Great job students and parents!! You've almost made it through the second week of remote learning and I bet you are excited for your well-earned day off Friday! That's right, Friday is still an official school holiday. Here are some tips and tricks that we have learned in the last two weeks that may help you in remote learning or contacting staff members.
Reaching Teachers & KLMS
The teachers have virtual office hours - those are times they are checking email and communicating with students similar to their conference periods if we were at school. Do the differences in schedules and other responsibilities, some have altered hours from their usual conferences. However, just like if we were in school you can contact your teacher at any time, those are the times that the teacher is most likely to be available for a conference or live interaction. We will be adding that information to our website over the next several days.
Some staff members have secured a Google Voice phone number. For example, my Google Voice number is (512) 815-3601. You can call or text that number and it will come to my regular cell phone. If your teacher has a number they share with you, save the number with their name (just a suggestion) and you can call or text them at that number.
Let's Talk. This is a new application available through the PfISD Coronavirus update page. You can use this site to contact any campus, but also departments such as: general Coronavirus questions, online learning, food service/meals, HR/benefits/leave, payroll, technology, and Google Classroom. You can communicate a question, comment, suggestion, concern, or compliment and it is available for students, parents, teachers, and community members. This is not a requirement but PfISD is trying to offer a variety of communication tools since you can't just call the front office or walk into the building.
Online Learning
Having trouble with loading video links or other links? Make sure you have logged on through Clever. If the links still aren't working, let your teacher know.
Unstable internet or using a hotspot? Internet connections can be slower or more difficult to navigate if your connection is unstable (which happens to me sometimes) or if you are using a hotspot. Communicate with your teacher about your situation and they can work with you. If nothing else, some can sympathize as they figure out the same issues!
Paper-Based Learning
Can't make the pick up time? There are now old newspaper stands at several locations (KLMS is one) that you can pick up materials at any time.
Don't want to pick up papers but online learning isn't working/a choice? You can view the packets online here and write your answers on paper. Some are lengthy so printing might not be the best option. You can take a picture, scan your work, or email your answers to your teacher.
Don't want to turn papers back in? Try scanning or taking a picture of the work to email it back to your teacher. Here is one trick from one of our teachers (thanks Ms. Garrett):
If you have an iPhone, in your Notes app, you actually have a document scanner. You simply...
1. Create a new note
2. Tap on the camera in the little menu that appears on the screen, and tap "Scan Documents."
3. Place your document on a desk and hover your phone over it, and the phone will automatically take a picture of the document. If you have more than one page, you're able to take a picture of however much you have.
4. Notes will save it as a pdf that you can share via email or text, by tapping the share button (the arrow with the rectangle around it).
We miss everyone! Stay safe, do the best you can, communicate with your teachers.
Dina Schaefer, KLMS Principal