Online Learning Information Hub

Welcome to the 2020-2021 Academic Year

Our Campus is Closed, but our Learning Continues!
We're in this together.

#ISPSLearnsOn

Updated September 17th, 2020

Our ISPS Online Learning experience aligns with our ISPS Learning Principles. Our students will be empowered to make choices about how they reach clearly defined learning goals; be engaged in [online] collaboration to solve authentic problems; feel safe to take intellectual risks while persevering through challenges; be supported with modeling, differentiation, specific feedback, and opportunities for reflection and revision; and, will continue to be passionate, intrinsically motivated, and inspired to action.

Distance Learning Info by School

Our Beliefs

Distance Learning Goal

The ISPS Online Learning Plan is designed to address the following scenario:

Asynchronous learning to ensure the opportunity to learn for all students in all time zones.
Synchronous engagements to support learning and socio-emotional well-being of students through real-time engagements.

ISPS is committed to monitoring the ISPS Online Learning Plan and student experience. The tools used for monitoring may include, but are not limited to:

Data on student engagement from digital learning platforms - Seesaw, and PowerSchool Unified Classroom - provide tremendous data on student engagement.
Feedback from students, parents, and teachers to help us understand how the plan is impacting student, family and teacher experiences, and to provide data on what improvements we might make going forward.
Review of PowerSchool and Seesaw postings as a form of data collection to support teachers and students in aligning learning to the Online Learning Plan.

Learning Expectations

Courses will run according to the revised online schedules from Monday, September 21st .
Learning materials are shared via PowerSchool Unified Classroom,
Learning Activities are shared via Seesaw (Elementary School), Google Classroom (Middle & High School).
Learning activities are engaging, inquiry-based.
Learning activities may be completed:
1. independently online.
2. collaboratively online, via chat, video conference or other collaborative tools.
Learning activities have a number of purposes:
1. allow students to engage with new learning.
2. practice, discuss or apply learning.
3. demonstrate knowledge and skills in relation to learning.
4. enable more personalized learning.
5. increase room to explore a wide range of resources
Learning connects to current units and curriculum.
Assessment tasks enable students to demonstrate their understanding.

Elementary

Connecting at Home

For online learning in the Elementary School, students will need either an iPad or Chromebook to access some activities and share feedback. Ideally students in Grades K-2 would use an iPad or tablet and students in Grades 3-5 will use a laptop, desktop or Chromebook.

Please note the following: In the event that you are unable to provide your student with a device, please contact the Elementary School Principal at sjulien@isps.edu.tt, we are happy to assist.

DAILY SCHEDULES

Elementary School Student Online Schedule

PERIOD	MONDAY	TUESDAY	wednesday	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
7:30	Teacher Post	Teacher Post	Teacher Post	Teacher Post	Teacher Post
8:00-10:00	Morning Meeting Learning Activities (PYP, Language Arts)	Morning Meeting Learning Activities (PYP, Language Arts)	Morning Meeting Learning Activities (PYP, Language Arts)	Morning Meeting Learning Activities (PYP, Language Arts)	Morning Meeting Learning Activities (PYP, Language Arts)
9:15-10:30	Break	Break	Break	Break	Break
10:00-11:30	Math (Problem solving, Math Talk, Mental Math, Number Sense) /Specialists	Math (Problem solving, Math Talk, Mental Math, Number Sense) /Specialists	Math (Problem solving, Math Talk, Mental Math, Number Sense) /Specialists	Math (Problem solving, Math Talk, Mental Math, Number Sense) /Specialists	Math (Problem solving, Math Talk, Mental Math, Number Sense) /Specialists
11:30-12:15	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
12:15-1:00	Specialists Music, PE, Art, IT, Library, Guidance	Specialists Music, PE, Art, IT, Library, Guidance	Specialists Music, PE, Art, IT, Library, Guidance	Specialists Music, PE, Art, IT, Library, Guidance	Specialists Music, PE, Art, IT, Library, Guidance
1:00-1:15	Specialists (Optional)	Specialists (Optional)	Specialists (Optional)	Specialists (Optional)	Community Service
1:15-3:00	Office Hour	Office Hour	Office Hour	Office Hour	Office Hour

