Dear First & Second Grade Families,

We’ve all been missing connecting with one another.  Thank you for your efforts as we’ve begun our “sharing” routine. It’s been uplifting to see kids commenting and encouraging each other. Next week we’d like to invite your students to connect virtually using Google Meets. We know there’s a bit of a learning curve for everyone and that technology doesn’t always cooperate the way we hope.  Please bear with us as we iron out kinks.  Let us know what barriers come up for you so we can help to find solutions.  We know some kids or families won’t be available at the times we suggest, so as a school we’re hoping to offer a variety of experiences as we enter this new terrain. In an effort to keep the experience manageable along with our desire to hear the voices of all your wonderful children, we’ll be dividing the class in half for our sessions.

In our “Remote Learning Plan” for next week, you’ll find a schedule and link for your child’s meeting.  If you plan to have your child meet on a mobile device (an iPad or Cell Phone) you might have to download the Google Meet app.  It will look like this in the App Store: 

How to get in:

Click on the link in our ‘remote learning plan’ a minute or two prior to the beginning of your meeting. It should take you to a page where you’ll be asked to “Join” our meeting.  You’ll also be able to join our meeting via phone.  If you’re on the run or your internet connection isn’t cooperative (mine today!), you will also find a ‘dial-in’ number in our learning plans so you may enter the meeting via phone. This will be an audio only option, but we’ll still hear your voice!

Some things to keep in mind as we try this new tool:

• This is voluntary.  If you are able to attend, we’d love that.  If you aren’t, that’s fine, too.
• The first few meetings will solely be focused on creating connections and learning how to use the platform.  We will NOT be introducing new learning material.  The goal of this work will be to strengthen our connections, hear from each other in a structured setting, and help encourage and engage your students in their learning at home.
• It may not work the first time! Please communicate your concerns with us as we try to support your students in a way we never anticipated.  If your device can’t connect or the link we share doesn’t work, let us know so we can problem solve and find success in the future.

What to expect: 

• When you enter the meeting room, turn on your video and mute your microphone.
• Teachers will have a plan to engage the group in conversation and social connection.
• We will ask each student questions.  
• When we ask you a question, unmute your microphone and answer the question.  When you’re done speaking, re-mute your microphone.  
• We will not be using the “Chat” option (a way to type ideas to foster a written dialogue between participants) during our time together.  We’re hoping to maintain students’ attention with the thoughts and ideas of their peers and teachers.

Throughout the session we may:

• Ask a specific question and call on individuals to respond
• Ask you to raise a hand or give a thumbs up if you understand the directions
• Ask you to unmute one at a time to hear everyone answer a quick question

We look forward to exploring this new way of connecting and learning with your children!