A Message from the Principal
Greetings Van Sickle Academy Parents and Guardians!
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. The lingering Coronavirus and strict safety guidelines have prompted the decision to begin the school year with remote instruction. Although this may be an untraditional start to a new school year, we are implementing strategies to make the experience successful for all student’s and we will need your support.
I realize, and understand, the hardship this is placing on our parents/guardians who are juggling different work/life scenarios - some of you are working from home while managing your student’s education while others are working outside of the home creating an additional responsibility of educating your student once you return home from the work day. Please know that we are here to support each of our families in their unique circumstances but also know that we cannot do this work without you and ask you to please commit to having your student ready for school, each day, by 7:50 AM. Our expectation is that by “being ready” the student is at their computer and logged into their Microsoft Teams class based on the schedule that is being provided to you.
Students can access his/her classes, teachers, and materials by clicking on the Microsoft Teams App, select the Calendar option located on the left side of the screen from their SPS issued laptop.
Attendance
Unlike in the Spring, daily attendance and participation will be mandatory and will be reported to the state just like any other school year. Students will begin the day at 7:50 AM with an Advisory period where teachers will check-in with students, take attendance and set the agenda for the day.
Daily Schedule & Teacher Instruction
At Van Sickle Academy, our teachers spend a significant time planning and creating lessons with classroom activities that engage our students in learning. Through the implementation of research-based best practices our teachers analyze academic data to determine current skill levels and to set goals for growth and improvement.
Classes will begin at 8:00 AM and each class will last for one hour from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Teachers will host “live” lessons for each class. For each subject, your student’s teacher will launch the lesson for approximately 15-20 minutes and then divide the students into two small groups. The teacher will work with one group while the other group is working independently. After approximately 15 minutes, the teacher will transition to the other group. Students need to be logged onto the computer for class and actively engaged. Students will receive a lunch break from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Upon returning to class at 12:00 PM, the next hour will be dedicated to ensuring your student receives the necessary support to address any shortcomings in Math and English. The school day ends at 3:00 PM however homework, to reinforce skills taught in their classes, will be assigned and is part of their overall grade.
Info for Families
Please log on frequently to our website, www.vansickleacademy.org which contains up-to-date information along with resources to assist students and families during these unprecedented times. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.
I am honored to serve as the principal of Van Sickle Academy. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community where parents, teachers, and student care for each other and strive to build positive relationships that support academic and social growth. Please feel free to contact me at 413-750-2887 or francescar@springfieldpublicschools.com.
Sincerely,
Robert Francesca
Principal
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. The lingering Coronavirus and strict safety guidelines have prompted the decision to begin the school year with remote instruction. Although this may be an untraditional start to a new school year, we are implementing strategies to make the experience successful for all student’s and we will need your support.
I realize, and understand, the hardship this is placing on our parents/guardians who are juggling different work/life scenarios - some of you are working from home while managing your student’s education while others are working outside of the home creating an additional responsibility of educating your student once you return home from the work day. Please know that we are here to support each of our families in their unique circumstances but also know that we cannot do this work without you and ask you to please commit to having your student ready for school, each day, by 7:50 AM. Our expectation is that by “being ready” the student is at their computer and logged into their Microsoft Teams class based on the schedule that is being provided to you.
Students can access his/her classes, teachers, and materials by clicking on the Microsoft Teams App, select the Calendar option located on the left side of the screen from their SPS issued laptop.
Attendance
Unlike in the Spring, daily attendance and participation will be mandatory and will be reported to the state just like any other school year. Students will begin the day at 7:50 AM with an Advisory period where teachers will check-in with students, take attendance and set the agenda for the day.
Daily Schedule & Teacher Instruction
At Van Sickle Academy, our teachers spend a significant time planning and creating lessons with classroom activities that engage our students in learning. Through the implementation of research-based best practices our teachers analyze academic data to determine current skill levels and to set goals for growth and improvement.
Classes will begin at 8:00 AM and each class will last for one hour from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Teachers will host “live” lessons for each class. For each subject, your student’s teacher will launch the lesson for approximately 15-20 minutes and then divide the students into two small groups. The teacher will work with one group while the other group is working independently. After approximately 15 minutes, the teacher will transition to the other group. Students need to be logged onto the computer for class and actively engaged. Students will receive a lunch break from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Upon returning to class at 12:00 PM, the next hour will be dedicated to ensuring your student receives the necessary support to address any shortcomings in Math and English. The school day ends at 3:00 PM however homework, to reinforce skills taught in their classes, will be assigned and is part of their overall grade.
Info for Families
Please log on frequently to our website, www.vansickleacademy.org which contains up-to-date information along with resources to assist students and families during these unprecedented times. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.
I am honored to serve as the principal of Van Sickle Academy. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community where parents, teachers, and student care for each other and strive to build positive relationships that support academic and social growth. Please feel free to contact me at 413-750-2887 or francescar@springfieldpublicschools.com.
Sincerely,
Robert Francesca
Principal
