First Week of Distance Learning in PGCPS

[Anonymous]

We managed to get through the first week of distance learning in PG. How are you feeling about it so far. What works and doesn't work for you?

For example I am glad that all students were able to get a Chromebook. What I wish is that time was spent helping parents of the elementary students get up to speed on using the equipment and platforms. It seems parents were just handed the computer with no directions on how to use them.

The poor teachers have been trying to get all of theirs on Google Classroom this week, and teach, and learn how to use new technology at the same time. What about you? How has it been?

[Anonymous]

Our teachers actually started distance learning soon after the shutdown. It was informal and not graded but it allowed time to teach the kids and families how to use the learning tools and our Chromebooks/laptops and it was good for the kids to keep in touch with their classmates. This week starts the official distance learning and it has been really smooth. I have 3 kids in elementary. I'm pleased so far. The school has done a fantastic job communicating. Clearly the teachers are dedicated because they were not required to do anything except answer emails prior to this week.

A handout with instructions on how to use the learning tools might be a good request to your school if it continues to be a challenge. I'm sure it will get easier with time.

[Anonymous]

It was fine for my older kids (3rd and 6th) because they have been using Google Classroom since 2nd grade. Distance Learning for the Kindergartner is more challenging but we are making due. My child has already met all of the milestones to move to 1st grade so I'm not worried about it.
This year the 6th grader did most homework through Google Classroom from the beginning of the school year.
They are not giving the older kids nearly enough work though. They have nothing to do for most of the day.

We are fortunate that each of our kids have a dedicated computer to use so we don't have to worry about that.

[Anonymous]

My kids are in high school and it went fine. They are using google classroom and zoom. I did see a follow up email from the head guidance counselor saying lots of kids that need chromebooks didn't come to get one. So they are working hard to track down those kids and get chromebooks into their hands.

[Anonymous]

It's going well. The teachers are clearly committed and doing their best with limited resources.
I have a kindergartner and my biggest concern is getting him to continue progressing and not regressing, so I have been supplementing the instruction. Basically using the platforms that we have been provided access to, but doing more lessons that actually challenge him. This has been a challenge the entire year though, realizing that kids come into K at very different academic levels. It's hard enough to adapt learning levels in the classroom, but seems impossible via online learning unless parents take the lead.

[Anonymous]

My high schoolers have just plugged along as usual for the most part.

It doesn't seem to me that a ton of work is being assigned though. Kids have about 2 hours of work each day.

[Anonymous]

I have a senior. I have to say, I'm really impressed with how all the PGCPS staff and teachers have responded. This is a big lift, and I think our district is doing a good job. I hear really frustrating stories from teacher and parent friends in other districts.