Morey Middle School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The community is welcome from 8-10 am every Saturday!

Morey Remote Learning Parent Guide (The Student Guide follows.)

(Esta guía está en español abajo.)

 

Who to contact	Your child’s SUCCESS Seminar teacher is the first point of contact for any instructional questions or needs: (Morey staff list). This teacher will call you and your child during the week of August 17th to introduce themselves and share contact information. Morey Support Staff (Dean, Psychologist/Social Workers/School Counselor) continue to be here to support our students during this unusual time.  We want to remind you all that we are here for any social/emotional support, just like a normal school day. If you are feeling anxious or need to talk about anything please feel free to reach out to any of us below so we can connect: Hillary Niebauer – Principal: hillary_niebauer@dpsk12.org MJ – Assistant Principal: monique_roberts@dpsk12.org Matthew Lunger – Dean of Culture: matthew_lunger@dpsk12.org   Bertie Fiz – HGT Program Specialist: bertie_fiz@dpsk12.org John Benyei – Social Worker: john_benyei@dpsk12.org Matthew Pedersen – School Counselor: matthew_pedersen@dpsk12.org Miguel Rodriguez – Technology Needs: Miguel_Rodriguez2@dpsk12.org
Remote Learning Expectations	Students will complete daily live lessons with their teachers. This will allow students to engage with both their peers and teachers. Teachers will be able to provide real-time feedback to students on their work with lessons that are grounded in grade level standards or above grade level standards. If students are unable to attend live classes, the teacher will upload the video recording of that day’s lesson by 8:00am the next morning. Students should still “check in”(e-mail or call)  with the teacher before 3:00 pm to let them know they are working on the assignments and should be counted as “present.”
Student Schedule	Students will engage in daily live lessons with all of their classes. Students will have live instruction in 3 core classes (Math, Language Arts, Science or Social Studies), an elective class and Success Seminar daily.  The student’s day starts at 9 am and concludes at 2:15 pm, unless the student is assigned an intervention period. Students will have 45 minutes for lunch.  Intervention periods are for students who would benefit from additional academic or social & emotional support and for students with IEP or 504 Plans that require support minutes. Students will be notified if they have an intervention period.  The student’s 60-minute  class will be broken up into two parts:  30 minutes of lesson/lecture and 30 minutes of critical practice (kids working independently in front of class, teacher giving feedback to students, pulling small groups to reinforce skills, etc.)
Sample Schedule:
Coursework Completion	All assignments/coursework will need to be submitted in the Summit Learning Platform before the start of the next school day, unless an alternate due date is assigned by the teacher. Any unfinished coursework from the day becomes homework. The first days of school will be spent teaching kids how to access the platform.
Daily Attendance	Students will be expected to engage in all of their live classes, including core and elective classes, unless an asynchronous schedule better accommodates their learning needs. If working asynchronously, students should email or call the teacher before 3:00 pm so they are marked “present.”
SUCCESS Seminar (Advisory)	Students will attend daily “SUCCESS Seminar” advisement classes that will cover important social emotional learning for Middle School students. Advisement teachers will be the point of communication for families and students during the school year.  This time is an opportunity for students to make connections with their peers and form friendships that will strengthen when they return to in person classes at Morey.  These teachers will be reaching out the week of Aug. 17th to introduce themselves and share contact information. Each week in Seminar, students will engage in: One day mentoring live with teacher One asynchronous Thinking Project lesson (mindfulness) One asynchronous Social/Emotional Learning lesson  One asynchronous Justice lesson Friday in-person Fun days (build advisory community, socialize, joy)
Summit Platform	All school work, assignments, and grades will be found on the Summit platform. As a parent, you can have access to Summit. Please read this Parent Login Guide to login to Summit. When you are ready to discuss your child’s work in Summit, click on this Check-In Guide. This document will give you the same keywords that your child uses to navigate Summit.
SPED	Special Education teachers will: communicate accommodations to classroom teachers, provide push-in supports/observations during remote learning, and pull students for small group instruction and 1:1 during critical practice and the intervention block.
HGT	If cohort sizes allow, HGT classes will be accelerated as in a normal year. Proper pacing and lesson development will align with the needs of the particular students in the class. Bertie will work with teachers in these classrooms to ensure that teachers know each student’s academic strengths, interests and social/emotional needs. ALP goals will be created through student-facing lessons and via collaborative parent conversations. Depending on a child’s specific social or emotional growth areas, students may receive additional support through one-on-one or small group meetings with Bertie.
Problems accessing remote learning	If students have a technology issue (cord, charger, computer), the student or parent should first email our technology specialist, Miguel Rodriguez (miguel_rodriguez2@dpsk12.org) and copy their SUCCESS Seminar teacher.  If the problem is with logging into the Summit platform, the student or parents should email Bertie Fiz (bertie_fiz@dpsk12.org) and copy their SUCCESS Seminar teacher.

