PCS embraces distance learning

PCS embraces distance learning
Posted on 04/15/2020
distance learningWith school closures across the Plumas Unified School District due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Plumas Charter School has implemented distance learning for all students.

Though independent study is already a large part of the personalized learning opportunities offered through PCS, on-site classes are usually offered at learning centers in Quincy, Greenville, Taylorsville, and Chester.

Each learning center has developed its own strategies for making sure students and families have the resources they need to continue to study at home. Some students log into virtual classrooms; others complete worksheets at home and check in with teachers via text and email.

This time of uncertainty provides an opportunity for Plumas Charter School to demonstrate its commitment to helping students become resilient, lifelong learners. We are also practicing our core values of respect, compassion, responsiveness, and accountability in the face of these dramatic changes. We are deeply grateful for the support of our families and community during this difficult time!

In the photo: Jocelyn Mckinney works on math in a virtual classroom with her classmates during their first day of distance learning, March 20. Photo by Renee Cervantes
Home Learning Resources

All Subjects
Khan Academy is a nonprofit that provides free educational resources in all subjects from the kindergarten through early college level.

College-level Great Courses classes in many subjects are available for free through kanopy with a Plumas County Library card.

This document collects many of the "virtual field trips" available, from tours of the Louvre and the Great Wall of China to zoo webcams and Mars exploration.

Electives
Favorite children's book author and illustrator Mo Willems leads a live doodling video daily!

There are lots of educational craft ideas available online; start with this list of 100 indoor activities.

Tennessee art teacher Cassie Stephens offers free art videos through her Facebook page.

The Metropolitan Opera is providing free weekly student streams.

Performance streams, educational videos, and more are available from the Seattle Symphony.

English Language Arts/Literacy
Free audiobooks and ebooks for readers of all ages are available through OverDrive for those with a Plumas County Library card.

Instructional aide Lindsey Kimzey is connecting PCS students with each other as pen pals! Just send the student's name, grade level, and mailing address to [email protected].

Story Time from Space features videos of astronauts reading books aloud from space!

Digital magazines are available online through RBdigital for those with a Plumas County Library card.

Math and Science
This article includes real-time animations illustrating how disease spreads differently depending on people's behavior.

This comic explains coronavirus for kids.

The Exploratorium offers many home learning resources on its website.

Meals
School meals are still available during the closure. Fill out this short form to receive meals; pickup is available 7:30-10 a.m. at Chester Elementary School, Greenville Elementary School, Quincy Elementary School (Pioneer campus), Quincy Junior-Senior High School, and C. Roy Carmichael Elementary School. View more information, including delivery routes, on the PUSD Child Nutrition Facebook page.

Mental Health
The PCS school counselor, Becky Powers, is available to support students, staff, and families. Contact her via [email protected].

General mental health and crisis support resources are listed here.

Suggestions for managing home learning and social distancing: create and maintain a schedule; get exercise in nature when possible; write in a gratitude journal; explore new hobbies; play games together; and connect with others through social media, phone/video calls, and snail mail.

There are lots of gratitude journal ideas out there, including this guide and these prompts.

Learn about managing coronavirus anxiety from the American Psychological Association and the Centers for Disease Control.

Parents can get tips for talking to tweens/teens about coronavirus.

Social Connection
During times of social distancing, it can be difficult to maintain connections with classmates. Social media can help! Send student photos, home learning ideas, and greetings to public relations specialist Ingrid Burke at [email protected] for posting on our school Facebook page.

Advice on social distancing for families is available here.

The Toy Store in Quincy has a board game lending library.

Social Studies/History
Thousands of award-winning films and documentaries are available via kanopy for those with a Plumas County Library card.

To add resources to this list, send a message to [email protected].