Rocket Weekly for Staff
April 20th - April 24th
Dear RES Staff,
We made it through Week 1 and are heading into Week 2!
Everyone has done a fabulous job and the feedback I've received from families has been very positive regarding your interactions and support!
As we venture into our second week of tele-instruction, there will continue to be bumps. Just know that working together, as a school family, we will get through all of these bumps as we continue to adjust to the "new norms" in being educators.
This is what I know in my heart... we've STILL got this!!!!!
Week at a glance
Below are links to regularly scheduled Meetings and Central Office Resources
- RES Zoom Meeting Schedule
- SMCPS Online Learning Playbook Site
- SMCPS Ongoing Imagine Learning Professional Development
- Central Office ZOOM Q&A Document (Week of March 30th Zoom Meetings)
- Remote Learning Teacher PD Plan (All staff)
- Remote DSE Weekly Staff Plan (Special Education Staff)
PLEASE NOTE: Supervisors will be scheduling meetings as needed. Please be sure to check for calendar invites and the Online Learning Playbook Site for scheduled meetings.
All PLC and Meeting Agendas will be posted by 8am on the day of the meeting.
Monday, April 20th
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
1:00pm OPTIONAL Navigating Tech Help During online Learning
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Meeting ID: 920 3106 2788
Password: 898824
2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
2:30pm - 3:15pm IMT Meeting
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:15pm - 4:15pm School-Wide Staff Meeting and Break-Out Team Meetings
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
Tuesday, April 21st
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
9:00am - 9:30am Special Education PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
9:30am - 10:00am Kindergarten PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
10:00am - 10:30am Para PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda (not available - will discuss in meeting)
12:30pm - 1:00pm Imagine Math Custom Pathways for SpEd Students (3rd Grade and Special Education)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
- Meeting ID: 956 3633 1556
Password: 982760
1:00pm - 2:00pm 5th Grade Promotion Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
1:15pm - 1:45pm Imagine Math Custom Pathways for SpEd Students (4th Grade and Special Education)
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Meeting ID: 923 2156 5806
- Password: 334181
2:00pm - 2:30pm Imagine Math Custom Pathways for SpEd Students (5th Grade and Special Education)
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Meeting ID: 989 9350 3540
- Password: 905524
2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:00pm - 3:15pm Pre-K PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:15pm - 3:45pm 1st Grade PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:15pm - 3:45pm 2nd Grade PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
Wednesday, April 22nd
Virtual Purple Up Day!
- Although schools are closed and most of us are teleworking, we are still making efforts to recognize and celebrate our military children.
- Wear purple and upload your pictures here! If you're unable to upload, please email pictures to Mrs. Batelka.
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
9:00am - 9:30am School-Wide Staff Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
9:30am - 10:00am IMT Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:15pm - 3:45pm 3rd Grade PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:45pm - 4:15pm 4th Grade PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
4:15pm Social Committee Meeting
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
Thursday, April 23rd
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
9:00am - 9:30am Special Education PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
10:00am - 10:30am Specials PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
11:00am - 11:45am Collaborative Check in with Elementary Supervisors - Using Imagine Learning Reports to Determine Student Needs (Grades 3 - 5)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
1:00pm - 1:45pm Collaborative Check in with Elementary Supervisors - Using Imagine Learning Reports to Determine Student Needs (Grades K - 2)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
2:00pm - 2:45pm Collaborative Check in with Elementary Supervisors - Using Imagine Learning Reports to Determine Student Needs (Grades 3 - 5)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
2:00pm - 2:30pm Office Admin Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:00pm - 3:15pm Pre-K PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:15pm - 3:45pm 5th Grade PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:45pm - 4:15pm Para PLC Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
Friday, April 24th
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
9:00am - 10:00am School-Wide Staff Meeting and Break-Out Team Meetings
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
10:00am - 10:45am OPTIONAL Collaborative Discussion with Elementary Supervisors' - Imagine Learning: Supporting Students Discussion (K - 2)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
11:00am - 11:45am OPTIONAL Collaborative Discussion with Elementary Supervisors' - Imagine Learning: Supporting Students Discussion (3 - 5)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
11:00am - 11:30am OPTIONAL ILL Portfolios Meeting with Carissa Martin
- Learn how to review and give feedback on student recordings and written responses
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
1:00pm - 1:45pm OPTIONAL Collaborative Discussion with Elementary Supervisors' - Imagine Learning: Supporting Students Discussion (K - 2)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
2:00pm - 2:45pm OPTIONAL Collaborative Discussion with Elementary Supervisors' - Imagine Learning: Supporting Students Discussion (3 - 5)
- Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
2:00pm - 2:30pm OPTIONAL IM 3rd - 5th Reports Meeting with Carissa Martin
Understand how to use and interpret the strands and standards reports
Click here to join the Zoom Meeting
2:00pm - 2:30pm Office/Admin Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:00pm - 3:45pm IMT Meeting
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
- Click here for the agenda
3:45pm - 4:15pm Collaborative Planning (Optional) - Teacher Directed
- Contact Mrs. Batelka if you would like her to set up a Zoom Break-Out Session to include multiple staff members
4:30pm Staff Zoom Gathering (Optional)
- Click here to join the ZOOM Meeting
upcoming events for next week
DUE DATES
Click here for an overview of all Links to Visit Daily.