Tips for Parents/Guardians:.

1. Set up a structure for how and when schoolwork should be done. (It is ideal for this to be a place that is non-cluttered with few distractions). 
2. Encourage your students to exercise daily – at least 30 minutes to one hour
3. Monitor leisure screen time and what your child is doing on social media.  
4. Check your child’s Summit Learning  account weekly at minimum to support academic progress.
5. Spend time together as a family whether that’s playing games, going for a walk or trying the newest Tik Tok dance. Find ways to connect with your kids. 
6. Set up systems in which kids have independent leisure time not directed by you.  Togetherness is wonderful but everyone (including you) needs time away from one another, especially in circumstances in which we are required to stay home.
7. Engage family members in discussions involving feelings about what is happening. We need to model for our kids how to talk about things, especially the hard things. Young people have lots of questions during times like this.  You may not have the answers, and it’s okay to admit that, but it is important for family members to have open discussions.
8. Remember to give yourself and your family grace during this time as this is new to all of us! Let’s model resiliency for our children and work together to get through this crisis.

Teachers’ emails and additional information is on the Morey website under the “About Us” tab at the top: http://morey.dpsk12.org/about-us/staff-directory/

 

Helpful Resource during this time:

• Corona Virus resources https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/ 
• Corona Virus response https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/faq-covid-19/
• Family Resources https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/#familyresources 
• Food Distribution – https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/#food
• Free Audible Books for Students and Younger Kids-https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
• PBS Schedule which is full of education content and resources https://bento.cdn.pbs.org/hostedbento-prod/filer_public/RMPBS%20Kids/At-Home%20Learning/RMPBS%20remote%20learning%20resources%20news%20release.pdf
• Scholastic is providing free online resources- https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html?caching

 

Morey Remote Learning Student Guide

 

