Michael's Class - Thursday, April 16th TO DO

Here are the links for today's meetings:

1. Make sure you follow Gillian's instructions for logging into student groups at the bottom of this post. In short, make sure you are logged directly into your PPS account on your device and using a "Chrome" browser if possible before clicking any links. If you can't get into your student group email Michael (mjansa@pps.net). If you can't get into the whole group meeting at the end, text Gillian.

2. Join your new student group at 11:00. Expectations, conversations prompts (see the 2nd page), groups, and links are included in the attached "Digital Student Groups" document.

3. When you are done with your student group conversation, take a moment to click into Gillian's whole group meeting link at the top of the Google Classroom banner. This is just a check in to make sure our links and your PPS accounts are working. Once you've logged in and said hi to Gillian you can leave.

********BOTH CLASSES (Robin & Michael's)*********

4. Pick a page from your Digital Notebook to share for our meeting tomorrow. Place a star (or write "I want to share this page") on whatever slide you want to share. All students should have this done by 8:00 pm today!

5. Continue your daily work in your Digital Notebook, including responding to the Student Groups Reflection" if you haven't already done so.

6. Join us (on time please) for our Friday digital community circle through Google Hangouts Meet at 11:00. The link will be posted here.

Wednesday, April 15th To Do

Wednesday, April 15th TO DO:

1. Thanks for joining us in student groups today and thanks to many of Michael's students who worked with Gillian to help us navigate our tech issues.

2. Continue ahead with your daily reading, writing, ancient cultures, and choice engagement work. Update your Digital Notebook! Consider completing your "Student Group Reflection" and be thinking about which page of work from your Digital Notebook you want to "star" and share with your core class community for Friday.

3. Meet again tomorrow at your usual times, Robin at 10:00 and Michael at 11:00. Tomorrow we are going to work through some tech issues all together then connect you into your student groups. We will update these details tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 14th - To Do

1. Join  your student group meeting. Links and conversation prompts are here - April 13-17 - Student Groups Links and Conversation Prompts. Conversation prompts are also posted to the bottom of this post.

2. Continue to make progress with your daily work and Digital Notebook.

3. Show back up for your student groups again tomorrow at 11:00.

Student Group Discussion Prompts
The goal is to digitally connect in your small group and spend at least 10 minutes in conversation and community discussing at least 4 of the following prompts

Choose at least 4 of the following prompts to discuss:
Even though these are scary and difficult times, can you still Tell Me Something Good?!

Required → How are things going on the Digital Notebook? What have you done so far?

Have you found anything that you think should be added to the “Choice Engagement” section of the Digital Notebook? What is it?

What does a typical day of life during the Coronavirus look like for you right now?

Have you found a book, show, song/band, movie, artist, other to be helping make things feel better for you right now? What is it?

What’s your best, worst, weirdest stuck at home food creation in the last week?

If you could become a combination of two different animals what would you become? What was your response? Now that you have had more time to think about it do you have anything more to add to it or do you want to make any changes? What ideas from other classmates during our digital community circle greeting most stood out to you?

What’s been inspiring you lately?

WOULD YOU RATHER…
Would you rather wake up in the middle of an unknown desert or wake up in a rowboat on an unknown body of water?
Would you rather be constantly sneezing or constantly have the hiccups?
If humans lost the ability to see all colors except one, which color would you want to survive?
Would you rather live in a treehouse or on a boat?
Would you rather be transported permanently 500 years into the future or 500 years into the past?
Would you rather Have a dog with a cat’s personality or a cat with a dog’s personality?
DO YOU HAVE ANY GOOD ONES? SHARE THEM WITH MICHAEL!

Respond to the “Student Group Reflection” questions at the bottom of the Student Groups slide in your Digital Notebook by Thursday afternoon at the latest.

Monday, April 13th - TO DO

1. Please review Digital Learning - Community Expectations before joining our meeting today at 11:00. Please also check for a comment from me on your Digital Notebook from last week.

