Happy Friday, SCES families! Over the past two weeks, we have enjoyed getting to know each other and establish classroom communities. Although the circumstances are unusual, teachers, students, and families have all risen to the occasion and shown extraordinary perseverance and enthusiasm. I received this from a teacher:
"I had two students (different classes and families) log in from "unique" places this morning. One logged in from the back seat of a car and another from a McDonald's.The first student's family was traveling and the student "didn't want to miss class." The second student's home internet has been out and will be out until sometime tomorrow. Throughout each situation each student handled their learning environment likes pros. They were engaged and participated fully in the lesson."
And this from another teacher:
"During my last Meet, I logged on and Google wasn't working for me- no audio, no video, the kids couldn't see my screen. So I logged off, restarted my computer and came back- same issues. I explained what was happening to the students and they gave me some tech suggestions, and then one of them said, "Maybe you can just teach us through the chat." So, I did. I asked them to mute and started typing directions through the chat. They are so eager to learn that they read the directions aloud, shared their addition strategies, and helped each other when an answer was incorrect. Complete cooperation and teamwork through a 40 minute math lesson! They even ended the day with a "firework" cheer! This just made me so happy, and put into perspective that even though teaching virtually is not ideal, the kids need us and we are still making a difference."
I love it! This way of doing school will change us, but not defeat us. Together we are learning new ways of learning and connecting. Parents, thank you for your support, which we recognize is key (more than ever before) in student success.
Starting on Monday, we will begin our full, regular schedule. Please discuss with your child how important it is that they are present and focused for each live meet. Many of you have been right alongside your child during the meet of the past two weeks. We appreciate that dedication. During the meet, we please allow them to experience productive struggle - that state of engaging in challenges that requires them to stretch their thinking on their own. Our tendency as caring adults is to jump in and offer assistance, but please give them that space to develop their critical thinking skills.
Our theme this year is all about "soaring," and we believe completely that is what our Cougars will do this year - with all of us working together cheering on their success. Thank you for all you do. Have a wonderful weekend.
#ROARtoSoar
Yours,
Darrell Propst, Principal