• MANCHESTER-ESSEX REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL 

    Remote Learning Structure

    For Teachers 

    • Assignments: Google Classroom is the required method for communicating work expectations with students: 
      • The focus of assignments will be to deepen students’ skills in relation to previously learned content.  
      • Assignments should be preceded by either video or written explanations.
      • Check-in and due dates should be posted with the assignments/activities.  
      • Extensions will be given on all due dates without penalty.
      • General education teachers will consult with special education liaison(s) before delivering assignments to students and work with liaisons to modify assignments as necessary to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
      • Teachers should be mindful not to post assignments that may be frustrating to students by introducing complex assignments and be mindful that students may be experiencing stress during this time. 
    • Tracking Work Completion:  Teachers will track the completion of assignments by marking an X in Aspen. If an assignment has not been completed, teachers will leave the box blank. Teachers should provide feedback in terms of comments in Google Classroom when appropriate. For students with IEPs, special education teachers will also be involved in monitoring student progress.
    • Grading:  MERMS students will not be graded during remote learning. Student work completion will be tracked, and students will receive a complete/incomplete for the trimester.
    • Office Hours:  Teachers will maintain a minimum of one hour and a maximum of two hours a day for office hours, which are 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., and 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
      • If a teacher anticipates being unable to maintain the specified office hours on a given day, they will notify families via email on Monday of the week being impacted. 
      • During this time, teachers will monitor email and respond within the hour. 
      • In keeping with District policy, emails that do not pertain to what students are engaged with in the moment will be answered within 48 hours.
    • Connecting with Students:  During closure, all teachers will reach out directly to students at least weekly via email, Zoom/Google Meet/Google Hangout to maintain a connection. If teachers notice students are not engaging and meeting work completion expectations, parents will be notified. If students continue not to engage, the student will be referred to the Dean of Students and School Adjustment Counselor and/or School Psychologist.  During closure, special education teachers will check-in directly with students on their caseload to identify problems and troubleshoot solutions. 
    • If a teacher becomes ill, the teacher should post that they will be unavailable. If the teacher is unable to post, Administration should be contacted to assist with this. 

     

     For Students and Parents:

    • Parents/Guardians should monitor students to assure completion of assignments.
    • Parents/Guardians should contact the teacher if there is a concern about their student’s progress. For students with IEPs, please also reach out to your liaison/case manager if you are having difficulties. Email is best.
    • Parents/Guardians should contact the building principal (mainoj@mersd.org) if a student is unable to complete tasks due to unforeseen circumstances or family hardship. 
    • If a student is ill and cannot complete assignments, a family member should contact Mrs. Houde (houdec@mersd.org) to let teachers know.
    • Virtual attendance will be monitored through work completed.
    • Students should follow the Daily Learning Structure and check Google Classroom on a daily basis and continue to check Google Classroom for teacher comments. 
    • Students should check their meapps gmail inbox daily. 
    • Students should be engaging in an average of approximately 3.5 hours of school work each day.  Student’s work completion timeframes will vary based on individual work pace.
    • There is an expectation for students to complete school work. Assignments that are not done will be marked incomplete at the end of the Trimester. 
    • Students should make every effort to abide by due dates.  Late assignments, however, will be accepted, understanding varying student experiences. When turning in a late assignment, students should email teachers notifying them the assignment has been turned in. 
    • If a student is having difficulty, he/she should reach out to the teacher during digital “office hours” or schedule an appointment for an online conference or telephone call.  
    • Understanding students may not have taken home all necessary tools, supplies, books, etc., students should contact their teacher if they do not have access to a needed resource to find a way to work around that obstacle.
    • Students should engage in physical activity on a regular basis. 
    • Student Discipline:  Remote learning is a school environment, therefore students are still held to the discipline policy as outlined in the Middle School Handbook. For students in violation of this policy, teachers will utilize the Yellow/Red card system to report violations.