NCSS Announces Parent Connect

NCSS Announces Parent Connect
Posted on 08/18/2020
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Newton County School System is pleased to announce, Parent Connect—multiple, live, virtual informational sessions on a variety of topics related to the school district’s plans to begin school with an all-virtual format. District administrators will discuss numerous topics during the twice-daily 45-minute sessions during the week of August 24; they will also include important time for questions and answers from parents.

“We know that many parents have questions and concerns regarding the transition to virtual learning,” said Dr. Shelia Thomas, NCSS Chief Strategy and Support Services Officer. “Our Parent Connect program is one way we can help allay those concerns and answer the many questions parents might have before students report for virtual learning on September 8.”

According to Thomas, presenters will include district administrators from the Superintendent’s Office, Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Student Services, Nutrition, Special Education, Student Support, and the After School Academic Program. Topics to be covered include virtual learning expectations, how to be successful in the virtual platform, Components of Student Services, Meal Applications and Food Distribution, Special Education Services, Social Emotional Learning, Guidance Counseling, and the Academic Program to name but a few.

“The two 45-minute sessions will consist of 30-minute presentations followed by a 15-minute opportunity to submit questions to administrators,” Thomas explained. “We will offer the sessions at both 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM live on the Newton County School System YouTube Channel. These sessions will be recorded and saved so parents who miss them have the opportunity to view them at their convenience.”

The schedule for the week is listed below:


Parent Connect Daily Sessions
 DATE   PRESENTERS    TOPICS 
 Monday, August 24    Superintendent and Technology Director   Welcome message, Overview of Virtual Learning, and Virtual Learning Expectations 
         
 Tuesday, August 25    Curriculum & Instruction Directors   Success in the Virtual Platform 
         
 Wednesday, August 26    Student Services and Nutrition Directors    Components of Student Services, Meal Applications, Payment Options, Menus, and Food Distribution
         
 Thursday, August 27    Special Education Director    Special Education Services and Implementation of Services
         
 Friday, August 28    Student Support and After School Academic Program Directors   Social Emotional Learning, Guidance Counseling, Apex, Social Workers, No Place for Hate, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and After School Academic Program 

Thomas added that Newton County School System will culminate the week with Parent University, featuring an overview of all of the digital tools available for virtual learning. Parent University will be hosted live on the Newton County School System YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/user/NewtonCountySchools on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. There will be five one-hour, live sessions conducted throughout the day. During each session, NCSS technology staff will present step-by-step instructions on how to utilize the digital tools available. No pre-registration is needed and parents and students may attend multiple sessions.

“While starting the school year in a virtual environment is not ideal, the opportunities for parents and students to learn about our tools and resources during each information session will be helpful to starting the school year off successfully,” said NCSS Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “It my desire to begin in-person, face-to-face instruction as soon as possible. In order to slow the transmission of the COVID 19 virus, everyone in our community must do their part by implementing the three W’s: Wash your hands, Watch your distance, and Wear a mask! If we do our part, schools will start.”

NOTE: If interpreting services are needed, please contact the Department of Special Education at 770-787-1330 ext. 1204.

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