Weekly Update #28

Inspirational Quote:

"Don't worry 'bout a thing, cause every little thing's gonna be alright." – Bob Marley

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

Monday, March 30, 2020                                                           Working From Home         

Tuesday, Mach 31, 2020                                                            Working From Home                                                                                      

Wednesday, April 1, 2020                                                          Working From Home                                   
Thursday, April 2, 2020                                                             Working From Home                                       
Friday, April 3, 2020                                                                  Working From Home                   

                                       Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Superintendent Email - Pat will be sending out an email about our plans and expectations in response to the most recent school closure extension.  It could be possible that the window extends again, and he wants to make sure that we all have a solid plan moving forward on our work.  Please make sure to keep an eye on this.
• School Leaders will be in buildings on Wednesday Morning - If you need to pick up resources, please let Glenda and Liz know, and remember that we will continue to practice safe social distance while in the building.  
• Feel free to arrive with gloves and/or masks - let's stay healthy!
• Corona Updates in Lynn - The last number reported was 38 confirmed cases.  This number is only going to continue going up, so a call center is being set up at Marshall Middle School.  Our wonderful nurse Danielle will be volunteering there.  Thank you!
• Call Downs - These will now be done virtually.  Watch out for more information in your emails.
• Congratulations to those within our building who have moved into a new role or have decided to take on a new position in another school.  You are always a part of the Connery Family and we congratulate you on your next steps and journey. 
• Connery Facebook Page - If you haven't already checked it out, please check out the Connery Elementary Facebook page.  
• I am happy to post any and all posts and resources that you think would be valuable for our families.
• I'd like to have representation from every grade and content area in our school.
• Special Ed Student Communication - Phylitia had recently sent out a communication to the special ed team about completing a form about communication with students. The attached log has to be done by EACH educator (general and special ed) that services special ed students. Recently, we we asked for the completion of an additional log for our Special Ed and Support Staff Team.  However, this log serves a different purpose.  The log that was recently shared helps us see anything that other clinical members of our school support staff might need to be informed of. While this log is intended to ensure that we are being compliant with our communication to Special Education students and families.
• Please make sure that you download this form and keep track of your own communication.  Please do not edit or change the original form in our SharePoint.
• Next Steps on Communication - As a next step for communication, elementary schools are joining School Dojo.  It is the same company as Class Dojo, but will be structure by Glenda and Liz first.  Then shared with staff.  Once it is structure, all homeroom teachers can invite secondary teachers and support staff to join classrooms.
• Glenda and Liz will upload contact information from e-schools.
• Middle and Secondary schools will use a platform called Jupiter that is more of an online platform for their learning.
• The focus is to reach all families.
• Evaluations - If we return to school, the admin team will meet with the union to come up with an alternate timeline of expectations for this. The current due dates for artifacts will need to be revised, and are on hold.
• Next Steps for Curriculum - Since the extension of school closure, the admin team has begun to gather groups of educators to come up with next steps for home curriculum.  The current ideas is to develop a capstone project for each grade level that is universal to all LPS students and can be completed at an appropriate pace and time for parents.  This will be shared with us in the near future.
• Talent Show - Perhaps some kids wouldn't mind sending a video of their solo talent to us for our Connery Page.  If they do, please send along. Maybe I can find a fun way to have a Virtual Talent Show.
• Connect Ed Messages - There is a lot of information going out via connect ed.  If you are not receiving calls, please follow these steps:  
• Email the data center dp@lynnschools.org, so they may add or check your information.  They will need:
  1. phone #
  2. building
  3. type of phone (home or cell)
  4. if you want voice, text, or both
• Homeless Families - all shelter applications are being accepted over the phone.  If you know of any families in need of support have them call 1-866-584-0653.
• Report Cards - The distribution of report cards is unknown at this time, and will be communicated by the admin team in the near future.
• Lynn Community Healthy Clinic - please be aware that each therapists direct line has been rerouted to their main campus and/or cellphone.  Therefore, all therapists plan to continue to see students via telephone communication.  If a family members reaches out to you, please let them know of this opportunity.
• District FAQ Sheet - Here is a link to the district FAQ sheet.  This is also locate on the district website.
• Cool Resource shared by Pam - Here is an example of how a teacher used Sway to support at home learning.  Check it out if you are interested in learning how to use it.  I have seen this app in our Microsoft platform.  Check it out: Sway Example
• MCAS - This is currently postponed, but we are waiting to hear if legislature has given the okay to postpone the accountability measures for this year.  If this is agreed (and the state believes it will be approved), MCAS will be officially postponed.  For now, it is still TBD.
• Retention - retention are currently on hold due to school closings.
• School Report Cards found on reportcards.doe.ma.edu.
• Science LPS Strategic Plan - Here!
• MCAS Data - All Quartiles Found Here
• Guided Reading Documents - Here!
• Interpreting and Translation Services - New Form
• Dance for MCAS - TBD
• Calling out Sick - Call Glenda (781-686-6354) or Liz directly, leave a message if we do not answer.
• Recess - recess resource (Please use this resource, so that your students can have a successful and fun time at recess!) This is a great opportunity to build community with your students. 
• Please ensure that you are in a location where you can see your whole class.  
• Connery School Year Calendar
• Food Pantry Flyer
• LPS CORE VALUES - Inclusiveness, Shared Responsibility, High Expectations, and Inspiring Life Long Learning.

