Linn Schools Continuous Learning Plan
What has the staff been doing this week?
- Staff began development of quality learning activities that not only re-emphasize the skills that have been taught previously, but also skills that will prepare students for the upcoming year.
- Our staff has really focused on Google Classroom and the benefits of communicating and collaborating using this medium.
- One of the main goals of our Continuous Learning Plan is to provide meaningful learning activities for students that can be completed independently for the most part and done at a time that is convenient for families.
- We understand this is going to look different for all of our families, so we developed the Continuous Learning Plan with flexibility in mind. Parents, we encourage you to work with your child on the expectations as to when the learning activities will be completed.
- A clear message that we want to send to all families, regardless of the age of the students, is we don’t want anyone to struggle, be frustrated, or overwhelmed. If you’re needing guidance from the teacher for a learning activity, just skip that task until help from the teacher can be given. More information about when/how to contact parents is listed below in the following section: How do I contact the teachers for help?
- We developed learning activities to provide choices for all students using a variety of formats.
- There are going to be learning activities that will require technology, but also many that will not require technology. Students will not be penalized if they do not have access to technology.
What are the nuts & bolts of this plan?
- Our teachers will be in contact with you, or already have, about how to reach them if you or your child has any questions regarding coursework. This may be through email, text, zoom, etc.
- Here is the timeline that KSDE suggested for the various grade levels. This suggested time does not have to be in one setting, but can happen throughout the day. Additionally, if you discover your child is struggling to complete the suggested amount of activities per day, communicate with the teacher. The teacher will work with you on a modified plan.
- Pre-K: 30 minutes
- K-1: 45 minutes
- 2-3: 60 minutes
- 4-5: 90 minutes
- 6-12: 30 minutes per teacher (maximum of 3 hours)
- The Continuous Learning Plan will start Monday, March 30, and the first week is about reconnecting with students & families, establishing new routines, and providing ALL of us an opportunity to see what this new format will look like. Truly, it is almost like it is August again with new routines and new structures having to be established.
- We anticipate there will be questions and some glitches! Here is who you can reach out to for any issues that you are having:
- Learning Activities: Contact your classroom teacher via email
- Technology: Austin Lawrence, alawrence@usd223.org
- Austin will be at Linn Schools on Mondays and Wednesday from 10 to 11 to assist students with technology issues. Email Austin first, so he knows you are planning on coming to see him. Please drive around back to his office for assistance.
- Social Emotional Wellness: Tim Voelker, tvoelker@usd223.org
- Any Other Concerns: Antoinette Root, aroot@usd223.org 620-200-5111
What will the first week (March 30 to April 3) look like?
How do I contact the teachers for help?
- All of the Continuous Learning Plans will contain contact information for the teachers. Truly, the best way to contact teachers will be by email. Teachers are not going to have required “office hours,” but all of our teachers are good about responding to emails. They will get back to you within 24 hours, Monday-Friday.
- Our staff also has become quite skilled in Zoom, so if a face-to-face meeting is necessary, this might be an option, too. Here is a tutorial for setting up Zoom if necessary: Video link for how to set-up Zoom
- If you ever have difficulties contacting a staff member, you can always contact our office via email: aroot@usd223.org or Antoinette Root 620-200-5111, and I will be happy to assist.
- Please know that we will do EVERYTHING we can to keep continuous communication occurring!
- K-6 families, please be sure that you check SeeSaw and your email, text often. This will be the primary way we communicate. Your teachers will let you know their primary source of contact.
- Grades 7-12 families, please be sure that you check your email often. Also, make sure your child is checking his/her email and Google Classroom DAILY.
- We developed learning activities to provide choices for the students using a variety of formats. There are going to be activities requiring technology, but also many will not. Therefore, if you do not have Internet access, choose the activities that do not require it. Students will not be penalized if they do not have access to technology. Our teachers have worked hard at providing multiple mediums to complete coursework, whether that is online, or something tangible, such as packets to take home.