Monday, April 20th
- Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
- Assign Math Custom Pathways for April 14th - April 24th if this has not been completed for students in 3rd - 5th
- Reflect on ways to compile data on student progress and how this data may be shared with families.
- Imagine Learning Learning Target for this week: Use Imagine Learning reports to Determine Student Needs (Grades K - 5). Click here to Access the PD for the Week of April 20th.
- Imagine Math Required PD Activity (Grades 3 - 5 and Special Education Teachers) - Prior to Grade Level meetings on Tuesday, April 21st, please watch a brief video on the Learning pathways page of Imagine Math 3+ (Click on the video icon on the Learning Pathways page.)
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
- Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
- Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
- Update Special Education Contact Log as needed
- SMCM Partnership - Click here to sign up for an interview ((100% voluntary interview process)
Tuesday, April 21st
- Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
- Imagine Math Required PD Activity (Grades 3 - 5 and Special Education Teachers) - Prior to Grade Level meetings on Tuesday, April 21st, please watch a brief video on the Learning pathways page of Imagine Math 3+ (Click on the video icon on the Learning Pathways page.)
- Required Zoom Meetings: Custom Math Pathways for Special Education Students in Grades 3 - 5
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
- Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
- Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
- Update Special Education Contact Log as needed
Wednesday, April 22nd
- Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
- Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
- Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
- Update Special Education Contact Log as needed
Thursday, April 23rd
- Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
- ZOOM Meetings with Elementary Supervisors focused upon using Imagine Learning Reports to Determine Student Needs
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
- Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
- Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
- Update Special Education Contact Log as needed
Friday, April 24th
- Submit names of students if parents have requested print resources
- Optional ZOOM Meetings with supervisors focused upon supporting students
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Learning Language & Literacy
- Monitor Access and Progress in Imagine Math
- Follow-up with families if a student has not accessed the program. Click here for our RES Plan to Engage all Students and Families
- Update Parent Contact Log as needed (classroom teachers)
- Update Special Education Contact Log as needed
- Email parents summary of student access to the online programs. Templates will be linked here by Wednesday, April 22nd at 5pm.
On-Line Instruction & Teleworking Documents/Resources
- This folder houses all RES internal documents as well as some documents from Central Office.
- Click here to access the Folder.
- Click here to share resources with your peers! This folder is housed in the "On-Line Instruction and Teleworking" Folder located within our RES Staff Folder SY 2019-2020.
Central Location for Questions/Concerns
In an effort to have one location for questions and issues that will undoubtedly arise, we will be using “Padlet” to house all questions/issues.
As several different staff members have varied roles of support during this time of school closure, this will provide us with a means of tracking questions and issues.
Also, as many of you may have similar questions or issues, it will be an internal resource for all of us to support one another.
Please click here to access the RES Q&A and School Communication Process Document.
Click here to access our RES padlet.
Technology Supports
Topics covered are:
- Login or access issues to platforms in Clever - Please submit an individual ticket for each student and include the student's ID number when submitting an issue specific to Imagine Learning Language & Literacy and Imagine Math.
