Virtual Learning Beginning April 30 (Grades 2 & 3)

Good Morning,

Please read through the following updates carefully.  Thank you, in advance, for your understanding.

• Grade 4 will be learning in person with Mrs. Bartosch and Mrs. DeGroot. They will learn via Google Meet with Mrs. Van Helvoirt.

• Grades 2 & 3 will learn virtually. Chromebooks will be sent home for all students who will be learning virtually. 

The following information pertains to Grades 2 & 3:

SUPPLY PICK UP

Parents of students in grades 2 & 3, please stop by school to pick up your child's supplies during one of the following times:

• Thursday, April 29 2:30-4:00 PM
• Friday, April 30 7:30-8:00 AM 

Friday, April 30 through Wednesday, May 5

In person learning resumes Thursday, May 6

• Students are expected to be in attendance for virtual learning sessions. Reminder: If a student is unable to attend a virtual session, a parent must email the teacher in advance as attendance is taken during each session and reported to the school office. 

• Each session will last about 30-45 minutes. Following each session, the students may be asked to complete work independently.  

• Google Meet links will be sent via email to:
• 2nd grade parents & students
• 3rd grade parents & students

• Please refer to the schedule below:

Sessions	8:30 A.M.	10:30 A.M.	1:00 P.M.
Grade 2	Mrs. DeGroot	Mrs. Bartosch	Mrs. Van Helvoirt
Grade 3	Mrs. Bartosch	Mrs. Van Helvoirt	Mrs. DeGroot
Grade 4	Mrs. Van Helvoirt	Mrs. DeGroot	Mrs. Bartosch

VIRTUAL ASSIGNMENT SHEETS

Sample Virtual Assignment Sheet

Virtual assignment sheets will be updated daily. Typically, assignments will be posted shortly after zoom sessions end. However, please note that updates may be made up until 3pm.  Emails with the attachment will be sent to:

• 2nd Grade parents and students
• 3rd Grade parents and students

Please discuss the following with your children.

How to prepare for virtual instruction:

• Chromebooks/computers should be charged and ready to use with email open.
• Students should have their school email open waiting to receive the Google Meet invite. 

• NEW: In an effort to provide the safest environment for online learning, email invites/links will not be sent to the students (and parents) until immediately before the class begins.

• When students receive the email, they should open it and click on the link right away.

• Likewise, students may not remain on the virtual session afterward without a teacher present. Upon the conclusion of each Google Meet, the link will be dismantled and students will no longer be able to access them. 

• These changes are in effect for the best interest of all students. 

• Always be in a quiet workspace.

• Plan ahead...use the bathroom ahead of time, eat and drink before and/or after sessions, but not during.

• Due to the short classes, students should please refrain from bringing toys, stuffed animals, etc. into their workspace.

• Demonstrate respect and good listening.  As a rule of thumb, if a student wouldn't do something in the classroom, they also shouldn't do it when learning virtually. We are looking forward to seeing the students and to having productive and engaging sessions!

Students should remember to listen carefully for their homework at the end of the session.  If a student or parent is unsure, you will be able to check the virtual assignment sheet which is also being sent on email.

Questions

Parents, please feel free to reach out to us via email if you have any questions. Again, we understand that the days ahead may be challenging.  Please know that we are here to offer support in any way we can. 

Thank You,

Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt 

Week of April 26 - 30

  

Spelling

There will be a spelling unit and test for all students in grades 2-4 this week.

Science

The students started their new Einstein kit called "Microworlds."  The students will be "magnifying the microscopic world!"

Religion - 2nd Grade First Communion Families

Parents, there are several important dates listed below.  Please read through all of the dates and information. 

Just a quick, but important note/request...😉

As is typical at this time of the school year, there is some evidence of the quality of student work starting to slip.  A "pep talk" was given to each grade about doing their best work, writing legibly, etc.  

