W E E K
O F
A P R I L
2 0 , 2 0 2 0
El Semanario Edison Language Academy – Together Through Two Languages (310) 828-0335 www.edison.smmusd.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS Borrowing Devices from School -- Before Spring Break we were able to distribute about 100 Chromebooks to Edison students who lacked devices at home. The PTA also published a list of internet service providers offering free wifi for students during the school closures and most of our families are now connected for on line learning. If your child does not have access to a device and access to the internet, then please add your name to the district survey at https://bit.ly/SMM0420 and let us know your needs. Because most instruction will be asynchronous (students pick up and do their assignments at times when they are able) you may find that device sharing is possible. Connecting Virtually Through Song -- For the last few weeks our Family Singing Circle has been meeting on-line with Maestra Jacqueline Fuentes on Friday mornings at 9:00 am to sing together. It has been a great way to connect, learn, and raise our voices. If your schedule allows, all parents are invited to join us on Friday mornings to learn and sing songs in Spanish from across Latin American. Are you a “shower singer” only? Start by muting your microphone and singing along! We are Spanish speakers and English speakers; mothers, fathers, and some faculty as available; lyrics provided. For Zoom security, we’re not publicly posting the meeting log-ins, but If you’re interested in joining, please email me at (lorum@smmusd.org) and I’ll forward your email to the “Canta y no llores” Zoom invitation list. Sidewalk Chalk Obstacle Courses – Children need exercise and physical activity every day (so do adults!). If you have access to some sidewalk chalk and a sidewalk, driveway, or empty street, you can create a fun and energetic outside obstacle course for your child. Remember that currently face masks are required for outdoor activity in California. For a how-to video from the Child Success Center, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL5jnR3lU-g. Another idea for an obstacle course that takes less space outside can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qarLxm9_Mw Because it can be so easy to jump to other videos on different topics on youtube, please do not let your children use youtube without your supervision.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK: WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL On Monday, April 20 we began with distance learning – teaching new content and helping children to continue to strengthen and extend their core language, reading, writing and math skills. For the next seven+ weeks we will be meeting our students on-line and by telephone and continuing to provide instruction in two languages. Your child’s teacher sent a schedule for the first week’s instruction – including which days and times will include synchronous (live) meetings. Please mark those days and times on your calendar. Asynchronous assignments and any due dates will also be listed for the week. These schedules also contain instructions for how to check in daily with the teacher. To be considered to be in attendance, students should check in some fashion each day. Teachers are suggesting a way that you might schedule your child’s day that is similar to the structure they are used to from live schooling. However, we appreciate that each family’s situation is unique, so you have the flexibility to decide when your child picks up the rest of the lessons and complete assignments. If your child cannot meet the due date or needs some support or clarification on an assignment, please help them email or call the teacher for assistance. Teachers are maintaining live office hours (most commonly from 1:00-2:00 pm) to provide such assistance and they will return emails or phone calls at other times as soon as possible. Students who were receiving reading intervention or special education services will continue to receive those live, individual and/or small group services. Visual arts with Maestra Martha and Música en Español with Maestra Jacqueline will also continue with some live classes and some recorded and available on line. Children in grades 3-5 can also access the música en español classes. Distance learning is new to all of us, so we will be collecting feedback from children and parents, assessing progress, reflecting, and refining as needed. California’s response to the Covid-19 virus is evolving, so as State and County directives change, our schools will respond accordingly. Please reach out to Community Liaison Yoly Gutierrez if your family is experiencing a need that the Community Support Network might be able to support (ygutierrez@smmusd.org) or to Counselor Cynthia Lua if you child is having anxious feelings and may need support (clua@smmusd.org). We’re all in this together!