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At-Home Distance Learning Connections - April 2, 2020
April 2, 2020 Dear Parents and Families: I want to start by saying how proud I am of the teachers and staff who are working tirelessly on distance learning to “get this right.” I have the privilege to view teachers’ lessons and videos that they are creating to educate and connect with our students. I have never been as impressed as I am now with the level of professionalism and dedication from everyone in RSD13. As you know, on our first day we experienced some issues with technology. Although we were expecting to encounter some problems, we just never know what the issues will be. It’s even more difficult to predict when most of the nation is educating students online and so many people are working from home on their devices as well. I say this because it is more than likely that the programs may temporarily crash again. With that, I ask that you continue to have patience with this process. If we are experiencing technology difficulties with any of our programs, we will communicate with you by posting the issues on our “At-Home Learning” webpage as I do not want to inundate you with multiple emails during a day. This is now the fourth day of distance learning in RSD13 and we have received a number of emails from parents. We certainly want your feedback and we will provide a survey to parents before April vacation asking for you to share your suggestions and concerns related to technology programs, the ease or difficulty in navigating technology, the quality and time spent on instruction, and parents’ availability to support student learning. It is important for us to know what works well and what needs to be adjusted in order to provide the best education for our students through distance learning. One issue that I would like to address is live learning. Currently we are using Google Hangout for students who receive special services and/or intervention services. This option enables students to receive one-on-one or small group instruction as appropriate. As of right now, we have directed our general education teachers to not engage in live instruction. As we move forward, this may change. We have taken a careful and thoughtful approach when considering live learning and the concerns and challenges of student and staff privacy. In the meantime, many teachers are sending videos to students to stay connected to them. We realize how isolating this is for all of us, especially for our students who are used to seeing their peers, teachers, staff members, and administrators on a daily basis. However, this is a time like no other in education. Please know that we are here for you and your children. We will do our best to be responsive to your concerns and suggestions and we thank you for your continued support as we navigate these uncharted waters together. Respectfully, Cori DiMaggio, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Thursday, Apr 02 2020
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Weekly Wednesday Update - April 1, 2020
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 13 OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 135A PICKETT LANE, P.O. BOX 190 DURHAM, CT 06422-0190 TELEPHONE (860)349-7200 FAX (860)349-7203 www.rsd13ct.org April 1, 2020 Good morning, April has arrived and the sun is shining this morning. Today we are one day closer to a healthier environment. We are being advised that during the next two weeks the number of confirmed cases in Connecticut will reach its peak. We are doing our part to contribute to our healthy communities in Durham and Middlefield through our school closure. In partnership with our First Selectmen Laura Francis and Ed Bailey, we will be temporarily closing our basketball court, playscapes on school property and at Peckham Park and Allyn Brook Park beginning this Friday. Signs will be posted and we ask that you follow the posted guidelines until further notice. This morning I am reaching out to you to ask for your support in our distance learning process. Today marks day three in the implementation of a herculean process. Those people involved in the creation have worked tirelessly to get to this point. They are people who, just as they do each day they walk into school, are doing the very best they can. As this process continues, collectively we will refine what we do and how we do it. Tomorrow, Mrs. DiMaggio will outline the process we will use to gather feedback from parents and students. We very much want and value your feedback and ask that for now you share with us concerns relative to your child having difficulty with the academic content or accessing the online learning. Otherwise, please wait to share your suggestions until the reporting format has been established. I can’t emphasize enough how much your kind words and expressions of encouragement mean to our staff. Any urgent matters can be directed to your child’s principal. Our primary goal is to work with you to provide a connection to your child/children and the best possible education. In the past week’s conference calls, there have been several references to the fact that we will not safely pass this by the end of April. I remain steadfast in my commitment to lead this process as if the school closure will remain in effect until June 16th. We will also follow our school calendar as will most districts around the state with no remote learning occurring April 10th through April 17th. Many of you have shared the challenges you are facing during this time. I want to share this resource with you from the Child Mind Institute that addresses topics such as addressing anxiety related to the virus, supporting teenagers and young adults, and changing negative thinking patterns. Be well and know that a brighter day is coming. Sincerely, Kathryn Y. Serino, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, Apr 01 2020
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At-Home Distance Learning Connections - Seesaw - Mar...
March 30, 2020 Dear Parents and Families: Seesaw is currently functioning. Thank you, Cori DiMaggio, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Monday, Mar 30 2020
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At-Home Distance Learning Connections Follow-Up - Ma...