Daily Schedule	Students will engage in daily live lessons with all of their classes. Students will have live instruction in 3 core classes (Math, Language Arts, Science or Social Studies), an elective class and Success Seminar daily.  The student’s day starts at 9 am and concludes at 2:15 pm, unless the student is assigned an intervention period. Students will have 45 minutes for lunch.  Intervention periods are for students who would benefit from additional academic or social & emotional support and for students with IEP or 504 Plans that require support minutes. Students will be notified if they have an intervention period.
Sample Schedule:
Virtual Classroom Norms	Students will mute their microphones during their classes and ask questions via chat. Students should attend their classes in a quiet space free from distractions.  Students will sign into platforms with their preferred first and last name and preferred pronouns. Students will use school appropriate language in all communication (chats, emails, written work, comments, PearDeck, GoogleMeets, etc.) All Google Account pictures should be set to a picture of the student’s face.
What if you get frustrated?	Students ask questions to their teachers via chat function on Google Meets. Check the chat box to see if your classmates have the same questions. If frustration continues, advocate your needs to the teacher in an email or phone call. If they know what’s happening to you, they can put in supports to make sure you start to feel more successful. If you have an IEP or 504 and need additional support, connect with your case manager, too.
Academic Participation Expectations	Students will put forth best efforts and attempt all course work provided.  Participating means turning in work each day (or when the teacher sets the deadline), putting questions in the chat box when unsure, participating in discussions, showing work when it’s time, etc.  Intervention teachers will connect with you to schedule intervention classes from 2:15pm – 3:00pm. If you are assigned to intervention classes you must attend.
What if I can’t log in for live teaching?	If for any reason a student cannot attend their live class, the student must email their teacher by 3:00 pm in order to not be marked absent.  The student is still responsible for the work, though, and will need to turn it in by 8:00 am the next day.   Your teacher will post a recording of their lesson for you to watch by 8:00 am the next morning. So make sure you email/call to let the teacher you’ll be watching the lesson the next day and you’ll turn in your work then.
Self-Direction in Virtual Learning Spaces	Check the Summit Launch page for ways to engage with our school community.  Challenge yourselves and utilize the resources provided by Summit and during critical practice Remain healthy and active- and move around during the day even if you aren’t in P.E. (It’s good for your body AND your brain!) Reach out to any Morey adult through Summit or email at any time for support, or just to say hello! (Morey staff list).
How will I get to know my other classmates?	Attend our virtual social events to get to know your classmates from other cohorts. Each Friday Seminar teachers will host fun social events, too. Pay attention during SUCCESS Seminar when other students present about themselves.
Social/Emotional Supports	If you’re feeling frustrated, anxious, worried, sad, or maybe unsuccessful, students can email our counselor Mr Pedersen (matthew_pedersen@dpsk12.org) or our Dean of Students (matthew_lunger@dpsk12.org) to schedule an appointment or fill out the Support Staff request form.
Problems accessing remote learning	If students have a technology issue (cord, charger, computer), the student or parent should first email our technology specialist, Miguel Rodriguez (miguel_rodriguez2@dpsk12.org) and copy their SUCCESS Seminar teacher.  If the problem is with logging into the Summit platform, the student or parents should email Bertie Fiz (bertie_fiz@dpsk12.org) and copy their SUCCESS Seminar teacher.

 

