MEM Remote Learning Parent Guide

By -
Dear Memorial Families,
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. It contains the big ideas regarding our implementation of remote instruction at MEM. 

As usual, if you have questions, please direct them to the person who you think has the answer:

  • Teachers for classroom-specific questions
  • Technology Questions
  • Special Education



As we transition to this new way of learning and teaching, we know there will be many questions. We are confident that as a team consisting of teachers, staff, parents, and students that we can come through this stronger than before. Please utilize the resources at your disposal and listed above for any issues or concerns. We all look to the day that things return to as they were, but will do the best with the situation we are in through the time, patience, and professionalism of all involved.

Sincerely,

Mr. Schappler and Mrs. Purcell


Goal of Remote Instruction:

The central goal of remote instruction is to continue student learning. Students will continue to be given instructional opportunities and demonstrate competency in a variety of ways.

Preparation for Remote Instruction:

Staff has spent this past week preparing for remote learning. Through extensive work as teams, individuals, and in coordination with our Digital Learning Specialist, Peter Olsen, teachers have prepared a number of lessons and resources to ensure a continuity of programs. Additionally, depending on grade level, teachers worked to ensure the platform for delivery of lessons and instruction was adequate and effective to reach our whole population. 

Access to MEM:

During remote learning days, the building is open to all staff for planning and resource purposes. Teachers will work remotely but have the opportunity to come in to get curriculum materials or work from school. Administrators, nurses, and office staff will continue to work. Additionally, there will be personnel available to answer the phones. Our office hours will be from 8:00am-2:00pm Monday through Friday.

At this point, we are asking that the public not visit the school during remote learning. Please call ahead to our main office at 603-627-1776 if you need access to the building to retrieve something for your student.

Communication:

For teachers, email will be the primary modes of communication. If you need to reach a teacher, counselor, or other staff member, please use email. Staff members are available to answer emails throughout the typical school hours; emails that come in after the end of class or the school day may not be returned until the next school day. Main office staff are available by phone or email to answer questions throughout the day.

Class Expectations:

All students are expected to participate in the online activities that their teachers prepare for them.

During this period of remote instruction, it will be important to maintain as much normalcy as possible for our students. We understand that homes are now strategizing how to have multiple students, and in many cases parents, working remotely from home. Please use some flexibility during your day. 
Teachers will make themselves available via email to parents, for academic questions.

We have asked teachers to reduce the scope of the curriculum and instruction in order to adjust to a remote learning model. We cannot cover all the same material as we would have in a physical classroom setting. 

Technology Issues:

If a student has issues with Google Classroom, their Chromebook, or any other aspect of technology required for remote learning, please follow the directions the Technology Department has set up here. 

Attendance:

Please also continue to contact our attendance line at (603) 627-1776, if your child will not be able to participate in remote learning, as if school was in session. If your student is ill or cannot complete remote school for some reason, we still need to know. Please call the attendance line and report that they are absent.
In addition to new concerns over COVID-19, students and staff will likely require time to recover from the normal seasonal illnesses that occur every year. Please follow our usual absence reporting procedures. Parents should report any influenza-like illness or positive test results for any type of flu including influenza A, influenza B, or COVID-19 to Mrs Cook, our nurse. 


Special Services:

Please see this memo regarding Special Services in the Bedford School District. In general, these services will be provided following these guidelines:

  • Special Education: Special education staff will continue to offer services based on the individual needs of students. Service delivery may include remote learning, instructional work packets, remote consults to caregivers, and other curriculum-based instructional activities and resources.

  • Section 504 Plans: Classroom teachers will continue to follow student Section 504 plans as they typically would in the physical classroom. However, it is important for all students and teachers to be flexible in their approach and methods during this period of time. 

Reading and Math support professionals are putting together packets of information and activities for the students to do to offer some continuity of services in this area as well. 
Additionally, many cases requiring special services will be addressed on an individual basis. We know that the program for each student will look different. We are committed to creating the program and delivering the services and instructions that make the most and best sense for each child. If you have a child who receives special education please utilize the case manager as your primary contact for any questions or concerns.

Breakfast and Lunch:

The Food Service Department will be providing grab-n-go breakfast and lunch for all students in the community at no charge. Pick up will be available 9:00am-noon at the BHS main entrance. Please complete the Food Service Meal Order Form to participate. 
Deadline for pre-ordering is 2:00 PM the previous day. Pre-ordering is required in order to ensure we prepare enough meals. This service will start Tuesday, March 17. Please direct questions to Emily Murphy at murphye@sau25.net.

Other School Activities:

During remote learning, all student activities are suspended.

Academic Integrity:
During this time, students may not be present in the physical classroom, but it is vital to maintain academic honesty and integrity in the educational environment. It is important that all student work is a true reflection of a student’s ability and progress.