Middle School

Parent Question

Response

Will the NJSLA take place this school year?

The district is awaiting conclusive guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education

How will the full curriculum be completed with less class time? How does this year’s curriculum compare to a normal year?

We are still going to move at the same pace, but we will streamline the curriculum to include the most essential learning.  Supplemental activities that enhance the curriculum may be offered in a choice board format.

What is the homework policy?

Right now, during this transition period, homework is allocated to finishing assignments given in class and nightly reading. Students can also take advantage of WIN time to complete this.  As the year progresses, more homework may be given.

How will students do labs in science?

We have rearranged the lessons, putting the more lab intensive topics later in the year.  Some simple labs are planned for the fall as well, keeping in mind our health and wellness restrictions.

Will all tests be done on chromebooks?

We are trying to discourage the transfer of materials, but paper and pencil work will be utilized to complete some such tasks.

Will E2 be offered?

The E2 program will be part of a larger discussion about gifted and talented programs at the BOE meeting on Oct. 5.  We anticipate instruction on how E2 may be delivered in the wake of that meeting.  

How will grading be done this year?

Similar to the past, teachers will use Genesis to record grading.  Marking Period grades in core classes will be letter grades and EMB (exceeds, meets, below expectations) will be used for World Language and Unified Arts

Parent Question

Response

When should students log in to their meets?

All students should adhere to the Bell Schedule and are required to attend Google meetings according to that teachers’ expectations which is generally at the beginning and end of the period.  The meet is often left open during the period if students need to work with a teacher.   

How will fitness/wellness be handled in winter?

The PE staff have been given assigned spaces within the gym and APR to have students be able to remain socially distant with having a movement break.  Masks will have to remain on while in the building.  As students do not change for F&W, they may bring jackets and coats with them on cold weather days and still go outside.

Clarification needed on procedures for early pickup of students.

When a child is being picked up early, the parent needs to notify the office during the morning.  When a parent arrives, they will need to ring the bell and notify the office, at which time the office will send the student out to them.  No sign out!  The cameras will capture the image of parents taking students out of the building.

Clarification on WFH (work from home) permissibility.

Students may work from home when sick but if this becomes routine (for WFH in one marking period), the administration will consider moving the student to cohort D, full distance

Will the synchronous learning pick up be in the next few weeks?

Teachers and students are adapting to this new hybrid learning and we can already see progress in synchronous learning.  Many acclimation procedures needed to be instituted during the month of September. Stay tuned! 

How will parents track assignment completion?

How will grading be updated?

Genesis will be opened soon and will be the best place for information on assignment completion.  Students should also make it a habit to share their assignments and teacher feedback via Google Classroom with parents/guardians. 

Parent Question

Response

How do I report a chromebook problem?

Cohort A/B students  should speak to a teacher to submit a helpdesk ticket. A teacher must take the Chromebook to the library, a loaner is given, and once the Chromebook is ready, the student will get an email from Guidance.

Cohort D students should contact the Guidance Counselor Helen Scully  to complete the process above.

Can students communicate with each other individually using Google Hangouts or Meets?  This is especially important for cohort D students.

Class Meetings occur daily in Homeroom with all cohorts. Additionally, teachers will begin utilizing more forms of communication within their daily lessons.  Google Breakout Rooms will be pushed out in late fall. Reading partnerships and book clubs will also be encouraged

I am thinking of having my child go from Hybrid to all distance learning.  Is there an advantage or disadvantage in this?

This is a personal choice and each family must make this decision based on their needs.  Of course teachers want as many students here as possible, but we are living during times of uncertainty. Cohort D students do best when they are motivated learners, but these are skills we are all developing. 

Personal computer use at home vs. school-issued chromebook?  Why does it matter?

Teachers cannot help students that are not using a school-issued computer unless they attend the Google Meet for the whole class period.  

We appreciate this question.  We ask for your patience as we navigate these uncharted waters. If you feel so inclined, a friendly email to a teacher or principal would go a long way.  As we enter sniffle season, boxes of tissues would also be appreciated.