McCombs Middle School Virtual Learning Model
Students and Families,
Welcome to the 20-21 School Year! Things will look and feel differently this Fall as we begin our year in a 100% virtual learning model. This will be different than your previous virtual experience that happened in the Spring of 2020. Below is some important information you will need to know for the virtual learning model.
The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8. Your attendance is required.
CLASS SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2020
Instead of one semester of classes, this Fall you will have two 9-week ‘terms’ (listed below). During each term you will complete six classes. You will also have an Advisory class to help you be successful in this virtual learning model.
Term 1: September 8 – November 9
Term 2: November 10 – January 22, 2021
“BELL” SCHEDULE:
You will be scheduled into classes by period, just as if you were at school. Your individual teachers will communicate the specific times during each class time that instruction will be ‘live’ and/or your teacher will be on-line. IT IS ESSENTIAL YOU CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY AND ALSO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEACHER THE BEST WAY TO REACH OUT TO YOU AND YOUR PARENTS. Microsoft TEAMS messaging and emails will be the primary way of communication to students.
| 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade | |
| Period 1 | 8:30-9:30 | 8:30-9:30 | 8:30-8:50 (Advisory) |
| Period 2 | 9:35-10:35 | 9:35-10:35 | 8:55-9:40 |
| Period 3 | 10:40-11:00 (Advisory) | 10:40-11:00 (Advisory) | 9:45-10:30 |
| Period 4 | 11:10-11:55
Lunch 11:55-12:30 |
Lunch 11:00-11:35
11:40-12:40 |
10:35-11:35
Lunch 11:35-12:10 |
| Period 5 | 12:30-1:15 | 12:45-1:45 | 12:15-1:15 |
| Period 6 | 1:20-2:20 | 1:50-2:35 | 1:20-2:20 |
| Period 7 | 2:25-3:25 | 2:40-3:25 | 2:25-3:25 |
Each class period will be a mixture of live TEAMS meetings, completing work on Canvas, and communicating with your teacher. There will also be breaks built into each class period and you will be able to complete some activities at your own pace. Teachers will help you understand what each class will look like once virtual learning begins. Student screen time will be limited to around 3-5 hours per day.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: VIRTUAL LEARNING
| AWARE | – Be in class when you are supposed to be and ready to learn. Make sure your computer is charged and you have everything you need.
– Be mindful of what can be seen and heard on your camera. – Keep track of what assignments and assessments you need to complete. |
| SAFE | – If you need help, make sure to communicate with your teacher or another staff member.
– Eat breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks throughout the day. – Take breaks when given time and get up and move as needed. – Follow online safety guidelines. |
| KIND | – Make sure what you say or are posting are appropriate.
– Provide positive, helpful feedback. – Be considerate of yourself, the teacher and others in the class. – Follow online netiquette guidelines. |
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is required, even while learning virtually. McCombs believes in “Everyone Expecting Excellence Everyday”. We believe that each student should be an active learner in their courses so they can truly be prepared to experience excellence. Parents must call 242-8447 when students are sick or not able to participate virtually.
| Students who have missed three class periods will be contacted by their teachers to see what barriers might be in place that is prohibiting participation in class. | Students missing five or more class periods will be referred to our Attendance Team for interventions and supports as needed.
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This policy will be monitored by teachers, administrators, and support staff. We encourage all families and students to actively monitor their own absences as well. |
In virtual learning, attendance is considered to be one or more of the following: virtual learning participation, Canvas module participation, work submission, or meeting with a teacher online.
TEACHER ACTIONS: VIRTUAL LEARNING
| Teachers will communicate with students via TEAMS messaging and email. If there is a different way to communicate that works better for you, please let your teachers know. | Teachers will respond within 24 hours of student or parent requests. | Feedback will occur within 24 hours of student submission of assignments. Please note that there may be exceptions to this when large summative assignments are submitted. |
| Teachers will provide additional mini-lessons or small group instruction for students who need more support. | Teachers will engage students in lessons related to both academics and social/emotional learning. | Teachers will work with colleagues and families to remove barriers to learning. If you are struggling, please ask for help. We are here for you! |
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
| CANVAS
You can find Canvas tips and videos for both students and parents on this link! https://roosevelt.dmschools.org/parents/canvas-access/
· Check Canvas every day to see assignments and feedback posted by teachers.
· Download the app and turn on notifications for immediate updates for teachers.
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TECHNOLOGY ISSUES
The technology tip line for students and families is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm at 242-8221.
In a pinch? Email Ms. Dronet at leanne.dronet@dmschools.org |
| SCHOOL EMAIL
Check your school email EVERY DAY to get important messages from your teachers and administrators. |
MICROSOFT TEAMS
Teachers will host class sessions and team meetings to answer your questions using Microsoft Teams.
Microsoft Teams can also be downloaded to your cell phone.
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McCOMBS MIDDLE SCHOOL – LOGISITICS
| MASK REQUIREMENT
Research shows that wearing masks while also social distancing greatly reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19. Masks are REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES while inside the building.
No students should be on campus, unless you are attending Boys & Girls Club or activities, or if you are picking up meals.
If you choose not to wear a mask, you will be asked to leave the McCombs Campus.
Maintain social distance as much as possible. |
STUDENT IDs
Students IDs will be mailed to students in September. Do NOT lose your student ID’s. You will need them when we return to the building, and you will need to know your student ID number during virtual learning.
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FOOD SERVICE
We will be handing out lunches from 11am – 1pm M-F in our parking lot, but families can pick-up meals from any hand-out site throughout the district. Required: student ID & name of school attending. All students will be served the same meals. Each meal handed out will have all components for lunch and breakfast.
Meals will also be available from 4-6 pm.
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STUDENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT
We know these are difficult times for students and families. Our commitment to you is to support you and your family in any way that we can. It is essential that communication is on-going so that we can solve problems and issues as they arise. Aside from teachers, the following people are in place for all student support. Emails and phone calls are welcome at any time. Please call the main office at 515-242-8447 to connect with any of these staff members.
Administration & Office Staff
Jason Snow, Principal - jason.snow@dmschools.org
Sarai Tillinghast, Associate Principal - sarai.tillinghast@dmschools.org
Andrew Wade, Associate Principal – andrew.wade@dmschools.org
Kris Cooper, Office Manager – kristin.cooper@dmschools.org
Melinda Hodges, Attendance Clerk - melinda.hodges@dmschools.org
Mishelle Richards, Office Clerk – mishelle.richards@dmschools.org
Student Support Team
Kendra Conforti, School Counselor, last names A-L – kendra.conforti@dmschools.org
Amelia Stuhr, School Counselor, last names M-Z – amelia.stuhr@dmschools.org
Blake Cunningham, SUCCESS Worker – blake.cunningham@dmschools.org
Darin Dowling, Student Engagement Coordinator – darin.dowling@dmschools.org
Theron Hobbs, Community Schools Coordinator – theron.hobbs@dmschools.org
Theresa Sellers, School Nurse – theresa.sellers@dmschools.org