Greetings Vikings!
Thank you to all of you who took the time to complete the survey we sent out. As promised, we used your feedback to help us reflect and improve as we move forward next week with our remote learning. One of the key take aways is that Smith staff is doing a great deal and you (parents and families) are very grateful! We appreciate that and are aware that we can improve our plan.
Here is the breakdown from the responses we received:
WORKLOAD
79% Just right
18% Too much
3% Not enough
COMMUNICATION
86% Just right
5% Too much
10% Not Enough
As we analyzed the comments, we noticed a pattern that many of you are overwhelmed with knowing what assignments are due for each class and would like to be able to see that information in one location without having to navigate between 6+ different blogs to locate assignments for which your child is responsible. .
A similar survey was sent out to students and the results seem to reflect the same sentiments.
As a response to better support our families, we will be completing a weekly calendar of assignments by grade level to post to our school and teacher iBlogs each week. You can expect to receive this calendar by Monday morning of each week. The calendar will have all subject areas and teachers per grade level including a link to each teacher’s blog, assignments and Google Hangout day/times. That way, if you would like more information on any given assignment in the calendar, you can click on the teacher’s blog to obtain more information because the information on the calendar will be specific but brief. You will still be able to go to Google Classroom or any other platform the teacher uses for more information.
Teachers who teach the same content and grade level will assign the same assignments (for the most part). This is aligned with our PLC practice and ensures a guaranteed and viable curriculum as our teachers continue to meet weekly with their PLC teams to share best practices, assignments, common formative assessments, etc
You can expect to receive this calendar every Monday morning. Our goal is to make things easier and more accessible to everyone. We realize this is a difficult time and we are happy to accommodate in any way we can.
Our district continues to work on our Continuity of Learning Plan and once the plan is finalized and approved by the county, I will share it with you.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, comments or feedback.
I pray that you and your families are well and in good health. My thoughts and prayers are with anyone afflicted with the virus directly or indirectly – particularly our frontline essential workers. I am aware that our Viking family has several. We continue to pray for your safety. You are our heroes.
Principal Jebril