- Screencasting guidance
- Zoom guidance
- Google Calendar
- Google Hangouts/Meet
- Google Drive or other Google Apps
- Hardware issue with SMCPS issued laptop/device
- "Other" - will need to clarify
Click here for the Distance Learning Support Guidance Sheet - Troubleshooting Flowchart
Professional Development Supports
Topics covered are:
- Imagine Learning Math
- Imagine Language & Literacy
- Google Classroom
- Google Apps
- "Other" - will need to clarify
Counseling Supports
The counselors have resources along with knowledge of therapists/counselors who are making themselves available for our families and students.
Although counselors may not provide direct counseling services, it is very important for us to be aware and vigilant of services our families and students may need.
This is a tough time for all of us and some do not know where to turn.
Included in Clever, is a Distance Learning Counseling Lessons folder which includes lessons for all students. Lessons are arranged in folders. Each folder includes lessons arranged by ages and topics.
Staff Schedules and Office Hours
Building Safety and Social Distancing Reminders
Ms. Jones and Mrs. Mills will be conducting periodic safety checks during this period of time.
Parent/Student Communication
RES Plan to Engage All Students/Families
Staff may call parents using Google Hangout (general education) and Google Voice (special education)
- Click here to access the directions.
- Staff are to use their SMCPS issued device.
- This is for staff to speak directly with parents.
- If a parent does not answer, you can leave a message indicating that are calling from your computer, which is why there is no caller ID, and that you will try them again on XXX at XXX time.
- This document is housed in the Parent Communication Folder.
- Click here to access the folder
- Individual folders have been set up for all classroom staff with a Google Sheet to document parent contacts. All contacts regarding not accessing on-line instructional activities for ELA/Math need to be documented on this sheet.
- Individual folders for Specialists have been created and class-rosters will be available for them to record parent contacts, as needed, by 8am on Tuesday, April 14th.
All staff will be in regular communication with students/families via email.
- RES Staff will be available via email to answer and respond to any questions parents/guardians or students may have during office hours.
- Although Staff may be available outside of these times, depending upon their schedules, please be aware that responses to any communications received outside of these hours may be delayed.
Staff may also communicate directly with parents/guardians via ClassDo.
Staff may not "ZOOM" or "video-chat" with students.
Staff may post video "messages" on ClassDoJo that a parent/guardian may share with his/her child. Please remember, the "messages" are not opportunities for direct instruction."
Students requiring print resources and monitoring work process
Click here to access the RES Process for Print Resources and Parent Communication.
If a parent reaches out to you, please document that student under the "Staff Reporting" Tab.
If students do not access the on-line instructional program, or respond to your attempt to contact them, it will be assumed they do not have access. Therefore we will need to work together to provide them access to the print resources.
On-going: Update spread spread sheet with contacts for students not accessing the on-line instructional programs
ridge elementary school relay for life team
This year's event has been cancelled.
All proceeds raised thus far will transfer to next year's event.
An October event is being planned to recognize the efforts of our Relay for Life Teams across the county.
Individuals are still able to join our team - Click here!
Stay tuned for upcoming news!
Central Office Updates and Informational Items
Central Office Updates for Families and Community
Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning.
- Click here for the SMCPS Update 1 (April 9, 2020)
- Click here for the SMCPS Update 2 (April 16, 2020)
4th Marking Period
- The 4th Marking Period will be graded Pass/Incomplete based on students’ participation and progress in the online platforms, or paper packets as appropriate.
- Teachers are monitoring progress in the online platforms and are aware of the students who have received paper packets.
- The weighting of the 4th marking period grades in the final grade calculation will be determined based on the date of school reopening.
5th Grade recording of a student’s “participation and progress” in HAC in the 4th quarter will be captured as follows:
Teachers will only use TAC/HAC as a recordation device for auditing purposes for each student’s “participation and progress.”
Students receive one of the following alpha marks each week during MP4 that schools are closed. They are as follows:
P – Participated,
NP – Not Participated,
PCC – Packet Check-In Completed, and
NPCC – No Packet Check-In Completed.
Make-up Days and Last Day of School
- The State Board of Education has waived five of the ten missed days of school.
- The three built-in makeup days will be used, along with April 27th and April 28th now being school days.
- The last day of school will be June 18th.
