October 4, 2020
Montrose families,
It's hard to believe that October is here! Our weather has been wonderful and we have really enjoyed being outside. That is one practice that we will continue to take forward with us - more learning time outside and picnics at lunch time. Our students and staff are loving it!
As we anticipated, the hybrid learning environment can be challenging. Our teachers have students with them in person all day but are also preparing for students who are at home. We know that having three days of learning at home continues to be an additional stress on you and your children. Particularly now that children are coming to school on some days, it can be even harder to motivate them to complete work at home. Here are some ideas that may help:
Create a learning routine. A routine gives kids a sense of normalcy during an otherwise uncertain time. But you don’t have to go crazy with color-coded schedules if that’s not your style. Just create a general outline that you think you can maintain on most days that still leaves room for flexibility and down-time. If possible, try to designate a workspace for each member of the family.
Set goals—and celebrate their completion. Since much is different during the pandemic than before, have something to look forward to can help kids stay motivated. Setting up small rewards, like watching an episode of a favorite TV show, can help them tackle that unpleasant math assignment. Get the whole family in on it. If you all set a few goals and plan breaks together, your kids will see that you’re a team.
Get creative with lessons. Doing a science experiment, for example, or cooking with measurements, can be a good way of bringing lessons to life. And consider your child’s strengths. If they love to draw and write, now is a good time to set them free with pencils and paper.
(Authors: Kai Lundgren and Robert Segal, M.A. Last updated: September 2020 from Helpguide.org.)
The last piece of advice is just to give yourselves, and your child, some GRACE. These are unprecedented times and we know everyone is doing the best they can. Some days will go really well and some will not. Encourage your child to show grace too. We will be doing the same.
Have a brilliant week and enjoy the leaves!
Warm regards,
Melissa K-L
Melissa Klosterman-LandoPrincipal at Montrose ElementaryMontrose Elementary website
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Mon., Oct. 5- Hybrid Group A attends in person, hybrid group B learns at home
Tues., Oct. 6-Hybrid Group A attends in person, hybrid group B learns at home
Wed., Oct. 7- Z "Zoom" Day- All students learn at home
Thurs., Oct. 8- Hybrid Group B attends in person, hybrid group A learns at home
Fri., Oct. 9- Hybrid Group B attends in person, hybrid group A learns at home
HYBRID CALENDAR
Please note that our weekly hybrid schedule is adjusted for days that we do not have school. The entire fall schedule can be accessed here.
HYBRID LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
Just as we did with distance learning, we have created a document that reflects the expectations and commitments of students, parents and teachers for a successful hybrid learning experience. Please review those expectations here.
BEXLEY EDUCATION FOUNDATION (BEF) LOVE
We are so thankful for the support of the Bexley Education Foundation (BEF). This week we were given headphones so that as our new technology devices arrive, we can use them for independent learning in the classroom. They have also committed to helping the school district fund the 1:1 device initiative. In addition, the BEF has increased their mini-grant offerings to teachers to help teachers manage the new challenges of remote and hybrid learning. We are so grateful for their support!
TECH INFO and more BEF love!
We have received all of our Chromebooks for our 1:1 initiative! Bexley City Schools and Bexley Educational Foundation could not be more excited to begin a new era of instruction at BCS! We are grateful for the initial $250,000 Impact Grant from the BEF and their commitment to raising the remainder of the funds needed to purchase the 2,300 devices. With the BEF's significant financial support, the district was able to reallocate funds to other important educational programs.
Our technology department has a lot of work in unboxing, inventorying, and preparing for students to use them before distribution. Device rollout to students in grades 2-5 will begin on October 6th through October 12th. Device hand out for secondary students will begin on October 20th. iPads for kindergarten and first-grade students will be delivered once all Chromebooks have been distributed.
Please click here for details about distribution for Montrose Elementary - COMING THIS WEEK! : )
THE GREAT GREEN BEXLEY INDEPENDENT STUDY CHALLENGE
Bexley's Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee just completed the first round of The Great Green Bexley Independent Study Challenge and is launching the October edition now! The program's goals are to encourage all students living or learning in Bexley to learn, plan, change, and advocate through learning, reflecting,and connecting.
The program can be found here. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions at [email protected]. Thank you for your support, and have a wonderful school year.
PANORAMA SURVEY
Fourth and fifth grade students will participate this Wednesday, October 27th (Z day - Zoom day) in the social and emotional needs assessment (Panorama Survey). Here are the links. They will also be listed in students’ Google Classrooms.
9:05-9:50 a.m. 5th Grade Zoom Link - click here
11:10-11:50 a.m. 4th Grade Zoom Link - click here
Students participating in eLearning will meet with our counselors and take the survey Oct. 14. Mrs. Hipsley will reach out to you.
EMPLOYMENT: SEARCHING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AIDES AND BUILDING SUBS
MONTROSE PTO NEWS
Join us Tuesday, October 20th from 7-8 p.m. for our PTO meeting. Click this link to join:
Typically in the fall, our PTO sponsors an Ice Cream Social on our playground to welcome everyone back to a new school year. Unfortunately, we won't be able to host that this year. However, we have a creative way to treat our students and a special treat will be coming home this week from us - enjoy!
A NOTE FROM MRS. HIPSLEY
Please click here to schedule a conference with Mrs. Hipsley and find out information regarding the WorryBusters group that will be offered to students on Z days.