Great First Day! – 3/23

Posted on

March 23, 2020

Great First Day!

Bravo on completing your first day of distance learning! Everybody did a wonderful job of checking in with their classroom teacher, accessing assignments on Google Classroom, participating in Zoom meetings, and embracing (bravely) an entirely new world of communicating and learning. As expected, there were a few glitches here and there. The most problematic issue across K-8 was the ability for students to upload completed assignments within Google Classroom easily. After a bit of trouble shooting, we believe the main issue to be the restricted access we previously placed on student devices. In an effort to bypass future issues, and improve student ability to upload work more easily, we are going to remove the restrictions placed on student devices related to camera and YouTube functionality. We will also provide open access to email communication so that parents and students can email one another. This should all help tremendously!! With the removal of these restrictions comes the need for diligent parental monitoring. Student Chromebooks and iPads will continue to filter for spam, but please remind students that their devices are to be used for schoolwork only. We appreciate your support at home!

For Students with School iPads

There has been an issue with the IOS Google Classroom app working properly on iPads. This issue is directly related to the app itself, and our school network technician is working to resolve the problem. In the meantime, if you are experiencing trouble uploading assignments through an iPad, please upload student work through a laptop or desktop at home (if possible).

This has really been an impressive first day! I’m honored to be part of this amazing school. We are facing one of the greatest challenges of our lives as a family united, not divided. Together, we are creating a safe space for our kids to learn, persevere, and overcome the isolation that social distancing incurs.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I’m always available and happy to help in any way I can.

Onward we go! Forward is our pace!

Warm regards,
Mandy Hart
Lower School Division Director
mhart@stmichael.net