Summer Hive 3

What We Know, Sort of Know, and Don't Know

I have tried to make this table to address some of the concerns that have been brought to my attention. I am under no delusions that this addresses everything that is on your mind (or mine). Please reach out with other questions, thoughts, or concerns. If you are thinking about something chances are someone else is as well.   

Know	Sort of Know	Don’t Know Yet
Teachers will have remote PD beginning 9/8.  Teachers will return to the building for additional PD on 9/14.  Part of our PD will continue our active anti-racist work Part of our PD will be on organizingSeeSaw for families so that we have a common template Part of our PD will be on STMath and other applications that we are using.	50% of the PD time will be taken by the district. It most likely will be asynchronous	What our specific PD will be or the schedule
150/198 families have responded to our survey about their learning model preference (3:00pm 8/28)	We should be able to have fairly stable class lists to you by Wednesday We will have a hybrid instructional model for you to react to hopefully by next Friday Starting in October we will have approximately 65 students in the building per day. We will have some number of students in person on 10/1 because they were designated as high needs by the District. The District will be contacting these families directly	How many or if those high needs students will be attending school 4 days a week
The district has provided us with a building opening checklist this checklist includes an updated link to custodial protocols.  We will follow EEC guidelines for placing nap mats. Students will be unmasked during nap.  We will have protocols for entering and exiting the building, handwashing, hand sanitizing, moving throughout the building We will have one an atomizing steam cleaner machine	I have asked for a facilities expert in ventilation to walk the building with me and identify the appropriate place for fan placement for optimal air circulation We are hoping to purchase two large tents to create an outside space for lunch and potential teaching. This is dependent on if we can determine a way to stake them to make safe in the wind, theft-resistant, and uninhabitable after school hours.  When the atomizing machine is coming	A specific plan for mask breaks and storage
No one beyond the assigned students and staff will be allowed in the building beyond the office.  This includes all BPS partners The central staircase will only be for adult use.
		Schedules- once we have model, # of students in each and class lists we will be able to start this process
Our budget is going to be extremely difficult Seesaw will be our learning management system We will be using Lexia and ST Math We will be using Talking Points to communicate with families The district has provided us with a list of minimum at home learning supplies that we must supply for every child. The initial purchase based on our current enrollment will be $2,434  We will need to replenish these supplies.	We may have to purchase applications because we are an autonomous school. The District may provide emergency financial relief If we have to purchase Lexia and SeeSaw that will be $7,063 from our budget The total for required materials could be $9,497 from our supply budget which is $11,000.  I will transfer the budget set aside for field trips into the supply line which will give us approximately $3,500 more for supplies We will also have to purchase tents, a way to stake them, and face shields.

Survey about Educators Returning

We have reached the point in the planning process where we need to know how many of our staff are planning on returning next year. I need each and every one of you to know that I recognize how intensely personal and difficult this decision is for each of you. I deeply admire and respect everyone's professionalism and dedication to our LAPS students and families. No matter what you decide that will never be in doubt. I believe in each of you as an individual and in our team as a collective. 

As your principal, I am committed to both making your return to the building as safe as possible and supporting you if you feel that you cannot return. In last week's Hive, I provided you the information about the BPS Leave Policy and the types of leaves that are available to you. I know that the BTU has also provided you with this information. 

I am asking you to log into your BPS account and please complete this survey by Wednesday 9/2/20. Your answers will be kept confidential. 

Thank you for your professionalism and dedication to your craft! 

Professional Learning Opportunities

From DESE

On September 2nd, the Center for Instructional Support will release the Remote Teaching & Learning Modules Series. This is a free, 5-part series of self-guided modules for teachers and other school-based educators who will be engaging in remote teaching and learning this coming year, whether through a hybrid or fully remote model. Each module includes specific instructional practices, tips, and strategies for remote teaching in key areas such as Curriculum & Planning, Learning Environment, Family Collaboration, and Professional Collaboration. Educators will also have the opportunity to dig deeper into content-specific strategies aligned to MA curriculum frameworks, reflect on culturally responsive practice, and explore digital tools and resources supportive of both live and asynchronous instruction.

