How to Support Your Student's At-Home Learning this Fall

On Monday, August 3, PEN presented a series of virtual programs about what online learning will look like when PUSD opens the school year with all students receiving 100% remote instruction. The programs were recorded, and can be viewed on Collaborate PASadena’s YouTube channel. (Thank you to Geoff Albert and Collab PAS for hosting and posting our programs!)

NOTE: We are still working on the English version of the Elementary program; the presentation portion of this program is much the same as the Kinder program presentation, and Q&A is summarized for all the programs in this post.

Each program began with an presentation from PUSD administrators, including Chief Academic Officer Dr. Liz Blanco, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Julianne Reynoso, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Ms. Helen Hill. The presentations were designed to address questions submitted in advance when parents registered for these programs, and presenters addressed additional questions at the end of each session.

Due to the high volume of questions submitted, both before and at the end of the sessions, the rest of this post summarizes the most commonly asked questions and responses. Questions common to all grade levels are summarized first; kinder-, elementary-, middle, and high school-specific questions are summarized separately. We will augment the Q&A portion of this post as more information becomes available.

Q&A Applicable to All Grade Levels

Schedule-related Questions
Students are expected to attend school Monday through Friday, 8:00AM-12:55PM (elementary); 8:15AM-1:55PM (middle); 8:30AM-2:10PM (high school). On Sunday, 8/9, PUSD released sample instructional schedules indicating when students would receive daily live synchronous instruction. Once those details are finalized, principals will be able to communicate student schedules to families. Check Parent Portal for updates, and expect to hear more directly from your school the week of 8/10.

Q: Is there school on Mondays?
A: Yes. Monday is a school day, as in the past, Monday is a shortened instructional day to provide teachers planning and professional development time. Students will be expected to log in and start their school day at the regular start time, and will receive some live synchronous time with their teachers unless otherwise notified. This includes the first Monday, August 17.

Q: How will attendance be taken?
A: Attendance for prek-5th grade will be taken daily and in each period for students in 6-12th grade. Attendance methods may include: completion of a daily assignment on the learning management system, email, google form, or a visual check in. If your student is ill or otherwise unable to attend school, the parent should notify the school's attendance office. Synchronous instruction sessions will be recorded, so that students can review anything they missed.

Q: Will students have "homework" in addition to scheduled online learning?
A: It is assumed that students will need a definitive "end time" to their school day. That said, some of the activities students do during personalized learning time may be pursued further after the "school day." Depends somewhat on the age of the child. Children are still encouraged to read (independently or with a parent/caregiver).

Curriculum & Instruction-related Questions
Q: Will there be a consistent expectation for teachers to deliver live, synchronous instruction?
A: Yes. Students will receive live synchronous (real-time) instruction during every period or instructional block.

Q: What is the ASU online curriculum PUSD is using? How will teachers use it? Will students still be using textbooks and other materials?
A: ASU's K-12 Prep Digital content provides PUSD teachers with standards-aligned instructional content designed to be delivered online. Instead of having to develop their own digital lessons from scratch, teachers can focus on adapting and customizing lessons for their students. Students will also be issued textbooks and other materials.

Q: How will subjects like art and PE happen?
A: Art and music as well as PE will be offered at all levels. Schools will provide materials as needed.

Q: Will my child be taught by teachers at his or her school?
A: Yes. During this time when all students are in a remote learning situation, online instruction will be delivered by the same teachers students would have if they were attending their own school. (Later, when the hybrid option can be offered, students who choose to continue with the 100% online model will not necessarily be working with a teacher from their school site.)

Q: Will students receive grades?
A: Yes.

Q: How will the district account for the fact that some students may have fallen behind during emergency remote learning last spring?
A: Teachers district-wide are being asked to focus on consistent grade-level "essential learnings". Particularly during the first few weeks, teachers will focus on assessing what students know and where they may have learning gaps. Teachers will continue to move students forward in their learning while "scaffolding" (or providing extra supports) as needed. Students will also be able to access free 24/7 professional tutoring as needed, beginning in September. (The District is contracting with an educational support system called "Paper", which was developed to promote equity in online learning.)

Q: How will students master course material if they are only getting two days of instruction per week in their core subjects?
A: Reflecting on feedback from the Spring, the District instructional team decided that during remote learning it is more effective not to try to cover every subject every day. Teachers already integrate instruction across disciplines - for example, language skills are developed in social studies, math and science - not just during designated language arts instruction.

Q: Will students get regular feedback on their work?
A: Yes. Whereas instruction last spring tended to be more task-oriented, this year teachers will focus on personalized instruction and feedback, rather than having students simply complete a checklist of assigned tasks.

