Chamberlin Family Newsletter
April 10, 2020 Volume 13 Issue 32
We will be having our regularly scheduled April Break from Monday, April 20th - Friday April 24th. There will be no learning packets or online assignments for the week.
New Updates On Remote Learning - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- Starting April 13th, our 2nd grade teaching team will join grades 3-5 in using Google Classroom as their online platform for learning. 2nd grade families may want to check out the videos below for more information.
- We plan to phase out packets to our grade 2-5 families and use only Google Classroom.
- Learning packets will continue for grades Pre-K, K and 1. THIS WEEK WILL BE THE LAST ENVELOPE GRADE 3-5 FAMILIES WILL RECEIVE. AFTER THE BREAK, ENVELOPES WILL ONLY BE FOR GRADES PRE-K-2, WITH THE INTENT OF PHASING OUT ENVELOPES FOR GRADE 2.
- Today, April 10th, will be the last Friday pick up for packets. Starting after the break packet pick up will only occur on Mondays, after the morning bus run.
- Attached is information and guidelines on how we will use Zoom, a video conference site, to connect with students. Please read the video conferencing information carefully, so we can all support a safe and responsible way to connect with students and teachers. Starting April 13th, classrooms will have a designated Morning Meeting through Zoom with their classmates. Teachers will be sending out information about the time, link and passwords for these meetings through email - remember to NOT share this information in public forums such as facebook or other social media platforms. This 20-30 minute time will focus on relationship building, connection and social emotional skills, as we know our students and staff are missing each other.
- Teachers are expected to host 1-2 Morning Meetings the week of April 13th. After the break, grades 2-5 will increase to 3 Morning Meetings a week.
- WE ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE DAILY ATTENDANCE. THE AGENCY OF EDUCATION WILL ALLOW US TO COUNT THESE DAYS AS SCHOOL DAYS IF WE HAVE A MAJORITY OF STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE FOR REMOTE LEARNING. Teachers will be tracking connections with students by 1:30 each day, including attendance at Morning Meeting, student interactions on Google Classroom and emails, texts, phone calls from parents. Parents/guardians can proactively send their child's teacher a status email, text or call to count towards attendance. If we haven't heard from you or your child by 1:30, a staff member will be reaching out to you. Also, please let us know if your child is sick, as we will track that in the same way that we did before school closure. We will be inputting attendance into our system at 2:30 each day. Please know that if you do get a call/email/text, we are only trying to make sure your child is OK and adhering to a state mandate.
- Starting April 13th, teachers will also begin uploading mini lesson videos to promote new learning. Student lessons will support the new teaching presented in the video lessons.
- We have created a Student and Family Continuity of Learning Handbook and SBSD Video Conferencing Permissions, Guidelines and Etiquette for Students and Families that are also linked below. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Please stay tuned for ongoing information coming your way regarding remote learning as we navigate continuity of learning during school closure. We know that nothing compares to having your children in our classrooms with our excellent educators. We continue to learn and grow through this new way of learning and teaching, and appreciate your partnership as we work to support your family's academic and social emotional health. We are in this together!
Lost and Found
PE Challenge - Mr. B Shaved His Head!
Hello Families,
Chamberlin kids did a great job staying active last week! I loved checking out all the PE Activity Logs. It was fun to see all the photos you shared too! Check out my new hairstyle in the video and photos below! If we can get more students involved this week I am willing to take my hairstyle to the next level! Keep it up! Kindergarten, first and second grade students will need your help emailing me their weekly results (dbahrenburg@sbschools.net) . All I will need is the student's name, activity & total minutes for the week (photo is optional). 3rd-5th grade students will be responsible for turning in their work directly into me. Stay Healthy, Mr. B.