Expectativas de aprendizaje remoto	El maestro del Seminario SUCCESS (asesoría) de su hijo es el primer punto de contacto para cualquier pregunta o necesidad de instrucción: (lista del personal de Morey). Este maestro llamará a los padres o tutores  y a cada estudiante durante la semana del 17 de agosto para presentarse y compartir su información de contacto.  El personal de apoyo de Morey (decano, psicólogo / trabajadores sociales / consejero escolar) sigue estando aquí para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes durante este tiempo inusual. Queremos recordarles que estamos aquí para cualquier apoyo social / emocional, como en un año escolar normal. Si se siente ansioso o necesita hablar sobre algo, no dude en comunicarse con cualquiera de nosotros para que podamos conectarnos:  Hillary Niebauer – Directora: hillary_niebauer@dpsk12.org  MJ – Subdirector: monique_roberts@dpsk12.org Matthew Lunger – Decano de Cultura: matthew_lunger@dpsk12.org Bertie Fiz – Especialista del programa HGT: bertie_fiz@dpsk12.org John Benyei – Trabajador social: john_benyei@dpsk12.org  Matthew Pedersen – Consejero escolar: matthew_pedersen@dpsk12.org Miguel Rodríguez – Necesidades tecnológicas: Miguel_Rodriguez2 @ dpsk12.org
Expectativas de aprendizaje remoto	Los estudiantes completarán lecciones diarias en vivo con sus maestros. Esto permitirá a los estudiantes interactuar con sus compañeros y maestros. Los maestros podrán brindar consejos y ejemplos en tiempo corriente a los estudiantes sobre su trabajo con lecciones que se basan en los estándares de nivel de grado o por encima de los estándares de nivel de grado. Si los estudiantes no pueden asistir a clases en vivo, el maestro guardará la grabación de video de la lección de ese día en Summit antes de las 8:00 de la mañana siguiente. Los estudiantes aún deben “registrarse” (correo electrónico o llamar) con el maestro antes de las 3:00 de la tarde. Esta acción informa a los maestros que su estudiante está trabajando en las tareas y deben contarle como “presente”.
Programación del estudiante	Los estudiantes participarán en lecciones diarias en vivo con todas sus clases. Los estudiantes recibirán instrucción en vivo en 3 clases básicas (matemáticas, artes del lenguaje, ciencias o estudios sociales), una clase electiva y un “SUCCESS seminar” o  asesoria todos los días. El día del estudiante comienza a las 9 de la mañana y concluye a las 2:15 de la tarde a menos que al estudiante se le asigne un período de intervención. Los estudiantes tendrán 45 minutos para el almuerzo. Los períodos de intervención son para estudiantes que se beneficiarían de apoyo académico o social y emocional adicional y para estudiantes con IEP o Planes 504 que requieren minutos de apoyo. Se notificará a los estudiantes si tienen un período de intervención. La clase de 60 minutos del estudiante se dividirá en dos partes: 30 minutos de lección / conferencia y 30 minutos de práctica crítica (los niños trabajan de forma independiente frente a la clase, el maestro brinda comentarios a los estudiantes, reúne en grupos pequeños para reforzar las habilidades, etc. )
Finalización del trabajo del curso	Todos los  trabajos de curso deberán enviarse en la Plataforma de Aprendizaje Summit antes del inicio del próximo día escolar, a menos que el maestro asigne una fecha de vencimiento alternativa. Cualquier trabajo de curso sin terminar del día se convierte en tarea.
Asistencia diaria	Se espera que los estudiantes participen en todas sus clases en vivo, incluidas las clases básicas y optativas, a menos que un horario asincrónico se adapte mejor a sus necesidades de aprendizaje. Si trabaja de forma asincrónica, los estudiantes deben enviar un correo electrónico o llamar al maestro antes de las 3 de la tarde. para que se marquen como “presentes”.
Seminario SUCCESS (Asesoramiento)	Los estudiantes asistirán a clases diarias de asesoria o “Seminario SUCCESS” que cubrirán el aprendizaje socioemocional importante para los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria. Los profesores de esta clase serán el punto de comunicación para las familias y los estudiantes durante el año escolar. Esta clase también da una oportunidad para que los estudiantes establezcan conexiones con sus compañeros y formen amistades que se fortalecerán cuando regresen a las clases presenciales en Morey. Estos maestros se comunicarán la semana del 17 de agosto para presentarse y compartir información de contacto. Cada semana en el Seminario, los estudiantes participarán en:  Un día de tutoría en vivo con el maestro  Una lección del “Thinking Project” asincrónico (atención plena o mindfulness)  Una lección de Aprendizaje social / emocional asincrónico  Una lección de Justicia asincrónica  Viernes sera un días de diversión para construir una comunidad, socializar, pasarlo bien)
Plataforma Summit	Todo el trabajo escolar, asignaciones y calificaciones se encontrarán en la plataforma Summit. Como padre o tutor, tiene acceso a Summit. Lea esta Guía de inicio de sesión para padres cuando entra en la sesión en Summit por primera vez. Cuando esté listo para hablar sobre el trabajo de su hijo en Summit, haga clic en esta Guía de progreso en Summit (No está traducido al español todavía.). Este documento le dará las mismas palabras clave que su hijo usa para navegar por Summit.
SPED	Los maestros de educación especial comunicarán las adaptaciones a los maestros del aula, proporcionarán apoyos / observaciones de inserción durante el aprendizaje remoto y llamará a los estudiantes para la instrucción en grupos pequeños y 1: 1 durante la hora de práctica crítica y el bloque de intervención.
HGT	Si el tamaño de la cohorte lo permite, las clases de HGT se acelerarán como en un año normal. El ritmo adecuado y el desarrollo de la lección se alinearán con las necesidades de los estudiantes particulares de la clase. Bertie trabajará con los maestros en estas aulas para asegurarse de que los maestros conozcan las fortalezas académicas, los intereses y las necesidades socioemocionales de cada estudiante. Las metas de ALP se crearán a través de lecciones orientadas a los estudiantes y mediante conversaciones colaborativas con los padres.  Dependiendo de las áreas de crecimiento social o emocional específicas de un niño, los estudiantes pueden recibir apoyo adicional a través de reuniones individuales o en grupos pequeños con Bertie (Ms. Fiz).
Problemas con el acceso al aprendizaje remoto	Si los estudiantes tienen un problema de tecnología (cable, cargador, computadora), el estudiante o los padres deben enviar un correo electrónico a nuestro especialista en tecnología, Miguel Rodríguez (miguel_rodriguez2@dpsk12.org) y copiar a su maestro del Seminario SUCCESS. Si el problema es al iniciar sesión en la plataforma Summit, el estudiante o los padres deben enviar un correo electrónico a Bertie Fiz (bertie_fiz@dpsk12.org) y copiar a su maestro del Seminario SUCCESS.

