Principal's message Aug.10th

Dear Marston Families,

We are now just a few weeks away from our first day of school on Monday, August 31.  Our district will soon be releasing more information about the upcoming school year. I wanted to take a moment to reinforce those messages and also provide some information as it specifically relates to Marston.

We will start the school year online and will return to the in-person school year as soon as it is safe to do so. Scientists at UCSD will be advising our district on this decision. Click here for more information on school reopening criteria. I very much look forward to resuming in-person learning. In the meantime, we will leverage our passion, energy and experience to provide an excellent online learning experience to all of our students. Each day students will receive rigorous, whole-group instruction that will help prepare students for high school, college and career. We are currently preparing schedules in which students will take 3 courses for a 9-week term called a quarter. Here is an example of a Marston student schedule: 

 

Quarter 1 (August 31 - October 30)

 

 

Quarter 2 (November 2 - January 22)

 

 

Here are some additional notes about student schedules:

·         All district schools are required to generate schedules that meet district requirements such as: No more than 3 periods per day and No more than 4 courses per term.

·         Students only having 3 courses per term will make it easier for students and parents to manage the coursework. 

·         The student day is expected to be approximately 6 hours. Synchronous (live) instruction will mostly occur in the morning and asynchronous learning (assignments) will mostly occur in the afternoons. Students can get extra support from their teachers during small group instruction (end of the class period) and office hours (afternoon).

·         Each Marston teacher will use either Google Classroom or Canvas. 

 

URGENT ITEMS WE’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON:

·         Virtual Student Orientation

·         Virtual Parent Institute - Topics include: Google Classroom, Canvas, Wellness and Family Resources

·         Computer, Textbook and Student Materials Distribution

·         Teacher and Student Schedules

·         Faculty Professional Development - Topics include: Quality Online Instruction, Social Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Practices, Standards Based Grading and Implementation of IEP Services

·         Co-constructing goals with students, parents and staff. Administration will monitor progress on these goals throughout the school year.

 

At Marson we realize that each student will only have one 2020-2021 school year. We understand how extremely important it is for students to be comfortable, well-supported and proficient in grade-level standards. We are committed to doing this important work with you and are excited to serve you.

Please continue to regularly check your emails as I will be sending more information soon. Thank you for your involvement in your child’s education.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jon Gollias 

Marston Middle School Principal