Staff Newsletter
Wednesday May 13th
Thank you
- Remote Learning and Blended Learning
- What is a Learning Lab?
- Canvas One Stop Shop
- Staggered Classroom Clean Out Schedule
- Student Locker Retrieval and Laptop Drop Off Information
- Virtual Registration and Orientation
- Planning a PBL for 20-21
- Food Services Volunteers needed
- Frontline PD
- Zoom Info
We hope you have a great rest of the week! Thanks again for your efforts to finish Phase 2 strong.
Thanks for all that you do,
Phil Cox, Principal
Chris Layton, Vice Principal
Jenifer Laurendine, Dean of Students
Virtual Orientation and Registration
Because of the current school closure situation, we have unfortunately had to cancel our Spring Orientation events that occur each year in our building. Yet, we realize that parents and students receive so much information about Jefferson Middle School at this event that we had to find a way to create a digital version to provide as much information as we could.
Our staff has worked hard to provide our parents and students with a virtual Orientation/Open House experience! In addition, we have included the Course Curriculum/Registration Pages so you can move forward in preparing for the 2020-21 school year. All rising 6th-8th graders must complete their elective choices in skyward by May 18th.
The information is listed by grade level below for your convenience. Students can see these files in the JMS School Counseling Canvas course, under Modules. All information will be provided in this Sunday’s Parent Newsletter and is also housed on our website. You can simply click on this link to see our Spring 2020-2021 Digital Open House Orientation AND Course Curriculum and Registration pages!
JMS Spring Orientation and Open House
https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/academics/counseling-center/2020-2021-oar/
6th Grade Curriculum Course Guide
Or in a PDF handout: https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/04/JMS-6th-Grade-Curriculum-with-video-links-2020-2021.pdf
7th Grade Curriculum Course Guide
or in a PDF handout: https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/JMS-7th-Grade-Curriculum-Guide-with-video-links-2020-2021.pdf
8th Grade Curriculum Course Guide
or in a PDF handout: https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/05/JMS-8th-Grade-Curriculum-Guide-with-video-links-2020-2021.pdf
Again, if you have any questions regarding the information above, please reach out to our admin team. You can also contact our School Counseling Department at https://www.ortn.edu/jefferson/academics/counseling-center/2020-2021-oar/. We hope you and your families are well and healthy and we are anxiously looking forward to seeing you and your students again next year!
Principal - Mr. Phil Cox – pcox@ortn.edu
Vice Principal - Mr. Chris Layton – calayton@ortn.edu
Dean of Students - Mrs. Jenifer Laurendine – jllaurendine@ortn.edu
Instructional Technology Coach - Mr. Ben Fowler – bjfowler@ortn.edu
Thinking about Blended Learning
As we have discussed during this closure, it is imperative that we work to prepare for 2020-2021 understanding that it may be a new reality in education that school closure may be more prevalent. The efforts you have shown and the new ideas have been amazing. We are finding a way to keep continuity and support students through remote learning. It's not the most ideal way for us to help and support students, but we appreciate your innovation, creativity and efforts. The thoughts below are designed to help set up some ideas for your classroom and thinking about setting up for 20-21.
Key Concepts:
How can you develop a model utilizing Canvas to support Blended Learning?
If we were to go on school closure within a day of previously being at school, what would your students understand about accessing information on Canvas?
How can you use Canvas more in your instruction to post materials, resources, videos etc. to help support student growth and learning?
Thought # 1: What is Blended Learning? How can we continue to grow that model?
Blended Learning is the idea of combining brick and mortar education along with a digital learning opportunity for learning. When we return to school the brick and mortar instruction we will have a great idea as to how to engage students and generate student progress. The idea of being in the building with our students is what we know best. In the past few years, what you have worked to accomplish more and more for Blended Learning has come in your development of utilizing digital resources. As we have been shifted into Remote Learning, that growth of digital lessons and finding ways to connect through our Learning Management System has become vital.