Each module includes a learning and exploration section, followed by recommended reflection activities and applications to a teacher’s specific school and classroom. 

If possible, we encourage educators to experience the modules in pairs or teams to maximize collective knowledge and take-aways.

The modules will be available through the CIS website on September 2nd. No registration is necessary. If you’d like to be notified upon their immediate release, please share your contact information here. Please direct any additional questions to EducatorDevelopment@doe.mass.edu.

From the District

Professional Development Opportunities for Early Childhood

• Early Childhood Hybrid Learning Environments (K0-2)
• Training on Seesaw (K0-2)
• Foundational Literacy Skills Assessment (K2-2)

Free from Outside Providers

Simple K12 

• Creating Choice Boards with Google Slides

SST

We will need to get our SST up and running fairly quickly. Meetings will be virtual and completed at a time that is mutually agreed upon by the team. There will be some additional time required for asynchronous training on the Panorama student support platform and SST processes. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested.

Budget

You may have gathered from reading above that our budget situation is pretty grim. All that being said I am asking you to submit your budget requests by Friday, September 4th so that we can get what we are able to order. Please prioritize items that are essential for your classroom to function. In order to assist you with this, we are providing you:

Your spring 2020 Budget Requests

Blank Sheets by vendor for August 2020 requests

Summer Hive 2

 

Inspiration for Our Work

In case you (like I do) need some inspiration to continue doing the herculean work that we have endlessly been engaging in please watch this video. It is Boston's Youth Poet Laureate, Alondra Bobadilla, reading one of her original works. If you, like me, did not know that there was a Youth Poet Laureate Boston.gov describes the position as "...an advocate for poetry, language, and the arts. They create a unique artistic legacy through public readings and civic events. The mission of the Youth Poet Laureate is to raise the status of poetry in the everyday lives of Bostonians."

Here is Ms. Bobadilla's biography from Boston.gov:

    Born and raised in Boston, MA, for most of her life, Alondra Bobadilla found and nurtured her love for     writing since she learned her first letters. Besides writing, she has participated in multiple performance     art forms since she was a little girl, finding ways to express herself beyond poetry alone. She’s curious,     lively and loves to learn. In her free time, she spends it with friends and loved ones, always trying to put     first the people that matter most. She is a student at Fenway High School, and was named Boston's             first-ever Youth Poet Laureate in January 2020.

 Please take a few minutes out of your busy day to watch the video and reflect on Ms. Bobadilla's message to us!  Boston's Youth Poet Laureate

Fundraising

I, like you, have noticed many Donor's Choose fundraisers that are happening in other schools in Boston. While I do not think two wrongs make a right, I know that the District is not going to adequately fund what we need to do the right thing for our students and families. I appreciate how all of you respected the fact that I asked you not to do individual fundraisers during the spring. I am lifting that moratorium with the caveat that what you raise funds for will remove the barriers for those that are the furthest away from educational opportunity. I would like for you to think of ideas that are whole-school efforts or at least grade level efforts that will benefit all of our children not just those on your class list (which you do not have yet). If you are starting a fundraising effort please share it with all of us so that our entire community knows what is happening where and we are not working in silos.      

Health Conversation

I have spoken with Nurse Sam who is looking forward to meeting with you for an optional meeting to discuss any health concerns that you may have about returning to work in the building. Keri sent you an invitation to this event on Thursday. I want to reiterate what was in that email:

I am opting not to attend this meeting in case you feel uncomfortable being fully open and transparent about your concerns. We truly want this to be an opportunity to have your questions answered. Shortly after this discussion, I will be distributing a survey about how comfortable you are feeling returning to the building, and if you are planning on returning. The sole purpose of this survey is to best plan for our students. We know your commitment to your profession and our students and families. No matter what your decision is that will NEVER be in doubt!   

I hope that if you have concerns you can find time to attend this meeting. 

