Dear Bolinas-Stinson School Families and Community,
Parent Lunch Zoom Meeting - To discuss configuration modifications for the 2020-21 school year, Thursday, April 23th @ 12:00-1:00 PM
I hope you are able to join me on Thursday, April 23th for our next Parent Zoom Meeting! I will be sharing information about possible configuration modifications and gathering parent input. This is an important conversation and I am looking forward to seeing you there.
BSUSD Distance Learning & Educational Support for Students and Families
We recognize that distance learning is challenging, and do not expect it to duplicate a typical school day at home. Maintaining a strong partnership between home and school is critical as we as we work together to overcome the various hurdles of remote teaching/learning. Thank you for your continued patience and support!
Our teachers are working to build a robust distance learning model, to the best of their ability, focused on the following:
- Partner with parents to make remote learning more effective and communicate learning expectations regularly.
- Curriculum focused on essential standards and developing grade level skills.
- Scaffold/modify independent learning for students and provide individualized resources and support.
- Provide work packets/materials when appropriate
- Content and projects that integrate the home environment and student interests as much as possible (in progress).
- Provide opportunities for flexible project based learning (in progress)
- Teachers are available to meet with parents as needed. We are not holding formal parent teacher conferences at this time.
- Virtual Class Meetings:
- Avoid Zoom conflicts with other classes (whenever possible)
- Conduct virtual whole class and/or small group meetings at least 2-3 times a week
In order to have our distance learning model be effective, we need students to participate in the following ways (when appropriate depending on grade level).
Participate appropriately in zoom meetings in core subject areas of English, Math, Science and History/Social Studies.
Participate in small group meetings at least 2-3 times a week.
Work on flexible projects as directed.
Complete teacher directed assignments within the agreed upon due date.
Provide digital examples of work packets/materials (where appropriate).
Turn in completed student assignments in agreed upon manner.
We are working together to design flexible Assessment & Accountability measures as we monitor student progress.
While we strive to maintain a high bar for student achievement, we recognize that distance learning can be challenging. We want to be flexible and will work with families to promote student engagement and individualized learning. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if your child needs additional support or resources. Teachers will be holding students accountable in the following ways:
Taking attendance during class and group meetings. Parents will be notified if a student misses class/group meetings.
Monitoring student work. Parents will be notified if students do not complete/turn in assignments.
Monitoring student progress and engagement - as able.
Update on Internet Access & Devices
We have handed out all hotspot devices to families and are troubleshooting as necessary. Please let us know if you are still having difficulty accessing reliable internet or if the hotspot is not working correctly. Our CBO, Catherine Hawes is working closely with our IT Specialist, Mark Tong to get reliable internet to 100% of our families as soon as possible.
If you are having trouble accessing websites and Zoom meetings on your child’s ipad, please contact your child’s teacher to inquire about swapping it out for a chromebook. We want to be sure all students and families have access to online learning.
List of Online Resources to Help Support Distance Learning from A~Z!
Please use this link to access online resources that have been hand-picked by educators to enhance learning at home: List of Online Resources to Help Support Distance Learning from A~Z! I have tried to put them all in one place to make it easier for parents/students to access. I will continue to update the list with new additions and remove links that no longer work. Please let me know if you have recommendations or if any of the links are faulty.
BSUSD Is Here for You During School Closure
Please call or TEXT 415-450-7324 or email Kara Perras at karap@bolinas-stinson.org
Even during the school closure, we are here for you! All our employees - teachers, paraeducators, support staff, specialists, counselors, business, office, and admin are working hard to provide continuous support for our kids. We will continue to check messages/emails and be responsive to your needs.
Due to the shelter in place order, If you need to pick up a device for your child(ren), please reach out to their teacher to set up a pick-up day/time in advance. We ask that parents not enter the office space for health reasons. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Free Daily School Lunches Available for Any Child 18 and Under Will Continue
Please call or TEXT 415-450-7324 or email Kara Perras at karap@bolinas-stinson.org
I am so happy that many families are using this valuable service. We will continue to provide free lunches for pick-up Monday-Friday, during the spring break. Please let us know if you would like to pick up a school lunch for your child(ren) who are 18 and under, during the duration stay-in-place order/school closure. Tato and Suki have been working hard to provide free tasty lunches consisting of: a sandwich, fruit, vegetable, snack, and milk or juice.
Please call or TEXT 415-450-7324 or email Kara Perras at karap@bolinas-stinson.org with the number of lunches you will need for your children and we will have it ready for you to pick up the following day. We know that every little bit helps, and are happy to be able to do this for any family with children 18 and under.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I miss seeing the kids and enjoy hearing from you!
Michelle Stephens
Bolinas-Stinson School Principal
mstephens@bolinas-stinson.org
415-868-1603