Q: How will English Learners receive their English Language Development instruction?
A: ELLs will receive their ELD instruction during the personalized instruction time blocks, and will have access to free tutoring, including from bilingual tutors who can communicate in Spanish with families. More information for ELL parents at https://www.pusd.us/Domain/63

Q: How will students with IEPs receive services?
A: Instructional aides are being supplied with Chromebooks to be able to work with students one-on-one, albeit remotely. There will be support trainings for parents. The Special Education Department will hold informational meetings for parents of students with IEPs on August 11th in English at 5:30 PM and in Spanish at 7 PM.

Technology & Communications
Q: What technology will be provided? Is there anything else we will need?
A: District-provided Chromebooks are the main thing every student needs. Students can log into Canvas from any device using a Chrome browser. Headphones are helpful, especially if there is more than one student in the house, but not required. Any inexpensive headphone is fine; it does not have to meet particular specifications. Hotspots can be requested via gopusd.com/helpdesk, or email helpdesk@pusd.us or call 626-396-3699.

Q: If my child is now at a new school. Do I need to turn in his Chromebook to his elementary school and pick up a new one from his new middle school?
A: If your child has changed schools within PUSD (for example, from an elementary to a middle school), your student can continue using the same Chromebook. It will be reassigned to your student's new school site.

Q: Will students be needing to log into different apps for different learning activities?
A: Everything the student needs will be embedded in their "Clever" dashboard on Canvas.

Q: How can parents best stay on top of what their student is doing and communicate with teachers?
A: The Canvas system includes parent-teacher communication tools, which will become more useful as both parents and teachers get familiar with them. Email is also a way to contact your child's teacher (expect response within 24-48 hours). Parents can download the free Canvas Parent app now, and will be provided with a pairing code to create an observer account linked to their students' accounts.
Social-emotional and Mental Health Needs
PUSD uses the Second Step Social-Emotional Learning curriculum and the remote learning plan incorporates elements (classroom daily huddle, advisory period) where the focus is on establishing and maintaining relationships and attending to how students are doing. Schools will be keeping track of students who do not "show up" to online learning, and support staff will reach out to families to find out how they are doing and whether they need any supports. The district has a Hotline: (626) 396-3680 and maintains a list of resources for students and families.

Q: Will my child be able to view and interact with other children in his/her classroom or classes?
A: Yes. The District has replaced Google Meet with Webex, an online communications systems that gives teachers more tools, including being able to put students in a "room" to work in pairs or small groups. Each school day will include opportunities for students to see and interact with their classmates.

Q: How will teachers get to know individual students and keep them engaged?
A: During the "launch" period (first few weeks of school), teachers will be focusing on getting to know their students, assessing their learning needs, and establishing routines, procedures and relationships to create a high-functioning learning community.

Q: What if I have concerns about my student's mental health?
A: Contact PUSD's Mental Health Services. You can call 626-396-5920 and leave a message; messages are checked during business hours. You can also email mentalhealth@pusd.us. Other resources, including a crisis text line and suicide prevention hotline, can be found on this resource list, under Mental Health Support Services. Q: How involved do I need to be in my student's learning?
A: It's important to stay connected with your student's teachers and to take an interest in your student's school work, but once routines are established most parents should not have to manage their students' day-to-day participation.
Child care
Child care options are also still being worked out. We all know that this is of critical importance to many families, particularly those with parents who have no option to work from home. As soon as more information is available, we will help the District to get that information out to families. The Partnership for Children, Youth & Families is hosting a listening session on Aug. 13, 6-7:15 PM, to hear about parents' child care-related needs and concerns. Join the Zoom session at bit.ly/C19Childcare
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Kinder-specific Q&A

Q: What is Aeries? Is it different from Parent Portal? Canvas? How do I make sure I'm getting the information I need?
A: Your students are entered in the district's Aeries system and assigned a student ID# once they register for school. Parent Portal is a way for you to access information from your student's Aeries account. (This 1-pager explains how to set up a Parent Portal account remotely.) Canvas is the learning management system used to deliver instruction and communication between teachers and students as well as parents. You can download the Canvas App now if you like; you'll be given a code later to create an "observer account" for your student.

Q: If my student is not yet registered, how do I do that?
A: If you are not yet registered at your school site, you should complete the online registration, so that your student can be entered into the system and you can begin receiving school-specific communications.