While there are only six weeks left, we want to remember that indeed there are still six weeks left. Any assistance you could offer at home would be great.  A few ideas include:

• Reminding children about the expectation to sort through his/her take-home folders daily
• Reminding children about the expectation to write neatly on school work
• Reminding children to always do their best so that they will be proud of their work

 

Saturday, April 24

First Communion Retreat (Part 2) for 2nd Grade Families

Please see Mrs. Anne Stemper's information

Thursday, April 29

Students in grades 2-4 will participate in a virtual Mass

Saturday, May 1 & Sunday, May 2

First Communion Weekend for 2nd Grade Families

Please see Mrs. Anne Stemper's information

Friday, May 7, 2021

May Crowning & Living Rosary @ 1:30 in the church

• Parents are invited.
• Parents in attendance are asked to sit in the back of church.
• Masks are required.  
• The 2nd graders will process into church.  One student (whose name will be drawn) will place the crown upon Mary.
• Following this, the student body will lead everyone in a rosary
• 2nd Graders, in particular, may wish to dress in church attire.  

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Special Mass & Outdoor Social - Attention 2nd Grade Families

Before School

• Students can either wear their First Communion clothes to school or change immediately upon arrival. 
• Traditionally, many 2nd grade parents drive their children to school on this day and stay for the Mass and social.  (They also bring First Communion clothing home so that it doesn't have to stay at school or be transported on the bus.)

During Mass

• Mass will be at 8:05 and led by the 2nd Grade First Communicants (they will do the readings, etc.)
• All parents are welcome to attend and sit in the back of church.
• Masks are required.

After Mass

• Pictures
• Students will gather to take pictures after Mass.
• Changing Clothes
• Parents in attendance are asked to assist the students in changing clothes in the church basement afterward.
• Parents in attendance should drop off First Communion clothes at his/her vehicle.
• Social/Refreshments
• Weather permitting, there will be an outdoor social for 2nd grade and their families immediately following Mass.
• Parents do not need to bring anything for the social. Refreshments will be provided.

*Miscellaneous

• Be sure to send a change of clothes, shoes, garment bag, etc.
• Parents, if you are unable to attend, we completely understand.  Please know that a family member (grandparent/aunt/uncle) is welcome to come in your place. The 2nd grade students can have up to 2 parents/family members.  
• If a parent or family member is unable to attend, your child will not be left alone.  Teachers will assist with storing clothing and your child will have a friend to sit with during the social. 

Friday, May 7, 2021

SAVE THE DATE! - $10,000 Virtual Raffle

Blessings,

Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Week of April 19-23

 

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your help with virtual instruction.  As of 2:00 today, Sunday, April 18, we anticipate students in our cohort, grades 2-4, returning to in-person instruction tomorrow.  As always, please be aware that this could change at any time.  Please watch for any communications from Mrs. Hubbard. 

Religion - 2nd

For the next couple of weeks, the 2nd grade students will be concluding their First Communion instruction.  They will finish the corresponding section in their text books, watch a  video about the meaning of the Eucharist, and practice receiving the Eucharist properly.  

 

Monday, Tuesday 19 - Friday, April 23

Map Testing (Reading & Math)

Tuesday, April 20

Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. Mark visits St. Clare School

Thursday, April 22

Students in grades 2-4 will participate in a virtual Mass

Saturday, April 24

First Communion Retreat (Part 2) for 2nd Grade Families

Please see Mrs. Anne Stemper's information

Thursday, April 29

The 4th grade class will be reading Mass parts (if Mass is in-person)

Saturday, May 1 & Sunday, May 2

First Communion Weekend for 2nd Grade Families

Please see Mrs. Anne Stemper's information

Friday, May 7, 2021

SAVE THE DATE! - $10,000 Virtual Raffle

Blessings,

Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Virtual Learning Updates - Monday, April 12

 

Good Afternoon,

Please note the following minor changes for the days ahead:

Virtual Sessions will be conducted via Google Meet rather than Zoom.

• This allows for students using school Chromebooks not to have to install anything or open a Zoom account.