March 30, 2020 Dear Parents and Families: Teachers are currently updating their YouTube links and many have been fixed by now. We will continue to work on this as we move forward. However, if your child is in grades K-6 , you may be experiencing issues using Seesaw. The complications with Seesaw are nationwide at this time. We will continue to update you regarding this issue. Thank you for your patience. Sincerely, Cori DiMaggio, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Monday, Mar 30 2020
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At-Home Distance Learning Connections - March 30, 2020
March 30, 2020 Dear Parents and Families: We are aware that you are not able to access some of the YouTube videos that teachers have shared with your children. We are working on a solution at this time and will keep you updated. Thank you for your patience as we navigate distance learning. Sincerely, Cori DiMaggio, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Monday, Mar 30 2020
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At-Home Distance Learning Connections - March 26, 2020
March 26, 2020 Dear RSD13 Students and Families, We are ready to launch the RSD13 At-Home Distance Learning Connections starting on March 30th at 9:00 am . Our teachers, coaches, technology team, and administrators are collaborating daily and have designed a comprehensive distance learning plan for all students in grades PreK-12. Teachers will post lessons and/or messages daily by 9:00 am. The related arts teachers will post assignments only on Tuesdays. Students and parents will be able to access teachers for support during the hours of 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. All details related to the distance learning program can be found at RSD13 At-Home Distance Learning Connections- Student Expectations and Parent Suppor t . Please read this closely as it has pertinent information, multiple links, and resources which are embedded within the document to support students and parents through distance learning. As mentioned in my previous letter, we have learning tools for parents to support your children in using the necessary technology. If you are currently experiencing any issues using technology, please refer to this Frequently Asked Questions document . If after you review the FAQ document and continue to have trouble with technology, please submit a Technology Support Request form . Both of these documents are located on the district and school websites for your convenience. As a reminder, we ask that you and your child review and adhere to the RSD13 Acceptable Use Policy . We have also designed a webpage for parents and teachers entitled RSD13 At-Home Distance Learning Connections. The webpage is designed to have all absence forms and technology resources in one convenient location for students, teachers, and parents. We are aware that as students and families you are new to this learning environment and we are here to support you. We are cognizant that there may be multiple children in your home and that as parents and guardians, you may be working from home or reporting to your work site during this time as well. Similarly, our teachers and staff may also be supporting their own children at home with distance learning. Therefore, we ask for your support and patience as we navigate this new experience together. Once we are up and running for a few weeks, I plan to reach out to parents, students, and teachers to gather feedback. We will take all suggestions into consideration and will do our best to continue to meet the needs of every student in RSD13. Please know that we are here for you. You are not alone in this journey and we are deeply grateful for your support. Respectfully, Cori-Ann DiMaggio, Director of Curriculum Instruction, and Assessment
Thursday, Mar 26 2020
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Weekly Wednesday Update - March 25, 2020
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 13 OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 135A PICKETT LANE, P.O. BOX 190 DURHAM, CT 06422-0190 TELEPHONE (860)349-7200 FAX (860)349-7203 www.rsd13ct.org March 25, 2020 Good morning parents and families, I hope you and your family are doing well and are aware that your children and you and your well-being are the collective focus of Regional School District 13. This week our teachers, staff and administration are involved in intensive preparation to transition from a supplemental learning plan to a distance learning plan. Beginning on Monday, March 30th your child will be engaged in scheduled learning designed specifically by their teacher/s and other support personnel. We are excited about the launch of district-wide distance learning in RSD 13. Beginning tomorrow you will get an update on all manner of At-Home Learning information from Mrs. Cori DiMaggio Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Each Friday you will receive an update from your child’s principal. We understand that this represents a lot of communication. We want to stay connected to you and your child. While there has not yet been a definitive statement about the school closure lasting until the end of the year, we are going to plan for that. The initial time frame for schools was a closure through April 22nd and then April 20th (the Monday after April vacation) with direction to be prepared to be out for the rest of the school year. We will be prepared, but first we will begin distance learning. Please continue to use your child’s principal, unless you have been working directly with a case manager or other support personnel as your point of contact, to ask questions specific to your child. Yesterday, our Planning and Response Team met remotely for our 4th weekly meeting. This team includes representation from Durham and Middlefield. Please visit both towns’ websites: https://www.townofdurhamct.org/ and http://www.middlefieldct.org/ for information on social service support and available food resources through their local Community Food Bank. In Durham, contact Morgan Perry, Social Service Coordinator at (860) 349-3153 or mperry@townofdurhamct.org for more information. In Middlefield, contact Susan M. D’Orvilliers, Director, Middlefield Senior & Social Services at (860) 349-7121. The Middlefield Food Bank support is by appointment Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Food is also available at Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown http://www.svdmiddletown.org/food-pantry/ . Their phone number is (860) 344-0097. Amazing Grace receives our Community Round-Up donations. We are here for you. Thank you for the support, kind words and outreach to our staff; it makes a huge difference. Sincerely, Dr. Serino, Superintendent of Schools
Wednesday, Mar 25 2020
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COVID-19 Non-Emergency Update - March 23, 2020
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 13 OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 135A PICKETT LANE, P.O. BOX 190 DURHAM, CT 06422-0190 TELEPHONE (860)349-7200 FAX (860)349-7203 www.rsd13ct.org March 23 , 2020 Good morning. I hope you are all doing well. I will discontinue my daily voicemail contact with staff and families due to the school closure extending from two weeks to one month. The Governor’s Executive Order No. 7J identifies that “Stay Safe, Stay Home” will remain in effect through April 22nd unless further modified, extended or terminated by the Governor. I will continue to send an update each Wednesday morning by 9:00 a.m. As we move into our distance learning and teaching and learning become our focus, you will begin to receive weekly communications from our Director of curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Mrs. Cori DiMaggio and your child’s building principal. We understand that like we are, you are inundated with information. We will follow a scheduled delivery for these communications so that you can anticipate their arrival. We will also be mindful to include only essential information and “good news” as we move into a new experience for all of us. For those students who receive special education and/or related services, teachers and related service staff are reaching out to parents individually. During the school closure, plans are being developed to provide service to meet goals and objectives as indicated in your child’s individual education plan to the greatest extent possible. Please reach out directly to Mrs. Jen Keane, Director of Special Education and Student Services jkeane@rsd13.org or your child’s case manager. Students who are typical peers in the Pre-K program will receive supplemental materials and will not be charged for the time we are closed. We understand the challenge of supporting students’ learning at home and are sharing that challenge in our own homes and families. When we use the expression “we are in this together,” we really meant it. We are here to support you and your children in the coming weeks with an awareness that those weeks may turn into months. Your support and outreach is so important and appreciated. This evening there is a conference call with the Governor with leaders around the state including school superintendents and tomorrow morning I have a call with our local Director of Health, Shane Lockwood. On Tuesday afternoon, the district-wide Planning and Response Team will meet remotely. Your Wednesday morning update will include any new information relative to school functioning and duration of the closure. Sincerely, Dr. Serino, Superintendent of Schools
Monday, Mar 23 2020
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Chromebook Offer - March 21, 2020
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 13 OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 135A PICKETT LANE, P.O. BOX 190 DURHAM, CT 06422-0190 TELEPHONE (860)349-7200 FAX (860)349-7203 www.rsd13ct.org March 21, 2020 Dear parents/guardians: We are working this weekend to provide more Chromebooks to those students who do not have another available device at home. If your child needs a Chromebook, please fill out the request form in order to assist us in determining how many students need a device. Please complete the form by tomorrow (Sunday) morning at 9:00 a.m. We will contact you via email/ParentSquare tomorrow to let you know if there is an available Chromebook for your child and if so, to share details on pick-up time/s at CRHS. Thank you, Dr. Serino, Superintendent of Schools
Saturday, Mar 21 2020
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COVID-19 Non-Emergency Update - March 20, 2020
REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 13 OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 135A PICKETT LANE, P.O. BOX 190 DURHAM, CT 06422-0190 TELEPHONE (860)349-7200 FAX (860)349-7203 www.rsd13ct.org March 20, 2020 Good morning. Chromebook pick-up for those people who completed the form before the halt can pick up devices between 10:00 and 12:00 p.m. today in the front of the high school. Please pay attention to the posted traffic pattern. If you signed up you will receive a ParentSquare form that requires your electronic signature indicating that you will take responsibility for the device; please sign by the end of the day today. If you were unable to sign-up, we are planning another sign-up and pick-up session next week. As a reminder any computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access can be used for At-Home Learning. Today is Friday and this means we are one week closer to a better time. Hang in there, stay safe, enjoy your weekend, and reach out if you need us. Sincerely, Dr. Serino, Superintendent of Schools
Friday, Mar 20 2020