Communication Methods

More than ever, effective communication is paramount during full distance learning.

COMMUNICATION METHODS:

•eNews weekly to parents every Friday at 12pm •Email and Phone •Canvas updates and feedback on assignments •Appointments during established office hours •Breakout groups or small group Zoom meetings for leveled, focused student help

ADMINISTRATION TO STUDENTS/PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

Please make sure we have an up-to-date email on file by emailing johnsonk@kennedyhs.org. The weekly eNews communicates school events, announcements, and news to the school community.

FACULTY TO STUDENTS:

Faculty will communicate in various ways with students through Canvas and Zoom •Instruction is delivered on a daily basis via video conferencing using Zoom. •Canvas is utilized for the posting of materials, assignments, and assessments as appropriate. •Each teacher will create a specific module in their course, consistent across the school community, for required information. This will decrease student confusion in finding links or information. This folder will be labeled “Course Information” and will include: - Zoom Links (also scheduled on Canvas calendar) - Syllabus - Textbook links - Contact information and online office hours •Teachers will be encouraged to communicate with members of a class and/or parents through Canvas. Teachers may email groups of students or individual students through the learning management system. •Feedback on assignments is an important aspect of student learning. Comments on grades inform students what areas they need to improve on and provides them the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. •Direct email is another method of communication. Sending messages through Canvas is highly encouraged. Parents will be able to view the email communication through their parent observer account. Teachers will include a parent/guardian on any direct email communication that is not sent through Canvas. •Breakout groups with Zoom allow the teacher to facilitate collaboration during class time in a virtual environment. Students can be assigned by the teacher, or they can form groups and inform the teacher who should be assigned to a particular room. •Faculty will set online office hours for students to reach out for additional help. To facilitate the use of these, teachers can utilize Outlook Calendar to create appointment slots for students to sign up. Emails are sent to confirm and remind of appointments.

COMMUNICATION METHODS (CONTINUED)

FACULTY TO STUDENTS (CONTINUED):

•Teachers are cognizant of the duration of their direct instruction in the distance learning environment. The possibility of distraction is much higher for a student at home than in the classroom. Being able to have shorter sections of direct instruction with work sessions (individual or group) in between will help students be more successful.

FACULTY TO PARENTS:

Teachers will either send a message via Canvas, email directly, or call parents as necessary. Faculty are required to follow the school protocol for communication with parents/guardians.

STUDENTS TO FACULTY/STAFF:

As with faculty to student communication, students also have various options to contact their teacher. •Directly during daily instruction via video conferencing using Zoom. •Message teacher directly through Canvas. The message is linked to the teacher’s Kennedy Catholic email address. •Schedule an appointment during the teacher’s office hours through Canvas. •Direct email is another method of communication. The student is to copy a parent/guardian on any communication. If the student fails to do so, the teacher will include the parent on the response email.

STUDENT TO STUDENT:

Students are skilled at contacting each other, using private communications, but also in public formats like social media. For school purposes, email is most commonly used for inter-student communication. Each student has an @kennedyhs.org email allowing them to easily search for classmates in Outlook. Students may also email other students in their respective classes via Canvas.

PARENT/GUARDIAN TO FACULTY/STAFF:

If a parent wishes to reach out to a faculty or staff member, please utilize the message feature in Canvas, email directly, or call the school and leave a voicemail. Teachers will do their best to respond to your communication within 24 hours. Zoom meetings may also be requested as needed. For questions about: Courses and assignments — The relevant teacher General distance learning concerns — bruinss@kennedyhs.org Technology-related issues — technology@kennedyhs.org Academic and personal social/emotional concerns — Assigned counselor General school concerns — Call 206.957.0500 (Main Office) Discipline — campuslife@kennedyhs.org