Notes:

Teachers are available to assist students with questions. For example, if the period ends, and the student has a question about the subject, the student may contact the teacher.
Classes online during schedule times are instructed as follows: whole class, small groups, or individual sessions.
Teacher check-ins with students and parents occur weekly.
Independent work( SeeSaw) is administered after instruction from the teachers.
Students receive instruction in numeracy and literacy usually in the first two blocks before lunch.
Specialist classes for the PK and K occur before lunch; Grades 1-5 classes usually occur after lunch. Optional classes may occur with students from mixed grades (4 & 5).

Teachers Online Schedule (PK - K)

DAILY SCHEDULE for teachers PK - K
By 7:30 am	Teacher posts prerecorded welcome and learning assignments via Seesaw for the students. Post specifics on Unified Classroom for parents.
8:15-11:30 (PK- K)	Daily teacher activities will include: Optional face to face via Google Meet or Zoom, according to your regular schedule. Monitor assignments on Seesaw Monitor communication with parents via email/Seesaw Planning and posting assignments Monitoring assignments Breaks Providing feedback as needed
11:30-12:15	Lunch
12:15-1:15	Virtual Meetings with students, Team Meetings, communications with principals, posting grades in PowerSchool Unified Classroom, updating units Check-ins with parents and students Learning packets determined by teachers
1:15-1:45	Optional Specialists' classes
1:15-3:00	Daily Virtual Office Hours

Teachers Online Schedule (GR 1- GR 5)

DAILY SCHEDULE for teachers GRADES 1 - 5
By 7:30 am	Teacher posts learning assignments / materials for the day
8:00-11:30	Daily teacher activities will include: Must be available online for any student questions/contact according to your teaching schedule Optional face to face via Google Meet or Zoom, according to your regular schedule. Planning and posting assignments. Breaks Monitoring assignments. Providing feedback as needed.
11:30-12:15	Lunch
12:15-1:15	Check-ins with students and parents. Virtual Team Meetings, communications with principals, posting grades in PowerSchool Unified Classsroom, updating units in Atlas. Optional face to face via Google Meet or Zoom, according to your regular schedule
1:15-1:45	Optional Specialists Classes
1:15-3:00	Daily Virtual Office Hours

ISPS Digital Learning Platforms

ISPS Digital Learning Platforms

ISPS utilizes a comprehensive set of online systems to facilitate teaching and learning. Below is a chart summarizing the key features of each system.

SYSTEM	division	summary
Gmail	PK-12, Faculty	All ISPS faculty, staff and students in grades PK-12 have access to @isps.edu.tt email accounts. Emails can be sent via Gmail. LOGIN Here
SeeSaw	ES	This system will be used for teachers to assign lessons or share out resources, such as video tutorials. Please click link for tips: Remote Learning with Seesaw for Schools
G Suite	3-5, MS, HS	Core productivity platform for online storage and document creation. LOGIN Here
Google Meet	PK-12	Online video conferencing within G-Suite. Meet may be used for online learning, meetings, PD or other online gatherings. Start a video meeting Join a video meeting Add people to a video meeting Change screen layouts in a meeting Pin, mute, or remove Hangouts Meet participants Record a video meeting Present during a video meeting Plan and hold meetings from anywhere Troubleshoot issues with Hangouts Meet Known issues with Hangouts Meet
IXL	K-12	A Comprehensive tool that provides math and language arts practice. See tips here: Video 1 Video 2
PowerSchool	PK-12	Main learning management software for grades 3-12. Contains course work, assignments, resources, calendar and communication tools. LOGIN Here
Zoom	PK-12	Zoom provides modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing and chat. Click to link below to get started on learning how to effectively use Zoom: Zoom Training

Middle & High

Connecting at Home

At ISPS, our Middle and High School students, already have a device which they will continue to use at home to connect with their teachers, complete activities and share feedback. Please note that if you are having any difficulties with connectivity, our tech support is available to help.

You are also encouraged to contact the MS/HS School Principal at ryoung@isps.edu.tt with any questions or concerns with ISPS online learning.

