Given the current circumstances, we realize that students will likely be utilizing technology outside of school more frequently. We wanted to take this opportunity to remind both students and parents of our Board Policy #100 - Programs, Section 111: Technology Protection Measure and Internet Safety Policy. Below is an excerpt from that policy highlighting Acceptable and Unacceptable uses of Technology for Students.

Acceptable Uses of Technology for Students:

• Using technology in the District in a manner consistent with the academic goals of the school and District.
• Accessing systems using only authorized usernames/passwords.

Unacceptable Uses of Technology for Students
may include, but are not limited to the following, which may result in disciplinary or legal action:

• Harassing, insulting, or attacking others
• Intentionally damaging computers, software, systems, or networks
• Revealing personal information or parents’ personal information such as addresses, telephone numbers, credit card numbers, etc.
• Sending or displaying messages or pictures that are offensive
• Using obscene or profane language
• Violating copyright laws
• Using the network for illegal or commercial purposes, including “hacking” and other unauthorized access
• Using or bypassing another person’s username and password
• Trespassing in another’s folder, work, or files

We hope this reminder is helpful. By following these guidelines, students will be able to conduct themselves appropriately when using technology during this period of Remote Learning.

Students are most successful when they have a routine to follow and a space to work and learn.

Here are a few tips on how to help them be successful while learning from home:

• Identify an at-home learning space
  • ideally located in a shared space (i.e. kitchen table or counter, or a desk in the living room/family room)
  • a place with good lighting
  • access to learning materials and tools
• Plan a schedule for your child to follow
• Stick to a predictable daily routine as much as possible
• Include times for breaks and lunch

In a perfect world, all of our students would have easy access to devices such as an iPad, laptop, or desktop computer, but we realize that is not the case for all families.

Here is a list of materials that students who are learning from home should have access to:

• paper, pencils, and pens
• textbooks, reading books or other curriculum resources from school (if applicable)
• calculator, ruler, counters (easy items to count, such as dry beans) or other materials that support math

The unique circumstances for our District's closure is also a challenging time for many of us. Some teachers may have the ability to check-in with students and families while others may not.  Some may choose to utilize an already established classroom app or email to communicate with parents. If you are able (this is not required), please feel free to share what your child has been working on with us while schools are closed. 

Here are a few ways you may be able to share your child's work with us:

• Take a photo of their work and upload it to a classroom app, or email it to the teacher
• Record and share a video showing your child learning and email a message summarizing what they've learned
• Take a photo or video and tag us on Facebook @CapeHenlopenSchools
• Take a photo or video and tweet us @cape_sd
• Take a photo or video and email it to communications@cape.k12.de.us and we will share it on our social media platforms 

This challenge is a new one for all of us and the District recognizes that it can pose a hardship on many of our families. Although our students are restricted from going to school, there is no guarantee that parents and guardians will also be able to work virtually from home and supervise their children. We encourage all of our parents and caregivers to think about ways they can support one another. 

Everyone is encouraged to ask themselves:

• Who in the neighborhood might be able to look after several family's children?
• How can a neighborhood or friendship group use a rotation schedule to provide supervision of students?
• Who in the neighborhood is able and willing to help teach others how to use online tools available?
• How might older siblings and students be able to support the learning of younger children?
• In what ways can neighbors and friendship groups share technology tools?