Please click on February Calendar to find the school's breakfast and lunch menu.
December 30, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians:
I hope this letter finds you and your family staying safe and healthy during our winter break. As many of you are aware, the Covid-19 virus is still with us here in our area. The Spring Garden school district was very fortunate to be able to have in person learning every day during first and second quarters, and it is our hope to continue this into third and fourth quarters. It is definitely something for our community to celebrate. A huge thank you to everyone that worked together to make this happen.
When we return to school on January 4, 2021, we will most likely continue to see students and staff be absent from school due to illness and quarantine. Knowing this, we spent some time reflecting on the past two quarters and how we can improve for our students. Our administration, staff, and board of education have been discussing for the past two months ways to find more time for our staff to plan and prepare for remote learners, time for them to make contact with remote learners, and time for professional development and collaboration with the least interruption to our daily routine. From these discussions, it was decided that for the remainder of the 20-21 school year that every Friday will be a 1:00 dismissal. The previous scheduled 11:15 dismissal days on January 15, February 12, and March 12 will now be 1:00 dismissal days. The very last student day of the school year will remain as an 11:15 dismissal. By dismissing at 1:00 on Fridays, it will allow for an additional hour for staff to accomplish the above-mentioned tasks while also providing lunch for students before they are dismissed.
Again, thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through this most unusual school year. If you have any questions, please call the school at 618-244-8070. I hope you enjoy the remainder of your winter break and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Tammy Beckham
Here is a video explaining Google Classroom. Parents who have questions about Google Classroom just click on the link and watch the tutorial.
Parents:
Our school is still collecting Box Tops for Education. Please click on the link that explains how we collect points. Box Top Video. If you want to know what products qualify here is a link to visit for product list.
Congratulations to the new Student Council members!
President - Brooke
Vice-President Braxton
Secretary- Morgan
Treasurer - Stephan
Public Relations - Ava
We would also like to welcome Tayvin, Cale, Landon, and Logan who are also valued members to our team. Our first meeting is December 9 from 2-3 p.m. at the Middle School.
Spring Garden CCSD #178
Remote Learning Plan
2020-2021
Spring Garden’s SGEA and Administration have worked together to develop a plan for Remote Learning Days in the event the school would need to be conducted in a remote fashion as deemed by the State Superintendent due to a Gubernatorial Disaster. All students in grades K through 12 will be given remote instruction and all days shall be deemed pupil attendance days for calculation of the length of the school calendar (105 ILCS 5.10).
Any family who chooses to learn remotely will do so for the entire grading period or nine (9) weeks unless they have administrator approval. Families will be allowed to change to in-person learning at the end of the nine (9) weeks period. This allows students to have a consistent schedule and allows the teacher to plan a sequence of instruction to best meet the needs of the student. Students choosing to do remote learning will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities during the nine weeks.
Attendance
Attendance will be taken during Remote Learning. Students will need to check in daily with classroom teachers to verify attendance through a district platform. Students will be counted absent until the classroom teacher is notified.
How Will Students/Parents be Notified of Remote Learning Days?
In the event of an emergency, remote learning will be announced via the Emergency Alert Phone System, School Website, and District Facebook.
How will meals be served During Remote Learning Days?
Remote Learners will have meal service in a grab and go format. Meals must be ordered by 9:00 each day specifying for the day or whole week. Families will be required to pick up their own meals.
Schoolwide Remote Learning
Meals will be served on Monday(first school day of week) for the whole week. Parents/Students are asked to contact the office if they would like to be added to the list.
Meals include breakfast and lunch for five days.
Delivery or pick up of meals will occur based on the following procedures:
Meals can be picked up at the Middle School, Bonnie Community Building, or Elementary School between 12:00 - 12:30 on Monday.
If any student or family member is sick or unable to pick food up during pick up times, parents are asked to contact the office.
How will Students/Parents be Given Access to New Student Learning Material During Remote Learning Days?
Teachers will have all new learning material ready for either students or parents/guardians by Monday morning. Delivery of the learning material will be as follows:
Students in grades K-8 will be given printed packets and/or digital assignments.
