Potential Remote Learning Days

Unlike recent years when school was either in or out, WCPSS has the option this year of using remote instruction days during emergencies instead of using banked days or having makeup days.  With the upcoming winter weather this weekend, there is the possibility the district may decide to use one of these days, so I wanted to make sure that everyone knows what that will mean for Penny Road students.  If the district announces a remote learning day, a TalkingPoints message will be sent to families that contains a Bingo-style board for the grade level.  Each of the 25 boxes will contain an activity designed to take approximately 30 minutes.  To complete the requirements of a remote instruction day, students should complete five of the activities.  (For extra fun, complete five in a row!)  The activities have been intentionally designed to require no special materials, so there are no packets that will be sent home.  Students will just need access to something to write on and something to write with.  A few of the options on the board may involve a device (which in turn requires electricity and internet access), but most will not.  There is no expectation that the board will be printed.  To receive credit for the day of remote learning, students should return a list of the activities they completed and any artifacts.  Our intent in choosing this model is to provide increased flexibility for families, increased engagement for students through choice, and meaningful opportunities for students to practice their learning while at home.

Penny Road Homework Plan

As part of the annual review of our school's homework, plan, Penny Road's Student, Family & Staff Experience Leadership Team this year has been diving into the research and reviewing board policy on homework in order to create a cohesive homework plan for our school.  The leadership team, which includes a representative from each grade level team in addition to a variety of instructional support staff, met last week and decided upon the following homework plan to begin with the second semester next week:

No formal homework will be assigned.  However, optional activities may be sent home throughout the year.  There will be no requirement to turn these in or negative consequences if these are not completed.  All students are encouraged to engage in reading with a target of 20 minutes daily.  Practice resources will be updated quarterly on the website and highlighted in grade level newsletters. 

Please know that we continue to value student opportunities to practice the skills that they are learning.  Students will continue to have access to meaningful and timely feedback through opportunities to practice will be incorporated into the school day.  Additionally, the school website and teacher newsletters will provide additional resources each quarter that can be accessed for any desired practice opportunities for home.

The implementation of homework, particularly at the elementary level, is a school-based decision with various elementary schools scattering the continuum.  Both our prior practices and the new practices we will be implementing place us in the middle of this continuum.

Welcome Interim Principal Swaim

I thank you all for the understanding and well wishes as I transition out of the principal role.  I know that you will all extend a warm welcome to Mrs. Robin Swaim as she steps in, effective February 2 until the next principal is selected.  I look forward to collaborating both with Mrs. Swaim and the candidate that is selected to ensure a smooth transition for our pandas.