March 30, 2020
Dear SCS Community,
Welcome back from Spring Break! This has been a challenging time but we are excited to begin offering SCS At Home supplemental learning to students and families beginning on April 1st. Our teachers have been hard at work preparing and will be sharing information with you as soon as tomorrow. Here’s what we want you to know today:
SCS At Home supplemental learning is optional.
This program is optional to families and is not required, we are offering it as a resource to help maintain student learning and highly encourage participation. We understand that many families may not be available at home to help students and all supplemental learning will continue to be optional.
Have H.E.A.R.T.
Remember everyone has their own set of challenges that they are currently facing, please be considerate. We are learning together how to shift to distance learning and should expect some trial and error. Give yourselves, teachers, students and staff the time and permission to figure this out. As always, we are asking the SCS community to continue practicing their H.E.A.R.T. Skills. Honor, Empathy, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork are all tools that we can be utilizing at this time.
SCS At Home Learning FAQ
When can I expect information from my student’s teacher?
As soon as tomorrow, teachers will be sending out specific information on what learning will look like in their individual classrooms.This is a new experience for all of us. Please be patient and understanding that not all teachers will be distributing information at the same time or in the same way.
What learning platforms will be used?
We will be using the supplemental learning management system Google Classroom, as well as Google Hangouts for face to face interactions. Teachers will be providing any login and password information you might need this week as well as information on any additional programs they will be utilizing.
Where can I find login help?
If you will be signing into Google Classrooms for the first time and need assistance, Google has instructions here. If you still have issues, please contact the office. To login to an SCS chromebook, you will use the same login information provided by your teacher.
What if my student needs a Chromebook?
In previous weeks, we sent out a remote learning questionnaire and as a courtesy have distributed chromebooks based on the needs indicated. If you missed that opportunity and your student will be unable to participate in SCS At Home learning without this technology resource, you can request a chromebook using the link sent in by the office. Please note this will be the last opportunity to request a chromebook and the survey must be completed by noon on Tuesday, March 31st.
The office will follow up as quickly as possible with pick up details.
Will my student need items from the classroom?
We understand that not all students will have all the resources they need at this time. Due to the current unforeseen circumstances, we are unable to collect items for individual students. We are aware of these challenges and adjustments will have to be made accordingly.
When can we expect to return to school?
Currently, under the Executive Order 20-08 from Governor Brown, schools are to remain closed until April 28th. We are aware that there is a possibility that this closure could be extended. We will continue to provide SCS at Home learning as an optional resource while closed. We are hopeful that after that time we will be given the chance to return and complete the end of the school year.
Where can I find additional learning resources?
In addition to what is provided by your student’s teacher, we have a list of available online resources on the Parent Resources page of our school website. We will be updating this list so be sure to check it out for activities and resources for your student.
Is there any other advice you have for at home learning success?
The Sherwood School District provided the following list of advice that we believe will help set your student up for success:
- Set up a study space with the technology required
- Be prepared for technical issues.
- Discuss your expectations with your child(ren)
- Agree on any incentives or consequences
- Reinforce that this at-home learning is as important as traditional learning
- Talk about the routine for working and checking their Google Classroom daily
- You will likely need to monitor this at first. Check-in with them or do it with them until they are ready to be independent.
- Help your student maintain a regular study schedule.
We will continue to keep you updated as new information becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact the office at office@sherwoodcharterschool.org.
Thank you for your continuing support!