3-31-2020
Dear Parents and Families,
This is an incredibly difficult time for our community, and we are so proud of all the ways we have come together already. With schools on an extended closure through April 24, our teachers and school leaders are putting together resources to support continued learning for students while school remains closed. In the spirit of getting started and learning together, our first phase of distance learning activities will start district-wide on Wednesday, April 1. This week, families can expect:
- Opportunities to Connect
○ Teachers will connect with students online or by phone each week.
○ Teachers will send weekly updates with instructional priorities for the week.
○ Parents are encouraged to reach out to teachers and principals with questions or requests for additional support.
- Opportunities to Learn
Teachers will email recommendations for independent reading, as well as direct links to ELA and math lessons for the day. Additionally, physical fitness and mindfulness activities are encouraged each day to ensure health and wellness.
School leaders will identify and enact plans with families who have limited access to technology as we get guidance. Families view the schedule below to help you create a learning schedule for your child’s day. Remember below is only a suggestion by the District.
We recognize that each family is navigating unique challenges, so we hope that this guidance will support you and your family as we figure out distance learning together. Thank you for your patience and work as we navigate this new type learning together.
Thanks,
Phyllis Gilman, Principal
5 Space5 Space5 Space5 Space5 SpaceScheduling Considerations for Families in K-5 Distance Learning
We’ve developed some general recommendations for how long your child could spend with each content area and activity in order to best support their learning at home. With these recommendations in mind, we know that every child is different, and you as the caretaker are the expert on your child’s individual personality and needs. Below, you’ll find recommendations for time blocks and some guiding questions you can use to tailor this schedule to meet the needs of your child and your family.
Guiding Questions:
You:
- What are the time commitments for your own job?
- Who will be the person supporting your child(ren) with their daily distance learning?
- What resources or supports do you and your household need to ensure that daily instruction is effective?
- Who can you reach out to at the school or within your community for help?
- How will you make daily instruction sustainable and consistent for your child(ren)?
- How can you create opportunities for your child to have social interactions with peers from a distance (virtual playdate)?
Your Child:
- When does your child do their best work?
- How might you adjust their schedule to ensure the most difficult tasks first?
- How would you describe your child’s personality?
- How might you adjust their schedule to support their unique needs? (For example, a more social child might need more frequent breaks with you, a sibling, or a phone call with a cousin to check in about their tasks and their day.)
Your Home:
- How many computers/smartphones do you have in the house? How will this impact your family schedule?
- What is the most conducive environment for learning?
- Where is the space located? How is it set up? Is it well lit? Can they sit comfortably? Is it quiet?
- How can you adjust your child’s schedule to meet your needs as a caretaker?
- Does your child have siblings that they will need to assist with learning? Do they have older siblings that could assist you with their learning?
- What regular communication will you need with your child’s teacher? What structures do you need in place to make that happen?
- What systems do you have or can you set up to support instruction (sibling support, chore-charts, incentive systems, etc.)?
Recommended Distance Learning Time Blocks K-5
Content
K-2
3-5
Reading Foundational Skills (phonics)
Khan Academy Kids
- 15 min. of foundational skills practice
Independent Reading
- 10-20 min. of reading practice with books they can read by themselves
- 15-30 min. of reading practice with books they can read by themselves
Core Reading
Greatminds.org
- 30 min. of reading grade-level texts and discussing/writing responses to text-dependent questions with the support of an adult/older sibling
- 45 min. of reading grade-level texts and discussing/writing responses to text-dependent questions with the support of an adult/older sibling
Math
- 15 min. of Math fluency/warm-up: 15 min. of math practice with games, worksheets, etc.
- 30 minutes ofMath concept and practice: 30 min. of content practice through worksheets/tasks
· 45 minutes ofMath concept and practice: 30 min. of content practice through worksheets/tasks
Exercise
and
Mindfulness
30 minutes daily
Art and Music
30 minutes weekly
5 Space5 Space5 Space5 Space5 SpaceCurrent UpdatesAll events are currently on hold. All schools will be closed until April 24th. Please watch the news for more more information on the current situation.5 Space5 Space5 Space5 Space5 SpaceFREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCHSumner County grab and go lunches are available for those who are in need of food. Click HERE for more information.NEW CHANGES TO FOOD PICK UP:Food pick up is now 2 days a weekOn each pickup day you will be given meals for each day until the next pick up day. 7 days’ worth of meals will be given total.Friday’s- 4 days’ worth of meals will be given.Tuesday’s- 3 days’ worth of meals will be given.New food pick up daysFriday 4/3/20Tuesday 4/7/20, Friday 4/10/20Tuesday 4/14/20, Friday 4/17/20Tuesday 4/21/20, Friday 4/24/20205 Space5 Space5 Space5 Space5 SpacePositions Available in Panther PawsWHE's childcare, Panther Paws, has 2 open positions. For those interested, please contact Mrs. Jenn at 615-708-0816 and look at: https://ats4.atenterprise.powerschool.com/ats/job_board?APPLICANT_TYPE_ID=00000002&COMPANY_ID=00016923
Progress Reports
Click HERE for help with accessing your students progress reports.
WHE's school day begins at 7:40 and our doors are open at 7:00.
OUR MISSION
Watt Hardison commits to support lifelong learners and leaders through collaborative, quality instruction and building relationships to empower students to become respectful, responsible, and successful citizens.
At Watt Hardison, our vision is to create a culture of shared leadership, so we can maximize the impact we have on creating life-long learners.