DAILY SCHEDULES

Middle School Student Online Schedule

High School Student Online Schedule

HS Online schedule	Mon/ tue/ thur/ fri	late start	wednesday
8:00-9:15	Class Time	8:45-9:30	Class Time
9:15-9:25	Break	9:30-9:45	Break
9:25-10:35	Class Time	9:45-10:30	Class Time
10:35-10:45	Break/ Office	10:30-10:50	Break/ Office
10:45-11:30	Class Time	10:50-11:30	Class Time
11:30-12:15	Lunch	11:30-12:15	Lunch
12:15-1:00	Class Time	12:15-1:00	Class Time
1:00-1:10	Break	1:00-1:10	Break
1:10-2:30	Class Time	1:10-2:30	Class Time

Teachers Online Schedule

DAILY SCHEDULE for teachers - GRADE 6 - 12
By 7:30 am	Teacher posts learning assignments / materials for the day
7:40-2:30	Daily teacher activities will include: Must be online according to your teaching schedule for student questions/contacts. Face to face via Zoom Video Conferencing according to the online schedule. Planning and posting learning targets, assignments, and materials required. Monitoring assignments. Providing feedback as needed. Virtual Team Meetings, communications with principals & colleagues, posting grades in PowerSchool Unified Classroom, updating units in Atlas.
Determined by teacher	Daily Virtual Office Hour

Support

The IT Department will be available to support teachers, students and parents. We encourage faculty, students, and parents to contact techsupport@isps.edu.tt for any tech related question and to expect a response within 24 hours. This email account is managed by our Online Tech Support Team.

Low Priority: Creating a ticket by sending your responses to;

Via email to, techsupport@isps.edu.tt

Or completing our Google Form, ISPS Technical Help Desk

High Priority: Call our ISPS HelpLines at;

1(868)723-1290 for PowerSchool help

1(868)689-9453 for Technical help

Please note that the HelpLines are only active when ISPS OLP is in effect.

FAQs

Is my child expected to sit in front of their computer all day?

No. Online learning will be a blend of face-to-face video, collaborative group work using online tools, independent learning and, as much as possible, real-world authentic learning experiences.

Will online learning days count towards attendance requirements?

ISPS is working hard to ensure online learning days will be treated as regular school days.

How does ISPS’ child protection guidelines apply during online learning?

ISPS has established comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safety of all ISPS community members in an online environment.

What do I do if my home internet is not working?

Please contact your internet service provider.

What do I do if my student cannot login to their student account(s)?

First, please email your teacher to ensure they are aware of the issue. Next, please email techsupport@isps.edu.tt

LOW PRIORITY

HIGH PRIORITY

Creating a ticket by sending your responses to;
Via email to, techsupport@isps.edu.tt

Or completing our Google Form, ISPS Technical Help Desk

Call our ISPS HelpLines at;
1(868)723-1290 for PowerSchool help
1(868)689-9453 for Technical help

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT	CONTACT
*First contact via email. Face-to-face video conferencing available as needed.
a course, assignment, or resource	Teacher
a technology-related problem or issue	Teacher, techsupport@isps.edu.tt
a personal or social-emotional concern	Counselor
other issues related to online learning	Teacher or Principal

Tips for Parents

ISPS Approach to Distance Learning

Our Suggestions for Parents (Success During Online Learning)

The ISPS Online Learning experience aligns with our ISPS Learning Principles. Our students will be empowered to make choices about how they reach clearly defined learning goals; be engaged in [online] collaboration to solve authentic problems; feel safe to take intellectual risks while persevering through challenges; be supported with modeling, differentiation, specific feedback, and opportunities for reflection and revision; and, will continue to be passionate, intrinsically motivated, and inspired to action.

The success of our Online Learning endeavor is a partnership and is dependent on careful planning by our dedicated faculty, appropriate student motivation and engagement, and strong parent support for this alternative mode of instruction. The result of such learning experiences will expand student academic progress and attend to student social and emotional well-being.

Please click on the images below for more information on things parents should consider while supporting their children through distance learning.