2. Join our Google Hangouts Meet digital community circle at 11:00 - https://meet.google.com/cew-ifqu-gmd. Come prepared to type in "Something Good" and respond to this very important question for our greeting - If you could become a combination of two animals together, what would those animals be and why?

3. Check out the April 13-17 Digital Notebook in your Google Classroom "Classwork." Make a copy of this for yourself, write your name on it, and go through it.

4. Complete daily work, including reading, writing, ancient cultures, and choice engagement.

5. Be prepared to join us Tuesday at 11:00 for our student group meetings. 

Friday, April 10th - TO DO

1. Join us in our Google Hangouts Meet community circle --- meet.google.com/cew-ifqu-gmd

2. Update your Digital Notebook. Make sure there is evidence of your reading, writing, ancient cultures progress, and extension learning. Share this with one person in your family.

3. Be prepared to meet again as a whole class community on Monday at 11:00. Links will be posted here and in the Google Classroom.

4. Enjoy the weekend and sunshine in a safe and socially distant way. Share an appreciation with those you are sharing space with. 

Thursday April 9th - TO DO

Great work with your Digital Small Groups yesterday! We will do the SAME digital small groups today - Michael's @ 11am.

Use the links provided on the "Digital Student Groups - Year of the Mountain" doc attached to the top post of Google Classroom. Conversations prompts are slightly updated and at the bottom of that document with the Student Group links. They are also at the bottom of this blog post. Please also review the "Google Hangout Community Expectations"

Thursday, April 9th To Do:

1. Using the conversation prompts as a guide, respond to at least 4 questions for at least 10 minutes with your Student Group in the provided Google Hangout Meets link.

2. After your small group conversation fill out the Student Group slide in your digital notebook.

3. Continue reading, writing, and working through the ancient cultures table of contents in your digital notebook.

4. Be ready to show up for your whole class meeting Friday @ 11am for Michael's class. Google Meet links will be posted to this classroom tomorrow morning.

Student Group Discussion Prompts

The goal is to digitally connect in your small group and spend at least 10 minutes in conversation and community

Choose at least 4 of the following prompts to discuss:

• Even though these are scary and difficult times, can you still Tell Me Something Good?!
• Required → What is one thing you have been doing through your Digital Notebook that has felt engaging (or the least non-boring)? Writing? Reading? Ancient cultures? Extended learning? Explain.
• Have you been doing anything to stay connected socially to people while honoring the “Stay at Home, Save Lives” order by Governor Brown? Explain. 
• What’s your best, worst, weirdest stuck at home food creation?
• Are you a night owl or an early bird? Explain what that has been like for you during life in times of the Coronavirus
• If you could play any musical instrument what would it be and why? 
• What is the best song to have a socially distant digital dance party to? What is a dance move to go with that song?
• What has been the hardest part about having to stay at home to save lives for you? 
• What’s been inspiring you lately? 
• WOULD YOU RATHER…
• Would you rather walk backwards all day or not be able to sit down?
• Would you rather have to read aloud every word you read or sing everything you say out loud?
• Would you rather... be a kindergartner, 3rd grader, current grade, Freshman, or Senior
• Would you rather be covered in fur or scales?

Respond to the “Student Group Log” questions at the bottom of the Student Groups slide in your Digital Notebook

Wednesday, April 8th - TO DO

1. Please consider the following Google Hangouts Meet - Community Expectations - Michael's Class before your Student Groups today.

2. Student Groups and Google Hangout Meets links have been posted to the Google Classroom (if you have not joined, the class password is o2wjlyy) If you have any issues, I am available by email this morning. Let me know and I can help problem solve (mjansa@pps.net).

3. Discuss at least 4 of the questions listed below (these are also on Slide 6 of your Digital Notebook) for at least 10 minutes with your Student Group. You can expect myself, Gillian, or Debra to participate with your groups for part or all of the time.

4. Once done with your Student Groups, work on at least one section of your Digital Notebook through the Google Classroom.