Thought # 2: Learning can take place everywhere
One of the concepts of Blended Learning is the idea that learning can take place both in class and outside of class. For example, you can use Canvas as a place to post resources for students after a lesson has been taught. Think about it this way, tomorrow's lesson involves a PowerPoint, having a tool like Canvas you can post that PowerPoint to Canvas whenever you'd like. You can post the PowerPoint the night before and assign it as "homework" to help students frontload information before coming to class or you can post it after you have used the resource in class, so students can go back and re-read and review.
The concept of Blended Learning is that with a tool like Canvas, you can open up your classroom to 24/7 access. Think about how you can post and update your Canvas page. If a student misses class, imagine what they can find on your Canvas page. If a parent reaches out and says, "my child didn't understand...." think about how you can drive your students and parents to Canvas as a One Stop Shop of information.
Thought # 3: Prepare for the idea of School Closure
We have said this multiple times over the past few weeks in our grade level meetings. We have expressed that give the uncertainty of this time we cannot guarantee that there will be no school closure next year like the one we have seen this spring. We don't want it to happen, but it is very possible.
If you establish your Canvas page as a place for students to continue their learning it will help out immensely in preparing for Remote Learning. Think about how you can treat Canvas as a virtual classroom. What resources would you post? How can you use video of yourself explaining concepts/ideas etc.? Don't wait to do these things if we go to Remote Learning. Think how you can make this normal practice for you and for your students. How can you start next school year with one or two digital lessons built in Canvas. Think of it like this, if you build it, promote it, share it and make a daily practice when you have students in your room it will only help for continuity if we move to Remote Learning.
Thought # 4: As a Bonus....
As a bonus by placing resources, information, videos etc. you can really help students in the following situations:
- The quiet student who may not be willing to raise their hand amid their classmates because they are confused. If they didn't understand and you have resources on Canvas, they can start their and if needed come see you individually.
- The student who may be absent on a given day can benefit and you may benefit as well from the questions of "what did I miss yesterday?"
- It helps to communicate to parents and cut off any type of miscommunication. It allows for resources shared in class to be accessible, it allows for parents to be involved and understand better how to support student needs etc.
Staggered Check Out Schedule Continues
Teacher Check Out Process – Step 1
- Schedule (If you have scheduled an alternate time, that time is still on.)
· Monday, May 11th - 5th grade Blue & Gold and Reading Specialist
· Tuesday, May 12th - 6th grade and Special Areas
· Wednesday, May 13th - Special Education & including TA’s and School Counseling
· Thursday, May 14th - 7th grade, Librarian and School Psychologist
· Friday, May 15th - 8th Grade and Clinic
- Please complete the following while you are in building during your scheduled time:
· Please print and turn in End of Year Checklist attached above for Ms. Story prior to leaving the day you are scheduled. We will also have copies on the table in front of the office if you are unable to print. Turn in basket will also be outside the main office on tables.
· Collect/store all textbooks
· Send an email with any requests for maintenance during the summer for your room/equipment to Jen Laurendine by May 15th.
· Return all library books and borrowed audio-visual/makerspace material to library (table will be set up to collect items throughout the week outside of the library in front of the wall map).
· Clear off desktops and filing cabinets in classrooms/planning centers.
· Classroom Inventory should be submitted online no later than May 15th. Please see link to access: https://ortn.sharepoint.com/JM/JMTeachers/Faculty%20%20Staff%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx
· Turn in staff handbook to Rene Langford prior to leaving the day you are scheduled. Basket will be outside of main office on tables.
· Turn in Collection Logs/Financial Folders prior to leaving the day you are scheduled. Basket will be outside of main office on tables.
- Student Exchange Event Volunteer Sign Up
· May 18th – 22nd
· Please sign up to volunteer by clicking this link: Student Exchange Master Sign Up Sheet 5.4.20.doc
- Teacher Check Out Process - Step 2
· All grades are due in Skyward no later than June 2, 2020.
· You will receive a survey regarding your Remote Learning Experience the week of May 18th. We want to hear your feedback so we can best serve our students and staff moving forward in regards to remote learning. When you submit the survey, you will complete the final step of your teacher checkout.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the information above. Thank you so much for your continued hard work and support for all students!