Thank you to everyone that could be a part of our Connery Social Hour.  It was so nice to see everyone's faces.  If you missed it, here is a small glimpse:

                                                           Looking Ahead                                                                         

May 4 - Possible return to school.

Weekly Update #27

Inspirational Quote:

"There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast." – Charles Dickens

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

Monday, March 9, 2020                                                           Working From Home           

Tuesday, Mach 10, 2020                                                          Working From Home                                                                                      

Wednesday, March 11, 2020                                                    Working From Home                                     
Thursday, March 12, 2020                                                       Working From Home                                         
Friday, March 13, 2020                                                            Working From Home                     

                                       Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Talent Show - We will reconnect with Amanda and Tiana to see if we can reschedule this event.
• Connect Ed Messages - There is a lot of information going out via connect ed.  If you are not receiving calls, please follow these steps:  
• Email the data center dp@lynnschools.org, so they may add or check your information.  They will need:
  1. phone #
  2. building
  3. type of phone (home or cell)
  4. if you want voice, text, or both
• Update - Liz and I have been allowed to work from home.  We will be connected via email, phone, and can set up a video call if needed.  This feature is available through our email as long as our devices have a camera.  Please feel free to text or call with any questions or concerns.
• Special Education Teachers - the director of Special Ed has asked all special ed teachers to communicate at least 1 time per week to each of the students that they service during this interruption of services.
• Homeless Families - all shelter applications are being accepted over the phone.  If you know of any families in need of support have them call 1-866-584-0653.
• Report Cards - For all grade levels PK - 12, grades will close on March 12, 2020. Report Cards will be distributed at some point during the week that students will return. There is a plan being developed for how staff will complete this work and admin will share this information once this is finalized.
• Lynn Community Healthy Clinic - please be aware that each therapists direct line has been rerouted to their main campus and/or cellphone.  Therefore, all therapists plan to continue to see students via telephone communication.  If a family members reaches out to you, please let them know of this opportunity.
• District FAQ Sheet - Here is a link to the district FAQ sheet.  This is also locate on the district website.
• Information from our Superintendent:
•         Mayor has closed all city offices
•         12 month employees will no longer report
•         Lunches will continue to be served at the designated schools
•         We are working on a plan for families to retrieve paper based packets
•         F.A.Q. document for staff and families is being developed and will be published by end of day (living document)
•         We will be meeting with union presidents to discuss work expectations while on leave…this will become part of F.A.Q.
•          For staff who do not have direct deposit, checks will be available at the administration building front desk
•           All staff should be reading work e-mail daily
• School Website - please review the school website to ensure that all the information that was supposed to be on it is present.  There have been a few errors and we have sent the information to the webmaster to share the mistakes.  Feel free to reach out if you notice that anything is missing.
• Cool Resource shared by Pam - Here is an example of how a teacher used Sway to support at home learning.  Check it out if you are interested in learning how to use it.  I have seen this app in our Microsoft platform.  Check it out: Sway Example
• MCAS - This is still being determined by DESE, and will be shared as soon as I am informed.  For now, there seems to be a new date that will be shared for MCAS-alt, but it is still TBD.
• Laptop Carts - Upon our return please familiarize yourselves with the location of the carts.  These classrooms are hosting the carts, but can be signed out as Connery has in years prior.  As a result, I ask that you borrow from the cart before school, or during the host teacher's lunch or prep period.
• Black Cart #1-Grade 5-Room 201
• Black Cart #2-Grade  4- Room 103
• Black Cart #3-Grade 3-Room 208
• Black Cart #4-Grade 4-Room 205
• White Cart-Grade 3-Room 209
• Retention Form - begin to consider who you might retain (use data to support) and complete this form.
• Math March Madness - We will need to reconsider what this looks like for students since we are currently out.  Maybe we can celebrate the learning that they have done from home.
• School Report Cards found on reportcards.doe.ma.edu.
• Science LPS Strategic Plan - Here!
• MCAS Data - All Quartiles Found Here
• Guided Reading Documents - Here!
• Sign In - Please sign in daily! When arriving, please make sure that you stop at the front office to sing in.  We might forget to miss a day, but a few of us do not sign in at all.  This is an important procedure for the safety of our school.  All community members sign in and out when they enter our building, please ensure that you are as well.
• Interpreting and Translation Services - New Form
• Morning Arrival - All teachers should be outside to greet students at 8:15.
• Dance for MCAS - TBD
• Calling out Sick - Call Glenda (781-686-6354) or Liz directly, leave a message if we do not answer.
• Recess - recess resource (Please use this resource, so that your students can have a successful and fun time at recess!) This is a great opportunity to build community with your students. 
• Please ensure that you are in a location where you can see your whole class.  
• Connery School Year Calendar
• Food Pantry Flyer
• LPS CORE VALUES - Inclusiveness, Shared Responsibility, High Expectations, and Inspiring Life Long Learning.

