Dear Middle School Families, SCHEDULE First, we will operate on the same class schedule we typically follow in the middle school, with each core academic class "meeting" daily and each special area class (physical education, art, life skills, religious studies, STAR, Chapel, and advisory) "meeting" on its regular day(s). Content will be posted daily by 8 a.m. through the school's Learning Management System, or LMS (Finalsite)—primarily through the Calendar and Bulletin functions. Please familiarize yourself with this system if you have not done so previously. Help your daughter find a comfortable, distraction-free place in your home where she can work and establish a daily routine (including screen-free time) that works for your family. ATTENDANCE & ASSIGNMENTS Our teachers will do their best to make their classes as accessible as possible. It is imperative your child communicate with her teachers regularly and check school email throughout the day. We ask that you email Mercedez Evans (mevans@stpaulsmd.org) if your daughter is sick or will not be able to "attend" that day. Students will be asked to submit a deliverable in each class that meets on a given day, and submission of that work (by 10 p.m.) will serve as proof of attendance. WORK TIME & EXPECTATIONS Students in grades 5 and 6 should plan to complete about 3 hours of work per day, or 25 to 30 minutes per class. Students in grades 7 and 8 can expect about 3.5 to 4 hours of work per day, or 35 to 40 minutes per class. During distance learning, there is no distinction between classwork and homework. Remind your daughters to follow the honor code and our standards of academic integrity, and emphasize that these grades do in fact "count." For additional information about expectations of students and families during distance learning, please refer to the educational continuity plan posted here. STUDENTS' WELLBEING While we are committed to moving the curriculum forward and making sure students are progressing, we also want to be mindful of how our students are feeling through this stressful time. Our middle school counselor, Brenna LaRose (blarose@stpaulsmd.org), will continue to be a resource for families during the distance learning period. Advisors will check in with students at least twice a week. The learning services team also will continue providing support and will offer open office hours each day (Margaret Green, mgreen@stpaulmd.org, from 9 to 10 a.m. and Kelly Vollmer, kvollmer@stpaulsmd,org, from 2 to 3 p.m.) As you navigate conversations with your children on this difficult topic, we have included several resources for families on our COVID-19 page. TECHNOLOGY Distance learning requires access to a computer and an internet connection. It is not a requirement to have a school-provided device, and families are welcome to use the computers you have at home. However, we do have loaner devices available. If you need to borrow a laptop, please complete this form. Technology Services will offer "curbside" pickup in front of the Brooklandwood mansion on the SP side of campus on Tuesday, March 24, from 12 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday, March 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. A member of the Technology Services team will meet families at their cars and provide a device and device agreement. If you have questions, contact helpdesk@stpaulsmd.org. Our Acceptable Use Policy for technology will continue to apply.
As always, a strong and positive home-school partnership will help to ensure that our students are getting the support and push that they need to successfully engage in their learning. I will continue to communicate regularly as we move forward, learn what works best, and adapt our processes accordingly. If you have questions or concerns once we move into the distance learning period, do not hesitate to contact me.
St. Paul's School for Girls P.O. Box 8000, Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 |