Laptop Return and Locker Retrieval
Please consider sharing the information below in regards to Student Laptop Drop Off and Collection of student personal items. It would help if you shared the information as an announcement in Canvas so we can make sure we have the information in as many forums as possible. You can either copy and past this information or devise your own narrative, but if you could share it through your announcements page that would be very helpful.
Student Locker Content Retrieval - Save The Date for Week of May 18 - 22
During the week of May 18th - 22nd we will begin our collection of student devices and also distribution of student locker materials. Beginning on Monday May 18th through Friday May 22nd we will have collections set up in our bus and car loops for retrieval of student locker items and also return of student laptop devices. Please check out the information below:
When can I come to the school to drop off school items (laptops, library books, textbooks etc.) and also retrieve items from student lockers?
Monday May 18th - Friday May 22nd
AM session - 8 am - Noon
PM session - 1 pm - 4 pm
Where will the drop off/retrieval process be located?
In an effort to stagger this process and maintain guidelines for social distancing we have designated the two loops in front of our campus accordingly. Please come the appropriate side of campus and utilize the appropriate loop in order to help us keep this process as efficiently and effectively as possible while maintaining social distancing protocols.
5th and 6th grade students will need to come to cafe side.
7th and 8th grade students will need to come to gym side.
If you have multiple children across multiple grade levels, please choose one side and we will work to accommodate.
How is this process going to work?
- There will be tables set up in both the car and bus loops.
- You will come to the loop designated by your students grade level, as outlined above.
- You will pull up and place your student device including the laptop, bag, and charger on the table. You will not need to get out of your vehicle. We will check in the items with our IT personnel.
- While we work to collect and check laptops, bag, and charger in for a student we will also work to give back a bag of all personal items from student lockers. We will have all items that were removed from student lockers placed in a bag and we will hand them back at this time.
- You will not need to leave your vehicle at all during the process. In order to maintain social distancing, we ask that you remain in your vehicle.
- Our staff will be utilizing gloves and masks throughout the entire process in order to meet the guidelines of the CDC and social distancing.
- Yearbooks will be on sale for $ 20 cash, if you would like a yearbook please let us know as you pull up. We will work to get you a yearbook while you wait.
- Once you have dropped off all the items you need to provide to the school (school laptop and accessories: charger, bag, library books, textbooks etc. and you have received any items you need for retrieval from lockers and/or if you choose to purchase a yearbook. Once you have completed these steps you are good to go!
- We are offering 10 total sessions for a total of 35 hours.
- We need student laptops in order to update them for the fall of 20-21 school year. It is essential that you work during one of these 10 sessions to return student laptops, library books, and textbooks. Also, we want to make sure to be able to safely and efficiently return your students personal belongings as well.
What items will be dropped off and what items can be picked up?
Items to bring to school for drop off
Students will bring items for drop off like school laptops and all accessories along with library books, athletic uniforms etc.
Items to be ready to pick up from school
We will have bags with the personal belongings of any student who had items in their locker. In addition, we will also be able to hand out any medicine items from Nurse Cousins to families. Also, band and orchestra will make arrangements for students personal instruments prior to the week of May 18th, but if you are unable to attend you can pick up those items during that week.
Yearbooks for Sale - $ 20 Cash Only
- Yearbooks will be on sale for $ 20 cash, if you would like a yearbook please let us know as you pull up. We will work to get you a yearbook while you wait.
Imagine The Possibilities
Have you ever thought, if I only room for students to try something? How could the learning lab provide that space? Or maybe you've thought how can we work to connect two classes in one space. Think about having a spacious and open place for student collaboration and innovation. The idea behind this concept and learning lab is to work to help provide space for innovative, 21st century learning opportunities for our students. We are working to get all of the pieces in place for our learning lab and there will be more construction and revision made over the summer.
The idea of opening space and maximizing building square footage for learning is happening in school redesigns worldwide. The acquisition of a learning lab will be yet another unique and amazing feature for our school. Below are some concept ideas as to what our learning lab will look like. We wanted to share these ideas with you and pictures with you so that you may be able to begin to think, "how might my class use the learning lab?"