Guidelines for Faculty

Distance Learning Home Stretch Tidbits & Using the 5 Es to Design and Online Lesson

As we continue this journey of online learning, there are 2 very important components we need to sustain...

Dialogue and Structure

Dialogue

Dialogue leads to engagement and connection!

Structure

Routine and structure lead to a predictable environment. Predictability gives us all comfort.

To Create More Dialogue

Consider starting class with a Zoom Poll.
- Ask students a question to review content.
- Take a feelings poll.
- Create a “would you rather…”
Consider playing a game to begin or end class.
- Virtual Games Link
Consider having students answer questions using the chat feature. Let students engage and discuss components of the course with their peers and you, their teacher, by using the chat box.
Consider using interactive platforms like:
- Jamboard
- Padlet
- Peardeck
- Kahoot
- Quizlet
- Parlay

To Create More Structure…

Consider telling students what the class agenda will be for the day.
This could be posted on a powerpoint with a shared screen or you could simply tell them when they enter the class. This gives them a mindset for how long they need to stay engaged.
Consider posting or stating the learning objective for the class. Check in at the end of class having students reflect on whether they reached the learning goal (or not) and why.
Consider creating a routine that you follow for every class so that students know what is expected each day, or changing up your routine with a new structure to add some variety into the class.

Final Tidbits:

We are in the home stretch of this difficult journey.
Celebrate your awesomeness!
Try something new!
Keep doing the things that are working!

FOR ISPS ONLINE LEARNING, ALL COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION AND ACTIVITIES WILL BE SENT THROUGH POWERSCHOOL UNIFIED CLASSROOM & SEESAW FOR ES, AND POWERSCHOOL UNIFIED CLASSROOM FOR MS & HS.

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR ACCOUNTS FOR UPDATES AND INFORMATION.

Roles & Responsibilities

Faculty

school roles and responsibilities
Teachers	Post learning materials for lessons scheduled in PowerSchool Unified Classroom; Seesaw (PreK-2) for your classes each day by 7:30 am. Continue teaching your units as planned, but focusing on key concepts and skills primarily, due to the restrictions of online learning. Video conferencing with your classes via Google Hangout/Meets or Zoom will take place at least once per week for a minimum of 30 minutes per week for Grade 3 through High School. Video conference lessons or chats with your students will take place during your regular scheduled periods to avoid conflicts with other classes. (There may be a need for differentiation for students traveling to other time zones.) Provide 24-hour notice of any face-to-face sessions via Google Hangout/Meets or Zoom. Plan learning activities that are easily understood and implemented by students. Give a reasonable amount of time to complete assignments and a clear due date. Projects that extend over a long period of time, should be broken down into smaller actions with deliverables/check-ins for each lesson. Use a variety of assessment tasks to inform instruction, improve learning, and report on student achievement. Establish clear expectations and guidelines for use of sources, in compliance with ISPS academic honesty expectations. Provide learning activities that include time away from devices. Provide students with ongoing and regular feedback on assignments and assessments. Post summative assessments on PowerSchool Unified Classroom so students and parents can all see them and plan workload accordingly. Be available for your students online at the regularly scheduled class time. Communicate your availability for student questions and chat when necessary. Communicate/collaborate with your colleagues/administrators as needed.
Specialists	Contribute daily activities to students. Plan activities that are easily understood and facilitated by parents/guardians. Provide opportunities for students to share their learning. Provide reflection and feedback on students' posts. Make yourself available via email to answer questions about the activities, as needed.
Learning Support Teachers	Collaborate with the subject or classroom teachers in order to plan for students on your caseload. Scaffold, modify or differentiate activities, as necessary, for students on their caseload. Communicate regularly with students on their caseload and/or their parents to ensure they have success with tasks. Provide supplementary learning activities for students on their caseload, who may benefit from additional practice to support their individual needs. Monitor student learning and provide feedback and next steps. Communicate with parents regarding the online learning plan and how they would co-plan with teachers for students to access the content.
Counselors	Develop wellness strategies that students can practice during this time of Online Learning. Create counseling lessons that students could complete “at home” based on the current curriculum. Provide developmentally appropriate “blog-type” statement/s that include resources regarding anxiety, isolation, health and wellbeing particular to grade level(s). Respond to counseling needs of students, as needed.
Instructional Coach	Available upon request for instructional support. Support teachers in the development of Online Learning experiences, as needed.
IB/ AP Coordinators	Remain in contact with the IBO and the College Board (AP). Communicate information from the IBO and the College Board to teachers, parents and students, as it becomes available. Available upon request for instructional support.
Librarians	Curate resources for teachers to support the development of high quality online learning experiences for students. Support teachers in the development of Online Learning experiences, as needed.
Teaching Assistants	Provide support and assistance to assigned grade level and/or subject area teachers as requested.
Online Tech Support Team	Provide timely responses to student, family, and faculty requests regarding technology issues.