 

Consejos para padres / tutores :

 

1. Establezca una estructura sobre cómo y cuándo debe hacerse el trabajo escolar. (Es ideal que este sea un lugar despejado y con pocas distracciones). 
2. Anime a sus estudiantes a hacer ejercicio todos los días, al menos de 30 minutos a una hora. 
3. Controle el tiempo de ocio frente a la pantalla y lo que hace su hijo en las redes sociales. 
4. Consulte la cuenta Summit Learning de su hijo al menos semanalmente para respaldar el progreso académico. 
5. Pasen tiempo juntos en familia, ya sea jugando, saliendo a caminar o probando el baile Tik Tok más nuevo. Encuentre formas de conectarse con sus hijos. 
6. Configure sistemas en los que los niños tengan tiempo libre independiente no dirigido por usted. La unión es maravillosa, pero todos (incluyéndote a ti) necesitan un tiempo alejados el uno del otro, especialmente en circunstancias en las que debemos quedarnos en casa. 
7. Involucre a los miembros de la familia en discusiones que involucren sentimientos sobre lo que está sucediendo. Necesitamos modelar para nuestros hijos cómo hablar sobre las cosas, especialmente las difíciles. Los jóvenes tienen muchas preguntas en momentos como este. Es posible que no tenga las respuestas, y está bien admitirlo, pero es importante que los miembros de la familia tengan discusiones abiertas. 
8. ¡Recuerde darse a usted y a su familia gracia durante este tiempo, ya que esto es nuevo para todos nosotros! Modelemos la capacidad de recuperación para nuestros niños y trabajemos juntos para superar esta crisis. 
9. Los correos electrónicos e información adicional de los maestros se encuentran en el sitio web de Morey en la pestaña “Acerca de nosotros” en la parte superior: http://morey.dpsk12.org/about-us/staff-directory/ 

 

Recurso útil durante esta temporada dificil: 

• Recursos del virus Corona –  https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/ 
• Respuesta al virus Corona – https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/faq-covid-19/ 
• Recursos familiares – https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/#family resources 
• Distribución de alimentos – https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/#food 
• Libros audibles gratuitos para estudiantes y niños más pequeño – https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
• Programa de PBS que está lleno de contenido y recursos educativos – https://bento.cdn.pbs.org/hostedbento-prod/filer_public/RMPBS%20Kids/At-Home%20Learning/RMPBS%20remote%20learning%20resources%20news%20release.pdf 
• Scholastic ofrece recursos gratuitos en línea – https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html?caching

Tomatoes, Zucchini, and Greens: Oh my!

Good News Morey Community:

The gardeners from DUG (Denver Urban Gardens) who garden all summer at the Morey garden plots are sharing their harvests with us.

Every Saturday beginning August 8th, come harvest some fresh veggies for yourself. ALL Morey families, staff and volunteers are welcome!  There is plenty of produce so please stop by even if you just want a couple items. There will be a helper to assist you. Bring a bag (gloves if you wish.) Please practice social distancing to keep us all safe!