BPS Long Term Leaves Policies Related to COVID-19

The Office of Human Capital has established leave procedures to request approved leave from work, including FMLA Leave if an employee or a qualifying family member has medical conditions that may prevent them from returning to work. Through December 31, 2020, employees may also qualify for benefits under the Families First Coronavirus Act, including leave to care for a child because the child’s school or place of care has been closed or the student’s childcare provider is unavailable, due to COVID-19 precautions. Employees may also seek reasonable accommodations for qualifying conditions.

District Stuff

Professional Development

The district has continued to say that the Learning Management Software for ALL students K0-12 is Google classroom. I agree with a consistent platform because we heard that loud and clear from our families. That being said some departments are really pushing SeeSaw. A challenge that we on the ground are going to have is how to use Google Classroom as the container and integrate SeeSaw as individual lessons and activities. I am counting on your expertise here because I do not have a good answer. I know that those of you that have used it really like SeeSaw so I am sure that together we can figure something great out! Here is a list of upcoming SeeSaw Webinars offered by the District. 

We have been wondering about how much time we are going to have for District mandated PD vs. what we know we need/want as a Lee Academy Community for PD. This is the District response to that tension:

 

A cross-functional planning team is working to determine what mandatory professional learning will be required across all schools to prepare for reopening during the 9 days prior to the start of school. As soon as we know the amount of time that will need to be dedicated to district-wide mandatory professional learning, we will let you know.  We anticipate that you will have flexibility in terms of how you schedule district-wide mandatory professional learning into your building-specific schedule. The following central office teams are planning content and preparing resources to support our educators in the reopening of school buildings and launching the school year.

Academics, Special Education, & English Language Learners content, Anti-racism training/pd/conversations, Behavior Health & Trauma plans for adults and students, Facilities Protocols, Food Service (for appropriate staff), Health Protocols & Preparedness, Safety Services (plan/protocols for not allowing traffic in School Buildings), SEL-WELL for adults and students, Taskforce recommendations, Technology. ~ Al Taylor Jr. 

Guidance from The Early Childhood Department for K0-Grade 2 Classrooms

School leaders were provided with the following slide show at an optional District operations meeting on 8/20/20. Please keep in mind as you read this we are not being allocated additional funds to purchase new supplies. Please focus on the spirit of the ideas. This may also help you inform budget requests.

BPS Early Childhood Classroom Recommendations 

More District News

The district began this week to reach out to families to document their selection. I was informed Wednesday that they have set August 28 as the deadline for submitting the form so that we can complete all preparation work. For families who do not reply, students will be assigned into the hybrid model and to school bus transportation if eligible.

After day 1 we had 34 responses. Of those 34 responses, the majority were expressing a preference for fully remote. I will keep you updated as I learn more. 

Phased Roll in Schedule V.2 of the Plan

Grades 1-12 start school on September 21 but all are learning online and taught remotely, not in school buildings, until their grade level is rolled in as specified below:

• Grades PreK (K0/K1/K2) - Kindergarten start school on September 23rd. Students who have opted into Remote Learning start remotely; Students who have opted into either Hybrid A/B or Hybrid C come back to school within the hybrid model (half on campus, half learning remotely), as assigned.
•  Grades 1-8 come back to school within the hybrid model (half on campus, half learning remotely) on September 28th.
• Grades 9-12 come back to school within the hybrid model (half on campus, half learning remotely) on October 5th.

I have been told that there may be a potential version 3 of the plan with a modified timeline. I will keep you updated.

Summer Hive 1

District Timeline

This has been somewhat of a moving target that we have been working really hard to hit. Last night we found out, at the city council, that the first day for students is currently scheduled for 9/21. There is still a lack of clarity about whether that includes our K0/K1 and K2 friends. I will let you know as soon as I have that answer. 

The first day for teachers will be September 8th. Given the extra time that we have prior to students arriving, I do not see a need to have our pre-labor day PD per our ETWA. That means your first day will be September 8th. After the dust settles and we figure out where we are we will revisit the ETWA to make adjustments that best meet our needs as a community of learners. 