5. We will meet again with the same Student Groups tomorrow at 11:00.


Student Group Discussion - Choose at least 4 of the following prompts to discuss:

• Even though these are scary and difficult times, can you still Tell Me Something Good?!
• Required → What is one thing you have been doing through your Digital Notebook that has felt engaging (or the least non-boring)? Writing? Reading? Ancient cultures? Extended learning? Explain.
• Have you been doing anything to stay connected socially to people while honoring the “Stay at Home, Save Lives” order by Governor Brown? Explain. 
• What’s your best, worst, weirdest stuck at home food creation?
• Are you a night owl or an early bird? Explain what that has been like for you during life in times of the Coronavirus
• What is the best song to have a socially distant digital dance party to? What is a dance move to go with that song?
• What has been the hardest part about having to stay at home to save lives for you? 
• What’s been inspiring you lately? 
• OTHER → STUDENT CHOICE!

Tuesday, April 7th - TO DO and Beyond

Tuesday, April 7th (TODAY) - TO DO:
1. Make sure you have completed the Michael's Class - Distance Learning Student Survey Google Form

2. Make sure you have enrolled in the Year of the Mountain - Distance Learning Google Classroom. The class code is o2wjlyy

3. In the Year of the Mountain - Distance Learning Google Classroom access the "Distance Learning Digital Notebook," read through it, and make at least 1 edit (though you are encouraged to do much more). Remember this is YOUR Digital Notebook. You can edit it however you want. You do not need to share any of the work done on this notebook. I will automatically be able to see it as your teacher through the Google Classroom.


Wednesday, April 8th (TOMORROW) - TO DO
1. Join your Google Hangouts Meet STUDENT GROUP at 11:00. Student groupings and links to the Google Hangouts Meet for each group will be posted by 9:30 tomorrow morning.

2. Continue to make daily edits on your Distance Learning Digital Notebook through the Google Classroom.

Consider - Michael's Class - Distance Learning - Community Expectations

Consider the following discussion questions for tomorrow's student groups:

Student Group Discussions - Choose at least 4 of the following prompts to discuss:

• Required → What is one thing you have been doing through your Digital Notebook that has felt engaging (or the least non-boring)? Writing? Reading? Ancient cultures? Extended learning? Explain.
• Even though these are scary and difficult times, can you still Tell Me Something Good?!
• Have you been doing anything to stay connected socially to people while honoring the “Stay at Home, Save Lives” order by Governor Brown? Explain. 
• What’s your best, worst, weirdest stuck at home food creation?
• Are you a night owl or an early bird? Explain what that has been like for you during life in times of the Coronavirus
• What is the best song to have a socially distant digital dance party to? What is a dance move to go with that song?
• What has been the hardest part about having to stay at home to save lives for you? 
• What’s been inspiring you lately? 
• OTHER → STUDENT CHOICE!

Tuesday, April 7th - Distance Learning Agenda

Tuesday, April 7th we will meet as a core class community at 10:30 AM through a digital "Google Hangouts Meet" community circle. 

The link to access the "ses211" meeting is: meet.google.com/xgn-zezo-ugo

You can also join through phone by dialing +1 484-519-1201 

and entering the PIN: ‪602 108 189‬#

Please mute your microphone when entering the meeting to create as smooth as of a beginning of possible. Please be aware of other digital community expectations we discussed today as well.

Please make sure you have joined the "Year of the Mountain Distance Learning" Google Classroom. You will need to click "Join a Class" and enter in the following code for access: o2wjlyy

We will be sharing this space with Robin's class, Amy, Alix, Gillian, and Debra, who will all be a part of our digital learning experience.  

As a part of our second digital community circle we will greet one another, learn more about the "Distance Learning Digital Notebook," and be introduced to "Digital Student Groups" that will start Wednesday, April 8th. 

 Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow!!!

