The ongoing COVID-19/Coronavirus public health emergency has challenged everyone in different ways. For educators, it has resulted in finding new ways to support our students while they are not in our classrooms. A longer than expected school closure – currently through at least April 14 – means at-home learning will continue during this time.
While we recognize that instruction will not be the same as in a traditional classroom, our goal is to make sure that students have opportunities to continue learning new material guided by their teachers to prepare for the return to school.
To support this, we have worked as a district and as part of a larger effort with the Capital Region BOCES and our many neighboring school districts to gather and/or develop high-quality, standards-based lessons and resources and a framework for at-home learning that will best meet the needs of all children. The new resources are curriculum-based with an emphasis on concepts and skills that are essential for future learning. These resources also offer flexibility for teachers to adapt lessons that are appropriate for their students.
As a region, we also worked together on reasonable expectations for at-home learning, given these less-than-ideal circumstances. This includes a reduction in the amount of time students spend on at-home learning each week, and simplified grading measures.
Our expectation is that at-home learning time (including time spent learning new material, watching video lessons, participating in class discussions and completing assigned work and activities) will occur within these recommended guidelines:
- Grades K-2: 2.5 hours total per week for ELA and math, with an additional one hour per week for learning in PE, art and music (3.5 hours per week total)
- Grades 3-5: 4 hours total per week for ELA and math, with an additional one hour per week for learning in PE, art and music (5 hours per week total)
- Grades 6-8: 2 hours each per week for ELA, math, science and social studies, with an additional 2 hours per week for all other subject areas (10 hours per week total)
- Grades 9-12: 3 hours per week for each credit-bearing course (24 hours per week total)
A daily condensed schedule will provide structure and routine for students and parents, while also giving students flexibility to work outside of scheduled times. (See a sample daily schedule below)
We will also suspend “formal” grading while our schools are closed. Instead, students will receive feedback in one the following ways:
- Evidence of Learning = The student has demonstrated learning of essential curriculum based on what was taught and assigned.
- Not Yet Learned = The student has not completed an assignment, or work completed does not yet demonstrate learning of essential curriculum. The student will be given the opportunity to redo and resubmit work to demonstrate learning.
The Watervliet Elementary School 2nd trimester achievement reports will include grades and student progress through March 16. The 3rd trimester achievement reports will include grades and student progress from our return date through the end of the year. No 3rd trimester interim reports will be given.
The Watervliet Junior/Senior High School 3rd quarter report cards will include grades and student progress through March 16. Students may submit make-up work that was due prior to March 16 by April 8 to be included in 3rd quarter report cards. The 4th quarter report cards will include grades and student progress from our return date through the end of the year. No 4th quarter interim reports will be given.
Our most important expectation for students is that they participate daily and connect with their teachers so that learning can continue. As parents and guardians, you are important partners and digital role models for your children to help them develop new routines to remain engaged in their learning during these unprecedented times.
Together, we can continue our mission of educating every student, every day!
We wish you and your families good health during these unprecedented times. Please remember that we are here to assist you and encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns or needs.
Sample Daily Schedule for Grades K-6 Students
MORNING
- 30 minutes
Morning routine (eat a healthy breakfast, get dressed, brush your teeth) - 30 minutes
Physical activities such as running/walking/jogging, yoga, bike riding, cardio exercises, exercise videos, dancing - 30-60 minutes
Core-area learning activities (ELA and math)- Grades K-2: 15-30 minutes of new learning with direct teacher instruction and practice activities as directed by teacher in ELA and math
- Grades 3-6: 30-60 minutes of new learning with direct teacher instruction and practice activities as directed by teacher in ELA and Math
- 60 minutes
Creative activities such as painting, drawing, crafts, LEGO building and playing a musical instrument - 60 minutes
Household activities such as cooking, baking or doing chores - 30 minutes
Lunch
AFTERNOON
- 60 minutes
Reading and writing for enjoyment (math games can be fun too!) - 30 minutes
Creative activities such as painting, drawing, crafts, LEGO building and playing a musical instrument - 30-60 minutes
Independent practice or extension activities based on recommendations provided by your child’s teacher - 60 minutes
Physical activities such as running/walking/jogging, yoga, bike riding, cardio exercises, exercise videos, dancing
Rest of the day
- Dinner and free time