Delivery or pick up of printed packets will occur every two weeks as follows:
Thursday between 8:30-5:30 at both the Elementary School and Middle School
When will Students Work Be Due During Remote Learning Days?
All completed work for students in grades K-8 will be due at the discretion of each teacher. Each teacher will have a district platform via our school’s webpage. Any work not complete will be considered incomplete and given a failing grade. When applicable, completed work will be exchanged for new printed packets via the method of delivery used above.
How can Students and Teachers Remain in Contact During Remote Learning Days?
Teachers and Support Staff will be available remotely on the following hours:
Monday - Friday from 8:15-3:15
Additional times as arranged by the individual teacher
Teachers may be contacted via email, TeacherEase, contacting the school office to arrange a time, and/or each individual teacher or staff member may send out specific directions on how to reach him/her.
Will my Student Receive Accommodations During Remote Learning Days?
IEP’s remain in place. Students with disabilities will be given assignments based on their individualized learning plans. To ensure this differentiation occurs, communication between special and general education teachers will occur throughout the Remote Learning Days. Any issues with meeting individual needs of students upon their return to school will be immediately communicated to parents and the IEP team.
How Much Work Will My Student Expect to Receive?
The State Superintendent has determined that Remote Learnings days must ensure at least 5 instructional hours daily for each student. Districts can be flexible in determining how to best meet the requirement in their own context by counting all learning activities toward the 5 clock hour expectation. The 5 hours will include: reading, grammar, writing, math, science, social studies, physical education, life skills training, related arts, accelerated reading, and music appreciation. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate across subject areas to maximize student learning.
How Will Student Grades Count During Remote Learning Days?
All assigned work is expected to be completed. Students will be held accountable for completing ALL assignments and assessments. Grading and assessments are meant to provide feedback and communication to students and families with the focus on learning, growth, and progres. Report cards will be provided at the end of each quarter.
Technology Information and Expectations
Secure internet connectivity is necessary to begin and maintain remote learning. Internet connectivity is provided in front of both buildings.
Students must have an electronic device to complete school work.
If you need an electronic device, please contact the building administrator.
Parents/guardians and students will be expected to sign the ChromeBook Acceptable Use Agreement.
What does Transition Back to the Regular School Day from Remote Learning Days Look Like?
Upon the re-opening of Illinois schools, all Spring Garden teachers will review individual student information to determine which students have completed their work at a satisfactory level. The first few weeks we return will be used to address academic, social-emotional, and physical needs of students.
Students with IEP’s or 504’s: Any issues with meeting individual needs of students upon their return to school will be immediately communicated to parents and the IEP team.
Social-Emotional Learning/Support
The Primary goal for school staff members is maintaining a relationship with students.
School staff members will accommodate students’ mental health needs and modify remote instruction activities on an as-needed basis.
School staff members will maintain open-lines of regular communication with students/parents via telephone, e-mail, or other messaging services.
Use formative assessments to evaluate students’ work while remote learning is provided
Information for Parents:
Attendance, check in daily with the classroom teacher.
Review work assigned to the student.
Allow your student time and space to complete work.
Help your student establish and follow a regular routine.
Talk to your student about their work each day.
Contact your student’s teacher or the school at any time.
Information for Teachers and Staff:
Teachers/Staff will be at school each day.
Remain in weekly contact with students/parents.
Identify the method you desire students/parents to contact you during the assigned school hours.
Review as necessary with students how to access learning packets and/or online learning platform.
Post or provide all work by pick up times.
Provide feedback to students on all work in a timely manner.
Maintain appropriate documentation of student learning.
Plan for individualized work for students with special needs as per their plan.
Collaborate with colleagues to ensure services are met for all students.
Watch email for professional collaboration opportunities, needs assessment surveys, and school/district-wide on-line meetings.
When talking with students, check on their social-emotional and nutritional needs. Be sure to communicate any needs to the office.
General Information on Remote Learning Days:
School Phone- 618-244-8070
School Website