At Home Expectations...the 3 Be's for Remote Learning
Respectful
Use kind words
Be a good sport and play fair
Quiet voices when others are working or on the phone
Use positive self talk
Responsible
- Follow adult directions
- Focus attention on your school work
- Ask for help and help each other
- Clean up after yourself
- Take care of all materials
- Be flexible
Safe
Safe hands and feet
Stay in designated areas
Let the adults know where you are
Follow chromebook expectations
Video Support For Google Classroom, Grades 2-5
Videos for Students and Families:
How Students Access Google Classroom
Placement for Next Year
Continuity of Learning Plans
Each week during the period of school closure, plans and learning resources will be distributed at your usual bus stop on Monday mornings. They will also be available for pick up at Chamberlin School today between 3:30-5:30, or Monday from 11:00-3:00. Friday, April 10th will be the last Friday pick up time. On Friday, we are asking families to use the drop off lane to pick up packets one at a time. If you are walking to school to pick up your packet, we ask that only two families at a time stand on the cement in front of the school with the staff member handing out packets. On Monday, you will need to ring the doorbell and we will bring your child's packet to you. As a safety precaution, staff members are wearing gloves to copy and stuff items in the envelopes at least 24 hours before the Friday pick up time. You will notice that the packets are several pages in length. We want to ensure that your family’s experience working with the bundle is engaging and also stress-free. We’ve asked teachers to be intentional in the activities they create, to limit the volume of materials sent home, and to keep materials parent-friendly. We will also make additional resources available for families online.
On that note, we would like families to know that they have a few options on how to utilize the materials provided. It is not required that all students PRINT out the bundle, the work included in each grade level packet can also be completed on separate sheets of paper.
The learning resources can be:
Picked up at the Monday morning bus run, with families maintaining social distancing
Picked up at the Main Office of your child’s school Monday 11:00 AM -3:00 PM
Accessed digitally at these links:
Pre-K Continuity Learning Plans: https://bit.ly/3b5s12a
Kindergarten Continuity Learning Plans: https://bit.ly/2Wwywa4
1st Grade Continuity Learning Plans: https://bit.ly/3a8slNo
2nd Grade Continuity Learning Plans: https://bit.ly/2UBu0or Also using Google Classroom beginning April 13th.
3rd Grade Continuity Learning Plans: https://bit.ly/3dvpoZx Can be found in Google Classroom
4th and 5th Grade Continuity Learning Plans: Can be found in Google Classroom
Families with students in Grades 2-5 will be receiving separate instructions for accessing their students’ learning activities via Google Classroom. See the helpful videos below for support with Google Classroom.
We thank you for your flexibility and understanding during this challenging period. Our staff is working extremely hard to maintain our educational mission in response to rapidly changing circumstances. Preparing for your child’s safety and continued learning is our top priority.
Family Technology Support for Chromebooks
Free or Reduced Internet Options
· Spectrum Internet Assist -- reduced price
· AT&T Access -- reduced price
· Comcast Internet Essentials -- 60 days free for qualifiers
· Comcast public Wifi -- free for 60 days on all Xfinity-branded hotspots
· Comcast -- Free two months of Comcast internet for low income households
· Charter Communications -- Free broadband to students!
· Verizon Innovative Learning -- 3x capacity for existing users
· Consolidated Communications – is offering two free months of DSL access for students, teachers, and staff. Take advantage of the offer in two easy steps:
Call Consolidated Communications: 1-855-399-3084
Mention Offer Code: Two Months Free
This offer includes free installation and no equipment fees for two months. Students and their families do not have to sign a long-term contract to receive this offer. Consolidated doesn’t cap the amount of data you can use or charge extra based on your use.
Learning at Home...Outdoor Art and Kindergarten
Resources from Nurse Farrell For Kids and Parents
The links are posted below for you to access.
For Kids:The New York Times From The Daily:
Children’s Questions About Coronavirus
A Kids’ Guide to Coronavirus: So how did the virus get on earth? Can dogs get it? And when will Chuck E. Cheese reopen?
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
From Vermont Public Radio
Coronavirus For Kids, And The Science Of Soap
Two professionals answering questions about the virus and why washing with soap and water helps wash away germs.
Tumble: Science Podcast for Kids
How do animals get viruses to pass on to humans? (Start at 2:45)
For Parents:
What to do if you are a close contact of someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19
Reviews close contacts and self-isolation vs self quarantine, as of 3/27/20
From Vermont Public Radio:
Tips from a Home-Schooling, Remote-Working Mom
A veteran home-schooling parent and remote worker shares her wisdom.
South Burlington Food Shelf
Regular hours:
Thursday - 5:15-7:15 PM
Friday and Saturday - 8:00-10:00 AM
Please see the website below for more information, including donations.
Chamberlin Library on Facebook!
Chamberlin School
Email: hrouelle@sbschools.net
Website: https://vt01819219.schoolwires.net/Domain/10
Location: Chamberlin School, White Street, South Burlington, VT, USA
Phone: 802 652 7403
Twitter: @hrouelle