                                                        Reminders from the Office                                                           

• Please do your attendance on time each morning.
• There are still some that are not getting completed by 9:00.
• Folders - Please check your mailboxes each day.  Some yellow folders were not picked up this week.
• All notices (including parent's notes) need to be sent to the office.

                                                     Updates from our Nurse                                                                 

• Don't forget to use your nurse passes when sending students to the office

                                                           Looking Ahead                                                                         

March 20 - Marks Close
April 3 - Report Cards are Distributed, Dr. Parker Visit

Weekly Update #26

Inspirational Quote:

"Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see further." – Thomas Carlyle

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

Monday, March 9, 2020                                                    School Site Council Meeting
                                                                                           Ferrari - Absent

Tuesday, Mach 10, 2020                                                    Staff Meeting @2:30
                                                                                           IEP - Sabourin @ 11
                                                                                           IEP - Crowley @ 12
                                                                      

Wednesday, March 11, 2020                                             Grade 5 Infrastructure Trial @8:30

Thursday, March 12, 2020                                                IEP - Beddia @10
                                                                                          Parent Talent Show!!!
                                                                                               Safety Care @3

Friday, March 13, 2020                                                    PLT - 3-5

                                       Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Census Lesson - Here are the lessons that are approved by Dr. Tutwiler. 
• Flyers about the census will be going out next week.  Please make sure that they go out to families ASAP, and look in your mailbox for a yellow folder this week.
• Talent Show - Hello Everyone, the Talent Show finale for parents is on March 12th.  Feel free to pop in if you'd like to see it.  Though, we do intend to have a viewing for our school. Date TBD.
• Data - All schools were recently given their iRead, System 44, and Read 180 data.  Please click on the appropriate link above to view.  (You must be logged into your LPS email to view.)
• Report Cards - With marks closing shortly, I'd like to remind everyone of how important it is that students receive grades that align to data.  
• In an effort to review report cards and data quicker, I ask that you submit record books with your report card verifications, and they will be placed in your mailbox for use the next morning.  
• You may do this at the end of the day so that you have all the materials that you need throughout the day.  
• Thank you for your support!
• Things to Be Aware of for SY 2021 - Classrooms will be moved for SY 2021.  Please keep that in mind at the end of the year.  We will be putting in a request to move furniture and materials over the summer.  
• We will ask that things be removed off of the walls if your class is to be moved.
• Job Postings - The first round of posting will be March 16th and will close March 18th. Results will be March 20th.  
• According to the union contract, if a job is posted, all members of the district have a right to interview for the position.
• Round 2 begins March 24th, close March 26th, and post March 30th
• Call downs begin April 1st, and are after school for teachers.
• Retention Form - begin to consider who you might retain (use data to support) and complete this form.
• Math March Madness - Some grade levels have sent out the documents that I shared for March Madness, but some students share that they have not begun their March Madness activities.  Please send home the March Madness forms ASAP. You can find them in a previous email and Weekly Update.
• School Report Cards found on reportcards.doe.ma.edu.
• Science LPS Strategic Plan - Here!
• MCAS Data - All Quartiles Found Here
