NHS - Preparing for Remote Learning
Dear Clarkstown North Community:
First and most important, I hope this communication finds you and your family safe and well.
Second, we are presented with a challenge to deliver instruction remotely while our school remains closed. I would like to thank you for your patience as we do try to create some order during a time that is chaotic and uncertain. Like my family, I am sure that many of us are working from home, having to share devices, and trying to balance the demands of work and family. Other family members are in professions that require them to report to work, especially first responders and those in the medical profession.
So, hang in there everyone! “The best way out is always through,” Robert Frost wrote. We will get through this together only by working as a community and being understanding of one another and each other’s situation.
Third, given the current school closure we have been preparing for remote instruction this week. On Monday, I held a virtual faculty meeting with 100 participants using Zoom to instruct our faculty to get ready for remote learning. During this day, our faculty and staff experienced remote learning sessions with our district facilitators, experiencing what a session would look like for students. During the remainder of this week, faculty and staff prepared materials and lessons for remote learning so that instruction can still be delivered while schools remain closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. We are encouraged about creating meaningful instruction using different technology and software.
The Clarkstown North administration, faculty, and staff are committed to continuing instruction the best we can under these challenging circumstances. As we attempt to utilize remote learning on a school-wide basis for the very first time, I do expect that we must modify and consistently rethink ways of delivering instruction remotely. My staff and I will truly appreciate your patience, and we thank you ahead of time.
REMOTE LEARNING
Remote learning provides an opportunity for students and teachers to remain connected and engaged with their course content while working from locations outside the physical school environment. Unlike traditional schooling where students attend 45 minute periods back-to-back, remote learning is self-paced with more flexibility for families. Remote learning allows students and teachers to engage in unique learning experiences. It is these remote learning experiences our faculty and staff were working on this week.
VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS
We recognize the importance of having one platform to access. Most courses now have an online presence on Google Classroom, a tool that is already used by most teachers at North to supplement live instruction. During this past week, teachers populated these Google Classrooms with instructional materials and sent invitations to students to join. We will post all Google Classroom codes on Monday, March 23. If your child has not received an invitation or email from their teacher by Monday, March 23, please notify an Assistant Principal according to the letter that begins your last name:
A-F: Mrs. Mary Patella (mpatella@ccsd.edu)
G-O: Mrs. Angie Watt (awatt@ccsd.edu)
P-Z: Mrs. Kiesha Tillman (ktillman@ccsd.edu)
Please know that remote learning begins Monday, March 23. Teachers will be communicating with students between the hours of 8:30 am to 3:00 pm and posting or emailing assignments. Some teachers may choose to provide live remote learning using software such as Zoom. Beginning Wednesday March 25, teachers will have dedicated hours between 9:00 am to 11:30 am to provide assistance for students.
MATERIALS
All necessary materials will either be posted on Google Classroom or be sent by the teacher to the students by email. For those students who do not have a computing device to complete this instruction, students can request a device for home use by completing this form.
I have been informed that the following companies are offering free Internet access during this time:
Altice USA: Call 866-200-9522 or click here
Spectrum: Call 844-488-8395 or click here
Comcast: Call 855-846-8376 (English) or 855-765-6995 (Spanish) or click here
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students with disabilities will continue to receive approved accommodations, programs, and services. Where possible, the Special Education Department plans to hold IEP meetings remotely to ensure that the critical review of student progress is not interrupted.
EXPECTATIONS
It is expected that all students complete the work assigned by their teachers and to request assistance from their teachers if they have any questions. If a teacher conducts a live virtual classroom, students must follow the etiquette and procedures set forth by the teacher.
COMMUNICATION
The primary means of communication during these times will be through email. Please know that we will attempt to answer emails in a timely fashion. If you need to communicate with me or an Assistant Principal by phone or through a video conference, please let us know ahead of time so that we can arrange this.
ABSENCES
If your child is unable to participate in remote learning for a particular day, please email Mrs. Denise Maguire at dmaguire@ccsd.edu before 10 a.m. so that your child’s teachers can be informed accordingly.
Finally, I must acknowledge my faculty and staff who began testing and experimenting with Zoom and Google Meet last week. We virtually met last weekend to prepare for the inevitable, the closing of school and transitioning to remote learning. We will move forward and through this difficult time together as a North community.
Onwards and upwards…
Stay safe, everyone.
Sincerely,
Harry Leonardatos, Ph.D.
Principal