The district needs to submit its final plan for reopening to the state on Friday. That plan will be known as Reopening Plan version 2. This plan will contain a plan for fully remote learning and a hybrid model. The plan will NOT indicate what route the District is taking. Last evening the superintendent said that there is not a "deadline" for making the decision and the decision will be based on health metrics. 

Fun Fact: The District is marketing our reopening strategy as Returning Boston Strong!

We will be ready and strong thanks to the amazing work that our Lee Academy Team has accomplished over the summer. We will not be perfect on 9/21 but just as we did in the spring we will learn, grow, and refine our practices to meet the needs of our students and families. 

PPE Purchases and Sanitizers

The latest update I have heard from the district is:

• Every building will be getting an electrostatic sprayer for disinfecting. I am unclear about the protocol for how often this will be used. I am assuming at least Wednesdays and Fridays.
• The District will provide each student with 2 reusable masks
• The District will provide each teacher with 2 reusable masks
• Disposable masks will be provided if someone forgets their mask
• Each classroom will be provided with a cleaning kit so that students and/or teachers can wipe down high use surfaces
• Each classroom will be provided with a bottle of hand sanitizer
• Hand Sanitizer stations will be located throughout the building
• Zoraida will have a clear protective curtain around her desk 

I do not have much information beyond this. The district still has not developed a protocol or what PPE will be required for diapering. I know this is a concern that many of you have. 

Working Groups

I do not think any of us got a summer vacation or a mental break from thinking about what the 2020-2021 school year is going to look like. All summer our Lee Academy team has been working on a variety of teams to plan for the new reality we are facing. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude and admiration for how much each of you contributes to our community. 

Equity Roundtable 

This group of parents and educators started us off on a journey to ensure that we truly lean into and act on our belief that equity is at the core of everything we do. The team is operationalizing the idea that families are our partners in this work and ensuring that our curriculum is culturally responsive and anti-racist. From this group, we developed two teams a curriculum team and a family engagement team.

Curriculum Team- Coach Sarah

The trajectory of this team's work was:

• Reading around culturally responsive teaching and antiracist education
• Examining existing tools for critically evaluating materials and teaching 
• Develop a plan to assess, enhance and improve our own teaching and materials 

The work that this team began will be carried through our building professional development this year. The team is currently working on ideas to continue to move this essential work forward through the entire school year.  

Family Engagement Team-Coaches Chris and Brian 

This team is working on the development and scheduling of a series of parent conversations to help build our partnerships with families. The team has currently identified 6 topics that we will convene monthly meetings with parents for. This group is also considering the idea of creating a Lee Academy Parent YouTube Channel for posting " How-to Videos" that parents can access in their own time and as needed. We will also be developing a weekly blog, similar to this, for families. the name for this new blog will "bee" the Buzz. A majority of our parents who took the first survey responded that they preferred to receive information via email. The format of a blog will allow us to do that. Chris Wade is taking the lead on this project. Please let him know what it is you think parents would be curious about each week. 

 

First Time Families     Facilitators: Kim Parker, Priscilla, Keri, Jodi                  1st Session: 9/1/20

Content TBD

Parent Connections    Facilitators: Mike Ritter,Jasen Lambright,  TBD              1st Session: TBD

We are continuing to look for another parent facilitator preferably a LAPS parent that identifies as Latinx 

This group will:

• Provide an opportunity for parents to share high/low points from the week
• Supply general information about what is happening in the school and community 
• Create the Time and space for a conversation about concerns, ideas, and celebrations of our community

Health and Wellness     Facilitators: Sam, Chris                                                    1st Session: TBD

This group will:

• Introduce and review the health checklist
• Introduce and review protocols for symptoms
•     For these protocols to work we’ll need strong family partnerships
• Highlight the positives 
• Prepare kids for:
• Putting on masks
• Wearing masks for longer periods of time
• Share social stories about changes in school 

SEL                                 Facilitators: Jen and the Interns                                        1st Session: TBD

This group will:

• Provide support for parents/caregivers as well as support for children

Technology                     Facilitators: Priscilla and District OIIT (TBD)                1st session TBD

