Fellow Pioneers,
When I wrote my doctoral dissertation on leadership in virtual instructional settings, I never imagined seeing those ideas in action as a necessary response to a global pandemic. Having taught college classes in online formats for better than a decade and coming to PSCS from a one-to-one technology school, my experience of virtual and E-learning was only a shadow of the kind of work the Pioneer Springs staff would undertake this past March. Among all the other things it was-- abrupt, stressful, labor-intensive, time-consuming, riddled with technical challenges-- it was also inspiring. My colleagues' adaptability, creativity, and commitment to students laid the foundation upon which we built our virtual practices.
Just as it was then, we enter the fall with a primary focus on building a sense of community and training students (and parents) to be successful E-learners. What a gift that we were able to 'practice' online learning in the spring--we know what worked and what didn't and that knowledge has informed our plans for the first weeks of school. Here are some answers to those questions you may have in preparation for a successful start to the school year.
Cordially,
Becky Friend
Director, Operations and Academics
When I wrote my doctoral dissertation on leadership in virtual instructional settings, I never imagined seeing those ideas in action as a necessary response to a global pandemic. Having taught college classes in online formats for better than a decade and coming to PSCS from a one-to-one technology school, my experience of virtual and E-learning was only a shadow of the kind of work the Pioneer Springs staff would undertake this past March. Among all the other things it was-- abrupt, stressful, labor-intensive, time-consuming, riddled with technical challenges-- it was also inspiring. My colleagues' adaptability, creativity, and commitment to students laid the foundation upon which we built our virtual practices.
Just as it was then, we enter the fall with a primary focus on building a sense of community and training students (and parents) to be successful E-learners. What a gift that we were able to 'practice' online learning in the spring--we know what worked and what didn't and that knowledge has informed our plans for the first weeks of school. Here are some answers to those questions you may have in preparation for a successful start to the school year.
Cordially,
Becky Friend
Director, Operations and Academics
Frequently asked Questions
What should I expect during the first 6 weeks of school? In order for our students to be successful as E-learners, we'll spend the first two weeks of school simply getting to know them as individuals and building class community. Students will be guided in learning to use online tools in preparation for instructional engagement beginning the 3rd week. We'll also start that week with some benchmarking, math and reading assessments administered remotely which will give us specific information about your child's readiness levels and where to begin individualized and small group instruction.
What is the Pioneer HOME Program? Is this homeschooling?
All students will initially receive instruction in an online format; however, the point at which Pioneer Springs transitions to a hybrid or on-campus model families may choose to continue remote learning for the entire year through the HOME program. Students remain enrolled at PSCS and receive instruction through the Google Classroom from their regular grade-level teachers. This IS NOT homeschooling--instruction is provided by PSCS licensed teachers and i in accordance with the state standard course of study. If you have interest in this option please contact Ms Becky.
Click here for more info on Pioneer HOME
All students will initially receive instruction in an online format; however, the point at which Pioneer Springs transitions to a hybrid or on-campus model families may choose to continue remote learning for the entire year through the HOME program. Students remain enrolled at PSCS and receive instruction through the Google Classroom from their regular grade-level teachers. This IS NOT homeschooling--instruction is provided by PSCS licensed teachers and i in accordance with the state standard course of study. If you have interest in this option please contact Ms Becky.
Click here for more info on Pioneer HOME
Where do I get the materials my student will need for success? August 27th will be materials pick-up day on campus and, while more information will be released closer to that date, you should anticipate that it will look very much like the parent pick-up day held in June. Kits will be prepared by teachers and include everything students will need to access instruction, including textbooks and workbooks. Outside of those materials, please check the grade-level supply lists on the school website for individual student items that will be used throughout the year.
What resources are available to me for support?
There are going to be challenges along the way--that's a given. Outside the support of your child's teachers, the best resource for assistance is our remote learning page currently being built on the school's website. Content includes information ranging from locations of free hotspot internet access to how-to videos about each of the digital resources we'll use this year to accessing technical support.
There are going to be challenges along the way--that's a given. Outside the support of your child's teachers, the best resource for assistance is our remote learning page currently being built on the school's website. Content includes information ranging from locations of free hotspot internet access to how-to videos about each of the digital resources we'll use this year to accessing technical support.
When will I know my student's homeroom and hear from teachers?
Teachers will send out welcome emails the week of August 17th to notify you of your student's homeroom and communicate about events to set the stage for learning, including parent-teacher covenant conference sign-ups and an online parent orientation. Until then, the Coop Scoop and this website continue to be your best sources of information.
Teachers will send out welcome emails the week of August 17th to notify you of your student's homeroom and communicate about events to set the stage for learning, including parent-teacher covenant conference sign-ups and an online parent orientation. Until then, the Coop Scoop and this website continue to be your best sources of information.
What resources are available to me for support?
There are going to be challenges along the way--that's a given. Outside the support of your child's teachers, the best resource for assistance is our remote learning page currently being built on the school's website. Content includes information ranging from locations of free hotspot internet access to how-to videos about each of the digital resources we'll use this year to accessing technical support. Look for notification that this page is live in an upcoming edition of the Coop Scoop.
There are going to be challenges along the way--that's a given. Outside the support of your child's teachers, the best resource for assistance is our remote learning page currently being built on the school's website. Content includes information ranging from locations of free hotspot internet access to how-to videos about each of the digital resources we'll use this year to accessing technical support. Look for notification that this page is live in an upcoming edition of the Coop Scoop.