Time: 8-10 am-Every Saturday through mid-October.
Place: Gardens at Morey Middle School-Clarkson side
Who: Everyone in the Morey Community

For questions contact Kirsten Barnard

(Kirsten@kirstenanderic.com)

 

 

 

 

Para esta carta en espanol usa esta enlace.

 

July 24, 2020

 

Dear Morey Families:

 

As we begin to plan for the new school year, we are getting up-to-the-minute updates from Denver Public Schools officials. Here is what we know so far, including some very important changes, about the new school year:

 

Opting Into 100% Virtual or In-Person Learning:

During registration this year, families will opt into the 100% virtual program or the hybrid/in-person program. 

 

100% Virtual Learning: The current thinking is that schools will manage BOTH in-person learning and virtual learning as long as there’s enough teachers. If we don’t have enough teachers, there’s a small chance virtual learning may be done with another teacher in the region. (More information on structure of virtual classroom below)

 

Students will stay in virtual learning for at least the first semester. Any student opting into virtual learning will remain on Morey’s roster and will keep their seat for the following year. 

 

In-Person: Students will begin in-person learning with remote instruction from Morey teachers for at least two weeks. The earliest students would return to the building for in-person learning is Tuesday, September 8th.  (Structure of in-person learning below)

 

Hybrid Learning: It is likely that when in-person learning is deemed safe, students will first transition into the building with a hybrid learning schedule. Students will go 2 days in the building, engage in independent learning the other 2 days. The fifth day is reserved for intervention in-person instruction for students with the highest needs. 

 

Moving Between Virtual and In-Person: A student will stay with their first choice of 100% virtual or hybrid/in-person until at least the end of December. If a student requests to move from virtual to in-person, parents will go through a transfer process if there’s space left in the in-person classes.

 

In-Person Learning at Morey:

Cohorts: To minimize the risk of students interacting with others, all in-person students will be placed in a learning cohort. Depending on how many students opt into in-person will dictate the size of the in-person cohort. It could be 15 students to 30 students in a classroom. 

 

One Classroom: The students will stay in one classroom all day to minimize exposure to other students. Content teachers will travel to different cohorts so the students will receive live, in-person instruction from content experts. We just learned that teachers can only see 2-3 sets of students per day. Due to this health requirement, we will have to determine which 2-3 teachers will lead live instruction each day. We will communicate the new thinking in the coming weeks. Health guidelines dictate that lunch is in the classroom. We will try to provide 1 – 2 recess breaks outside for kids each day. Our electives will be on a quarterly basis. Students will still receive all four electives in the course of the school year.

 

Sample Schedule:

6 – 1 Cohort – Room 103
Period 1	Ms. Clark	Advisory
Period 2	Ms. Clark	Language Arts
Recess	Ms. Clark	Recess Break Outside
Period 3	Mr. Ahern	Math
Period 4	Mr. Ahern	Lunch
Period 5	Mr. Ball	STEM
Recess	Mr. Ball	Recess Break Outside
Period 6	Mr. Ball	Virtual Science lesson led by Ms. Trujillo

 

Virtual Instruction: 

 

Key Principles:

• Instruction will occur digitally through synchronous (live) and interactive instruction which will include scheduled classes at specific times on a daily basis. 
• There will be a live lesson for each class period, each day between 9 – 11 am and 12 – 2pm. 
• A virtual lesson has 30 minutes of “instruction” and 30 minutes of “critical practice”. The critical practice is a time where teachers give students feedback, push deeper thinking, answer student questions, etc. Critical practice replaces our old language from last year called “office hours.” 
• If students are unable to attend the live lessons, they are recorded and posted each day to the Summit Learning Platform. Students can access those lessons after the live lesson is posted.
• Students will be assigned work for each class period. This work is due during the class period, or is assigned for completion during independent practice.
• Students may get an additional hour of virtual instruction for intervention if deemed necessary. 

