Dear Families and Students,
We are reaching out today to share information about our distance learning education. We are committed to keeping the learning going by using a program called “Google Hangout.” This program can be easily accessed by students using the Google Classroom program they use on a regular basis. Teachers will send a “Google Hangout” calendar invite to their students prior to the start of the class. This invite can be found in their student emails. Students will simply click on the link and they will be in the class.
Each student will need access to a computer or Chromebook with Internet access for use throughout the day. If you do not have access to a device at home, we will make arrangements to loan you a device. Devices may be picked up from Nicotra’s Eltingville site on Tuesday, March 17th and Wednesday, March 18th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. A parent or guardian must be present to sign our technology contract!
Parents: How to support your child with distance learning:
Each student will have virtual access to online material. Remind students to join each class following the schedule below. Remind students not to start chatting or video conferencing with other students during classes. Remind students to turn in their work through the platform or via email. Remind students that if their technology isn’t working and they miss the live mini- lesson, they should still do the assignment posted in Google Classroom. Refer to this presentation for any tips about how to use Google Hangout.
Communication during distance learning:
If your child is sick and not capable of joining lessons, please email your teachers to let them know that your child is sick and may not be completing work that day.
If your child is having technology issues, you or your child should reach out to our tech department. Please do not reach out directly to teachers with technology issues. Teachers will give students feedback on all of their work on a daily basis. If you or your child has a question about an assignment, you may reach out directly to that teacher and expect an answer in a timely fashion. Please keep in mind that teachers are getting emails from a full grade of students and parents!
Students: Agenda for each class:
Each class begins with a 5-10 minute live teacher presentation that students are required to attend. Students will be responsible for independent work and tasks. Students must virtually “turn in” their independent work by 11:59 each day, or by the end of the class session. All students have a 15-minute break before the next class begins. Your teacher will give you feedback on your assignment within 24 hours. You will follow your daily schedule, based on the times of the schedule below, but attend only Core Classes.
Wellness, electives, guidance, movement, and art classes will be independent study only. In those classes, your teacher(s) will communicate expectations and assignments through Google Classroom.
| Band A | 9:00-9:30 |
| Band B | 9:45-10:15 |
| Band C | 10:30-11:00 |
| Band D | 11:15-11:45 |
| Band E | 12:00-12:30 |
| Band F | 12:45-1:15 |
| Band G | 1:30-2:00 |
Counseling Availability
During this stressful and uncertain time, our ICS counseling department will be available to all students and families for any immediate needs, questions and concerns from 8 am to 4 pm daily, Monday through Friday.
In the event of a crisis or mental health concern with your child, you can reach out to your designated grade counselor between the hours listed above. If your child is experiencing any high-risk behaviors or is a danger to themselves or others, please call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room.
Additionally, our school counselors will be contacting those families whose children have been receiving on-going counseling services to set up remote sessions. If you haven’t been contacted and feel you have a need, please reach out to our Counselor, Ms. Carol, to set up services at [email protected].
We thank you for your partnership as we launch this plan. We encourage you to read through the longer Google presentation to more deeply understand how our distance learning will work.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and know that we are here for you. Please reach out with your questions and concerns.
Sincerely,
Joseph F. Zaza
Joseph F. Zaza
Founding Principal