How will my student access their work each day?
Google Classroom will be the learning management system every teacher will use for consistency of practice, and familiarity for most students and families. Of course, within that, many other resources and programs will be utilized to maximize creativity and different learning styles.
Google Classroom will be the learning management system every teacher will use for consistency of practice, and familiarity for most students and families. Of course, within that, many other resources and programs will be utilized to maximize creativity and different learning styles.
What can I expect from the teachers?
Lead teachers: Our lead teachers will be designing and leading online instruction: 3 synchronous activities per week (minimum), they will post office hours for student access and support, conduct small group work for differentiated instruction, morning or afternoon circles; asynchronous posting of assignments, post recorded direct lessons, and have designated parent contact time.
K-2 teachers each serve their own classrooms.
3rd-6th grade lead teachers will work together in grade-level teams to prioritize and deliver instruction to all students in the grade.
Grades 7 and 8 teachers will work as comprehensive 4 person team.
The High School teacher roles will look different as they will depend on student's individual schedule.
Associate teachers: Our associate teachers will assist with synchronous small group support meetings, have weekly contact with every family by various methods including email, phone, and online and confirm attendance.
Explore and Spanish will join 6-8th classrooms with weekly engagements beginning in the second week.
Nature (Packs and PRIDE) and Connects (Art, PE, Music for K-5 classrooms) will offer weekly engagement activities beginning in the third week.
Lead teachers: Our lead teachers will be designing and leading online instruction: 3 synchronous activities per week (minimum), they will post office hours for student access and support, conduct small group work for differentiated instruction, morning or afternoon circles; asynchronous posting of assignments, post recorded direct lessons, and have designated parent contact time.
K-2 teachers each serve their own classrooms.
3rd-6th grade lead teachers will work together in grade-level teams to prioritize and deliver instruction to all students in the grade.
Grades 7 and 8 teachers will work as comprehensive 4 person team.
The High School teacher roles will look different as they will depend on student's individual schedule.
Associate teachers: Our associate teachers will assist with synchronous small group support meetings, have weekly contact with every family by various methods including email, phone, and online and confirm attendance.
Explore and Spanish will join 6-8th classrooms with weekly engagements beginning in the second week.
Nature (Packs and PRIDE) and Connects (Art, PE, Music for K-5 classrooms) will offer weekly engagement activities beginning in the third week.
Who decides if/when/how we transition to another plan or stay with this one?
The admin team will meet 4 weeks into remote learning to determine if we continue remote learning after the 6 weeks or if we move to the hybrid model.
The admin team will meet 4 weeks into remote learning to determine if we continue remote learning after the 6 weeks or if we move to the hybrid model.
Will my student’s remote learning experience be the same as last Spring?
Remote learning will look different than it did in the spring… we have learned some important things along the way and will be applying that experience to make the virtual experience the best it can be.
Remote learning will look different than it did in the spring… we have learned some important things along the way and will be applying that experience to make the virtual experience the best it can be.
What kind of technology does my student need?
Students will need internet connection and a computer, tablet or mobile device. Contact Becky by Tuesday, August 12th if your family needs to borrow a device at [email protected]
Students will need internet connection and a computer, tablet or mobile device. Contact Becky by Tuesday, August 12th if your family needs to borrow a device at [email protected]
What does the daily schedule look like for Elementary School, Middle School and High School?
Daily school schedules and classroom assignments are in the final stages of finalization and will be released very soon.
Daily school schedules and classroom assignments are in the final stages of finalization and will be released very soon.
Will WINGS still be active?
WINGS will still support PSCS and more than ever we need family-support to continue being our loving, supportive, successful Pioneer Community.
WINGS will still support PSCS and more than ever we need family-support to continue being our loving, supportive, successful Pioneer Community.
What if my student has an IEP or 504plan?
EC and lead teachers will collaborate in scheduling instructional time. If you have questions regarding your child's IEP or 504 please contact Cindy Friday at [email protected]
EC and lead teachers will collaborate in scheduling instructional time. If you have questions regarding your child's IEP or 504 please contact Cindy Friday at [email protected]
Will there be benchmarking/standardized tests?
Yes, benchmarking will be done to get a full picture of each student’s individual needs. More information on benchmarking and assessments will be provided in the upcoming orientations.
Yes, benchmarking will be done to get a full picture of each student’s individual needs. More information on benchmarking and assessments will be provided in the upcoming orientations.
Will there be fall sports or after school camps?
The ability to host fall sports and camps is TBD.
The ability to host fall sports and camps is TBD.
How will student and family connections be made/kept- how will the community vibe be?
Staying connected is among our highest priorities and so we are developing virtual events and a new way of connecting as Pioneers!
Staying connected is among our highest priorities and so we are developing virtual events and a new way of connecting as Pioneers!
What are Covenant conferences?
A LIVE, REMOTE chance to connect with your child's classroom team and give our staff the details of your child!Your child's success relies on the partnership of our staff with your family. Please read the PSCS Covenant. Session duration and available time slots will be determined and released by each grade level team.
A LIVE, REMOTE chance to connect with your child's classroom team and give our staff the details of your child!Your child's success relies on the partnership of our staff with your family. Please read the PSCS Covenant. Session duration and available time slots will be determined and released by each grade level team.
Do you have a question about remote learning? Please don’t hesitate to contact Ms. Becky