Meals for Students
Human Resources and Finance Updates
Certification Renewal Credits - if you are looking for certification renewal credits or want to earn credits to move along the pay scale, here are just a few links of interest.
- Professional Development Institute - they are offering some discounted rates
- Notre Dame of Maryland - SOMD Higher Education Center
- Towson University - SOMD Higher Education Center
- University of Maryland - Global Campus
EAP Support is available. Additional information may be found here.
Carefirst provides additional benefits for the Coronavirus. Additional information may be found here.
Tuition Reimbursement:
- Tuition Reimbursement remains a benefit for employees.
- Many colleges and universities have expanded their online course offerings.
- You can request Tuition Reimbursement by submitting an online application here: https://tracc.smcps.org/
CareFirst Video Visit – The doctor will see you now.
- When your primary care provider (PCP) isn’t available, you can connect with a doctor anytime day or night through your phone, tablet or computer. It's convenient, easy to use, private and secure.
- In response to CDC and public health officials’ strong recommendation to practice social distancing, SMCPS is encouraging the use of telemedicine, telephonic consultations, and virtual sites of care such as CareFirst Video Visits.
- Video visits are covered at 100% through your SMCPS CareFirst insurance for the duration of this public health emergency, as SMCPS is covering the cost of co-payments!
Payroll:
- Payroll staff were able to quickly test and implement secure teleworking for most payroll processing function.
- However, several payroll processing functions must continue to performed from the secure technology infrastructure onsite.
- In an effort to dispel any rumors that you’ve heard circulating across social media – your pay is continuing, without interruption.
EPED:
- Year-long EPED assignments will be paid their third installment in June as scheduled.
- Spring EPED assignments will be paid in June as scheduled.
Instructional Updates
Teacher Access Center (TAC) Helpful Documents: – Need assistance creating student lists with contact info or emailing students/guardians? See TAC Resources on the Department of Assessment and Accountability’s Google Site found here. There is also a link that can be accessed from your TAC account by going to the Tools dropdown on the upper right (see the News Item posted in TAC). Videos are also being created. Need other documents or videos created, please contact DAA.
ZOOM: Tips for Safe, Secure, and Effective Zoom Meetings
Require a password for entry to your meetings.
Use the Waiting Room feature to screen new arrivals.
If possible, have another colleague co-host to manage waiting room, comments, muting.
Turn off Private Chat (this eliminates chats among participants but leaves on group chats).
Turn off Screen Sharing (it can be added back once norms are established).
Turn on “remove uninvited participant” and/or “put participant on hold.”
Lock your meeting once everyone is present.
Explore other settings, including Chime Upon Entry, Muting All, Annotations, etc.
Have some practice Zooms with friends and co-workers to check out the features.
Newsletters to Read and Share
A Message from your Math/ELA Supervisors
- Please click here to access the message for April 19th
Most recent Kindergarten Memo
Most recent Math Memo
- March 2, 2020. This edition contains important information about MCAP Evidence Statements, Modeling, as well as a Modeling Checklist for Students.
Bridges Updates and Supports:
- Please click here to access the Bridges Issue
- Please click here to access help videos
Most recent English Language Arts Newsletter
- Please click here to access The Reading Corner (December 2, 2019 Edition). Please take the time to review the information as there is important information staff need to be aware of regarding upcoming standards and instructional notes for each grade level.
Most recent Health and Physical Education Update
Most recent Special Education Newsletter: The PIER
- Please click here for the Aril 17, 2020 Issue. This newsletter edition contains information about the Continuous Learning
Most recent Elementary Science Newsletter
Science Supports and Resources
- Click here to access RES' MISA Evidence Statement Analysis with links to STEM Gauge Items for Grades 3rd through 5th.
Most recent Gifted and Talented Newsletter
Most recent Library Media Newsletter
Most recent Fine Arts Newsletter
- Please click here for the October Edition
Most recent ESOL Newsletter
- Please click here for the February Edition
- Please click here to access the ELL Site
Most recent Educational Equity Newsletter
- Please click here for the February 2020 Newsletter
Department of Assessment and Accountability (DAA)
- Please click here to access the DAA Site
SMCPS Sites and Quick Links
Over the weeks to come, you will be supporting students in different ways. As we embark on this new journey with our students, it is especially important that they feel connected with us. In monitoring and supporting their progress, we must be - above all - be empathetic about their experience. They, too, are experiencing learning in different ways. For some of our students, they may have full access and connection to the online learning experiences we offer. For others, they are working through challenges with learning online. Our connection with them is more than what comes through a wifi signal. It is through care and concern for their well being and their experience - that is what will make the difference.