 

Sample Virtual Schedule: 

	Class	Critical Practice
Period 1  (Language Arts)	9:00-9:30	9:30-10:00
BREAK	10 MINUTES
Period 2 (Drama)	10:15-10:45	10:45-11:15
LUNCH	45 MINUTES
Period 3 (Science)	12:00-12:30	12:30-1:00
BREAK	10 MINUTES
Period 4 (Math)	1:10-1:40	1:40-2:10
Intervention  (for those assigned)	2:10 – 3:00

 

Important Transportation Changes: 

 

No buses for Morey: With the health guidelines, buses can only transfer 33% of its capacity. So DPS can only transport 33% of its students to school and back home each day. This week DPS will announce that secondary schools will not receive transportation, unless they are a newcomer center or a TNLI school. Only students in Ms. Klebba’s center classroom will be given busing at Morey. This has a huge impact on Morey families, as many students come from all of the city to our school and rely on the yellow school bus. I have spoken to many people and advocated that our magnet students should qualify for an exception, but there just isn’t enough buses and my requests were denied.

 

Carpools & RTD: Mr. Lunger is trying to coordinate carpools for our families wanting to attend in-person who cannot get the yellow school bus this year. We’ll send out more information with carpool applications and sites. DPS is also partnering with RTD to get passes for secondary students to utilize city transportation.

 

School Day Time Changes: 

 

Bell Schedule: As of now, the Morey day for in-person learning is 7:40 am to 2:58 pm. With teachers teaching classes throughout the day and covering lunches in their classrooms, we have asked to either have a late start or early release to allow teachers 45 minutes of planning time. Elementary schools are shortening their day to give teachers planning time, and we will hear if our request is granted and what our official hours will be in mid-August.

 

First Day of School: DPS pushed back the first day of school by a week, so all students (regardless of starting virtual or opting into in-person) will begin August 24th.  

 

Health Guardrails:

To maximize safety of our students, there are number of health systems that will be implemented for in-person learners:

• All adults and students will get a temperature and symptoms check when arriving at the building. Students/staff with a temperature of 100.4 or above will need to be picked up from school.
• All adults and students are required to wear masks or face shields when on school grounds, with the exception of time for eating or other designated “mask break” that would take place outside. 
• Student movement will be limited in the building. Students will remain with their cohort groups throughout the day and will not transition between classrooms. 
• Students will be required to wash hands twice daily and the building will be sanitized by our facilities staff nightly. 
• Students will not have access to lockers for the 2020-21 school year. 
• Lunch and breakfast will continue to be served for all students, however food will be consumed in classrooms or outside to prevent mixing of cohorts. 
• If a student or staff tests positive, the cohort will move to remote for 14 days. If a student or staff has been in close and/or prolonged contact with someone who has tested positive, the cohort will move to remote for a minimum of 3 days to allow for additional disinfecting and monitoring. Staff and students that are sick will not be permitted to return to school until they are healthy. 
• Air conditioning will be on in the building, however the use of portable fans and swamp coolers is prohibited to inhibit the spread of the virus. 

 

Timely Registration is Critical: 

Registration for families begins July 27th and goes through August 7th. At this point you will make the decision to go 100% virtual or hybrid/in-person for Morey. Online registration is strongly encouraged to ensure the health and safety of Morey community members. 

 

Online Registration Process:

Beginning July 27, families will make a final selection and enroll in either in-person learning or a virtual program as part of our school’s registration process. The fastest, most convenient way to officially enroll is through Annual Family Update*, the online registration process. For more information on Annual Family Update, visit schoolchoice.dpsk12.org, or contact our front desk directly at 720-424-0700.

 

If you need a step-by-step guide for how to register, see this Family Navigation Guide document. 

 

*Note: If you already took part in Annual Family Update, that means you have not yet officially enrolled in one of the two options for the fall semester. To do so, you will need to fill out a registration addendum form, available through our school, or by contacting Enrollment Services at 720-423-3493.

