Bee Strong, Bee Safe!
Greetings Parents and Community Members!
In an effort to streamline some of our communication, I’m going to include my Bland’s Buzz in the weekly Beemail so you are not getting too many emails from us. I understand that between APS, PTA, Admin, and teacher emails, it may be alot, so we want to keep it simple for you!
I was on a two hour APS leadership call yesterday and I want to highlight some of the key information that was presented:
- All days that we are out will be marked in Infinite Campus as “Nonattendance Days” and obviously will not count toward absences or our state rating also known as CCRPI.
- Georgia Milestones has been suspended for the time being. If that suspension is not lifted, it will most likely be canceled for the 2019/2020 school year.
- All SST/504 and IEP meetings have been put ON HOLD. The timelines for evaluation will stop and all meetings will be rescheduled upon return.
- Teachers still posted grades yesterday for Q3. After they verify they are correct, they will be accessible in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal hopefully by Friday. Follow this link to access directions on how to access, set-up, or reset your Parent Portal.
The first two weeks of our extended leave (3/17-3/27) has been termed the “Ramp Up” period. During this time, students will work on mostly previously taught concepts through take home copies, Google Classroom assignments and learning sites like Learning A to Z, Xtra Math, Myon, MyLexia, TestprepUSA and DreamBox Learning. Beginning 3/30, we will enter phase two where new concepts can begin to be taught. Obviously, many of our teachers and staff have already started with new concepts like reading new core texts or continuing work in Eureka and Wit and Wisdom books. That is ok! Just know that grades will not begin to be posted in Infinite Campus until the 2nd phase of learning begins. All students will also have two weeks to make up and complete assignments when they return.
During this difficult time, I have already been amazed by the level of support from our community and the level of preparation from our staff on just a day’s notice. Our staff and leadership are still meeting virtually, posting assignments and utilizing our learning hub that can be found here. Our teachers, with the help of our amazing media specialists, will continue to update this page with relevant learning materials and information. Since this is new to all of us, please continue to be patient and understanding as we work to streamline information and learning across grade levels and teachers. There will be some differences among teachers and classes. We hope that each day, we can continue to get better at virtual teaching, just like our students will get better at virtual learning. If you’re ever in a bind, Mylexia, Dreambox Math, and reading are always great go to’s for learning. I also want to share a Facebook page set up by one of our awesome MB moms. Search “Morris Brandon Elementary Homeschoolers” if you would like to join a page filled with parents working together to assist in teaching, just like you! For a little SEL time as well, have your students watch our latest Principal Book Chat found here. (if they have not done so yet) and have a discussion with your student around “Malala’s Magic Pencil.”
In the days to come, we look forward to engaging in our online platforms and, hopefully, posting some inspirational morning announcements to view at home. Please continue to stay healthy and physically active!
Talk soon
j