• MCAS Infrastructure Trial - Our next infrastructure trial is with Grade 5; however, each week for the next month, the helpdesk would like each grade to plan a time and day when they will log back into TestNav.  We will not do a full infrastructure for this, and stop instruction.  Therefore, we would like each grade to plan an MCAS test practice day.  You can decide the content: practice with test features, structure and use of the scrap paper during computerized testing, etc. The ideas are limitless on how you can do this, but please set up a day and let us know when that will be.  The helpdesk would like to send a technician to oversee the use of the laptops while logged into TestNav.  (All laptops must be used by April in order to avoid technology issues. Please plan and let Glenda know your MCAS prep day by Friday.)
• Guided Reading Documents - Here!
• Sign In - Please sign in daily! When arriving, please make sure that you stop at the front office to sing in.  We might forget to miss a day, but a few of us do not sign in at all.  This is an important procedure for the safety of our school.  All community members sign in and out when they enter our building, please ensure that you are as well.
• Interpreting and Translation Services - New Form
• SEL Team Dates to Remember:
• 3/24/2020 Virtual PD 2 hours
• 4/14/2020 In-person PD 2.5 hours
• 5/19/2020 Virtual PD 2 hours
• Morning Arrival - All teachers should be outside to greet students at 8:15.
• Dance for MCAS - We have chosen 3/26 as the date of the dance for 3,4, and 5th grade teachers.  Thank you to everyone that has volunteered.  We could still use plenty of help!  Don't forget to let us know if you are attending or helping out in any way.
• Calling out Sick - Call Glenda (781-686-6354) or Liz directly, leave a message if we do not answer.
• Recess - recess resource (Please use this resource, so that your students can have a successful and fun time at recess!) This is a great opportunity to build community with your students. 
• Please ensure that you are in a location where you can see your whole class.  
• Connery School Year Calendar
• Food Pantry Flyer
• LPS CORE VALUES - Inclusiveness, Shared Responsibility, High Expectations, and Inspiring Life Long Learning.

Other Social Emotional Supports:

                                                        Reminders from the Office                                                           

• Please do your attendance on time each morning.
• There are still some that are not getting completed by 9:00.
• Folders - Please check your mailboxes each day.  Some yellow folders were not picked up this week.
• All notices (including parent's notes) need to be sent to the office.

                                                     Updates from our Nurse                                                                 

• Don't forget to use your nurse passes when sending students to the office
• The flu season is not over, if a student is out feel free to ask them why.  If they were out due to fever or vomiting, do not hesitate to inform us. Unfortunately, some students have returned in less than the 24 hour period.
• CDC Guidelines - If we know of any student or personnel that has visited 1 of the 4 areas with a coronavirus concern (China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea) February 21st or after, it is recommended that they self quarantine for 14 days.

                                                           Looking Ahead                                                                         

March 12 - Safety Care Training (Day 1)
March 18 - Literacy and Social Justice PD at Leslie University - Glenda and Amy
March 19 - Equity and Social Justice PD at BU - Nicole, Liz, and Glenda
March 20 - Marks Close
March 23 - Keys to Literacy Coach Wrap Up
March 24 - Safety Care Training (Day 2)
March 26 - Dance for MCAS (Grades 3, 4, and 5 - 5:00-7:00, Safety Care Training (Day 3)
March 31 - Safety Care Training (Last Day)
April 3 - Report Cards are Distributed, Dr. Parker Visit

Weekly Update #25

Inspirational Quote:

"Change is the end result of all true learning." – Leo Buscaglia

                                                                 This Week                                                                           

Monday, March 2, 2020                                                    Crazy Sock Day
                                                                                           1:45 Assembly (all student should pack)
                                                                                                     - K teachers - class visit or assembly
                                                                                           Hagerty - Absent

Tuesday, Mach 3, 2020                                                     Donna - KTL Visit
                                                                                           IEP - Ferrari @ 11
                                                                                           IEP - Beddia @ 12
                                                                      

Wednesday, March 4, 2020                                               ILT Meeting @ 2:30