Students

sTUDENT roles and responsibilities

Establish a daily routine to support your learning.
Identify a comfortable, quiet space so you can work effectively and successfully.
Check your email and Unified Classroom frequently.
Complete tasks/activities on which you can receive feedback (either online or during the next class meeting, as indicated in instructions).
Submit all assignments in accordance with provided timeline and/or due dates.
Participate in online learning activities with your peers.
Complete assignments and assessment tasks in compliance with ISPS academic honesty expectations.
Take breaks, play, rest, be active.
Communicate proactively with your teachers. Ask questions, but be patient when waiting for a response. If a teacher emails you, respond in a timely manner. You can use email or, if permitted by your teacher, Google Hangouts/Meet, or Google Chat or Zoom.
Communicate with your friends, classmates, and groups as needed.
Be mindful of your workload and well-being. If you have any concerns, contact your teacher or counsellor.
Keep your laptop/iPad charged and with you when traveling.

Parents

PARENT/ GUARDIAN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Ask questions, talk about learning, upcoming deadlines, and workload.
Help your child develop daily routines.
Support emotional balance by encouraging your child to take study breaks, have conversations and to take part in physical exercise.
Be mindful of your child’s wellbeing; speak to them regularly about concerns or challenges
Choose a learning location that is suitable to be seen by peers and teachers if students are using video tools.
Create opportunities for your child to interact with peers to maintain connections with their school community.
Ensure your children are dressed appropriately when using video tools.
If there are siblings simultaneously online, choose locations that do not cause noise interference when recording learning or video conferencing.
Communicate any concerns to your child’s tutor, teacher, or counsellor via email.
Contact your child’s teacher if your child is ill.

Online Learning Resources

ISPS utilizes a comprehensive set of online systems to facilitate teaching and learning. The main features of each system - together with key links - are listed below:

Teaching & Learning Platforms

PowerSchool

PK-12

Main learning management software for grades 3-12. Contains course work, assignments, resources, calendar and communication tools.

LOGIN Here

SeeSaw

ES

This system will be used for teachers to assign lessons or share out resources, such as video tutorials. Please click link for tips:

Remote Learning with Seesaw for Schools

G Suite

3-5, MS, HS

Core productivity platform for online storage and document creation.

LOGIN Here

IXL

K-12

A Comprehensive tool that provides math and language arts practice. See tips here:

Video 1

Video 2

At-home Learning

Communication Platforms

PowerSchool

PK-12

The Activity Feed for your classes allows you to stay involved and up-to-date on what is going on in the classroom. Teachers post a variety of communications to keep you informed.

LOGIN Here

Gmail

PK-12

All ISPS faculty, staff and students in grades PK-12 have access to @isps.edu.tt email accounts. Emails can be sent via Gmail.

LOGIN Here

Google Meet

PK- 5

Online video conferencing within G-Suite. Meet may be used for online learning, meetings, PD or other online gatherings.

Zoom

PK- 12

Online video conferencing within Zoom. Zoom may be used for online learning, meetings, PD or other online gatherings.

Counselor's Corner

Online Schooling and Mental Health Impacts

In order to do our part in staying healthy and preventing the spread of COVID -19, we have undergone dramatic adjustments to our personal and professional routines. For some, this is a period of new and exciting learning, a period filled with opportunities for family togetherness, a time for a much-needed respite from the busyness and demands of 21^st century living - while for others, this experience – the uncertainty, the added roles and responsibilities, the “new normal,” the social isolation – ranges from stressful to traumatic.

