LMS Email

Dear Parents,

As we approach the 2020-2021 school year, there are multiple uncertainties. Will we be teaching and learning full time in the classroom? Will we be learning full time at home? Will we begin in the classroom and at some point, need to transition to remote learning? Knowing that this year will be a rollercoaster for us, I knew there would be one piece of the puzzle that could be certain. This year, we will be using the Learning Management System, Schoology. A Learning Management System in simple terms is a software program that allows schools and educators to deliver learning content and communicate with both parents and students. After researching and exploring several different Learning Management Systems, I am confident that Schoology is by far the best choice for Rockford Public Schools. Schoology will support our teaching and learning both in the classroom and remotely.

To begin with, the Schoology platform will allow for easy communication among teachers, parents, and students. As a parent, you will be able to download the Schoology App to make this even more accessible. Schoology is amazing and allows me to push out assignments directly through the site. I can send students Google docs and slides and it will automatically assign each student their own copy. Students can then complete the assignment and turn it into me with one simple click. I can also send the students Youtube videos that support their learning in multiple areas of our curriculum. This will help to keep them engaged and will also help support learning remotely.

There are a few other reasons that make me extremely excited to use Schoology. Schoology has an App Store that is filled with apps that Rockford’s school district already supports. We will easily be able to continue our use with Scootpad, McGraw Hill Math, Google Drive, and EPIC! I am thrilled that all of these EdTech tools will make our learning organized and effective both in the classroom and at home. It makes me, as an educator, feel confident that my students will thrive and be supported whether we are in the classroom or learning at home.

My hope is that we will at least begin our school year in the classroom. This will allow me to model how to use Schoology with the students and set them up for success if we end up switching to remote learning throughout the year. I also plan to make several “how-to” videos using Screencastify where I can easily walk parents through how to use Schoology. I want parents to feel confident as well! When we are all on the same page and we all understand the platform, we have a much higher opportunity for student success! I know the school district will also be providing training for families and technical support shall you need it.

I am confident that Schoology will be amazing for our class and school! Together, we will overcome all the obstacles that the 2020-2021 school year will bring.

I look forward to partnering with you!

Miss Scheidel