Novato Unified School District VLA Middle School Message – January 14 , 2021

Novato CA

15 January, 2021

8:49 AM

Description

Press release from the Novato Unified School District: January 14, 2021 Hello VLA Middle School Families, Student Shoutout! I would like to give a shoutout to Alex K. who is in my 8th grade English and History VLA class. Every day he comes to zoom with such a positive attitude. He always starts a chat asking other students how they are doing and always checks in with me to see how I am each day. He is incredibly engaged throughout our zoom sessions and contributes daily to our discussions. Alex is a bright and shining light in my class and everyone recognizes his positive spirit during this difficult learning process. -Ms. Werner (Core- English 8 and History 8) Elizabeth P. is a 7th grade student who is in my 8th grade band. Every day she logs on early, and checks in with her classmates – she asks them what they had for breakfast, how they are feeling and shows great care and support. In a difficult time she cares so much for others. This is especially brave since most of the students in the class are older than her. She is also an outstanding flute player who always volunteers and does a great job. She voluntarily comes to an extra flute tutoring session to do advanced music. -Mr. Eckl Friday, January 15 is a School Day Instruction live and independent is taking place on Friday, January 15th. It was previously a staff development day; however, the calendar committee approved a change of that date to November 20, 2020 to provide PD and planning time for teachers who would be bringing students back to school. VLA Middle School Weekly Schedule Changing as of January 4th, 2021 The schedule is linked here. And can be viewed below. Attendance will continue to be required for all 5 days of school. Since all VLA students are virtual, there is no need to divide the classes into cohorts. The live (synchronous) learning per class period is highlighted in the yellow boxes. The green boxes are times designated for independent work (asynchronous) for the classes that aren't meeting live. Please note that this time may be extended at the end of the school day as well in order to complete assignments. Your child may take a break and eat lunch during these green times as well. Clarification on the Afternoon Class Times The blue highlighted times are utilized to work in small groups or independent work for the classes that have met live earlier in the day. Students who have a grade of D or F must attend the afternoon session. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend the first 15 minutes of each afternoon session to ask questions or check in with their teacher prior to working independently. If your child is asked to attend a small group or check in during this time, attendance is required. The teachers will notify their students who should be attending live meetings in the afternoons via Google Classroom. This press release was produced by the Novato Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.