March 26th, 2020

​Please see the following email for an update on our educational continuity plan:

Good evening,

Today's Classroom Book a Day selection is "Red Riding Hood" which is retold and illustrated by James Marshall. I really enjoy James Marshall's illustrations in this version of the story. Students can compare and contrast it to the fractured fairy tale "Ninja Red Riding Hood" that we read earlier. 

As shared yesterday, we are asking that all families please complete the following technology survey for the Fort McMurray Public School Division.

Survey link: https://forms.gle/cvZK3HksCYheAzeB8

This survey will help us in planning and organizing ways to reach all of our families and students during this difficult time. I also have a note regarding the educational continuity plan to share with you this evening: 

Note from Superintendent:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I am writing to confirm that all students within FMPSD will be given the opportunity to begin off-site learning this week. Teachers will begin sending assignments, based on the Ministry of Education recommendations, to students beginning this Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm.
We appreciate your patience as our teachers shift their planning and practice from a classroom to distance-based learning. In addition, we have set up a dedicated parent website. This will include resources on how to support your child's learning, how to structure your child's day to learn at home, and how to support mental health and wellness during this time of uncertainty. You can access the parent resources on the following website: https://sites.google.com/fmpsd.ab.ca/school-closures/fmpsd-supporting-families-during-class-cancellation 
Please know that your health and safety are our first priority. We will support your child and their learning when you are ready to begin again. Our community, Province, and country are all responding to this shift in educational practice. Everyone involved with K-12 and post-secondary education is responding together and will adjust to the new 'normal'. No students will be left behind, as we all are responding to the impact of COVID-19. Please reach out to your school if you have additional questions.
Jennifer Turner R.Psych
Superintendent of Schools

As per the above note, tomorrow I will be sharing what I am calling a "soft start" plan with you. In our classroom, as we enter each day we have 20-30 mins. to play, explore, and get organized for the day. Often the activities are meant to be provocations or practice for curricular concepts, but in a way that allows students to explore and have fun. We call this a "soft start." Tomorrow I will share some options of learning activities that students can work on at home. As it is the first of these plans that will go home, let's view it as a "soft start". This is new to all of us. This is a format as well as resources that many of us are unfamiliar with. Do not feel pressured or stressed to complete everything that is sent home. Do what you can. Everything is completely optional. I am here to support you in whatever way you need. As time goes on, we will all get a better sense of what our students need and make changes together. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, 

- Ashley Barrington, Grade 3 Teacher

Read Aloud Playlist: