Distance Learning K-5

• We are continuing to offer an engaging learning program for our students. We will...

○ provide a high level of detail for all learning experiences

○ incorporate interactive learning opportunities as much as possible (e.g. journal to a classmate, create paired learning exercises, etc.)

• The Classroom Blog (K-3) and Google Classroom (Grades 4-5) will be the virtual platforms used to communicate work.
• Specialist teachers will post work through the homeroom blog (K-3) and Google Classroom (Grades 4 & 5).
• We will follow the regular letter day schedule.
• Over the course of the week, students will engage in deep learning in all subjects that would normally be taught.
• To the extent possible, we are not expecting students, parents and teachers to have to learn complicated new software.
• Families can expect regular individualized communication with their child’s homeroom teacher through a weekly check-in by email and/or phone.
• Teachers will be online during school hours (Monday - Thursday, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday ,8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.) and respond to parents within a reasonable time frame, usually within 3 hours.
• Students receiving support with LSP will receive instruction via lessons posted on their LSP teacher’s blog.

• Parents and students are expected to uphold the guidelines outlined in the Lower School Responsible Use Policy during distance learning.
• With the start of distance learning in the Lower School students and families are reminded of the following:

○ Students should not use any device or technology to record the voice or image of another in any way that disrupts the educational environment, invades the privacy of others, or without the prior consent of the individual.

○ Students should not use any device or technology to copy or capture an image or the content of any class materials (such as tests or exams).

○ Students must maintain guidelines and expectations as outlined in the Foote School Handbook for plagiarism, cheating and copyright infringement.

• For any and all tech questions please email the Foote School Help Desk (helpdesk@footeschool.org).

Day 1	Parents and students will receive an email from their classroom teacher with information regarding the distance learning plan.
Days 2-5	All classroom teachers will post a daily summary that includes a greeting and overview of the lessons for each day. Based on the letter day, lessons/activities from the specials teachers will be included in the message posted by the homeroom teacher. Parents can expect students will complete their daily activities and assignments, including specials, in about 2-3 hours depending on the grade level.
Days 6-10	All classroom teachers will post a daily summary that includes a greeting and overview of the lessons assigned for each respective day. Based on the letter day, lessons from the specials teachers will be included in the message posted by the homeroom teacher. Videos will be posted by each homeroom teacher three out of five days and may include the following: ● Read aloud of a story or chapter (to compliment an activity or assignment) ● Video demonstration of a new concept (e.g. grammar lesson, math concept or science experiment). Assessments will be communicated and planned in advance. Google Forms or individual chats with classroom teachers will be utilized for Grades 4 & 5.
Days 11-15	All classroom teachers will post a daily summary that includes a greeting and overview of the lessons assigned for each respective day. Based on the letter day, lessons from the specials teachers will be included in the message posted by the homeroom teacher. Videos will be posted by each homeroom teacher three out of five days and may include the following: ● Read aloud of a story or chapter (to compliment an activity or assignment) ● Video demonstration of a new concept (e.g. grammar lesson, math concept or science experiment). Assessments will be communicated and planned in advance. Google Forms or individual chats with classroom teachers will be utilized for Grades 4 & 5.

To access faculty blogs for Grades K–3, parents must log in to the website Parent Portal.

• If you forgot your Portal password, reset it using the password reminder link. This page has videos explaining logging in and other features of the Portal.
• We recommend subscribing to these blogs so you’ll get an email alert each time a new post is published. To subscribe simply click the yellow bell icon in the top right corner of the blog and follow instructions.
• If you are unable to log in, or need support using the blogs, please fill out the Web Support Form on this page.

If you have a child in fourth or fifth grade, you can view their assignments on their Google Classroom. Your child can access their Google Classroom by clicking here. They will be prompted to enter a username and password.

• Username: [firstname][last initial][graduationyear]@footeschool.org (*Note that the graduation year is the year they would complete 9th grade)
• Password: self selected by student (Contact helpdesk@footeschool.org if you need help with resetting the password)

If you or your child encounter problems with technology during distance learning that your teacher is not able to resolve, please do the following:

• For Grades K-3 blogs, email Director of Communications Andy Bromage at abromage@footeschool.org. If you forgot your username or password to the Foote School Parent Portal, use the password reminder link. You can find a library of Parent Portal help videos by clicking here.
• For Grades 4 & 5 Google Classroom, please submit a help ticket to helpdesk@footeschool.org and our technology staff will try to assist you. Please be patient as we respond to your specific issue.

Maintain a Regular Morning Routine

• Wake up
• Eat breakfast

• Get dressed & brush teeth

Use the Daily Classroom Schedule as a Guide

Families are encouraged to use the regular six-day schedule for their child’s class as a way to shape distance learning at home. Below is a general suggested framework (which can be adjusted to meet your family’s needs).

8:30-9:00 a.m. Review Daily Lessons & Assignment

• Write out your schedule for the day.

• Collect any materials you will need for the day’s lessons.

9:00-10:00 a.m. Academic Learning Block

• Break this time into 15- to 20-minute learning chunks depending on your child’s age.

  • K-2 students will benefit from 10- to 12-minute chunks with a 2- to 3-minute break.

  • Students in Grades 3-5 can reasonably manage a 15- to 18-minute chunk of work time with a 2- to 3-minute break.

  • *Break Time* ideas include…

    • 10 jumping jacks/10 push ups/10 sit ups

    • Walk like a crab around the kitchen table

    • Walk from one end of the house to the other backwards

    • Hold a yoga pose for 20-30 seconds

10:00-10:30 a.m. Recess

• Get outside (if possible) to play/explore. Look for signs of spring, play tag, ride a bike/scooter, or take a walk around the neighborhood together.

10:30-11:00 a.m. Specials 

• Complete the daily lesson assigned for a specials class.

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Academic Learning Block

• Use this learning block to complete another lesson/assignment for a different academic area. Use the same framework for breaking the hour up into smaller chunks of learning time.

12:00-12:30 p.m. Lunch

12:30-1:00 p.m. Silent Reading/Free Choice Quiet Time/Second Specials Lesson

• Use this flex time after lunch to regroup for the afternoon, enjoy quiet time, or complete a lesson if your child has more than one special scheduled for the day.

1:00-2:00 p.m. Academic Learning Block

• Use this learning block to complete another lesson/assignment for a different academic area. Use the same framework from earlier in the day to break up the hour into smaller chunks of learning time.

2:00 p.m. End of Academic Day

• Use the remainder of the afternoon for unstructured play outside, for a virtual instrument lesson, or exploration of a hobby or outside interest. 

What will children need to learn successfully and joyfully during distance learning? A dedicated learning space, regular wake-up and bedtimes, and time for recess, reading and reflecting with grown-ups. Read Chrissy Khachane's blog post for more helpful tips.

Students who receive learning support will continue receiving instruction from their Learning Support teacher during distance learning.

• LSP teachers will reach out Wednesday, April 1, to say hello to the children and/or family with whom they work and to share work plans moving forward.
• During week 2 of distance learning, students in LSP will have the opportunity to engage in live online (synchronous) sessions as well as receive lesson to complete at home independently or with a family member.