Welcome Back, Boone Meadow Community -
I hope everyone was able to enjoy the time with your families during our extended Spring Break. In conversation with many families (physically distanced, of course) some have shared the simplicity of the time with family was beneficial, and others were energized by the return to school to help navigate the days. Wherever you are on that continuum, we are excited to connect with you again.
As a community, we are extremely grateful for our partnership with you during these peculiar times. We've heard from a significant number of you about what is going well with remote learning, and what is a challenge. Based on feedback, lengthy discussion and planning, we are re-calibrating some of the structure to E-Days in order to serve you and your children in improved ways.
One of the biggest transitions to e-learning for students is understanding that we are not attempting to replicate a 6-7 hour school day. You should see that lessons are compacted with a focus on prioritized skills. For the remainder of this school year, you will see an emphasis placed on literacy, math, and social/emotional learning. Work time centered on these essential skills should require anywhere from a little less than an hour (younger grades) to an hour and a half, or two (upper grades). For families in need of additional opportunities for learning, our staff will provide enriched experiences through related arts and other curricular experiences.
A few other items to note:
- School week: We are transitioning to a 4-day school week for students. Students will engage in learning experiences and opportunities Monday through Thursday. Teachers will work on Fridays to refine instructional design for the upcoming school week.
- At the elementary level: Monday/Tuesday: Heavy focus on literacy and math development. Wednesdays: social-emotional learning w/ counselor designed lessons, and Thursdays: Differentiated day with focus on literacy and math development. Fridays: Teacher workday/planning
- Enrichment & Related Arts experiences will be available to students throughout the school week as opportunities to extend beyond high-priority content and standards.
Also note:
- Kindergarten Pre-Registration is live on our district website. Having this registration information and enrollment information assists our team in planning for the upcoming school year. Spread the word with your neighbors and friend within the Zionsville Community and encourage them to register their child. More information is located below.
Once again, welcome back. It will be good to see those smiling faces on ZOOM!
Be well my friends, and we'll talk soon,
Tom
Kindergarten Pre-Registration for the 20-21 school year -
- If you already pre-registered for Kindergarten Round Up, you need to do nothing at this time.
- We are currently accepting kindergarten registrations for families/students that have not yet registered. Please click on the link below to begin the registration process.
- When we are able to return to school, our team will schedule a special time for you and your child to come to our school and learn about kindergarten. This Kindy experience will most likely occur this summer.
- If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at thundley@zcs.k12.in.us
ZCS Kindergarten pre-registration link: http://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=22262&culture=en
Tech Support Available
If you are in need of technology support not related to a specific assignment, please use this form to contact our tech department.
Resources for Helping Children
Attached are some resources that you may find helpful as you navigate these times with your children. The visual support attached is called HALT, which is an acronym to encourage us to practice self-care.
Common Sense Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/resources-for-families-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
What’s Up with this Coronavirus? Comic for Kids
http://elisegravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CoronavirusE-FINAL2.jpg
Mind Yeti Videos
Mind Yeti provides a great way for everyone to practice mindfulness. At the following link are over 15 videos of mindfulness sessions that help kids and families calm their minds, check in with their bodies, and notice their surroundings.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiaUKiwbiHMQDQLCXoPaMMYotldKlUQCw
Sesame Street Little Children, Big Challenges
Young children face new challenges at every age and stage. That’s why it’s so important to help them build the skills they need to become resilient. With self-confidence and the ability to express themselves, little ones will be able to handle whatever may come their way and will just keep getting stronger.
How to Talk to your Kids About Coronavirus
This is an article written by PBS Kids about how to talk to children about coronavirus. You will find tips for handwashing, covering coughs, and practicing healthy habits.
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
Support for Helpers during Coronavirus
Resources from the Fred Rogers Center in addition to partner organizations for those of you looking for ways to create learning opportunities and structure for children.
https://www.fredrogerscenter.org/what-we-do/child-wellness/coronavirus-response
Resources for Families Practicing Self-Care:
CNET Everything you need to know…
Resources for working, cooking, and coping while practicing social distancing.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Parent Guide
Support in understanding and coping during this time. The guide provide information on children’s developmental/age reactions and how to help.
https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf
Contact Us
Email: thundley@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.zcs.k12.in.us/bme/
Location: 5555 S Main St, Whitestown, IN, United States
Phone: 3178732226
Twitter: @ZCSBoone_Meadow
