Message #2:
Remote learning has impacted each of our families differently. Learning remotely has been a juggling act for some and stressful for most. For the past three weeks, we have talked about grace and empathy from teachers. You have noticed that what CoronaED looked like during week one should have evolved and changed to help meet the needs of our families in week three. Remote learning is more than about a grade; it is about the social-emotional well-being of your child and them being connected with their teachers and peers. The stay at home order has isolated so many from friends. The remote meetings with their teachers and class have allowed them to express feelings and to connect.
The second part of remote learning has been focused on growth. We have tried to engage your students and to keep them motivated to learn.
This interruption in their education is only temporary, but engaging now will only help them in the future. They need to be investing in themselves.
Two important announcements occurred at the end of this past week:
Governor’s Executive Order:
By now, you have heard that Governor Cooper has extended the executive order to continue no face to face schooling for the remainder of this school year. This order only ends our opportunity to return to our brick and mortar learning but does not end our remote learning opportunities. We will continue providing our students with quality learning experiences and engagement for their social-emotional well-being. We will provide a more focused and detailed plan of how the rest of the school year will proceed. We will continue with remote learning well into May.
Grading recommendation from SBE:
As a school, we do understand the reasoning behind the application of the grading guidelines. The State is looking at the equity of access and fairness. We have been following the five components of remote learning outlined by the State that allowed us to continue grading. We know that this announcement will make some of our families pause and reflect on remote learning.
Our expectations have not changed. We want our students to be engaged and continue their education. Many students (parents) focus on grades, but if you do, we need you to change your perspective to learning for your future. The next month or so will add to the foundation you have already set. Your continued engagement will pay dividends now and in the future as we strengthen your child’s foundation for their educational future.
Our focus is on growth and investing in your child’s academic and social-emotional future. They must stay connected with their teachers and peers. Your child needs this, and we need to continue supporting them. What they do now or choose not to do may impact heir future school success.
REMEMBER – it is not about a number; it is about the learning and connection!
Thank you for all of your support and care you are showing your child during this time of high need. Please take time for your family and also for yourself as an individual.