Dear Bates Families,
I hope this email finds you well. I want to say thank you again for all you are doing to support remote learning. When I’ve joined classes in Zoom meetings over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed how happy our students are to connect with their teacher and classmates. I’ve also been impressed to see even our youngest students mastering the ins and outs of our new technology platforms. We’ve all learned so much in the last month.
I know much is asked of you as parents and guardians in order to support remote learning for elementary children. I strongly believe that the improvements in Remote Learning 2.0 will even better support our students’ engagement. While our goal is to engage all children in all aspects of our remote learning offering, we know this isn’t always possible in our current complicated reality. We are all doing the best we can.
In the coming week you will see some exciting changes to your child’s schedule as Remote Learning 2.0 rolls out.
Remote Learning 2.0
Starting next week every student will be invited to participate in:
- at least two small group lessons a week
- at least three whole class meetings a week
- at least one live, or synchronous, experience with a teacher every day
As you may be aware, the School Committee voted to amend the school calendar and forego April vacation week. We will observe Patriot’s Day on Monday, and resume remote learning on Tuesday. Due to the four-day week, some schedules will be adjusted.
Your child’s teacher will provide you with a weekly schedule for class meetings and small group instruction. Each child’s daily schedule will also include asynchronous (pre-recorded video) lessons and independent work expectations. I suggest you use this schedule to help organize your child’s week and structure each day. Creating a daily schedule that identifies time for learning and time for play can help to support independence. Some children also benefit from setting alarms or timers throughout the day. Also, consider setting up a consistent work space and providing a box to keep a few basic supplies that your child may need for remote learning, like paper and a pencil.
Finally, we are here to help. For support with technology, email helpdesk@wellesleyps.org. For anything else, please reach out to your child’s teacher and/or me at jolleya@wellesleyps.org.
The Bates Mini-Marathon
I have some exciting news. The Bates Mini-Marathon is on! The Bates Mini-Marathon (remote learning style) is on Wednesday, April 29th. To participate, students run/walk/jump/move for 20 minutes in a row, inside or outside. Also families can join in. Once you have completed the Mini-Marathon, you can send your results to Mrs. Fyvie and receive a finisher’s certificate. See Mrs. Fyvie’s slides for more information and training tips.
The Bates Mini-Marathon has always been a fundraiser for the Wellesley METCO program. Voluntary donations can be made to Friends of Wellesley METCO, Inc. by clicking on this link: Donate to Friends of Wellesley METCO Donations are used to support the WPS METCO Summer Reading Program.
Join us for the Bates Community Meeting
We will live stream a Bates Community Meeting on Wednesday, April 22 at 11:30 a.m. You and your family are invited to participate. If you are unable to watch live, the recording will be available shortly afterwards. Directions on how to join the live stream will be emailed early next week.
Principal Coffees
I hope you will join me for one of two Principal Coffees. K-2 families are invited to join me on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. and grade 3-5 families are invited to join me on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. I will send out the Zoom meeting links on the morning of the coffee. I look forward to this time to virtually connect with you and answer any questions you may have.
It’s hard to believe, but I understand snow is headed our way. I look forward to resuming my outdoor Mini-Marathon training on Sunday. Have a restful weekend.
Warm regards,
Toni Jolley
Important Dates
Monday, April 20 No Remote Learning – Patriot’s Day
Tuesday, April 21 Remote Learning resumes
Wednesday, April 22 Community Meeting – live stream at 11:30 a.m. (link to follow)
Tuesday, April 28 Principal Coffee, K-2 at 7:30 p.m. (Zoom link to follow)
Wednesday, April 29 Bates Mini-Marathon
Thursday, April 30 Principal Coffee, grades 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. (Zoom link to follow)