Online Learning

Visit our KDHSA Online Learning Webpage for a complete list of resources. See below for parent updates. 

\r\n
March 18, 2020
\r\n

Dear Discovery Parents and Guardians,

\r\n

We hope our Swamp Owl families are healthy and doing well.

\r\n

Most of us, like you, are feeling overwhelmed and unsettled right now, with so many uncertainties and things changing daily. Our job as educators is to do what we do BEST…….teach, mentor, coach, connect, support, and love our students. Our teaching helps us and helps you, but mainly helps our 1,850 swamp owls. 

\r\n

KDHSA administrators, teachers, and support staff have worked over the last few days with passion, creativity, flexibility, and true HEART to create a robust Distance Learning Program that will keep our students connected to their school community and provide meaningful learning experiences. We held virtual staff meetings and collaborative virtual sessions on Monday and Tuesday to create a distance learning program that includes continuity in instruction, school culture, connected community, wellness, and family support. 

\r\n

Continuity of Instruction

\r\n

We will make this transition to distance learning easily accessible and manageable for parents and students. Administrators and Teachers have created tutorials, videos, and documents to clearly explain expectations and procedures. We are anticipating that it will take some time for families and students to feel comfortable with distance learning, and we are here to support you.

\r\n

We are expecting students to work on academics for 3 hours per day. We will provide sample daily schedule ideas to help you and the students plan their day. Teachers will use Google Classrooms to host their online classes. All resources, instructional videos, assignments, links, and teacher feedback will be hosted through Google. Teachers and Administrators will host Google Hangout virtual office hours and virtual meetings to connect with students and families regularly. Specific guidance will be sent from LS, MS, and HS Administration.

\r\n

It will not be perfect for you or for us. Please use patience and kindness when you give us feedback about what is working and what is not working as well. 

\r\n

You will be able to find all important resources using the following link:

\r\n

KDHSA Distance Learning Website  

\r\n

(Launching at 7:30 AM on 3/19)

\r\n

DISTANCE LEARNING WEBSITE

\r\n


\r\n

Student Support Services

\r\n

School Counselors

\r\n

Michelle McCrary, Director of Counseling: [email protected]

\r\n

Michelle Duplantier, Social Worker: [email protected]

\r\n

Kristen Centanni, Counselor: [email protected]

\r\n

Claire Barry, Counselor: [email protected]

\r\n

Mental Health and Wellness

\r\n

Our students need to remain emotionally well during this time. In the event of a crisis, students should text the Teen Crisis Text Line at 504-777-3273. For additional guidance, the following resource is helpful in managing mental health in uncertain times. Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

\r\n

SPED Coordinators 

\r\n

Stacey Stemke, 6th/7th & 10th-12th: [email protected]

\r\n

Theresa Nicholls, 1st-5th: [email protected]

\r\n

Judith Nordurft, Jefferson Kindergarten and 8th/9th: [email protected]

\r\n

Tech Support

\r\n

Christy Aymami, Director of Educational Technology: [email protected]

\r\n

Carrie Comardelle, K-4: [email protected]

\r\n

Christy Aymami, 5-8: [email protected]

\r\n

Kate Jensen, 9-12: [email protected]

\r\n

Student Supplies

\r\n

Student supplies/books from their desks/lockers have been packed in bags and tagged for delivery. Our wonderful Honors Transportation bus drivers have agreed to a home delivery of their supplies. This is being organized today. Deliveries will likely occur Thursday and Friday. Supplies will be dropped on your front porch to limit physical contact. 

\r\n

We are tallying the IT survey now. Computers will be distributed (most likely) in carpool style lines for those who have no computer in the house. We have also posted resources for WiFi connectivity that is low cost to all families with K-12 children. We are hoping to distribute computers by Friday, but stay tuned for updates. 