Google Meet links will be sent to:

• 2nd grade parents
• 3rd grade parents and students (using school email)
• 4th grade parents and students (using school email) 

Also, parents, we greatly appreciate your help this week.  We ask that you please discuss the following with your children.

How to prepare for virtual instruction:

• Have Chromebooks/computers charged and ready to use with email open.
• 3rd & 4th graders will use their school email account. (As a back up, email invites will also be sent to parents.)
• 2nd grade emails will be sent to parents.
• In the email, click on the Google Meet link.

• Always be in a quiet workspace.

• Plan ahead...use the bathroom ahead of time, eat and drink before and/or after sessions, but not during.

• Due to the short classes, students should please refrain from bringing toys, stuffed animals, etc. into their workspace.

• Demonstrate respect and good listening.  As a rule of thumb, if a student wouldn't do something in the classroom, they also shouldn't do it when learning virtually. We are looking forward to seeing the students and to having productive and engaging sessions!

Remember to listen carefully for your homework at the end of the session.  If you aren't sure, you will be able to check the virtual assignment sheet which is also being sent on email.

We'll see you tomorrow!

Mrs. DeGroot & Mrs. Van Helvoirt 

Week of April 12-16

Good Afternoon Parents of Students in Grades 2-4,

As noted in recent communications from Mrs. Hubbard, grades 2-4 will be participating in virtual learning during the week of April 12.  Please read through the following details.

MONDAY, APRIL 12 - Supply Pick Up 7:30am until 5:00pm

• Monday will be a work day for teachers in grades 2-4 and a day off for students in grades 2-4.

• Chromebooks, chargers, computer mice and headphones/earbuds will be sent home for all students in grades 3 & 4.

• If a 2nd grade student wishes to have a Chromebook at home, please email Mrs. DeGroot to let her know.  

Tuesday, April 13 through Thursday, April 15 - Virtual Instruction 

• Mrs. DeGroot and Mrs. Van Helvoirt will be teaching the core subjects (reading/language arts and math) except for 2nd grade which will also have some religion assignments in order to keep First Communion preparations on schedule.  A separate email will be sent to 2nd grade families.

• Students in each grade will have 2 virtual learning sessions per day.  Each session will consist of about 30 minutes of instruction. Following each session, the students will be asked to complete some work independently. 

• Zoom links will be sent via email to:
• 2nd Grade Parents
• 3rd Grade Parents
• 4th Grade Parents
• 4th Grade Students  

• If a student is unable to attend a zoom session, we ask that a parent please email the teacher in advance. 

• Please refer to the schedule below:

Zoom Sessions	8:30 A.M.	10:30 A.M.	1:00 P.M.
Grade 2	work time	Mrs. Van Helvoirt	Mrs. DeGroot
Grade 3	Mrs. Van Helvoirt	Mrs. DeGroot	work time
Grade 4	Mrs. DeGroot	work time	Mrs. Van Helvoirt

VIRTUAL ASSIGNMENT SHEETS

Mrs. DeGroot and Mrs. Van Helvoirt will update virtual assignment sheets daily. Typically, assignments will be posted shortly after zoom sessions end. However, please note that updates may be made up until 2:00 on these days.  Please watch for an email from Mrs. Van Helvoirt with the attachment for next week's virtual assignment sheet. Emails with the attachment will be sent to:

• 2nd Grade parents
• 3rd Grade parents
• 4th Grade parents
• 4th Grade students

Sample Virtual Assignment Sheet

Questions / Office Hours

Parents, please feel free to reach out to us via email if you have any questions. We certainly understand that the week ahead may be challenging.  Please know that we are here to offer support in any way we can. If questions should arise during virtual instruction days, we will have "office hours" from 2:00-3:00 on Tuesday through Thursday.   

Friday, April 16 - Teacher Inservice (No school for all students)

Thank you for being the supportive St. Clare families that you are! We truly appreciate your cooperation.

Mrs. DeGroot & Mrs. Van Helvoirt