Greetings Geer Park Families!
I hope you and your family are doing well and you are safe! Although the beginning of this school year will be different than any in the past, all of us at Geer Park are anxious to welcome you back to school! As you know, Geer Park Staff and Dearborn students will return to school online on Monday, August 31st. I understand you may have many questions. If after reading this you still have questions, feel free to contact the main office at 313-827-2300.
Classroom Rosters and Assignments:
In the past, Geer Park has posted rosters on office windows. Due to our “online” start to the school year, this will not take place this year. Instead, classroom teachers will be contacting each family by phone or email to inform them of their child’s placement as well as provide some important information for the first week. Expect this contact by Friday, August 28th. Calls and/or emails will occur later in the afternoon.
Classroom Orientation will look different than in previous years. Rather than having a parent meeting at school for the whole class, teachers will be scheduling individual or small group orientations within the first week of school. These orientations will be very important! Some classroom materials will be distributed, daily schedules, log-ins for technology, introductions, and much more will be shared during the orientation.
Chromebooks:
Last spring, we had six chromebook distribution days. We also had a chromebook distribution day this week as well. Chromebooks are to be used by our students! The need for reliable technology at home is critical for students to complete work and interact with the classroom teacher.
For the 2020-2021 School Year, we are recommending that every enrolled student has a Chromebook, laptop or an electronic device to use. If you need one for your child, please contact the main office.
Additional updates for the beginning of the 2020-2021 School Year:
Please check the new school calendar as there are some changes, specifically for the first week. https://dearbornschools.org/services/district-calendars/ Monday, August 31st through Thursday, Sept. 3rd will be ½ days.
School start and end times have been changed a little to accommodate for the remote learning. New elementary school time will be from 8:55am-3:50pm. Half days will end at 12pm. Attendance will be taken, as well as tardies for not being available to the teacher by 8:55.
All Dearborn public schools will be using Schoology and Zoom for our online learning.
This year will look much different than the Spring. Students will be expected to be available and ready to learn from the start of the day at 8:55 until the end of the day at 3:50. Please continue working with your child(ren) to set up routines and areas for them at home. We will continue to work together and do our best to provide the best educational opportunity and experience for your children.
There will be live lessons every day and set schedules to help with consistency. There will also be small group opportunities; online and “face to face” at school. See below.
Learning Labs: Learning Labs will be an opportunity for staff to offer additional support (academically, socially and emotionally) to a small group of students face-to-face. Decisions regarding who, when and how often will be made as a team to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students. Learning labs will not begin until mid-September. Your child’s teacher will share more information on the labs soon.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the school office. Although the beginning of the year will bring questions and uncertainties, we WILL get through the opening of the year. Your patience and support is always appreciated.
-Geer Park Team