Finally, if you have not already done so, please fill out this Google Form before the week is over: Michael's Class - Distance Learning Student Survey

Google Hangouts Meet - Community Expectations - Michael's Class

Monday, April 6th - Distance Learning Agenda

Monday, April 6th we will meet as a core class community at 10:00 AM through a digital "Google Hangouts Meet" community circle. 

The link to access the "ses211" meeting is: meet.google.com/xgn-zezo-ugo

You can also access by phone by dialing ‪+1 484-519-1201‬ and entering the PIN: ‪602 108 189‬#

Please mute your microphone when entering the meeting to create as smooth as of a beginning of possible. We will go over other digital meeting expectations later tomorrow.

In addition, we will be asking all of you to join the Year of the Mountain Google Classroom. You will need to click "Join a Class" and enter in the following code for access: o2wjlyy

We will be sharing this space with Robin's class, Amy, Alix, and Gillian, who will all be a part of our digital learning experience.  

I will explain what else to expect moving forward during our digital community circle tomorrow. This will include a "Distance Learning Digital Notebook" that will reflect your one hour of daily work, how we will set up digital student groups, and info/expectations on the 8th grade portfolio. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow!!!

Finally, please fill out this Google Form before the week is over: Michael's Class - Distance Learning Student Survey

4/3 - Distance Learning Updates

HELLO CORE CLASS COMMUNITY!!! I MISS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Below I am copying an email I sent to your families. I would encourage you to read through it to get a sense of where we are heading next week and beyond. 

On Monday we will come together as a community digitally at 10:30 for a community circle through Google Hangouts Meet. I am excited to see you all there! I will send out a link to this via email and on the blog Monday morning at the latest. 

In the meantime, continue to take care of yourselves and check out the Michael’s Class - Daily Distance Learning document. 

Michael's Class - Distance Learning Updates - Email Sent 4/2

Greetings Room 211 Families,

I hope this finds you all as well as you can be right now.

As PPS and SES transition into "distance learning" I'm writing to update you all on what to expect for our core class in the coming week. 

First of all, if you haven't filled out the SES Needs Assessment Survey yet, please do so. It is confidential and will only be reviewed by the SES administration and  school counselors team. 

With that assessment in mind, we are going to be reaching out to you all individually in the coming days by phone to check in, see how you all are doing, and to get a sense of what we can do to best support your family right now. You can expect to hear from either myself, Amy, Alix, or Robin. Gillian, our school librarian, is also going to be supporting our core community during this distance learning process. 

Starting next Monday, April 6th we'll be coming online with a more robust digital learning experience for students with the goal being to re-connect our community as best we can given the circumstances, get students in conversation and relationship with one another again, and offer various learning opportunities to practice essential skills and engage minds. We will begin and end our week with an all-class digital community circle that I will facilitate through "Google Hangouts Meet." In addition, throughout next week and beyond students will have different opportunities to engage their minds and connect with other classmates and adults. Students will placed in "advisory groups" and will meet digitally with those classmates 3 times a week. We will be offering "office hours" during which students can check in with a teacher one on one about their learning, and more importantly, about how they are doing. Robin, the other Year of the Mountain teacher, Gillian, Amy, and Alix will be supporting our core class community with those "office hours". Our goal is to work to make sure each student can have one on one facetime with a teacher at least once a week. 

I will be sending out another email this weekend with the link to that first Google Hangouts community circle on Monday, April 6th that will include further details about the week and how to connect with available teachers during those office hours. 

Additionally, 8th grade families please know that more information will be coming in regards to how we plan on supporting and helping facilitate the 8th graders with their 8th Grade Portfolio. 

In the meantime, I would encourage students to continue to spend time with this Michael’s Class - Daily Distance Learning document. Though I will soon be having to transition away from the class blog and into Google Classroom as a part of PPS distance learning expectations, this document will be on the ses211.blogspot.com class blog and I will continue to keep it updated.

Thanks for the engagement, support, and flexibility. I am very much looking forward to reconnecting and seeing students' digital faces next Monday in our Google Hangouts Meet community circle!.

Take care!

-Michael