Q: When will I find out who my student's teacher is?
A: Typically, families do not find out their student's teacher until the Friday before school starts. Schools will be posting student schedules and teacher assignments the week of 8/10. Once teachers have their class roster(s), they will begin reaching out to students and families directly.

Q: How do I contact my school principal?
A: Email is the best way to reach out right now. District email addresses take the form: lastname.firstname@pusd.us

Q: Any suggestions for parents to encourage their students' independence and keep them focused/motivated?
A: Setting up a "work station" where Chromebook, charger, and other materials are kept is helpful. A tray can be used if the work station needs to be moved. PUSD has links to the Stanford Project on Adaptation and Resilience in Kids tipsheets for supporting remote learning.

Q: Is my child going to be expected to sit at a computer for 5 straight hours?
A: No. Teachers will incorporate "brain breaks" and movement (including PE and "specials" like art and music) into the school day.

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Elementary-specific Q&A

Q: Any tips for managing online learning with multiple students in different grade levels?
A: Headphones are very useful. (Any model, doesn't have to be expensive.)

Q: Any suggestions for parents to encourage their students' independence and keep them focused/motivated?
A: Setting up a "work station" where Chromebook, charger, and other materials are kept is helpful. A tray can be used if the work station needs to be moved. PUSD has links to the Stanford Project on Adaptation and Resilience in Kids tipsheets for supporting remote learning.

Q: How involved should I expect to be throughout the "school day" to help my student navigate online learning?
A: Depending on your child, expect to be more involved during the first couple of weeks (the "launch" period). Once the teacher has had a chance to establish class routines and relationships with the students, most students will be able to navigate the school day more independently.

Q: Is my child going to be expected to sit at a computer for 5 straight hours?
A: No. Teachers will incorporate "brain breaks" and movement (including PE and "specials" like art and music) into the school day.

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Middle School-specific Q&A

Q: How involved do I need to be in my student's learning?
A: It's important to stay connected with your student's teachers and to take an interest in your student's school work, but once routines are established most parents should not have to manage their students' day-to-day participation.

Q: How and when will students be assessed for differentiated instruction (for example, advanced math)?
A: Assessments will take place at the beginning of the school year. Note that it is important not to "coach" students when they are being assessed, as the teacher needs to get an accurate picture of what your student is able to do independently.

Q: Middle schoolers want to have "voice and choice" What does that look like during remote learning?
A: Stay in communication with the teacher so that you know what is expected of your student. As long as those expectations are being met, there may be flexibility in when and how your child gets things done. For example: where to sit, whether or not to listen to music while studying, when to study.

Q: How will peer relationships be fostered during remote learning? Will there be clubs and activities?
A: The middle school schedule includes an advisory period, which is used a little differently at different schools, but typically incorporates opportunities to check in with students and foster peer relationships. Schools are developing their own plans for offering student clubs and activities.

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High School-specific Q&A

Q: How and when will we get our student's schedule?
A: Once scheduling details are finalized with the teachers, schools will generate student schedules, and you should be able to see these in Aeries via Parent (or Student) Portal the week of 8/10. Teachers will also get their rosters and can begin communicating with their students.

Q: How will peer relationships be fostered during remote learning? Will there be clubs and activities?
A: The secondary school schedule includes an advisory period, which is used a little differently at different schools, but typically incorporates opportunities to check in with students and foster peer relationships. Schools are developing their own plans for offering student clubs and activities.

Q: Will students receive college counseling?
A: Yes. Counselors will meet with students and College Access Plan will continue to provide services to our students.

Q: Is community service still a graduation requirement?
A: Yes. It is a good idea not to wait until the senior year to complete this requirement. There are a variety of opportunities to complete service requirements remotely. Check with your counselor.

Q: Will students in the academies get internship opportunities?
A: Yes. The District's business/career partners have been very creative in making sure students still get those opportunities.

Q: How will lab courses be conducted?
A: Teachers may do some virtual labs, and will adapt what they can to remote learning. Your student will NOT be expected to do chemistry experiments in your kitchen!

Q: What's happening with the school sports schedule?
A: For now, the plan is to postpone fall sports until the winter, and offer winter/spring sports during the spring.

Q: Will there be a zero period for band?
A: Yes.

For Additional Updates...

Visit pusd.us/reopening for the latest updates from the District. PEN will continue to update this post as we get more information. The district has also created a 2020-2021 School Opening Guide which is available in English and Spanish on the pusd.us/reopening page. If you are not already getting email or text updates from the School District, you can sign up to get them here.
PEN is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is independent of the school district. If you find this information helpful, we hope you’ll make a donation so we can continue to provide you with programs throughout the year. Thank you.
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