BEE in the Know!

We are nearly a month into virtual learning and as each day passes, we will continue to grow and get better at virtual teaching and learning. Over the past week or so, there has been a lot of dialogue on social media about returning to school, the Department of Public Health COVID data, and plans to reopen schools. While these conversations are SO important for our community to have (and get answers to), it is extremely important for you to understand that Morris Brandon staff continue to stay focused around teaching and learning. Our number one goal as a school is to ensure that our students participate in quality virtual instruction with the least amount of distractions as possible (technology issues, schedule concerns, communication) until the time finally comes to enter back into the building. When that day does arrive, rest assured that our staff will be ready. In the meantime, please take the time to complete our school survey HERE. We need feedback on how your child is doing in the current environment, so we can know how we are doing, and continue to improve our virtual instruction. 

As we are about to round off a month of virtual learning, our focus has also shifted to better support our students that need wrap-around services. The creation of our student outreach team consisting of support teachers, a counselor, school social worker and SST coordinators are working collaboratively with homeroom teachers, identifying some of our highest need students and making sure that we are doing all we can to support them during this unprecedented time. We are also excited to welcome back our EAF tutors. EAF is a privately funded service that allows us to bring in outside tutors that focus on small group reading intervention using the Orton Gillingham multisensory approach to learning. We are excited to bring this program back to Brandon.

This 4th week of virtual learning also has brought about our 5 year International Baccalaureate re-authorization visit. From Wednesday to Friday this week, our school will be the focus of a three day interview and observation around the implementation of transdisciplinary learning, inquiry based assessments, as well as teaching and learning that encompass a global perspective. We have made great gains in this area and are excited to showcase it all to our IB re-authorization committee in the next few days.  

Also, please don’t forget about our grade level parent information nights next week. During this time, you will get a chance to hear from your grade level teachers, as they reinforce the consistency and grade level expectations that we have held tight to since our start on August 24th. You will get an overview of work completed by your students, supports that you can provide as a parent, as well as information on what’s to come instructionally. Specific Zoom links can be found below and will also be shared by your teachers in this Friday’s newsletter.

I want to take a second to thank our families for continuing to show incredible respect and grace to our faculty and staff. We are doing all we can to support our Morris Brandon family during virtual learning and appreciate everything our parent volunteers, room parents, PTA, Foundation and so much more are doing to help carry out our vision for virtual learning during this time. No matter your thoughts on our current situation, please continue to stay positive with your children.  

Until next week,
j