Now, more than ever, we are realizing that the little things ARE the big things –

Visiting our neighbors
Kicking ball with our buddies just for a ”sweat”
Meeting and chatting with a friend at the supermarket
A Saturday morning swim at the beach before “the crowd”
Giving someone a lift to work
Getting a haircut
Hugs!
Hi Fives!

We look forward to the day when all of these “essentials” will return but in the meantime – for however long this lasts – it is important to recognize, prevent and minimize the mental health impacts.

As we go forward, the Counseling Corner will provide tips, resources and support for students, parents and staff during this period of online schooling. We also encourage your questions and requests for information on any aspect of social-emotional and psychological well-being.

As we head out to our Easter break with very limited “social” options, very different family structures and dynamics, and very different work situations – here are some suggestions for how we can care for ourselves and those close to us –

Nature walks/runs – can bring peace, brain break from screens and scheduling demands
Reach out to a colleague, a neighbor by phone – just to check in
Creative interaction with our kids - https://www.ahaparenting.com/blog/were-all-suddenly-homeschoolers
Home exercise routine – use online exercise videos or be creative with home basics
Tackle those home projects that you have been putting off eg packing a cupboard – to feel a sense of accomplishment
Start a journal about this once-in-a-lifetime experience – the highs, the lows, the new learnings
Daily relaxation and mindfulness exercises – there are many free apps available from apple or goggle play stores https://www.mindful.org/free-mindfulness-apps-worthy-of-your-attention/

Additionally, if you need to speak with someone – the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists is offering FREE psychological support. See flyer for numbers in your area.

Tech Apps, Links & Tips

The list of educational applications, platforms and resources below aim to help parents, teachers, schools and school administrators facilitate student learning and provide social care and interaction during periods of school closure. Most of the solutions curated are free and many cater to multiple languages.

Zoom: Cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat and webinars.

EdPuzzle: Video lesson creation software.

PearDeck: Facilitates the design of engaging instructional content with various integration features.

Buncee: Supports the creation and sharing visual representations of learning content, including media-rich lessons, reports, newsletters and presentations.

Kahoot: Teachers, students, businesses and parents all use Kahoot! for group learning, e-learning, distance learning, and self-study everywhere.

Scholastic (K-8): Free lessons for all content areas.

Newsela: (upper elementary/secondary): Nonfiction texts at different independent reading levels paired with activities, including news articles, science pieces and social studies pieces.

Dreambox (K-8): Gamified, adaptive, online K-8 math program designed to develop mental math strategies (paper/pencil should not be used). Currently free.

PBS Learning: PBS and your local station have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more just for teachers like you.

YouTube Learning: a new channel featuring some of the best how to, DIY, tutorial, and educational videos on YouTube.

National Geographic Kids: Grades K-6.

Scholastic Learn at Home: Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. The site will be updated weekly until 20 days of content is available.

GoNoodle: Movement lessons and activities.

Cincinnati Zoo: Plans to live stream several animals and exhibits starting March 16, every week day at 3PM.

Boom Writer: Begin with a story starter and students log in to write. After the different developments are read, students decide which direction the story should take. Edits and conferences abound until students agree the story is finished. Then it is published! - grades 3-8.

Screencast-O-Matic: Create and share high-quality screencasts without breaking the bank.

Screencastify: Is a browser plugin allowing teachers to add video and share with students. The plugin allows students to make their voices heard and their thinking visible with fun, interactive videos. A free plan is available but is limited to five minutes.

MysteryScience: Has made their resources free in response to the Coronavirus.

CS First: A free computer science curriculum that makes coding easy to teach and fun to learn.

ms online schedule	Monday through friday
8:30-9:15	Class Time
9:15-9:30	Break
9:30-10:15	Class Time
10:15-10:45	Break/ Office
10:45-11:30	Class Time
11:30-12:15	Lunch
12:15-1:00	Class Time
1:00-1:15	Break
1:15-2:00	Class Time