Mrs. Millar Class Remote Learning Letter
March 29, 2020
Dear Students and Parents,
Never in our wildest dreams could any of us have anticipated the situation we are currently in. When we found out shortly before dismissal on Friday, March 13, that school would be closed for two weeks due to the Coronavirus we truly thought we would return to school on Monday, March 30. Grade level work packets were quickly assembled in an effort for student learning to continue at home. During our two weeks apart COVID19 has continued to spread and the necessity for social distancing is more important now than ever. While what we are experiencing is unprecedented the reports of kindness and the creative ways it is being expressed towards our fellow human beings is truly heartwarming. A few of these examples are people grocery shopping for the elderly, professional musicians performing from their home and posting it on social media, to even our own Acton Howl. (For those of you that are unfamiliar with this it works like this. Every night at 8:00 p.m, you go outside and howl like a coyote and listen for your neighbors to howl back. When wolves, coyotes, and dogs need to know they are not alone they howl and their unseen companions nearby join in. They want reassurance that someone is there. So when one howls, they all howl. It's a silly yet fun way for Acton residents to stay connected, and to show we care about one another.) Students I encourage you to rise to the occasion and also go the extra mile to show kindness. This can be done in many ways. Perhaps play a game with a younger sibling that they really enjoy not because you necessarily enjoy it, but simply to make them happy. Do you know that your younger brother or sister really looks up to you and loves to spend time with you? You could also do crafts with them, read a book to them, etc. Not only would it mean a lot to your sibling it would also mean a lot to your parents. Make the extra effort to get along with your brother or sister and keep the peace in the house. You can also show kindness by doing your chores without your parents asking you to do so. Just do it. Start your day by making your bed, keeping your room picked up, and picking up after yourself, if you see something that needs to be done just do it. Examples include emptying the trash, putting the dishes from the dishwasher away, etc. These are simple things you can do that will help your family. Some of you have parents that are working from home right now. Do your part to help them be successful at their job. Starting Monday your job is to be the best student you can be as we begin remote learning.
On Monday go to my website to see your assignments. As a reminder: go to the school website aadusd.k12.ca.us/hds. Click on Academics/6th grade/Mrs. Millar/Homework. I will be assigning work for the week by subject that will be due on Friday. I recommend you do a portion of each subject each day, but it is up to you. If you want to do all of one subject per day that is fine too, with the exception of Xtra math. You must do Xtra math a minimum of 4 days per week, and will earn bonus points if you exceed this requirement. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY TO DO YOUR ASSIGNMENTS. Remember our saying: Do not put off to tomorrow what you can do today. I highly encourage you to create a school routine. For example work on assignments from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. take a 30 minute break and continue working from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Then enjoy the rest of your day. This is a rough timeline you may need additional time. This will provide structure and will aid in your success. To stay focused and on task avoid as many distractions as possible such as: texting and watching t.v. If possible work on your assignments in a room by yourself. For this first week, as we make this transition, I have purposely chosen things you are familiar with. In addition to Xtra math you will be using Khan Academy and Noredink. Many educational websites have generously offered free subscriptions to teachers to aid in online learning. Another act of kindness that I am truly grateful for! I have added one new website which is IXL. You should have received an email with your username and password. I may have accidentally sent it to you twice! Please let me know if you have not received it. Parents, please know that your child should have a login sheet in a clear sheet in their binder with the login information for all the websites that we use. If your son/daughter cannot find it please ask them to look in their binder again and take everything out of their backpack. Students regularly tell me they can't find something and when I ask them to look again they find it. :) If it still cannot be found please send me an email and I will provide the login information you need. Please know that I will accept work assigned after the Friday due date as I am aware that some students may have technology issues. However, if at all possible please submit assignments by the due date as you will receive additional assignments the following week. The work will pile up and that is an awful feeling. As a reminder Chromebooks are being issued by the school district for students that need them. This may be especially helpful if a family has one device and multiple people that need to use it. You need to contact the district office to check one out.
Some of you were able to complete the final draft of the Pit Bull Argumentative Essay and turn it in before school ended on our final day together. Many students did not turn it in either due to absence, leaving early or not completing it. I have decided to make the final draft a bonus point assignment. Those of you that have turned it in have earned bonus points! Those of you that haven't done so can turn it in through Google Classroom to earn bonus points.
Parents, please know that your child should be able to do most of the work independently. I will have office hours from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Monday - Thursday. You can email me during this time and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I will also be periodically checking email at other times as well.
Students, I miss each one of you and the normalcy of our school day. I miss your smiles, laughter, and the "aha" moments when you learn something new. Please know while we our not in the traditional classroom your education continues. Let's work together to ensure your success!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Millar
P.S. Parent or student, please email me to let me know you have received this email. Thank you!