Virtual Days - School Days

Good afternoon everyone! 

I hope you are all having a good virtual school day!  I know that mine has been busier than expected, which is nice.  I don't like wondering what I need to do on these days we are working from home, and I don't like feeling like I don't have enough to keep me occupied.  These are school days, after all!  I am getting paid to work so I want to be sure I, "earn my keep!" 

It should be the same for all of you.  I am sure it can feel hard to want to connect on your remote days, but it is important to remember, especially because you have three of them, that remote learning days are school days.  You are expected to log on during team/class meeting times as outlined by your teachers, and you are expected to be completing and turning in school work at regular intervals.  

You may be able to modify your schedule slightly in ways that work for you and your family, but you do have to participate.  Modifications might be:  

• Sleeping a bit later...but not too much...don't throw off your sleep routines so that it's hard to get moving on your in-person days.  
• Taking lunch early or later depending on your class meeting schedules.
• Getting up early to get work completed before classes.
• Working straight through the morning so that you can submit work and have your afternoons free.
• Setting up work hours later in the day so that you have the morning to read, exercise, or otherwise relax before jumping into school meetings and office hours.  

If you are having trouble getting motivated on your virtual days, here are some things you can try:  

• Check-in with your teachers or myself to set up small goals or clarify expectations. 
• Keep your parents apprised of your schedule so that they can help remind you of when you need to log in.
• Set up a workspace that is conducive to learning and limits distractions as much as possible...I know it's hard, my kids have been awesome today, but distracting none-the-less!      

(Our workspaces at home fit each of our needs and styles...I like the view, and simple organization...  

...My kids are in the same space so that I can support them both at the same time...

...My husband works in the guest room because most of his day is comprised of business calls and meetings).  

• You can and should build-in breaks and time to stretch or move just like you would at school.
• Set timers to keep yourself accountable and on track. 
• Make to-do lists and check things off as you go...so satisfying to see all your are accomplishing!  

• Keep your email inbox and your google classroom, and calendar organized so that you know what tasks are relevant and important.  
• Remind yourself that school is your job.  Maybe one that you don't love all the time, but keep in mind that the time spent investing in yourself now and over the next handful of years will help you to be prepared to enter college and/or the workforce with good self-management and organizational skills.  

Learning from home is unarguably hard, and it isn't ideal for all learners, but if you look at it as an opportunity to practice soft skills (which are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people) such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, growth mindset, teamwork, self-management, problem-solving, time management, creativity, and work ethic, you may just be surprised with all the learning that is happening alongside your core skills.   

Like anything, learning to be successful virtually is a work in progress and we know there are going to be times that you don't get it all right, but what we do want to know is that you are trying, making plans for success, and communicating with your teachers or myself if you are struggling.  Please reach out if you need support, and thanks for continuing to give your best efforts to be present and accountable in virtual modes!  

Have a great rest of your day!  

Mrs. Hempey