Special thanks to Mr. Randolph and his crew along with several school district building and maintenance crew members for their efforts to so effectively and efficiently work on this project this week. They were amazing at removing the lockers, concrete and getting the sites prepped for installation of new lockers in 7th grade and 8th grade along with getting the lobby space ready for the learning lab.
Canvas will be a Critical Tool in the Future
How can I use Canvas to maximize feedback for students when they submit work via Canvas? (VIDEO ABOVE)
Check out the video shared above to learn more about how you can provide students with feedback in Canvas. There are actually great ways to supply audio, video and quick feedback for student work and performance.
How can I check to see if my students are engaged in Canvas? (VIDEO BELOW)
The video below helps you understand the analytics and traffic for your Canvas site. Are students checking in, logging in etc.? How often do they participate etc.?
Rethinking Teaching with Canvas Tools
"Differentiating Assignments (k-12) in Canvas: Helping All Learners Be Successful"
When you check out many websites for educational companies, you will begin to see they have packaged a lot of information for "Covid-19" or for "Remote Learning" etc. Canvas has provided some resources as a way to help teachers and schools. Check out the following link:
https://www.instructure.com/canvas/tools-for-online-learning-when-the-classroom-closes . I have listed some of the other links attached on this page with a brief description for how they can provide assistance:
Blog updates from educators utilizing Canvas
Ideas on utilizing Mastery Connect
Video Tutorials on several tools in Canvas
Great resource for utilizing Videos in Canvas
Please reach out to Mr. Fowler or Mr. Layton if you have any needs, concerns or questions. They will work to support you any way possible
Consider Designing a PBL for 20-21
Start with a Driving Question - Think about Skills that go with that question
For example, in our current crisis there have been many considerations, contingencies, plans etc. that have been launched, evaluated, and utilized predictive data measurements. How might our students work to research, analyze, and propose solutions. What math skills are in use by analysts? How do scientist look at data to make predictions for leaders to identify trends and curves?
How might a campaign for social/emotional health benefit your community during a time of stay at home? (reference to chalk walks, neighborhood teddy bear hunts, and 8 pm howl) Could students develop ideas to support the community and show understanding of ELA skills?
A Few thoughts and Examples from PBL Works for Remote Learning
A PBL doesn't have to be One Huge Assignment or Project. It can be chunked into small parts
A misconception often about building a PBL is that it has to be a large summative assignment that measures multiple outcomes, standards and skills all in one final resolution. While the final product may be a summative piece built to show all of the skills attained etc. you can build to that with small assignments, quizzes etc. to check for understanding. In the end, you want students to utilize their skills and foster creative ideas to response to your driving question or project idea.
A PBL does not have to be weeks long
A PBL is a long as you desire for it to be and can encompass as little as one standard and upwards to multiple standards. There is a lot of flexibility in teaching through a PBL model and the flexibility is up to the teacher to determine how to proceed. The goal is to keep students focused on the project/problem and an extended PBL can pay just as much dividend as a shorter version. It's about engagement and providing opportunities for feedback, reflection and student revision.
PBLs can increase student engagement and understanding
By providing students with a driving question, connected to a real world issue/problem you can really work to develop a PBL that keeps students engaged. As you develop the PBL, think about offering students with facilitation, but letting them explore ideas, opportunities and resolutions. This type of student ownership, while you supply the content and skills, can help pay off with PBL. The students may understand the content, they may have shown mastery of the skill through some quiz or test you have provided, and they may still present an idea that is not as supported as others. For example, think of remote learning. There are several schools in the midst of this pandemic that have many varied approaches to learning. In the end, there will more than likely be studies and theories proposed as to what was "the most effective". It will be a fascinating case study for education, sociology, economics, science etc. But there is not a uniform "right answer" to many approaches being made by districts aside from helping students and teachers.
Resources are listed below to help with PBL:
PBL Works (formerly the Buck Institute) database of pre-made PBLs shared by teachers
Edutopia's resources focused on PBL
A PBL Quick Start Guide for Teachers
Project Based Learning: Start Here
Finish Phase 2 Strong
A few notes in regards to Phase 2 and preparing for Phase 2:
- Students grades are complete as of the end of the third nine weeks. Phase 2 will only allow for students to improve their final grade, if they choose to participate in learning opportunities during Phase 2. No student grades can be lowered.
