Tag: distance learning

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We survived distance learning!

What a year! Such an understatement.

It’s hard to sum up all of the thoughts and feeling I have about what took place during the 2020-2021 school year. The kids were resilient and grew in ways that Jake and I are so proud of. They tried new things, were flexible in numerous areas, and handled frustrations and challenges better than I ever expected.

Today was spent doing “fun” things – Shecklet #4 had a virtual dance lesson, award ceremony, and watched a movie. Shecklet #3 ended the day with making play dough. Shecklet #2 was effectively done yesterday because his teachers said he didn’t have to log in today. But I asked him to pose for a last day photo for me and he willingly agreed 😊

All three of these kids are looking forward to going back to school in person in the fall. I hope for their sake it can be as close to normal as possible for them. 💛

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Final day of 8th grade

It’s the end of an era for Shecklet #1. He started at his charter school back in the fall of 2012 and finished (via distance learning) today, June 16, 2021. When he started as a kindergartner, it was difficult to imagine him as an 8th grader. And yet, here we are.

First day of school photos: K-8. 8th grade isn’t a uniform photo because uniforms weren’t required while distance learning. And I didn’t have them pose for a second round of photos with them on 😊.

Last day of 8th grade. No more covid hair!

Tonight was the 8th grade banquet. He finally had an opportunity to see many familiar faces in person and mask-free and put an exclamation point at the end of his middle school chapter.

The two teachers in the picture above were constants in Shecklet #1’s life these last two years. The teacher on the right was Shecklet #1’s social studies teacher in 7th and 8th grade as well as his homeroom/cohort teacher. The lovely lady on the left was his case manager for 7th and 8th grade. This past year she was also his math teacher and worked with him on grammar skills every day. It’s safe to say that she knows him the best out of all of his teachers.

At tonight’s program, Shecklet #1 was surprised by being acknowledged with two awards – the “President’s Award for Educational Achievement” and the “PBIS SPARK Award.” We are so proud of what he has accomplished, how he has persevered – especially when things were hard, and look forward to watching him continue to grow as he starts high school in the fall – online!

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Top Golf

While the boys were at their first two frisbee games today, Jake and I attended the 2021 DVA golf fundraiser for the kids’ school.

This year’s format was different from previous years – thanks to covid. However, it was still really fun! We teamed up with our friends Tom and Melissa and met a new couple who happened to be parents of one of Shecklet #3’s classmates.

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Never gonna give you up…

9.5 days of school left and counting…

I think we are all getting a little nutty as the distance learning school year draws to an end. This kid is always making us laugh 😆

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Sir Gus

The final activity for one of Shecklet #4’s ELA units was making a tin foil version of the main character, Sir Gus.

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2nd grade Olympics

Shecklet #4 has been learning about ancient Greek culture – myths, gods, and the Olympics. Today was the culmination of their unit – the closing ceremony.

The kids performed a song (prerecord and showing the using sign language along with the music instead of their singing voices,) shared about what makes them special and what Olympic event they would like to compete in, and finally, Mrs. M. compiled pictures of the competitions they participated on during the week. I’m impressed at how the teachers were able to adapt this annual in-person event to a virtual one so the kids could still participate in the fun.

Buildathon
Puzzleathon – she drew a picture of Nissedalen
Pompomathon – using a straw to move pompoms from one cup to another
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Too tired

Shecklet #4: “Every morning I wake up too tired to do school.” (sad, whiny toned voice)

Mom: “What do you think we could do to help with that?”

Shecklet #4: “Not do school.” (totally serious toned voice)

Mom: silent giggle while walking down the stairs behind Shecklet #4.

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100 Days

This morning, Shecklet #3 announced that she would soon be a third grader 😳 I told her, let’s enjoy where she’s at in 2nd grade for right now 😂

I think the reason behind her statement was that it’s her 100th day of school today. There must have been discussion about where they are in the year and how many days are left. Time, please don’t go too fast!

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Distance Learner of the Week

Shecklet #1 was chosen as his school’s Distance Learner of the Week. Here’s what his corhort/Social Studies teacher said about him:

“There are a lot of middle school students who have figured out how to make distance learning successful but [Shecklet #1] stands out above the rest. [Shecklet #1] logs into class 10 minutes early every school day. He has an organized work space, he greets people as they join, he uses his camera, and he has mastered the most important skill for distance learning: communication. I always know how he is doing and what he needs because he is great at sharing that either through email or face-to-face interaction through our screens. He is making the most out of distance learning and we are proud of him! Great job, [Shecklet #1]!

Jake asked him what he would like to do to celebrate his award and he said he wanted a DQ ice cream cake. He chose a cookie dough one – like he had for his birthday.