\r\n

If you did not take the survey yet, click: Student/Family Technology Access and Use Survey 2020

\r\n

WiFi Information:

\r\n

Internet Access for Students: FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has launched the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which many broadband carriers have signed. For the next 60 days, its core provisions will:

\r\n
  • not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to

  • the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;

  • waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances

  • related to the coronavirus pandemic; and

  • open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them

\r\n

Additionally limited income households can apply for $5 to $10 per month internet access (AT&T AccessCenturyLink Lifeline). 

\r\n
  • Charter Communication will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a subscription.

  • Cox Communications is offering

    • Limited-time, first month free of Connect2Compete service, 9.95/month thereafter

    • Until May 15, 2020, provide phone and remote desktop support through Cox Complete Care at no charge

    • Resources for discounted, refurbished equipment through our association with PCs for People

    • Learn from Home toolkit for schools, including instructions on how to fast-track eligible students without internet access

\r\n

School Sponsored Events/Performances/Athletics

\r\n

We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty regarding future events at Discovery schools, including but not limited to our first ever KDHSA graduation and prom, stepping up ceremony, pinning ceremony, artistic performances, and athletics. We do not know what the next weeks and months will bring, but we do know our Seniors will walk across a stage at some point. It may be a different date, but it will happen. An integral part of the Discovery culture is to celebrate the accomplishments of our students from K-12th grade. That remains a priority to us. We will make these celebrations happen in some manner at some location on some date in the future. 

\r\n

Community Feeding Locations

\r\n

Discovery families can go to any of the 14 locations to pick up a free Grab and Go meal location even if the site is not their home school.

\r\n

The grab and go locations are:

\r\n
  • Bissonet Plaza Elementary: 6818 Kawanee Drive in Metairie

  • Emmett Gilbert School: 435 S. Jamie Blvd. in Westwego

  • Fisher: 2529 Jean Lafitte Blvd. in Lafitte

  • Grand Isle School: 149 Ludwig Ln. in Grand Isle (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at this location)

  • Gretna Middle: 910 Gretna Blvd. in Gretna

  • Hazel Park Elementary: 8809 Jefferson Hwy. in River Ridge

  • Marie Riviere Elementary: 1564 Lake Ave. in Metairie

  • Marrero Middle: 4100 7th Street in Marrero

  • Meisler Middle: 3700 Cleary Ave. in Metairie

  • Riverdale High: 240 Riverdale Drive in Jefferson

  • Terrytown Elementary: 550 E. Forest Lawn Drive in Terrytown

  • Truman School: 5417 Ehret Road in Marrero

  • Woods Elementary: 1037 31st Street in Kenner

  • Worley Middle: 801 Spartans Drive in Westwego

\r\n

Meals will be offered to any child age 18 and under (21 and under for special education students) regardless of whether they are a Jefferson Parish Schools student. Children must be present with an adult to receive a meal. Meals will include lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. The grab and go service will include pick-up lines outside the school for families to drive through or walk up. In order to avoid creating a large crowd, it is important that families immediately leave campus after receiving their meal and packet. 

\r\n

Dr.Glaser has spoken with Dr. Brumley. If the need for additional Grab and Go locations is needed, we will open the Maine campus for this service.  

\r\n

COVID-19 Illness Reporting

\r\n

We are asking all members of our community to communicate any confirmed COVID-19 related illnesses to us so that we can best assess the impact on our school, and how that relates to safely returning to campus. Please report these cases to our school nurse, Olivia Todaro, [email protected]

\r\n

We look forward to working with you closely as we journey together into distance learning.  Don’t forget to practice social distancing, get outside, and do one thing daily that makes you feel good. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. 

\r\n

#SwampOwlPride #OwlUp  #HEART

\r\n

In the words of Eddie Fisher: 

\r\n

You've gotta have HEART

\r\n

All you really need is HEART

\r\n

(When the odds are sayin you'll never win

\r\n

That's when the grin should start)

\r\n

 

\r\n

With a Virtual HUG and Caring HEART,

\r\n

KDHSA Administrative Team