Content TBD

Math                               Facilitators: Brian and Shandolyn                                    1st Session: 9/29/20

This group will:

• Consist of a series of workshops at each grade level
• Dive into the content including the why & how of the work
• Bridge the work from the previous year by helping parents see what the child learned before and how the current standards extend that knowledge
• Focus on priority standards

ELA                                 Facilitator: Sarah and                                                        1st Session: TBD

We are still looking for an additional facilitator for this group

Content: TBD

Hybrid Planning Group- Coach Sarah 

This team of educators and parents is working on a hybrid plan for reopening. We held our first meeting on Tuesday, August 11th.  We brainstormed/brain dumped thoughts and ideas on the following topics:

• In a hybrid model, what must happen in person that can’t happen online? 
• In a hybrid model, what would ideally happen on the remote learning days? (Consider here what worked best this past spring for remote learning) 
• What are you most worried about? 
• What unanswered questions do you have? 

Keeping these successes and potential pitfalls in mind we broke into two groups and discussed what elements a successful Hybrid model would include. Look for a report out after our next meeting.

Remote Planning Group-Coach Paula

This team of educators and parents is working on a hybrid plan for reopening. We held our first meeting on Tuesday, August 11th.  We brainstormed/brain dumped thoughts and ideas on the following topics:

• In the spring, which elements of remote learning worked best for your students or child(ren)?
• In your opinion, which elements of remote learning and teaching need to be re-imagined or improved upon?  
• How can teachers leverage existing relationships and build new relationships with students and families in the fall?
• What do you need for remote teaching to be more effective?
• What are your concerns regarding remote teaching/learning?

We then engaged in a carousel activity using Jamboard to propose solutions to the identified issues. Look for a report out after our next meeting.

Building Access

I know that some of you are eager to get into your classrooms. Bill is on vacation until August 17th. As I write this, I am on a plane bringing Pat back to ASU. (The WiFi on this plane is great!) This little excursion to the hottest place in the U.S. will result in a 2-week quarantine for me when I come home. 

• Furniture is currently back into classrooms. We still need to redistribute some work surfaces (tables, desks) from one room to another so that we have 10 locations for students to work from socially distanced.
• The annual plastering has been done.
• The hallways, stairs,  and tile floors have not yet been done.

I am asking you to please hold off until August 31st before going into the building. This will allow the floors to be finished and the furniture to be redistributed prior to you creating the classroom that will best meet the needs of your students if the hybrid model is launched. 

Budget

I have not spent any of our very limited supply budget yet because I think what we need will depend on the model that we are returning to. However, since we do not know definitively when that decision will be made we need to start thinking of spending so we can have materials ordered by the end of August. Our budget for the entire year is approximately $10,000. About $4,000 of that we spent on paper last year. 

The ask is for you to think about 2 budgets. What your grade level will need if we return in a hybrid model and what your team will need if we return fully remote.  

• We have been asked to set aside $15/student for kits. I have not been told yet what this kit will contain but this would be about $3300 for us. 
• Crayons, pencils, glue sticks etc. can no longer be shared. Each student will need to have their own kit.  If we are hybrid our students would most likely need 2 sets of materials. One to keep at home and one to keep at school. I think relying on a 5-year-old to bring materials back and forth would not be sustainable.
• Think about what an at-home learning kit would like in each model. What materials would students need in order to work on learning at home in each model? 
• What type of container would be needed to transport these materials from the school-home and back again so it can be refurbished for the next unit? 
• I am sure that there are a million things that I have not thought about yet that you will!
• We will be sending out a document soon for your team to fill out with your requests. 

How I have Been "Trying" to Unwind

This summer I attempted to take one day a week when I try to unplug and spend time with my favorite humans. My Pats and my nephew Brixton. Here are some pictures of my happy times/places. Brixton has coined a new word "Whhow". It is his combination of the words why and how. We are asked, "Whhow when we do or say anything!" I think as we continue to deal with the unknown this word just may catch on!