Dear Middle School Families,

Thank you for all of your support and flexibility as we continue to navigate our transition to a distance learning model. I marvel at the willingness of our teachers to consider and create new ways of teaching and to help students show what they are learning. I have also heard so many great things about our students: how they are managing tasks and how they are communicating with teachers, and most importantly how much they are really enjoying the chances to connect, share and laugh during advisor group meetings and study hall sessions.

It was always our plan to build our online experience in stages, beginning with online advisor groups and asynchronous learning as teachers posted assignments and resources. We then hoped to add teacher-recorded lessons in the second week and then incorporate some live classes in the third week. Based on feedback we have received from students, parents and teachers about the importance of these social connections, we are moving up this timetable. All middle school teachers will be offering some live classes next week, and we are working on a revised model that will take this effort even further beginning April 13. We will share more information next week, but as you plan for the week to come, I am glad to share the following items:

Middle School advisor groups will shift to Mondays and Thursdays from 8:10 to 8:25 as we will be adding live classes as early as 8:30 each day.
All teachers will conduct at least one live meeting of each section next week. Please consult these grade-by-grade schedules to help you and your child(ren) plan for next week. As a reminder, there is no school/distance learning on Friday, April 10 in observance of Good Friday.
Teachers will continue to hold online 'office hours' during study hall (2:15 to 3:15 p.m.) on scheduled days, and during many of the scheduled class periods. Students can also email teachers to set up additional support.
As before, our Learning Support teachers will be working with their students during scheduled class time and during the study hall.

I know we are grateful for the weekend at hand and the chance to exhale and relax a bit. That Friday afternoon feeling is always welcome, isn't it? I'm sure many have plans for family time and quiet time ahead, and for a little extra guidance, I'm glad to share this mindfulness video featuring school counselor Kossouth Bradford. It is great for the weekend, a weekday or anytime.

Thank you for all you do to support Foote and our middle school program.

Wishing you a safe and serene weekend.

John Turner

Head of Middle School