Ongoing Communication - Updates are posted online:
Additional Resources:
- Staying Active Working from Home
- Seven Tips for Teachers (eSchool News article)
- Teaching Through the Pandemic (Edutopia article)
Updates for Families and Community:
- Throughout this period of extended school closure, St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) is providing continuous opportunities for learning. This is not our normal way of doing business, so there are many questions. The SMCPS will provide ongoing updates for these questions.
- Click here for the SMCPS Update 1 (April 9, 2020)
Staying Connected: While we are working at home, technology is helping to send personalized messages of caring and support. Check out the Signal to see some examples, to include our message to our RES Students and Families!
Professional Development & Continuing Education Opportunities
Continuing Education Opportunities
- McDaniel College is offering a 100% online cohort in our Equity & Excellence in Education certificate program. This unique, multi-county cohort is being made available to our county partners, with a $200 discount from the standard tuition rate for those who join the cohort (Official cohort code: HE5). This cohort begins in June 2020. (This is open enrollment, but a cohort in the sense that all students will be completing the program together and receiving the cohort tuition rate).
- Towson University--Graduate Program WebEx Information Sessions: Towson is holding two WebEx Sessions in April for anyone interested in learning more about the graduate programs offered in Southern Maryland. The sessions are on April 21, 4:00-6:00 and April 23, 4:00-6:00. These will be informal, open sessions for teachers to ask questions. You can join any time to learn more about the programs listed below and the reduced tuition agreement Towson has with your county. If you would like a WebEx invitation or for email information please contact Alyssa Zumpano azumpano@towson.edu.
Registration is open for additional courses:
- Please log into the system for available courses
Register online: https://smcps.truenorthlogic.com
UserName: beginning of SMCPS login (without @smcps.org)
Password: normal SMCPS password
happy birthday wishes!!!!!
Stay tuned for upcoming staff members' birthdays!
Staff Member of the Week!
We will announce the staff member on morning announcements and post information about that person in the hallway for all to see.
We also will be playing 2 truths and a myth. These will be posted on the display to give staff and students a chance to try and figure out what a staff member's myth may be. It will be revealed at the end of the week.
Jess Deeney
Week of April 20th
Two Truths and a Myth:
I was born in Montana.
I have been best friends with my best friend since PreK. I have been zip-lining before.Myth: Stay tuned!!!
Stacey Fisher
Week of April 13th
Two Truths and a Myth:
I was a Little League umpire.
I am afraid of snakes.
Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.
Myth: Broccoli is my favorite vegetable.
Lynsey Rye
Week of March 30th
Two Truths and a Myth:
I love chocolate.
I have two jobs.
Reading and Writing is my favorite to teach.
Myth: I love chocolate.
Nathan Earley
Week of March 9th
Myth: I am a great athlete.
Brooke Vanderwest
Week of March 2nd
Myth: I drink coffee everyday.
Jennifer Pierce
Week of February 24th
Myth: I love seafood.
Andrea Robbins
Week of February 17th
Myth: I make my bed every morning.
Maggie Koutnik
Week of February 10th
Myth: I have lived in 6 different states.
Lisa Deputy-Randolph
Myth: I don't like ice cream
CJ Crosby
Week of January 27th
Myth: I have 3 cats
Lisa Anderson
Myth: I love running.
Amanda Erdman
Myth: I collect comic books.
Chris Meyer
Myth: I like bananas.
Susan McDaniel
Myth: I love horror movies.
Penny Dennis
Myth: I have jumped out of an airplane (with a parachute, of course).
Karen Simmons
Myth: I know how to knit
Lauren Shively
Myth: I think olives are super gross!
Jessie Sohn
Myth: I have tasted crocodile before!
Terri Cox
Myth: Two of my children were born in Virginia and two born in Maryland
Heath McCracken
Myth: I was born in Canada, and my parents moved to the U.S. in 1993.
Jane Miller
Myth: I have two kids