Math Week 3-23-20 (update 4)

Hi all,


1. I assigned the CPS resource packets for the school closures as an optional assignment last week. They are over 25 pages long. Originally the due date was 3-31-20 (when we originally thought we would return to school). I am extending the due date to April 21 (the new anticipated return date). It will be a lot easier to turn it in as a hard copy and not have to take and submit 20+ pictures!


2. I would love to share any cool learning resources students and parent/guardians have found and are enjoying. Send me your links!


3. STUDENTS: I put up a good math question today in Google Classroom. Go see if you can add a comment/answer.

Math Week 3-23-20 (update 3)

Hi all!


1. Some students have already posted some great graphs from the Create Your Own Graph task in Google Classroom. Keep it up!


2. We have been watching CNN 10 at my house each day. I recommend it as a way to stay informed without being overwhelmed by the news each day.


Hope you all are doing well and trying to stay active. (Reminder to check the post below for suggestions on staying active from our PE teachers!)

Math Week 3-23-20 (update 2)

Hello all!


1. Hope you all wore your green! I know I am ready:

2. Some great stuff on the blogs of other Ray teachers.


Yesterday from Mr. McGovern: Tuesday boredom buster: Chrome Music Lab (These are super fun, and you can make really good music with them!)


Today from Ms. Ely:
Hi Ray Families,
Some teachers are creating guided activities for all Ray students. They include learning tasks in all core subject areas for grades PK-8. The first one is about plants. I've tested some of the activities out with my own kids and we're having a lot of fun. Take a look here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f5yqVS_CsN5DOhsjxHJyioMSFvc73g2sHdEhfKdxxHY/edit#

If you're unsure on how to use this resource, here is a YouTube video to walk you through it: https://youtu.be/nRFcnhhbrXo

I'm thinking the next one will be about Hyde Park and Chicago's Southside. Any topic ideas, especially from students, are greatly appreciated.
Happy learning!

Math Week 3-23-20 (Tuesday Update)

Hello All!


1. I uploaded the next steps in the for the create-your-own graph assignment in Google Classroom. There were some great Notice/Wonder responses. Link below to the assignment task sheet.


Create your own graph


2. Send your Warrior Wednesday Pictures! Show your Ray Warrior Spirit and wear green or Ray gear on Wednesday. Send you pics to me and I will share with the Ray team. lalbrecht@cps.edu

Math Week 3-23-20

Hello All!


1. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I am assigning tasks at grade level as well as review to scaffold understandings of the grade level work. These are the types of skills we would be working on if we were all at Ray. The assignments include videos, articles, and exercises (still only 5 exercises!). Please be reminded that I am trying to be at my computer ready to answer questions between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. each day. I can also set up another time during the if you want.


7th grade homework


8th grade homework


2. I have also assigned a Desmos task in Google Classroom for both 7th and 8th grade. These tasks support the Khan work and are a great way to practice skills.


3. WATCH THIS SPACE! Tomorrow I will post the next steps to the Notice/Wonder in Google Classroom from last week. Already some great responses! You still have one more day to notice and wonder.


4. Sending out happy and healthy wishes to all!

Next Week...

Hi all,


I plan to extend my dedicated "office hours" time each day to be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. I will also check in again in the afternoon between 3 and 4. If you want to chat via Google Classroom at some other time, let's schedule something that works.


Looking ahead to next week, I am starting the week off with Google Classroom question (already posted on 3-20-20). Due by Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Students can share thoughts I will join in for a response and next steps Tuesday.


As for Khan, I will start assigning videos as well as tasks. The assignments will be two-fold. First, I will start assigning grade level tasks with a mind to trying to stay on track for learning when school resumes. Second, I will continue to assign review tasks to maintain skills. PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL OR GOOGLE CLASSROOM IF YOU NEED HELP.


CPS letter is below with all the details of school closure.

UPDATE! SCHOOL'S OUT UNTIL 4-21-20

Dear CPS Parents, Families, and Staff:

As Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced tonight, Chicago Public Schools will remain closed until Tuesday, April 21, 2020. While we want to reopen schools as soon as possible, this is a very serious challenge and we support the mayor’s decision to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our city. As the situation develops, we will continue to provide families with regular updates.

We recognize the significant impact the closures have had on every member of our school community, and we remain committed to doing all we can to support our students and families in the days ahead. Since the beginning of the closure, we have provided more than 90,000 packages of food to our families in need, and we will continue to offer free packages of food that contain three days worth of meals for every child in a household. Thanks to the incredibly dedicated staff who are supporting this effort in our schools, food can be picked up between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. every weekday. In addition to the amazing food service workers, thank you to our principals, assistant principals, and network staff for the support.

Due to the extended closure period, it is necessary for the district to reassess significant events on the school calendar and annual student and school assessment timelines and procedures. As a result of today’s decision, the district will seek a one-year waiver from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) on the district’s School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) and recommend to the Chicago Board of Education that we maintain the current SQRP ratings and carry them forward into next school year. Given the unprecedented situation we are in, carrying over SQRP ratings is the best available and most fair option for our school communities. 

In addition to the recommendation to carry over SQRP ratings, the district is also revising its assessment schedule based on the extended closure period. While the district continues to work through the long-term implications of the mayor’s decision, we are canceling end-of-year assessments including:

• NWEA
• STAR Assessment
• REACH Performance Tasks

We are working closely with ISBE, City Colleges of Chicago, the College Board, and our other partners to understand how this closure will impact other assessments such as the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, PSAT/SAT, Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment courses, and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams as well as graduation requirements and grade promotion. While changes to the assessment calendar will likely be necessary, we are committed to ensuring students can access critical assessments tied to college entry, selective enrollment admission, graduation, and grade promotion. 

We recognize that this is not an exhaustive list of all of the academic opportunities and policies impacted by this closure, and as decisions are made by the state and federal government, we will continue to provide you updates in a timely manner. 

To help support students and families while class is not in session, the district posted enrichment resources and materials at cps.edu/coronavirus and provided students with hard copies of these materials prior to the beginning of the closure. Educators and parents can access these resources at cps.edu/coronavirus and build upon these materials as they see fit to keep children engaged through spring break. In the days ahead, we will be providing additional resources and guidance. 

The challenges we face ahead are unprecedented but not insurmountable. We recognize there are a number of significant outstanding questions about our normal school policies and procedures, and we will provide updates and guidance as soon as possible.  We will make it through this uncertain time together—as one district, one family. 
 

Janice K. Jackson, EdD            LaTanya D. McDade
Chief Executive Officer            Chief Education Officer
Chicago Public Schools            Chicago Public Schools