Dear MS Parents,
We appreciate your efforts to support your children as online learners and are thankful for your positive response as parents to this challenging experience. We are very proud of your flexible and resilient children who overall have adapted quickly and enthusiastically to this unexpected and significant change to our usual routines.
We wrote to your children last week encouraging them to wash their hands frequently and well. We also explained they should adhere to a balanced schedule of school work, exercise, non-screen based relaxation, and strongly suggested they get to sleep no later than 9:30 PM every night! They are in online classes Monday through Friday starting at 9:00 AM and until office hours end at 3:30 PM. Taking short active breaks between classes is also essential to keep their minds and bodies alert. Having a balanced routine is a good way to ensure the eventual return to regular school will be a smooth transition.
On Tuesday next week (2/18) all students currently in our time zone are expected to attend an online meeting via Zoom with their homeroom class at 2:30 PM immediately following their World Language/EAL classes. Homeroom teachers will do a wellness check-in and students will have the opportunity to connect with their teacher and classmates. Students will find the invitation to this meeting in their school Gmail and be asked to ensure Zoom is downloaded and ready for use. Please note students will be video chatting with their teachers and classmates during this homeroom meeting - please ensure backgrounds are suitable for public viewing.
As a reminder, we are always present and available to help with any social, emotional or academic issues that may arise - please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions or concerns. Likewise, our teachers, administrators and IT department are also available as needed.
Sincerely,
Megan Pettigrew, Grade 7 Counselor
Lori Richardson Garcia, Grade 8 Counselor