Dear Terra Nova families,
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. We are about to start a school year far different from previous years and any other school experience. We have shifted to a 100% at-home-learning (AHL) model for all of first semester and are transitioning all of our operations to support this endeavor.
While the challenges are great, our resolve is stronger. Terra Nova remains committed to providing a rigorous AHL program. We are focused on providing excellent teaching and challenging learning opportunities for our students. We are committed to continually finding ways to connect and engage with our students so that they feel our love and support, despite the distance between us. Your continued support has sustained us since March and your partnership will be key as we sail these uncharted waters together.
Please read this email thoroughly as it contains a lot of important information about the start of the school year. Traditional orientation activities have been redesigned and a user-friendly checklist is included to highlight key steps and information.
I know there are and will be alot of questions about various aspects of school. There will be follow-up emails as we get closer to the first day of school. Updates will also be posted on our website. Throughout the school year, news will be shared with families as information becomes available and our newsletter will resume on a regular basis.
While this school year may not be “normal”, I cannot wait to welcome each and every one of our students into our classes.
Together we will be kind, compassionate and work hard, despite the obstacles.
Tiger Pride,
Megan Carey
Principal
Terra Nova High School
Annual Notifications
The annual notifications must be completed for every student prior to the first day of school. Please login to ParentVue to complete these required forms prior to August 10th.
Technology Survey
The technology survey must be completed for every household, regardless of need, for state data reporting purposes. Chromebooks and hotspots are available to every student. To request a device, please complete the survey, indicating if you need a chromebook, hotspot (internet access) or both. Devices will be available for pick up on Monday August 3rd, Tuesday August 4th and Wednesday August 5th through a drive-through process. Cars will pull up to the Main Office, stopping where indicated. A staff member will greet you to distribute the requested devices.
TB Test Results – Incoming Freshmen Only*
Incoming freshmen must submit a recent TB test or a TB risk assessment form using the Immunization Submission form. For questions regarding the submission process, please contact Michela Christensen at mchristensen@juhsd.net.
Daily Bell Schedule
We will follow a six class, cohort model. Each cohort will attend three classes, two days a week. These classes will take place synchronously, meaning the teacher and student will interact together at the same time via Zoom. On the other days, students are expected to complete asynchronous lessons and work as assigned by the teacher. On Wednesdays, students can attend office hours to receive extra assistance. Counseling support will be available for students throughout the week. Please view the attached bell schedule prior to the first day of classes on August 17th to confirm your cohort and assigned class days.
Every school day starts with daily dashboard. Daily Dashboard is intended to give students the structure needed to complete the organization tasks associated with online learning such as setting up their device/WIFI, organizing class materials and checking emails. Students are expected to be logged into class at the start of each period.
First Day of School
The first day of instruction is on Monday August 17th. Cohort A will report to their classes on Monday August 17th. Cohort B will report to their classes on Tuesday August 18th. Links & login information for the teacher-specific Zoom classrooms will be sent to students through their school-email account by the end of the day, August 14th.
Student Orientation
A mandatory student orientation will take place throughout the week of August 10th. Students will not be reporting directly to their teachers the week of August 10th. Instead, students will participate in this mandatory orientation and complete all assignments each day. Attendance will be tracked and the completed work will be shared with teachers. The full schedule will be sent via email on Friday August 7th. Please note that students will need a device and internet access to participate in orientation.
Student Accounts/Schedule Distribution/Textbooks
For our incoming 9th graders and students new to the district, student Google account information will be sent to the parent/guardian email starting August 4th. Students must log in to their school google accounts to recieve important class/school information moving forward. This is the account they will be using for Distance Learning. Schedules and textbooks will be distributed to students during the week of August 10th. These details are still being finalized and will be shared as soon as they are available.
School Pictures
At this time, school pictures will not be taking place. We will work to schedule picture days in the near future. This decision was made to ensure that we have process in place to comply with all health requirements such as social distancing, temperature checks and sanitizing procedures. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
