Dear Families,
Yet another busy week at Shepherd! Wednesday’s PTA meeting was well-attended and productive, and last night we had our first virtual Back to School Meeting with 5th grade families, which was successful due to strong parent participation, thorough teacher planning and optimism all around. Please find the schedule for the remaining grade-level back to school nights below. We look forward to seeing you.
Next Monday and Tuesday, we will have additional pick up for K-5 students. Pre-K, the iPads are at the warehouse and won’t be delivered until late next week. I will send an announcement for PK pick up once devices are in. Please stay tuned, and I apologize for the delay.
As a reminder, students and teachers in your student’s classroom enter your home each day. Please be mindful of language, discussions and attire in your home when your student is in school. We have had a few incidents that made teachers and students uncomfortable. I am happy to discuss this further if you have any questions. Please see the announcements below, and have a wonderful weekend!
Phyllis
Shepherd Virtual Learning Expectations:
-Students are expected to be ready with materials to learn at the beginning of each class period with all necessary materials (electronic device, charger, paper, pencils, etc.)
-Students should be seated upright, on task, listening actively, and following directions in quiet space designated for learning.
-Unless a student is speaking, microphones should be muted.
-Electronic devices, toys, reading materials, and supplies that are not being used for the lesson are not permitted.
-Students should not wear pajamas to class.
-Students should not eat during class.
-Students are expected to follow the expectations outlined in the DCPS Tech Agreement.
-Students should not use the chat and video conferencing functions when teachers are not present.
K-5 Supplies and Personal Items Pick Up Monday and Tuesday
Next Monday and Tuesday, K-5 families can come to pick up learning materials for Math (K-5), ELA (K-2), white boards and any personal belongings left in last year’s classrooms. PK pick up will be the following week once devices are in.
K-5 Pick Up Days/Times
Monday, September 21st 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Tuesday, September 22nd 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Please observe social distancing guidelines and wear a mask — thank you!
Back to School Nights by Grade Level
Fourth Grade
Time: Sep 24, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86810484836?pwd=WmJyeHA1ZTBSbU5zcmd5RHNJaW5nQT09
Meeting ID: 868 1048 4836
Passcode: H2bdbe
3rd Grade
Time: Sep 22, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82114044851?pwd=S05XSUtKOCt0ZnY3dXZraW1YV1AzZz09
Meeting ID: 821 1404 4851
Passcode: mCfHQ6
2nd Grade
Time: Sep 23, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81208520379?pwd=SFVJYUF5ZUJyd1BsRFNiTXRwV0NLZz09
Meeting ID: 812 0852 0379
Passcode: 2cF7Y4
1st grade
Time: Sep 28, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89929251599?pwd=aFVNT29SSWtveGhNRWpMVlJ6RmdkQT09
Meeting ID: 899 2925 1599
Passcode: XD32hM
Kindergarten
Time: Sep 21, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83228213201?pwd=VW40eXZrZXpvdzZCTkVCOWE0aXpDUT09
Meeting ID: 832 2821 3201
Passcode: MH4hUt
PK-4
Time: Sep 29, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83284231015?pwd=akphbVNENC9BUFJLaEVsYzl5Q1JoUT09
Meeting ID: 832 8423 1015
Passcode: AVuV46
PK-3
Time: Sep 30, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84224686762?pwd=cEtNbXRTbml4cG9BL1Q4SnRrb1Y3UT09
Meeting ID: 842 2468 6762
Passcode: 5fTrSm
Technology Support
If you are having difficulties remembering the steps or username/password for your child to log into Canvas or Teams, please send an email to larin.rottman@k12.dc.gov or avani.mack@k12.dc.gov.
You can also visit this website with step-by-step directions: https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/updates/tech-tips-for-learning-at-home/
For all other related issues, please use the DCPS helpline 202-442-5885. There are technicians who can remotely help you resolve user and access issues or determine if it is your device that is preventing access. If a technician tells you to contact the school due to a DCPS device issue, please email avani.mack@k12.dc.gov.
If your child has a DCPS device checked out from last spring, it might pop up a date and time error. If this occurs, follow the steps in the document attached to resolve the issue. If this does not work, please call the DCPS helpline 202-422-5885. If the helpline tells you to contact the school, please email avani.mack@k12.dc.gov
Common Tech Issues Reported This Week and Solutions
DCPS has compiled a frequently asked question and answers website for students who are using DCPS devices: https://backtoschool.dc.gov/
Many families have reported that their student cannot see all of their peers, but only one speaker at a time. To see up to 49 participants at the same time, students must be using Microsoft Teams through the Desktop Application, not the internet browser version. Please make sure your device has downloaded the latest version of the desktop application and follow these instructions:
-Click on your user account (student initials) in the top right,
-Click on Settings,
-Go down to the bolded Applications section,
-Check “Turn on new meeting experience (New meetings and calls will open in separate windows. Requires restarting Teams.)”
-Then you have to close out Teams and restart.
Many families have reported that specific functions have not worked in Teams, such as cameras, microphones, sounds, hand raising, and chat. Usually the best fix for these issues is a complete shut down and restart of your device. If that does not resolve the issue, it could be a device or browser limitation. Please use the DCPS helpline to determine next steps. 202-442-5885.
Drop-In Specials
On Wednesdays, our Specials teachers are offering extra classes to provide fun activities, enrichment, and extra support as needed. For our first Drop-In day, we had students visiting multiple classes during the 20-minute class time. While we want to empower our students to attend the class of their choice, please encourage your student(s) to select one drop-in class to attend each Wednesday. Thank you for helping us to minimize disruptions during instruction.
Need a Technology device?
Please email avani.mack@k12.dc.gov and complete the tech needs survey: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7kagKk6zM0qSt5md8rwKMuye6_7gsN5HglLGgnLPc8dUM1BQUDQyQlIzQkE1MURaRlk5RzhZODEzNS4u