HCES transitions to ‘new’ virtual learning

(Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Jarrod McMillin, Hickman County Elementary School Principal)

It was another successful week at HCES. I appreciate your support and flexibility as we continue to work through issues and changes that arise. Teachers and staff continue to work diligently to give students the best educational experiences possible during this time. Below is information about this past week.

The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. In order to maintain a safe environment, it is necessary that we practice emergency drills. We are required by state statute to conduct, within the first 30 school days, emergency drills for earthquake, lockdown, severe weather, and fire. We completed all four of these drills this week, and they were very successful.

We have completed the Fall STAR and CASE test. These tests provide students and teachers valuable data on each student’s learning.

This is especially important this year to identify learning gaps to remediate content that was missed due to the NTI period last school year. These assessments will also be given in the winter and spring to show growth data through the year. Teachers will be discussing this data with students and using it to set goals and drive classroom instruction.

This week was our transition week for virtual learners to use MobyMax exclusively. Mrs. Melissa is our Virtual Learning Coordinator. She will be contacting all parents of virtual learners at least once a week. All virtual learners are expected to complete work daily or communicate with Mrs. Melissa to check in daily. Student MobyMax progress reports will be generated on Mondays for grades to be entered into Infinite Campus. Failure to complete assignments will result in a score of 0. Because these students are not present physically, it is all the more important to establish routines to complete work daily.

Picture day is Oct. 1 - 2. The schedule is as follows.

Oct. 1: EHS, Preschool, Kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and 11:15 a.m. – 2 p.m., Distance Learners by Appointment; and Oct. 2, third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, and 11:15 a.m. – 2 p.m. Distance Learners by Appointment.

Distance learners must call the school to set up an appointment. You may pick up the form from the office beforehand or at time of your appointment. You will enter the school at the concession stand doors.