The Lion's Share

August 2, 2020

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Gov. Ducey Executive Order Update...

There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding where GPS stands on opening schools for in person instruction.

As it stands today, Governor Ducey is supposed to release metrics by August 7th that will allow school leaders to best determine when to resume on campus learning. The GPS Governing Board is waiting on those metrics to make a decision. In addition, it was determined that schools would need one week to prepare for in person learning.

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Standards Based Grading...

Settler's Point will be joining three other schools in the GPS district in introducing standards based grading into the intermediate grades (4-6) this year.

Grades K-3 have been doing standards based grading for years (a 1-4 system, rather than A-F). This type of system prioritizes student learning and equity.

We will explain in much more detail why we are excited about this transition in our upcoming curriculum nights (end of August).

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Follow Us On Social Media...

With much about this school year already subject to change, please make sure that you are connected with Settler's Point. Often the best way to get updates is via email, or one of our social media platforms.

Facebook: Settler's Point Elementary School

Instagram: SettlersPride

Twitter: @settlerspride

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Virtual Open House...

All of our teachers emailed instructions for how to virtually meet them and ask questions on Monday, August 3.

This event is designed for students and parents to participate.

With so much currently unknown with when we are starting in person instruction, we are focusing our energies for this event towards getting students/parents ready for remote learning on August 5.

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Band and Orchestra....

It is not too late for 5th and 6th grade students to sign up to participate in our phenomenal Band or Orchestra programs.

If you have questions, or want to participate, please check out the following website

GPS Music

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Annual Update...

It is that time again!

Please take the five or so minutes to update all of your information in the Infinite Campus system. Infinite Campus is our system that houses almost all student information including health issues, emergency contacts, household information, parent contact information, etc.

With so many unknowns this year, being able to get in touch with families is going to be critical. Please use the following instructions.

Annual Update

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First Days of School....

Typically on an elementary campus, the first few weeks of school are dedicated to teaching routines and procedures, as well as, getting to know the other members of the classroom.

This is going to be very similar for the start of this school year. Much of the instruction for the week of August 5 will be related to getting students acclimated to the Buzz Platform and "get to know you" type activities.

During the week of August 10, content specific instruction will start in the live portions of the schedule. Small group time will be dedicated to further building relationships and teaching social/emotional skills.

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Need a GPS Chromebook?

If you are still in need of using one of our Chromebooks for remote learning, please email us ASAP.

We have enough devices for each student to have one this year.

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Student Attendance for Remote Learning...

Students are expected to log in to the Buzz platform daily.

An email will be automatically generated to the parents of a student that has not logged in by noon. Directions for how to excuse the absence will be noted in that email.

Online Instruction

Each grade/teacher will be adhering to a schedule that should already be shared with parents.
At SPE, students will receive live math and ELA instruction from their teachers on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Live specials (PE, Music, Library, Band, Orchestra, and Art) classes will be available for your child to attend daily in accordance with the daily schedule.
All ELA and math lessons will be recorded by the teacher for later reference.
Students are not expected to log on all day every day. Kindergarten students are supposed to have 2-3 hours of daily work. Grades 1-3 should have four hours of work daily, and Grades 4-6 should have about five. We are aware that our students have not been in school for awhile, so we will be building stamina towards these numbers.
Small group time will be essential to get feedback about student learning and clarify misconceptions. These are scheduled by the teacher primarily on Tuesday and Thursday.
Teachers should provide parents with at least a bi-weekly newsletter with a schedule and lesson objectives so you can help monitor student learning.

GPS Student Behavior Expectations for Remote Learning

GPS Statement Regarding Student Behavior for Remote Learning

COVID-19 school closures have significantly impacted all our lives. This situation, however, has not altered the Gilbert Public Schools’ desire to provide a quality educational environment for students. It is extremely important that all students remember that, while utilizing online learning opportunities, it is still their responsibility to interact appropriately with teachers and other students at all times. This means that, although we are not physically together, students must follow established teacher online classroom rules, including treating each other with respect. Students are accountable for their own behavior.

If a student is determined to not be following appropriate behavioral expectations as listed in the link below, they are likely to receive consequences. Please be a team player and help us work together through this challenging time!

Parents and guardians, please review the student expectations below with your child.

GPS Student Expectations for Remote Learning