I hope this correspondence finds you and yours in good health during this unprecedented time. The week of May 4th is Teacher Appreciation Week. This noble profession always deserves appreciation, but I cannot think of another time in our nation's history when they deserved more than they do right now. Thanks to each and every teacher across the country!
Let me start with a sobering assessment of our current situation. We are seven weeks into the current learning environment that continues with the massive cloud of a health crisis hanging overhead. We begrudgingly accepted the fact that schools are closed for the year. This decision moved us from Phase 2 of the learning plan to Phase 3 (outlined below).
One of the many difficult things to accept is the inaction required to address the pandemic. We are programmed to identify challenges and take action to solve complex problems. The pandemic asks of us the exact opposite. Instead of action to tackle our problem, we must distance and hunker down, and that is not in our nature.
Despite this sobering reality, there are reasons for optimism. First of all, I take solace knowing the best minds in the world have a common enemy and a singular focus to beat COVID-19. It is not "if" we will return to normal, but "when." Although the when still remains an unknown, I hope you can take comfort knowing that day will arrive.
Our plans for the remainder of the year are listed in detail below. Phase 3 was motivated by new guidelines from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with input from both staff and the community. I wish nothing but health and resilience for you and your family.
Please read below for details on upcoming informational sessions and information on end-of-year celebrations.
Graduation & Senior Recognitions
There is a group comprised of staff, parents, and students currently working on end-of-year recognition for seniors. We will meet tomorrow for the third time to finalize the details of our plans. Further, seniors will receive a survey seeking their input on Graduation options. The survey is non-binding and subject to additional approvals and subject to change. More information is forthcoming soon.
Phase 3 Learning Plan
The most essential factor in the weeks ahead is the physical and emotional well-being of students and staff. That remains the priority. The plan in the weeks ahead is put into place, knowing that not everyone will be able to participate in full capacity. If you need assistance, please contact your teacher and/or guidance counselor.
Those able to participate should do so earnestly. Beginning Monday, 11 May, each teacher will offer two 30-minute live, synchronous teaching sessions for students each week until the end of the 2019-2020 school year (for full credit classes, classes that only meet 2x per week, are expected to have one 30-min session per week).
- These live sessions can be hosted in Google Hangout, Zoom, or another platform of the teacher’s choice.
- One intent of these sessions is to support students in learning new content. In Phase 2, teachers had the option to hold office hours. In Phase 3 each teacher will offer two 30-minute live sessions.
- When possible, tutors and assistants will attend the classes they normally do when school is physically open.
- We expect all students who can attend these live sessions to participate. Mandatory attendance is a new expectation, and teachers will take attendance in Aspen.
- If able, we want students to attend all live sessions; however, to receive an automatic “pass” for Quarter 4, students need to attend more than 65% of live sessions. Flexibility will be determined for special situations by a team consisting of a teacher, administrator, guidance counselor, and, if applicable, a special educator.
- If able, students should complete all assignments; however, to receive an automatic “pass” for Quarter 4, students need to complete more than 50% of the assignments on May 11 through the end of the school year.
- Last night Dr. Hunter shared Phase Three.docx of our learning plan.
*Teachers will notify their students of the start time of the 30-min session within the 50 min block.
Thursday, May 7, 7:00PM - Student Q&A
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://concordps.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event.
https://concordps.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event.
To allow us to be best prepared for the event, it would be helpful if you can enter your questions via the google form below. Having your questions ahead of time will allow us to conduct any research before the event and then be able to provide you the most accurate answer(s): Question Form
Thursday, May 7, 7:30PM - Community Kahoot Trivia
Register in advance for this meeting (if you have registered for the student Q&A, then you do not need to register again for this event):
https://concordps.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event.
https://concordps.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event.
Friday, May 8, 1:30PM - Parent Q&A
Phase 3 & More will be covered in this Q&A
This Event Will Be Recorded For Those Who Cannot Attend
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://concordps.zoom.us/
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
To allow us to be best prepared for the event, it would be helpful if you can enter your questions via the google form below. Having your questions ahead of time will allow us to conduct any research before the event and then be able to provide you the most accurate answer(s): Question Form
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