Distance Learning Plan

Distance (Remote) Learning Plan

We want our students to experience the care and commitment of our faculty and the routine of daily learning. We must acknowledge that our approach to distance/remote learning cannot replicate the magic that happens in-person: the invaluable social interactions, in-person feedback, community and extracurricular activities, just to name a few. This DLP established the steps our school will take to continue high quality teaching and learning even during the period of this pandemic.

With this plan, we seek to create a learning environment that is consistent and equitable across grade levels, and for students and families of varying needs.

Our priorities will be:

  • Growing in our faith
  • Quality instruction
  • Consistency/Routine
  • Flexibility/Patience/Understanding/Compassion

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DURING DISTANCE (REMOTE) LEARNING

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
·        Establish daily routines for engaging learning, and follow your grade’s established schedule

·        Identify a comfortable, quiet space in your home where you can work effectively and successfully (desk, table, etc. NOT a bed).

·        Regularly monitor Google Classroom for assigned work

·        Be on time to class

·        Turn in work by the required due dates

·        Communicate proactively with your teachers if you cannot meet deadlines or require more support

·        Collaborate and support your peers in their learning

·        Comply with online etiquette

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Here are ways to help support your student during distance learning:

·         Define the physical space for your child’s study. We recommend that you create a dedicated workspace for your student. This will be where textbooks, supplies, technology are located.

·         Establish routines and expectations

·         Monitor communications from your children’s teachers

·         Take an active role in helping your children process their learning

·         Establish times for quiet and reflection

·         Encourage physical activity and/or exercise

·         Remain mindful of your child’s stress or worry, and communicate and concerns to our school counselor

·         Monitor how much time your child is spending online outside of the school day

·         Set rules around your child’s technology/social media interactions

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
·         Establish daily routines and schedule for instruction

·         Post assigned work to Google Classroom according to established schedule

·         Provide high quality remote learning instruction, differentiated for individual student needs

·         Utilize formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly

·         Inform parents and students of ongoing progress

·         Work collaboratively with parents and students

·         Provide opportunities for whole group, small group, and individualized instruction

·         Be flexible to support families with varying needs

GENERAL DAILY SCHEDULE

All grade levels will engage students through live instruction for sustained periods of time. One major goal is to ensure consistency across our entire educational program. We know that developmentally the attention span for students in a distance/remote learning environment will vary. An established and consistent schedule must be maintained to support the needs of students and parents.

Below is a general outline of the daily schedule during distance learning. Teachers will send parents specific information, including the grade-level schedule and other information.

Mon./Tues/Thurs./Fri.: All K-8 students log-in  via Zoom at 8:20 am
8:20 – 8:40 am Morning Meetings: Attendance, Prayer, Announcements, Preview of Day’s Activities, Social/Greeting Time
8:40 – 12:00 pm Active engagement with teachers and specialists, including individual/small group and whole group instruction
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch/Outdoor Play/Physical Movement-Activity

 

1:00 – 2:30 pm Active engagement with teachers and specialists, including individual/small group, and whole group instruction
2:30 – 2:45 pm Staggered Dismissal

 

Wednesdays: All K-8 students log-in  via Zoom at 8:15 am
8:15 – 8:30 am Morning Meetings: Attendance, Prayer, Announcements, Preview of the Day’s Activities, Ready for Mass
8:30 – 9:25 am Livestream Mass
9:25 -12:00 pm Active engagement with teachers and specialists, including individual/small group and whole group instruction
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch/Outdoor Play/Physical Movement-
Activity
1:00 – 1:30 pm Active engagement with teachers and specialists, including individual/small group and whole group instruction
1:30 – 1:45 Staggered Dismissal

 

STUDENT PACKET INFORMATION

  • Student packets and textbooks will be provided to students and families every other week as families continue to choose remote learn.

CATHOLIC IDENTITY:

During this time of Distance Learning, continuing to emphasize our Catholic faith and values will be a major priority of our teachers and staff. Students will begin each day with prayer. We will have our weekly mass on Wednesdays, via livestream. Students will be involved in planning prayer services as well as various activities to bring alive our current school year theme #YearoftheEucharist

“I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE, WHOEVER COMES TO ME WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY, AND WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER BE THIRSTY.” JOHN 6:35

COMMUNICATION:

Strong communication is critical during Distance Learning. Please communicate directly with your classroom/homeroom/subject specific teachers regarding Distance Learning. Additional support is available beyond the grade level teacher by contacting the Principal Bernadine Mahar (bmahar@stmarym.org). Technology questions should be directed to the following smmtechnology@stmarym.org.

In order to help maintain a healthy balance, we are encouraging teachers/staff to be “offline” after 4:00 pm until 8:00 am the following day. Emails sent on Friday afternoons will be returned no later than Monday evening. We also encourage our SMM school families to “unplug” for the purposes of health and wellness.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES:

Please see the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School Family Handbook regarding the school’s attendance policy.

  • Live meetings may be recorded in compliance with Safe Environment protocols and Archdiocesan Policies.

REPORT CARDS:

  • Grades will be posted in PowerSchool, based on formative and summative assessments as well as assignments.
  • We will continue our trimester grade schedule.

REMOTE PLATFORMS:

  • Google Classroom
  • Zoom

ZOOM:

Zoom will be the primary platform utilized to provide synchronous instruction for students. Zoom links for individual classrooms and grade levels will be posted in the Google Classroom and/or on the weekly schedule sent out by teachers.

[Acknowledgment/Credit to HR School and OLL School for providing information for this plan]