2020-2021 BC STEM Remote Learning Update

Everything about living during a pandemic is uncertain and overwhelming. As Bearcat Educators, we are committed to ensuring that every Bearcat Scholar has the necessary academic and emotional support to ensure that they flourish this year. This is going to be a great school year as we summon the collective strength, perseverance, determination, brilliance, and dedication of every Bearcat Scholar and Educator to Empower every student to ask the questions that will transform the world.

This year will look different, and not just because we are starting with remote learning at the high school. We have also been working diligently this summer to ensure that every Bearcat Educator is utilizing instructional practices that meet scholars where they are, closes the gaps that may exist, and accelerates learning. We are focused on strengthening literacy skills, engaging scholars through small group instruction, and engaging scholars in Project Based Learning.

Because we are preparing for a school year that brings with it uncertainty, we have been planning for a rigorous classroom environment that fits the needs of both remote and in-person learning. We also know that there is uncertainty for families around the 2020-21 school year and what is best for your Bearcat Scholar. To that end, we have added a 6-12 Virtual Academy as an option for parents.

BC STEM Remote Learning

Learning at BC STEM will begin the year with Remote Learning and only return to In-Person if we advance to Phase 5 of the MI Safe School Return to School Road Map. Remote Learning at BC STEM will have scholars following a modified schedule for the 2020-21 school year (available in Skyward). Students will be expected to engage in 30 minute live classes via Zoom as well as complete assigned classwork through Google Classroom. Classes will take place 5 days per week with scheduled time reserved for small group interventions and one-on-one assistance. Classes will include direct instruction by the Bearcat Educator as well as breakout sessions in which Bearcat Scholars will have an opportunity to learn together. We will also offer scheduled, in-person small group interventions. One of the main steeples of BC STEM is the amount of hands-on experiences for students. Engineering and Coding will be taught to both grades during this remote learning phase, while health will be taught to 7th grade only. Due to health concerns with group projects with students in close proximity and the sharing of materials, those courses will be resumed once we are back to school in person.

Monitoring Your Child’s Progress

It is important to know how your Bearcat Scholar is progressing. To support in monitoring your Bearcat Scholar, you can access Skyward and Google Classroom to monitor grades, attendance, and assignments. We will be providing documents to support you in accessing Skyward and Google Classroom in the upcoming days. We also believe it is critical to connect each Bearcat Scholar with one adult advocate in the building. Each Bearcat Scholar is assigned to an ADVISORY (their 1st hour class). The teacher for that class is responsible for meeting weekly with the scholar to do check-ins, provide academic support, check on emotional and physical well-being, and refer to a content teacher when necessary. We will also be providing a staff list to allow each parent to have contact information for teachers, interventionists, principals and additional support staff. We want to be able to fully support families and Bearcat Scholars whenever needed and in every way possible.

FIRST DAY SCHEDULES

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL WILL BE A HALF DAY The HALF DAY SCHEDULE is BELOW:

• 1st Hour: 8:00-8:30 am
• 2nd Hour: 8:35-8:55 am
• 3rd Hour: 9:00-9:20 am
• 4th/5th Hour: 9:25-9:45 am
• 6th Hour: 9:50-10:10 am
• 7th Hour: 10:15-10:35 am
• 8th Hour: 10:40-11:00 am
• Open Office Hours: 11:45am-12:45 pm