Letter from Mrs. Keniston

Dear Families,

As we navigate these uncharted waters together, I would like to update you on the work that has been done by our fabulous Knowlton staff to keep students engaged in meaningful academic experiences.

Last week teachers worked in grade level groups to plan together for student learning.  Music, Art, and PE teachers met in district groups to plan for their remote instruction.  All 4th and 5th grade classrooms set up, or updated, their Google Classrooms so that teachers and students can communicate, send assignments, and give and receive feedback.  On Friday all present students brought home a Chromebook, a charger, and 3 books.

Officially, remote learning goes live across the district Monday, March 23.  We know how important it is to keep students connected to school and engaged in the learning process, so you may have already noticed your child’s teacher beginning online interaction. 

Here is a few ideas to help with the next few weeks:

• Try to be consistent with a schedule for academic time

• Encourage reading, everything, anything, as much as possible

• Practice math facts to build fluency

• Have student access Google Classroom daily to keep up with assignments

• Encourage outside play for at least an hour a day

• Take advantage of the increasing free remote learning opportunities, museums and zoos are offering free online tours and activities.  

• Teachers will be keeping office hours from 12-3 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.  During that time they will be online and available to students and families. (Thursday will be kept for grade levels to collaborate in planning.)

• Add a read aloud to your family routine.  Reading and talking about books builds skills for all levels of readers.  Audio books are a great resource for the car and are available for free downloads through local libraries.

Finally, we will be using School Messenger and our website to communicate with families.  All staff will be available through email and I will be checking voicemail daily. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance to your family.

Be well,

Michelle Keniston, Principal