The Cobra Connection

The Sousa Middle School Family Newsletter | August 14, 2020

"Many hands make light work" (Tanzanian proverb).

I hope this finds you well-rested, healthy and refueled. Let us send a warm welcome to our new families and a warm welcome (back!) to our returning families. We are grateful for all of you! These are unprecedented times and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work in partnership with all of you. Together, we can do anything!

What is the Cobra Connection?

The Cobra Connection newsletter is our family newsletter. We will share important district-wide and school-specific information with you on a bi-weekly basis to make sure you are in-the-know. Until the beginning of the school year, however, we will be reaching out on a weekly basis.

Need-to-Knows

DC Public Schools will be starting the 2020-21 School Year virtually. These videos (1) (2) explain what this means when we start school on August 31, 2020.

Make sure you complete the tech survey if you need technology for distance learning.

Check out the #ReOpenStrong website for updates on virtual/distance learning.

Enroll in DCPS' Parent University sessions to receive additional guidance on what this school year will look like and the district's commitments.

Make sure you enroll your child as soon as possible!

Check out DCPS' social media policy as we continue to use virtual learning for Term 1.

Check out DCPS' grading policy for virtual learning here.

Mark Your Calendars

Upcoming Events

AUGUST 18: Parent University Webinar: Supporting Specialized Instruction from Home

Click here to register.

AUGUST 20: Parent University Webinar: Canvas 101 for Families

Click here to register .

AUGUST 25: Virtual 7th Grade Orientation @ 5:00 PM

Click here to join.

August 26: Virtual 6th Grade and New Student Orientation @ 5:30 PM

Click here to join.

August 27: Virtual 8th Grade Orientation @ 5:30 PM

Click here to join.

AUGUST 24-28th: Technology Pick Up!

See Flyer Below.

Virtual Learning Tips & Tricks

Virtual learning is new for a lot of us! The tips below should help ease some of your anxiety as you prepare your homes for a successful term of virtual learning:

Create a learning space for your child that is quiet and free of clutter.
Make sure they have a strong routine and that they stick to that schedule to maximize their instructional time.
Feel free to reach out to your child's teachers if your child needs additional support.
Monitor your child's usage of social media regularly.
Attend Canvas 101 session to help you learn how to use Canvas. Click here to register .