Lower School

1. Our approach toward remote learning is grounded in the following mindsets and attitudes:
   • We believe that learning can take place remotely.
   • We acknowledge that there is a difference in busy work and learning.
   • We choose to see this situation as an opportunity to flex our creative muscles!
   • We recognize that there will be bumps in the road. We will work together to get through this!
2. During a school closure, our priorities remain the same--each child’s:
   • Social-emotional well-being
   • Academic growth
   • Physical development
3. There is a lot of anxiety in society right now about the parental role in a child’s education during a school closure. To help create some clarity (and hopefully relieve some anxiety), we what to articulate are expectations of parents during this time:
   • We don’t expect you to homeschool your child.
   • We do ask that you help them organize their tasks and access the materials they need.
   • We do encourage you to lean on us for support--coach classes, office hours, etc.

1. The Basics
   • Each grade level will have one Remote Learning Plan that will be utilized by all of the teachers who interact with that group of students.
   • Remote Learning Plans will follow the same format for all grade levels. The time suggestions on the plan are not required; use them only if they are helpful to you.
2. Communication
   • March 25-27: Remote Learning Plans will be emailed by the teacher before 8:00 a.m. daily.
   • Beginning March 30: Remote Learning Plans for the week will be emailed by the teacher before 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning. Class Morning Meetings will begin.
3. Submitting Work and Accountability
   • Students in K-3 will not be required to submit assignments through April 3.
   • Students in 4-5 will be required to submit assignments with parental assistance.
   • All teachers are required to provide feedback on any assignment if requested.

On Tuesday, March 24, we are offering “curbside service” for families to pick up their students’ materials. There are a lot of moving parts to this plan, so it’s important that you come in the window of time designated by your child’s last name. Follow the carpool flow down to the red doors to pick up your child’s materials, and we ask that you remain in the car.

• A-B 9:00-9:20
• C-D 9:30-9:50
• E-I 10:00-10:20
• J-M 10:30-10:50
• N-R 11:00-11:20
• S-T 11:30-11:50
• U-Z 12:00-12:20

• We understand that your family may be sharing devices during this time. This is one of the reasons that we are holding so few synchronous class meetings. If your family does not have a tablet or computer in your household, please contact John Tracy and Larry Vinson at techsupport@montgomeryacademy.org.
• Fourth and fifth grade students will have access to school email through Gmail. If your child needs help recalling his or her email address or needs the password reset, contact Jenny Cone at jenny_cone@montgomeryacademy.org.
• We are going to be flexible on how assignments are completed. For some families, it may be easier to print a resource while for others, it may be easier to allow your child to edit a resource digitally. We will be flexible about how tasks are completed.

• Jenny Cone - “absences” (your child is too sick to complete his or her learning plan for the day) and email account assistance for fourth and fifth graders
• Shontrice Boswell - health and wellness concerns
• Kathryn Josey - social and emotional concerns
• John Tracy & Larry Vinson - tech support
• Teachers - daily office hours, 9:30 to 12:00, for small group and individual support as needed
• Resource Teachers - office hours for small group and individual support as needed
• Frances Smith - book recommendations (Unfortunately, our facilities are closed for library visits, but Frances can recommend books from afar!)
• Sarah Housley - various need