- We are working on a plan/philosophy for “grades” for the remainder of the school year. This has been such an unprecedented time that we will be adjusting our philosophy as far as what typically would be expected for the grading process. More information about grading will be shared at a later date. The most important thing right now is that students are engaging in the learning activities the staff is providing.
- We will follow the regular school calendar as far as days “in session” for the remainder of the year. This means there are no school expectations on April 10 and 13 due to Easter Break. School meals will also be provided during “school days.” This means that March 30th, April 10th and 13th there will not be meals since we were not scheduled to have school that day. Information about May’s calendar will be forthcoming.
- I’ve had a few parents ask about yearbooks, spring pictures, lunch money, graduation, etc. When things settle down, I will provide information to all of the parents regarding the end-of-year topics.
- Please continue to check your email, the USD #223 website and USD #223 App for updates and more information. This is the way I will be communicating with both parents and students.
- Library information : Rebecca Fischer, rfischer@usd223.org
- Counselor information: Tim Voelker, tvoelker@usd223.org
- Meal information: Tim Mueller, tmueller@usd223.org - 785-763-4231
As a parent, what can I do to help?
- Develop a routine for your family with a designated time for learning activities. Students are active learners and can be a part of this process. Empower them to take charge of their learning, and it will be more successful!
- We also encourage you to set up a “workspace” for your child for activities requiring concentration and a quiet environment.
- Your child should be able to complete most of the learning activities independently, but there may be times when your child has questions. We also understand that the learning activities may be confusing to parents. Therefore, please don’t let any activity stress your child or family. Just skip it, try another one, and reach out to the teacher for clarification.
- If you need help with any of these suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselors. They will gladly help you brainstorm ideas that may work for your family.
- Additionally, here is a great resource to support families with all of the changes that must happen at home: MY KID’S SCHOOL IS CLOSED, SO NOW WHAT?
What if my child does not have Internet access?
We developed learning activities to provide choices for the students using a variety of formats. There are going to be activities requiring technology, but also many will not. Therefore, if you do not have Internet access, choose the activities that do not require it. Students will not be penalized if they do not have access to technology. Our teachers have worked hard at providing multiple mediums to complete coursework, whether that is online, or something tangible, such as packets to take home.
What are other things I should know?
- We are working on a plan/philosophy for “grades” for the remainder of the school year. This has been such an unprecedented time that we will be adjusting our philosophy as far as what typically would be expected for the grading process. More information about grading will be shared at a later date. The most important thing right now is that students are engaging in the learning activities the staff is providing.
- We will follow the regular school calendar as far as days “in session” for the remainder of the year. This means there are no school expectations on April 10 and 13 due to Easter Break. School meals will also be provided during “school days.” This means that March 30th, April 10th and 13th there will not be meals since we were not scheduled to have school that day. Information about May’s calendar will be forthcoming.
- I’ve had a few parents ask about yearbooks, spring pictures, lunch money, graduation, etc. When things settle down, I will provide information to all of the parents regarding the end-of-year topics.
- Please continue to check your email, the USD #223 website and USD #223 App for updates and more information. This is the way I will be communicating with both parents and students.
- Library information : Rebecca Fischer, rfischer@usd223.org
- Counselor information: Tim Voelker, tvoelker@usd223.org
- Meal information: Tim Mueller, tmueller@usd223.org - 785-763-4231
Final Thoughts….
- This will be a learning process for all; we will all be flexible.
- I will try to communicate with students, families, and community members weekly.
- Communication will be extra important during this time. I urge you to communicate early and often with the teachers.
- If any school community can make this work, it is the Linn community.
- This is an AMAZING opportunity for our family to grow, support one another, and have compassion for our fellow humans.
- We know this pandemic has caused stress to families and our community. We recognize and appreciate that fact. We will do everything in our power to make this a positive time for the children and the families.
- This is a time for grace for all.
- FAMILIES, WE THANK YOU FOR BEING TRUE PARTNERS IN EDUCATION!
It is a GREAT day to be a Bulldog!
Thanks! Ms. Root
