Kleckner's Korner

We made it....

I don't know about all of you but every night this week I have gone home and DIED! This is week 4 of me being back to work but it's definitely been the hardest week even with students not being on campus. Working on all of the technical issues, listening to parents and trying to problem solve their stressors, tracking down students, you guys have done it all this week and for that I APPLAUD you!

There were so many differences this week than any other start of school but you guys rocked it! Even with social distancing I've heard laughter in the hallways and I've seen your eyes smiling as you breeze by my office telling me of your successes! Oh and the text messages of your fun finds or parent shout outs, those make me smile from ear to ear!

April created a video on how to create videos in Canvas for students who don't tune in for your live sessions. Why is this helpful? We know not every kid is able to get on at the time you are explaining directions, going through the activity or showing kids where and how to submit assignments. Now they don't have to be. They can watch your video at 10pm and still know what to do. OR maybe they were with you during the live session but forgot what to do when they needed to borrow from the 10's place.

Using Canvas will allow you to record without the other kids' faces showing!

Give it a try! I'd love to share videos that you create. Next week we start getting into curriculum, kids will need to go back and watch you teach. Start working on those videos!

https://garlandisd.instructuremedia.com/embed/338c08f2-6a13-4691-9c0a-3c67a1f639f9

Some of you have asked how you can encourage your students to do more during the intervention time while intervention hasn't really started just yet (although dyslexia and SPED services will be starting next week). However, it's NEVER to late to start pulling small groups, many of you have already noticed the needs your students have after week 1. Start now, don't delay.

I'd like to share what Austin Academy has put on their schedules, picture above. I think the wording is great and it made my kid log in yesterday for the first time during that period. She had to watch a video and complete questions about the video she watched. It says:

During this time, if you are not scheduled for an Intervention Class, you are expected to work independently on an assignment or activity that your _____ teacher as assigned for you to complete during this time.

They have filled it in with Science/SS during the first block, Math during the 2nd block, English during the 3rd block and catch up during the 4th block.

We don't have that much time during intervention but you could do...Education Galaxy and MyOn right now. Imagine Learning isn't quite ready just yet. We are also in the process of purchasing Brain Pop, BrainPop Jr., and BrainPop Espanol that you will be able to use to assign videos and quizzes. Stemscopes is another great option since you don't have a lot of time for science in your day.

Please remember to let parents and students know what they need to be working on during this time. Communication is key as you're making changes to schedules.

Here is how Specials will work the next three weeks.

• The students can log into specials at any time to complete the assignments
• The schedule below shows when we will be available “live” to Google meet with your classes during their designated Specials Time.
• We will all use the same link and password we used this week.
• The information will continue be on our Canvas pages for students to see.

Google Meet during designated specials time

Week 2- Starting Aug 17

Monday- Art

Wednesday- PE

Thursday- Library

Week 3 & 4

Tuesday-Music

Wednesday-PE

Thursday-Library

Teachers and staff will have campus access on Saturdays from 8-4 during the month of August. Please be sure to adhere to these timelines. Buildings will be accessible during the following dates/times:

Saturday, August 15, from 8:00-4:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 22, from 8:00-4:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 29, from 8:00-4:00 p.m.

Please remember the building access prescreening form is required, along with masks and social distancing practices.

Here's the link to this week's information. The pdf information is housed in the Park Crest Shared Drive in the Weekly Administrative information Packet Folder. We're all accountable for knowing the information.

1. Canvas and Google Drive Updates - ALL TEACHERS - STUDENTS WILL HAVE QUESTIONS!

2. EAP Webinar Coping with Pandemic Anxiety As Kids Return - information

3. Early Literacy PD Sessions During Transitional Schedule - K-3 Teachers

4. GISD Launches Teacher Incentive Allotment - ALL TEACHERS - we will also be discussing this during our TTESS trainings next week.

5. Live Meeting Platforms and Screen Recordings - ALL TEACHERS

6. Read Aloud Guidelines to Ensure Copyright Compliance - ALL TEACHERS

7. Student Permissions and Social Media - ALL STAFF

August

17 - PK-1 and 3-4 TTESS and Intersession Training

18 - 5th TTESS and Intersession Training

18 - MAP Testing Training at 3:30 - All Staff except office staff and Linsey

20 - Imagine Math Suite PreK-2 (email from Andrea on 8/11)

25 - Imagine Reading at 4pm (email from Andrea on 8/11) - No STAFF Meeting due to Imagine reading training

27 - Imagine Math Suite 3-5 (email from Andrea on 8/11)

30-Sept 5 - Cyber Safety Week

September

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month

1 - Review360 and Behavior Intervention Faculty Meeting - Virtual

2 - Early Dismissal - 1/2 day staff development

7-11 Suicide Prevention Week

8 - First Day of Face to Face Classes for students that chose face to face

14-18 - Education Go Get It Week

22 - SEL Faculty Meeting - Virtual

25 - MAP Window Closes

October

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Month and Anti-Bullying Month

2 - 1st Cycle Ends

If you need assistance with individual concerns or counseling services, please reach out to Mrs. Medrano-Johnson at gmedranojohnson@garlandisd.net,

or fill out the following Park Crest Request for Counseling Services form.