City of Burlington School District

Preschool Parent & Guardian Orientation

For All-Remote Start of School

September 2nd, 2020 6:00PM via ZOOM

Welcome and Introduction● Mrs. Marilyn Dunham, Smith School Principal/Supervisor of Early Childhood ● Mrs. Kristy Sugg, Preschool Master Teacher● Ms. Regina Genovesi, Preschool Social Worker● Mrs. Gwen Eskilson, Smith School Nurse● Mrs. Karen Briesacher, PIRT Specialist● Mrs. Wendy Thom, Preschool Administrative Assistant

Q. and A. Please submit your questions via the chat box. We will do our best to answer your questions.

We are a five star rated program; the highest rating a program can earn.

Comprehensive evaluation of:Healthy Learning Environments

Curriculum and Learning EnvironmentFamily and Community Engagement

Workforce/Professional DevelopmentAdministration and Management

Getting Ready for School Essentials for a successful start of the school year include:

● Computer or laptop with camera and microphone (email roadback@burlington-nj.net if you are in need of a computer).

● Download My Teaching Strategies Family and Ready Rosie apps. Look for invitations sent via email from your child’s teacher.

● A positive attitude - remind your child “We can do this”, “We are going to have fun and learn new things”, “This is just the way it is now, you will be in school eventually”, etc.

● NJ Department of Education guidance has been given regarding technology use in preschool. We plan to follow the guidance of no more than 1 hour per day of screen time.

Preschool Remote Learning Schedule9:10AM - 9:30AM: Morning Large Group

9:30AM - 10:40AM: Choice Activities

10:40AM - 11:00AM: Read Aloud

11:00AM - 12:10PM: Choice Activities

12:10PM - 12:30PM: Afternoon Large Group

2:30PM - 3:20PM: Parent/Teacher Communication

Curriculum and Parent Communication My Teaching Strategies Family will be used for daily communication between teachers and families. This is accessible via the app and website. https://family.teachingstrategies.com/home

This includes:

● Daily curriculum activities and experiences for children● Links to live group times with teachers● Video links to explain activities● Parent-Teacher chat feature

Video: Forming Relationships Between Teachers and Families: An Introduction to MyTeachingStrategies® Family

MyTeachingStrategies™ Family 4+

Teaching Strategies, LLC

Ready Rosie Ready Rosie is an additional resource teachers will use to provide information and guidance to families at home. Videos of activities will be sent through Ready Rosie or My Teaching Strategies Family. Make sure you download the app and accept the invitation to join your child’s class.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)Social Emotional Learning has taken a central role in planning for our all-remote start to school. Teachers will be implementing activities to build classroom community while learning remotely.

SEL is the process of developing and using the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that help youth and adults to:

● Understand and manage emotions.● Set and achieve positive goals.● Feel and show empathy for others.● Make responsible decisions.

Interested in learning more about SEL? The NJ Department of Education website is a good place to start: Social and Emotional Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (con’t.)What will SEL look like in the remote preschool classroom?

Teachers will utilize 3 signature practices:

● Welcoming Ritual - Activities for Inclusion, establishing safety and predictability.● Engaging communication - Interactive, engaging activities and brain breaks.● Optimistic Closure - Reflection and Looking forward.

Classrooms will have regular SEL lessons with Ms. Regina using the Second Step Curriculum. Puppets are one of the tools used to engage young children.

Interested in learning more? Click on these links below:

SEL 3 Signature Practices PlaybookSocial-Emotional Learning | Social-Emotional Skills

William and Carolyn, puppets from Second Step curriculum

Parent SupportsWe recognize the incredible responsibility placed upon parents at this time which is why we have created a variety of supports. Please utilize these resources:

● Ready Rosie ● Wednesday Evening parent “Huddle Up” Meetings● Teacher office hours - everyday from 2:30PM to 3:20PM● On staff Social Worker - Regina Genovesi, MSW rgenovesi@burlington-nj.net ● Curriculum Support - Preschool Master Teacher- Kristy Sugg

ksugg@burlington-nj.net● Local Child Care Resources - Life Four Corners, Different and Wonderful

Important Reminders● Download My Teaching Strategies Family and Ready Rosie Apps from App

store or Google Play then wait for email to create an account that will link you to your child’s teacher.

● Once you accept the invitation from your teacher and a login has been created, you will have access from the computer as well.

● Please plan to have your child attend and participate everyday.

What happens next?● Take a photo of your child’s first day of school! Send it to Mrs. Dunham at

mdunham@burlington-nj.net. Or post it on social media with the hashtag #citystrong #burlingtoncityprek #preschoolmatterstome

● Another orientation will be scheduled (date TBD) for families to review policies and procedures for when students return to school in person.

● First day of school September 9, 2020 @ 9:10AM.

Thank you for joining us tonight.