Taking Care of Our Students
The coronavirus continues to present challenges to all— especially those of us in the field of education. Last week, I shared with parents and students some of the support programming in place at Springfield High School to assist all students remain academically successful. I know from my own teenagers, sometimes what happens during the school day is not readily shared at home. It made me think, too, that those without students in school might wonder what structures we have in place to assist SHS students during these trying times. Here is an overview:
AEI Period (Academic Enrichment and Intervention) 10th-12th Grade Students
The AEI period is a 35-minute block attached to the fourth period for students to have time to receive academic assistance and mentoring. During this time, students can: schedule appointments in a test make-up center; seek tutoring in certain subjects and at times; seek assistance and support from a teacher. During AEI, students can work in study groups to review for tests, review grades for missing assignments and set goals and plans to be successful with the help of their AEI teacher. The AEI teacher will review grades and map out possibilities to assist in academic success. The AEI teacher will be mentoring students, but as usual, nothing can replace the support of a parent. Parents are encouraged to contact an AEI teacher (fourth hour teachers also are the students AEI teacher).
High School Success Class (HSS) / 9th Grade The High School Success
The High School Success Class is a separate class attached to fourth period for freshman students. This 35-minute class is two trimesters long and focused on assisting students to adapt and be successful in high school. The HSS teacher is looking at topics designed to assist incoming high school students like growth mindset and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. The class also is a mentor class in which students are coached by the HSS teacher on how to be successful in many situations. One or two times per week in HSS, students are given a block of time to work on assignments for any of their classes. Where available, HSS teachers also can make appointments with teachers to assist students in make-up work or intervention.
What Students Should Do Now When They Know They will be Absent from School
•First, communicate with their teachers to alert them regarding potential missed assignments.
•Schedule a one-on-one GoogleMeet with a teacher (if available)
•Create a list or double check that technology access, supplies and/or materials needed are at home to keep up with course work. Technology support is available at Support@springfieldschools.org. Pick-up of specific classroom items can be arranged via email with teachers
What Students Should Do While Out of School
•Google Classroom software is provided for students to complete assignments as regularly as possible. Those not feeling well are reminded to communicate this with your teachers.
•Parents are reminded that PowerSchool is offered to assist in monitoring student’s assignments (even when they aren’t out of school).
•Quick conversations or text chats with classmates also can help students understand “kid speak”—we know that sometimes this is easier to understand than “teacher speak.”