 

If you cannot register your child online, please email Katie Mohr as soon as possible at katie_mohr@dpsk12.org or call 720-424-0707 to receive a paper packet by mail or set up an appointment to walk-in register. 

 

We will create student groupings for in-person and virtual classes once all students have officially registered. 

 

HGT Learning in Remote:

 

• Students will be assigned to a cohort of HGT learners/peers. HGT cohorts will use math placement suggestions from their 2019-2020 math teacher to determine cohorts. If you would like to know specifics about this placement, please contact Morey’s HGT Coordinator, Bertie Fiz at Bertie_Fiz@dpsk12.org.
• HGT cohort classes will be accelerated as in a normal year. Proper pacing and lesson development will align with the needs of the particular students in the class. Bertie will work with teachers in these classrooms to ensure that teachers know each student’s academic strengths, interests and social/emotional needs. 
• ALP goals will be created through student facing lessons and via collaborative parent conversations. You can look forward to a call or virtual meeting with Bertie towards the beginning of the school year to ensure quality collaboration with Morey.
• Should the student have learning challenges, our special education and support staff will work with your child as needed.
• Depending on a child’s specific social or emotional growth areas, students may receive additional support through meeting with Bertie.

 

After-School Clubs and Care:

Once hybrid/in-person instruction resumes, we are allowed to have students engage in limited after-school activities. 

 

Sports: It has not yet been communicated if Fall sports are offered this year. We are anticipating that if they are allowed, and if a student opts into virtual learning, students can still participate in Morey sports.

 

Study Buddies: The after school club, Study Buddies, will run until 5:30pm Monday through Friday for our hybrid/in-person learners. Students will remain in groups of no more than 15 students and 1 teacher. Students and staff participating in this programming are required to follow the district health guidelines for COVID-19. Program enrollment cannot exceed 45 students and will operate under a first come, first serve basis. The program’s monthly cost is $75. 

 

History Colorado: History Colorado will connect virtually with students until we are able to resume hybrid/in-person learning. The programming is capped at a roster of 15 students and is required to follow the district health guidelines for COVID-19. The program will cost $30 per semester. Families who qualify for Free and Reduced lunch will receive a 50% discount. Students who are History Colorado members will receive $5 off each semester’s membership fee. History Colorado will meet virtually with students until we resume in-person learning.

 

Other Clubs & Activities: Alliance Française, Spanish Club, Science Matters, Colorado Honors Band will continue through a virtual platform this Fall. These clubs come with fees set by the vendor. 

 

There will be more updates on Demolay and Gardening Club at the beginning of the school year. 

 

Homeless Encampment on Morey Grounds: 

We hear the city has made progress on identifying multiple sanctuary sites in the city to move the unhoused residents surrounding the school. City officials said the Morey campers will be the first to relocate. They have said camps should be moved by August 1st. 

 

Food Service and Distribution: 

 

Denver Public Schools continue to offer free weekday breakfast and lunch to students and families in need at Grab-and-Go sites throughout the city until circumstances change. DPS is not able to provide transportation to the Grab-and-Go sites. For more information go to https://www.dpsk12.org/coronavirus/food-distribution/

 

Technology Return: 

 

If your device is broken or unused, please return it via mail free of charge at this link. Once we receive your returned device, we will contact you about a replacement device. Returning devices will minimize replacement costs and support other students who need access to technology. For questions about this process, please call 720-423-3163.

 

Hillary Niebauer

Principal

Morey Middle School

720-424-0713

hillary_niebauer@dpsk12.org 

 

Last Chance for ordering school supplies from Edukit:

 

Order by JULY 28 2020.

 

Will be delivered to your home.  This year part of the kit goes to the home while the part teachers will need in classrooms goes to the school.  Here’s the link to buy edukit

 

https://www.edukitinc.com/schools/340/Morey%20Middle%20School

 

Contact Kirsten Barnard with questions-

Kirsten@kirstenanderic.com