The virtual open house document provides information for parents of 7th grade students at Swann Middle School about the upcoming school year, including remote learning plans for the first 9 weeks. It introduces administration and teaching staff, outlines the schedule and classes for the first 3 weeks of remote learning, and addresses frequently asked questions about devices, supplies, dress code, and required vaccinations for 7th graders.
2. Swann Administration
• Mr. Freeman – Principal
• Mr. Martinez-Padilla – 7th grade Assistant Principal
• Ms. Hall – 6th and 8th grade Assistant Principal
• Ms. Snuggs – Curriculum Facilitator
• Click on a staff members name to view their introduction video
3. Introduction of Staff
Core Classes
• Math
• Ms. Arnold
• Ms. Boriphet/Ms. Helms
• Ms. Magee
• Ms. Ragsdale
• Mrs. Rogers
• ELA
• Mr. Bell
• Mrs. Bratcher
• Mrs. Johnson
• Mr. Harris
• Ms. Skinner
• Click on a staff members name to view their introduction
video
Core Classes
• Science
• Mr. Dendy
• Mr. Comazzi
• Ms. Zegarra
• Social Studies
• Mrs. Shivers
• Mr. Porter
• EL
• Mr. Bernal De La Ossa
• Teaching Assistant
• Ms. McNeil
4. Introduction of Staff
Encore Classes
• Music/Chorus
• Mr. Maltby
• Mr. Milton
• Mr. Mack
• Art
• Ms. Jackson
• CTE
• Ms. Springs
• Mr. Louis
• Mr. Hopkins
• Click on a staff members name to view their
introduction video
Encore Classes
• STEM
• Ms. Thompson
• Spanish/Spanish Lit
• Mr. Alvarez
• PE
• Coach Woods
• Coach Wilson
• Counseling
• Ms. Ali (formerly Ms. Guess) A-M
• Ms. Bellamy N-Z
5. Weeks 1-2 Schedule
Monday 8-17 Tuesday 8-18 Wednesday 8-19 Thursday 8-20 Friday 8-21
Math Media Math SEL/Counseling Math
ELA PE ELA PE ELA
Science Art/CTE/Band/
Chorus
Science Art/CTE/Band/
Chorus
Science
Social Studies Technology Tips Social Studies Technology Tips Social Studies
Monday 8-24 Tuesday 8-25 Wednesday 8-26 Thursday 8-27 Friday 8-28
Math Media Math SEL/Counseling Math
ELA Encore 1 ELA Encore 1 ELA
Science Encore 2 Science Encore 2 Science
Social Studies Technology Tips Social Studies Technology Tips Social Studies
6. Week 3 Schedule
Monday 8-30 Tuesday Sept 1 Wednesday Sept 2 Thursday Sept 3 Friday Sept 4
Math Media Math SEL/Counseling Math
ELA Encore 1 ELA Encore 1 ELA
Science Encore 2 Science Encore 2 Science
Social Studies Technology Tips Social Studies Technology Tips Social Studies
7. Live Office Hours for Weeks 1-3
•Monday through Friday
•9am – 10 am
•2 pm – 3 pm
12. Important Links on Our Website
• Swann website: https://www.gcsnc.com/swann_middle_school
• Mr. Dendy
• Remote Learning Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K9DB2WT
• FAQ’s: https://www.smore.com/1fg5c
• Schedule Change request:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=H_vimqLeQ0yBlH
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13. FAQ’s
• How many weeks of remote instruction is GCS planning?
• Students will learn remotely for nine weeks (the first quarter). Pending a review of public health data,
GCS will reopen on Tuesday, October 20, following the plan approved by the school board.
• What if I don’t feel comfortable sending my child back to school when schools reopen for in-person
learning?
• Parents/guardians of currently enrolled GCS students may apply for a transfer to the appropriate virtual
academy. The deadline for enrollment/registration has been extended to Tuesday, September 15.
• What will remote learning look like?
• During the first few weeks,
• Students will access pre-recorded content
• School staff will also make sure students/guardians understand the health protocols that will be place
when schools reopen for in-person instruction.
• Live, online instruction, virtual small group sessions and individual check-ins with students/guardians will
start after Labor Day, on Tuesday, Sep. 8.
14. FAQ’s
• How will remote learning be different than the 2019-20 school year?
• Teachers will provide feedback on submitted assignments and students will receive grades,
pending any new direction from state officials.
• We anticipate that remote instruction will be better this fall, but we don’t expect it to be
perfect.
• Swann will provide a suggested live instruction schedule for students and families.
• When students return to Swann, will SMOD (standard mode of dress) be required?
• To help ease the stress of the many changes for the 2020-21 school year, we will not be
enforcing SMOD this school year. However, students are required to follow the GCS dress code.
• What if I transfer my child to the virtual academy and find out it’s not a good fit?
• Students will be able to transfer back to their assigned schools at the semester break or the
end of the school year. The district will hold students’ magnet seats for one year only.
15. FAQ’s
• What school supplies will my student need?
• Student supplies will be similar to the general needs of face to face instruction,
however it may vary per teacher or per content. General supplies such as paper,
pencil, pens, highlighter, etc.
• How can I cancel a virtual learning application (e-learning academy)?
• To cancel your application, you must email the student assignment office
at studentassignment@gcsnc.com to formally request cancellation of the
application.
• How can I receive a device for my child?
• Please use the following survey link to request a device for your child for remote
learning: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XTTGBQM.
• Once we receive a device for your child, we will contact you.
16. 7th Grade Vaccinations
• Tdap and MCV Vaccinations
• Whether children are home-schooled, attend school in-person or
by remote learning, they are required by state law to be
immunized based on their age for certain vaccinations as
recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). All 7th graders will be required to provide documentation
of Tdap and MCV vaccinations. This year, the 30-day ‘grace period’
for all students will begin on October 1, 2020.