Thursday, March 5, 2020                                                  Glenda - Superintend Meeting @ 9

Friday, March 6, 2020                                                       PLT - K-2
                                                                                           Ferrari - Absent
*Gingras absent through week

                                       Things to Be Aware of and Keep in Mind                                                

• Learning Walk Team  - Thank you to everyone that participated on the learning walk, and everyone that welcomed the learning walk team into their classroom.
• Here is our learning walk communication and follow up.
• Retention Team and Meetings - Please let me know if you are interested in being a part of the retention team.  We would like to have a diverse team in terms of our educational strengths and backgrounds.
• Retention Consideration - begin to consider who you might retain (use data to support) and complete this form.
• Reporting Computer Issues - 

• Teachers,
  
  
  The district would like schools to start keeping solid track of computer service desk tickets for laptops and desktops. To implement this protocol Glenda and Liz would like all teachers to submit tickets on their own directly to the service desk, but also CC Rita Gallo and Nicole MacMillan. They will be keeping track in a separate excel spreadsheet for the building. 
  
  
  If it is a device from any of the 5 laptop carts or a student desktop in grades 3-5, please also CC Shannon Bansfield and Tim Roach, as well as put CBT (Computer-Based Testing) in the subject line.  This will fast track the ticket process as testing devices are priority. This is to ensure all devices are up to date and ready to be used for testing. 
  
  
  All tickets should include:
• location (building, room number, cart number)
• classroom phone extension
• detailed description of the problem
• LPS sticker number and cart ticker number 

• Field Trips - All field trips must be approved by Glenda and Liz. Please remember to include pre, during, and post activities about the academics in the field trip plan.
• Math March Madness - We will assemble on Monday, March 2nd to discuss this with students.  
• K classrooms may choose to come to the assembly or have a classroom visit.
• Please let Glenda or Liz your preference.
• School Report Cards found on reportcards.doe.ma.edu.
• Science LPS Strategic Plan - Here!
• MCAS Data - All Quartiles Found Here
• MCAS Infrastructure Trial - Our 1st Infrastructure Trial went well. Grade 3 students did a great job. The wi-fi held and our headphones worked! We will continue to tweak the EL group and small-groups after every trial. Our next trial will be a district-wide trial on 2/25.This trial will be with Grade 4. 
• Guided Reading Documents - Here!
• Sign In - Please sign in daily!
• Interpreting and Translation Services - New Form
• SEL Team Dates to Remember:
• 3/24/2020 Virtual PD 2 hours
• 4/14/2020 In-person PD 2.5 hours
• 5/19/2020 Virtual PD 2 hours
• Morning Arrival - All teachers should be outside to greet students at 8:15.
• Dance for MCAS - We have chosen 3/26 as the date of the dance for 3,4, and 5th grade teachers.  If anyone would like to volunteer for decorations, dj, and/or food please let Liz and Glenda know.
• Calling out Sick - Call Glenda (781-686-6354) or Liz directly, leave a message if we do not answer.
• Recess - recess resource (Please use this resource, so that your students can have a successful and fun time at recess!) This is a great opportunity to build community with your students. 
• Please ensure that you are in a location where you can see your whole class.  
• Connery School Year Calendar
• Food Pantry Flyer
• LPS CORE VALUES - Inclusiveness, Shared Responsibility, High Expectations, and Inspiring Life Long Learning.

Additional Picture of Calming Space:

Sample of Posted Objectives:

                                           

                                                        Reminders from the Office                                                           

• Please do your attendance on time each morning.
• There are still some that are not getting completed by 9:00.
• Folders - Please check your mailboxes each day.  Some yellow folders were not picked up this week.
• All notices (including parent's notes) need to be sent to the office.

                                                     Updates from our Nurse                                                                 

• Don't forget to use your nurse passes when sending students to the office
• The flu season is not over, if a student is out feel free to ask them why.  If they were out due to fever or vomiting, do not hesitate to inform us. Unfortunately, some students have returned in less than the 24 hour period.

                                                           Looking Ahead                                                                         

March 10 - Keys to Literacy
March 19 - Equity and Social Justice PD - Nicole, Liz, and Glenda
March 20 - Marks Close
March 23 - Keys to Literacy Coach Wrap Up
March 26 - Dance for MCAS (Grades 3, 4, and 5 - 5:00-7:00
April 3 - Report Cards are Distributed, Dr. Parker Visit