March 31: LMK Principal's Message

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We have completed two weeks of learning from home and I continue to be impressed by our students and faculty.  There is a culture of learning and caring at LMK and the Harrison community that exhibits the spirit of our middle school.  We are creating a new learning environment through practice and refinement. Feedback from teachers, students, and parents continue to shape it, and I appreciate all that you are doing to support us and your children. 

Google Classroom continues to be our platform for schoolwork and communicating students’ daily assignments.   I wanted to share some examples of the digital formats we are using with students to connect and teach lessons in addition to posted assignments:

  • Google Hangouts and Google Meet provide students with support, usually in a small class setting

  • Zoom allows for lessons with students and can be video recorded and shared in Google classroom

  • Screencast and EdPuzzle are used by teachers to video mini-instructional lessons and then post on Google classroom

  • Loom is another video tool teachers use to post  lessons on Google classroom

If your child is experiencing technical issues or needs assistance, please let us know as soon as possible. If you are struggling with limited internet access, Xfinity internet service providers have opened up all of their public wifi points to anyone.  Please read if you would like further information.  There are also many hotspots located in our community that can be searched by using this map.  If you require further access to technology or a device, please complete the request form or reach out if you need further technology support. If you have questions about technology contact Brian Seligman (914-638-3389) or (seligmanb@harrisoncsd.org).

We recognize the challenges that families have faced during the first few weeks of Learning From Home and how it has impacted students’ ability to complete school work.   With the goal of ensuring that our grading practices reflect our values and remain accurate, fair and respectful the following policy will be implemented at LMK Middle School and Harrison High School:

  • Third Quarter Grades - the 3rd quarter marking period grades will be calculated based upon the first 7 weeks of face-face classroom learning. Student grades may increase based upon performance during the 3 weeks of virtual learning, however, grades may not be lowered. In other words, we are establishing a floor (but no ceiling) for grades during the transition (3/16 - 4/4) to virtual learning. The goal is to be encouraging and supportive and do no harm to students who were thrust into an unprecedented circumstance.
     

  • Fourth Quarter Grades - for the 4th quarter marking period, we will reset expectations for grading. Projects, assignments and other types of assessments will be scored and calculated based upon the established course grading policies. We will continue to monitor the types of assessment practices used in a virtual environment to ensure they are accurate and fair.

Fourth quarter ten week classes (art, digital design, technology design , health and information literacy) will begin after the break.  Students should check Powerschool for their new courses,  and teachers will email students with their new Google Classroom codes before the classes begin. Our after and before school clubs and sports continue virtually. Advisors and coaches will be reaching out to your children as well.

The District is providing free breakfast and lunch for eligible students. We are changing and streamlining this process to make it easier for families and volunteers. Beginning Monday, March 30th meal distribution will be reduced to twice a week: Monday and Wednesday between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  Monday pickup includes breakfast and lunch for two days. Wednesday pickup provides breakfast and lunch for three days. If you are currently eligible but have not yet applied, please complete the request form.  If your circumstances have changed and you are in need of Food Assistance please contact your principal. All inquiries are confidential. 

Medical experts agree that social distancing is the most effective way to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. Experts recommend we all behave “as if” we have the virus and limit contact with others.  We encourage you to follow the social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and refrain from visits with friends, pick up games, group activities and other interactions outside of your family. 

Ms. Colosimo, Mr. Spector and I continue to be here for you to answer any questions and offer our support.

Sincerely yours,

Scott Fried
Principal