MVHS Students & Parents,
Thank you for all of your efforts as we have shared in the opportunity of providing education to our students in this virtual environment. I know this is not easy! We want more than anything to have our students back in the building. Until then, we will continue to do the very best we can to serve and support you and our students. I have heard from many of you that the systems we have established are far better than last spring (yes!), however there are still some themes that we are trying to address, including:
- Workload for students
- Attendance monitoring
- Tech issues
Please know we will continue to monitor and address issues as they arise. You will find information in this newsletter to help you stay on top of these important topics (and others).
Regarding student workload, it is important that classroom teachers hear directly from students (primarily) and parents (when appropriate) to the amount of work that your student has been assigned. One challenge in this virtual environment is to keep a true pulse on what is happening within our classrooms, and at home, while students are working on assignments. If teachers are not aware that their students might be overloaded, it is hard for them to make adjustments and problem solve. If your student is feeling overwhelmed, please encourage them to contact their teacher directly for support, encouragement and solutions. We have been discussing this topic staff-wide and will be looking to make some adjustments on our end.
The end of our first “6-week session” is approaching quickly (October 23rd). Progress report grades will be available after this date. The end of this session will signify a significant change to your student’s daily schedule. Our second “6-week session” will begin on Monday, October 26th and continue through December 11th. Some periods will continue while others will “pause” for a 6-week break. Here are the upcoming changes to the daily schedule:
We will share more information in the coming weeks regarding these schedule changes. Until then, please feel free to call our office with any questions.
With Cougar Pride, Michael Hicks, Principal
Parent Guide to Canvas: Our goal is to have at least one parent in every household create a Canvas observer account. The below video below will provide you with a brief overview of the Canvas platform and ends with a simple 60 second set up guide to register for your parent account.
Attendance Reminder: student attendance is being taken during distance learning. Every Day. Every Class Period. Even during the periods of "student directed" work time and for all periods on Wednesdays, our teachers are tracking student virtual activity through Canvas assignments, daily quizzes, form questions, email communication, etc. Students are expected to connect virtually in some way, every day and in every class.
If there is a day where your student will not be present virtually, we ask that parents call our attendance line 541-355-4415 to report the absence, just as they would if school was happening in person. Automated attendance calls are going out daily for students who missed one or more periods the day before. Our standard Attendance Policies for excuse reasons and excuse time frames (listed on page 4 of our student handbook) remain the same.
Purchase iPad Insurance Today!
Families may purchase optional iPad insurance for $30, with a family cap of $90. Pay online through the district Touchbase payment system - CLICK HERE to log in and pay
Insurance is effective for the current school year. Accidental damage, cracked screens, liquid submersion, fire, flood, theft and vandalism in and out of school are covered. Full details on coverage can be found on the BLS district website here.
Yearbooks are only $50. Order yours online today!
- We need your help! Bring life to what's happening in your distance learning experience by sending in personal photos. Upload submissions directly to us at hjeShare.com with a school code of "cougars" (all lowercase).
- Last year's yearbooks 2019-2020 are available for pick up in the main office on Wednesdays from 12:30-3:30.
- Senior photos are due on Dec 1. See the website for photo submission details
- Senior baby & friendship ads are available. Reserve your space today by emailing mvyearbook1@gmail.com or going to the MVHS yearbook webpage for more information.
Upcoming Dates
- Junior PSAT Registration is Open. Info online here. Reg deadline - Oct 12
- Junior PSAT Test is next week. Details posted online here - Oct 17
- Learning Session B (schedule changes to periods 2, 3, 5, 6, 7B) - Oct 26
Check out our weekly MVHS Announcement webpage for what's happening now!
Be sure to visit the MVHS website and our Facebook page regularly to keep up to date on what is happening around campus. Go Cougs!
Credits:
Go Cougs!