- We have reviewed teacher gradebooks and sent communication to individual teachers that have needed to make any adjustments to finalize grades as needed to reflect calculations for terms 1-3. If you have been contacted about gradebook, you will need to make those changes otherwise staff gradebooks are good. If you have not been contacted, your grades are ready for Phase 2.
- Teachers will set up assignments for Phase 2 and students will be able to receive 3 points for completion of the assignments at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Students may accumulate up to a total of 9 points (3 points per week over a 3 week period) during Phase 2 toward their overall final grade.
We will have communication with students and their families this upcoming week in regards to phase 2 and direct them to check the grade books in Skyward. Also we are going to encourage strongly that our students and families stay engaged in the learning process during phase 2 in an effort not only to improve their grade but also to continue the learning process. Here is the link from the Parent Newsletter Sunday May 10th
- Phase 2 will be completed on Friday May 15th for students.
- Phase 2 began Monday April 27th and will continue for three weeks ending on Friday May 15th.
- We will also discuss Phase 2 in our grade level meetings and special area meetings for this week. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Layton and he will work to address your questions.
- All students will have opportunities to improve final grades with required assignments.
- Final grades for 5th-8th grade students will be calculated by averaging term 1, term 2, and term 3 grades together (final date March 13). No grades can be lowered.
-All students may submit new assignments to improve final grade. Students may earn 3 additional points (added to the final grade) each week, during the weeks listed below:
Week #1 April 27-1
Week #2 May 4-8
Week #3 May 11-15
May 18 - 29 Laptops & Housekeeping
Questions:
What is a students doesn’t do any of the work?
All students are being given an opportunity to improve their grade. No grades can be lowered for students. These opportunities are only for students to improve the average of the 1st – 3rd nine weeks average. If a student does not choose to do work, they will finish with their 1st – 3rd nine weeks average.
How do they earn the 3 points per week?
Teachers will work to design lessons/assignments etc. for students to achieve the 3 points listed above. This decision is left up to the teacher to design and determine. Teachers will work to communicate in Canvas Announcements the assignments, due dates, and expectations of quality to be completed during the three weeks outlined above. Assignment type, due dates, etc., are up to teacher discretion.
Please keep in mind that many of our students and families are going through this challenging time and may have challenges as they work to complete work. Please be cognizant and provide flexibility for students and families as they are working to complete assignments. Our goal is to work to continue to engage students and provide them with opportunities to learn and grow.
When will grades be due?
Student grades will be due on same originally scheduled date for teacher grade books
What if a student does not have internet access?
We are working currently to gather information from grade level teams in reference to any students who may have lack of access to remote learning tools, so that we can appropriately arrange opportunities for those students (i.e. printed packets etc.). We will work to provide all students with any materials needed to complete assignments. Please contact Ms. Laurendine if you have a student that does not have access at jllaurendine@ortn.edu
Why is it being cut off May 15th?
In an effort to work out collection of devices and also retrieval of student personal items, we are working to have the final two weeks of school to create plans for those events. Due to current health guidelines and social distancing aspects the district felt a two week timeline would allow for the safest and most effective way to collect.
If you have any questions, please let our admin team how we can provide any clarification and how we can be of service to help support you. We appreciate all of your efforts and all that you do to support our students and families.
We appreciate your efforts and flexibility during this uncertain time for our students, staff and families. You all have exhibited such grace and professionalism to support our students. We appreciate all of your efforts! We will work to address questions and provide support.
Food Service Volunteers
Thank you again for your commitment to our families through meal preparation and distribution.
We are in need of additional volunteers to help for the remainder of May.
If you would like to contribute in this way, please sign up here:
Frontline PD Hours
We are sure most everyone has completed or is near completing their 30 PD hours, but maybe at this point has not entered them into Frontline. We are sending this information out as a reminder.
