with their teacher to set personalized learning goals to guide their learning. There will be office hours if guardians would like to request a check-in/update.
  

Marne Dohrmann (K)

Katie Young (1/2)

Matt Stevens (1/2)

Shelby Alessandroni (1/2)

Location: 5 Andrews Lane, East Kingston, NH, USA