If you have not updated your Frontline account with any information outside of the Wednesday strands or the PD sessions where badges were scanned, please work to do that in the coming weeks. We are working to update each day in Frontline. Also, if you are concerned that you may not reach the needed hours, please reach out to Mr. Layton so we can work to review PD hours that you may not have entered.The strand hours for Wednesdays should be entered by the strand facilitator, but if you would like to add them to be sure, please do so. Also if you worked on STEM Night, please make sure to add 4 hours for PD for that event.
We are here to help everyone, but we just wanted to provide an update as to the need to place items in Frontline. As always, if you have questions or concerns etc., please feel free to contact Mr. Layton so that we can assist.
Math PD Opportunities
Math teachers,
Check out the information below about several free PD opportunities to help during this time of remote learning. We just wanted to share this link and information with you as we thought they may have some great opportunities built in these free PD opportunities.
NCTM's 100 Days of Professional Learning rolls along with more free, live 60-minute webinars by selected speakers from the NCTM Centennial Annual Meeting & Exposition program that was to take place in Chicago. Scroll down for next week's lineup.
- Webinars take place on 100 selected days leading up to October's NCTM 2020 Annual Meeting & Exposition in St. Louis.
- Webinars have been announced into August so far, with more to come.
- Speakers and topics are geared to meet all grade bands and interests.
- All webinars are recorded and made available the next day at nctm.org/100.
- You do not have to be a NCTM member to register for a webinar or view a recording.
Free, Live Webinars Next Week
Learn more and register for these and other webinars at nctm.org/100
The Mathematics of Game Shows, Anniversary Edition (Grades 10–12) | May 13, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. EDT | Speaker: Bowen Kerins
Celebrating 100 Years with 100 Problems Involving 100 (General Interest) | May 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. EDT | Speaker: Patrick Vennebush
Zoom Information
Thank you for your careful consideration of student and staff safety as we transition to on-line learning experiences. We have updated our video conferencing guidelines based on recent information shared by staff, Zoom, and FERPA guidance. Prior to launching Zoom access as an online option, we engaged ORS legal counsel for guidance related to FERPA and HIPAA with video conferencing. Additionally, we secured an ORS specific hosting site and agreements with Zoom to increase security features. We will continue to work with ORS staff and Zoom to improve security features as we learn more during this time. To further increase safety, all staff members should adhere to the guidelines for Zoom and other video conferencing usage.
- No FERPA or HIPAA sensitive information can be shared or discussed. This means that Zoom may not be used to support activities that may potentially share personal student information. Ex. Individual counseling sessions or an IEP.
- Staff members must use the ORS version of Zoom access through Clever for instructional opportunities.
- Staff members must use the waiting room feature to prohibit entry to the Zoom session by students or others that are not members of the class.
- Instructional opportunities using Zoom should only be provided during reasonable hours for student participation.
- Follow AccessOR Acceptable Use Policy for use of video conferencing in a one to one instructional situation. Staff members should include an administrator on conference invitations.
- Instructional opportunities using Zoom may be recorded and posted in Canvas for review by students who could not attend. No private student information should be shared during Zoom meetings. Students should be instructed to use their username or First Name plus Last Name Initial (Jane D) during video conference sessions.
- Student to student chat room opportunities should be turned off during a Zoom session.
- Student invitations to participate in a Zoom instructional opportunity should be sent in a timely manner.
- A building administrator must be invited to monitor a student Zoom instructional session.
- Pictures of Zoom meetings with students’ faces or names should not be shared on social media.
- Limit Zoom sessions in an effort to maximize asynchronous options for students who may be working or unable to join at specified times.
- All Zoom recordings must be saved to the default Zoom location under “My Documents” directory on your local machine.
Norms to establish safe and productive Zoom meetings:
1. This meeting will be recorded/not be recorded and available/not available on my Canvas page.
2. Chat room capabilities are not enabled. Please use the “Raise your hand” function to ask a question.
3. Students are not required to use the video function. Please be aware that others can see your surroundings when the video function is used. Pick a location that will minimize interruptions. If you are in a room with others, please let them know that you will be using video/audio for a class.
4. The teacher may mute the room or student if background noise interferes with the conference. Please check the mute status and minimize background noise before you speak.
FERPA and Virtual Learning Webinar https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/training/ferpa-and-virtual-learning-during-covid-19-webinar-recording
