Update 9.10.20
Updated Back to School Safety Plan
Update 7.23.20
Update 4.02.20
Dear Parents,
In compliance with Governor Kemp’s announcement that school will not reopen for the 2019-20 school year, VBS will continue digital learning for our students to be able to finish up the current school year. I will send more details to you as soon as we have worked through the many aspects and impacts of this decision. Our teachers are already working and planning for these upcoming digital learning days and will continue to be there for you and your students.
– For our preschool and elementary parents, we have set up times for you to pick up learning packets for your children tomorrow, April 3rd. Please drive through (carline style) to pick-up your child’s things. K3-1st grades will need to come to the school at 11:30. 2nd -5th grades will need to arrive at 11:45. We are asking that you stay in your vehicles when on campus. Packets will be brought to your car by a staff member. Parents and students will not be allowed to enter the buildings. If you are not able to pick up on Friday, please let your child’s teacher know and we will mail the packets to you.
– Next week, our digital learning days, for all levels, will be Tuesday, April 7th-Thursday, April 9th. April 10th is Good Friday so there will be no digital learning on that day.
– Details for the following weeks will be sent to you by next week.
Thank you for your love and support of our school staff! We need your prayers daily! We are praying for you and for your families too. We miss each of you so much. If we can assist you in any way, please let us know. Focusing on Him,
“…and seek those things which are above…” Colossians 3:1
Esther Birge
Victory Baptist School
Loganville, GA
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March 27, 2020
Dear Parents,
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name! On Christ the Solid Rock I stand! All other ground is sinking sand! All other ground is sinking sand!” This hymn has been on my mind this week. I am so thankful that in the current storms and sinking sand, we can put our Hope in Christ each day and can stand on Him, our Solid Rock. We all need a firm foundation and Christ is that Rock for us every day, regardless of the circumstances.
Based on the newest executive order from Governor Kemp, we have made the following decisions for our Victory Baptist School community:
- Next week is Spring Break!! No digital learning!
- Governor Kemp has stated that schools are to remain closed through April 24th. The current plan would be to reopen on April 27th. We know the situation is ever-changing, but at this time we will plan to follow his directions and recommendations. When we are closer to the possible re-open date, we will re-evaluate our next steps.
- Digital Learning Days for all grades will resume on Tuesday, April 7th. April 6th will be a planning and organizing day for the staff and teachers. We will plan a packet pick up time for the lower grades, where parents will be able to drive through carline and get the things you need for your child for the month of April. I will send those details later next week.
- There is no school (no digital learning) on Friday, April 10th in recognition of Good Friday.
- Unfortunately, we will need to cancel the Junior/Senior Banquet that was planned for April 17th. That makes my heart sad, especially for our seniors!
- Please be sure to turn in, or make sure your child has turned in, any outstanding schoolwork from the past two weeks today. Teachers are wrapping up these two weeks and finalizing their grades. Getting all work turned in today will allow our teachers to take a much needed break too!
- Thank you to those who have contacted me directly to share your thoughts and input on our current situation. I value your input! Please take a few minutes to complete this short online survey about the digital learning plan we are currently following. Your input is important and will allow us to continue to enhance and improve student learning through our digital learning days. You may also email me directly at any time.
Our teachers will continue to work hard to help your children be successful in this time of separation from school. We would much rather be with your kids in the classroom and are praying that this next month we will see God’s hand of healing on our country so that we can return to a normal school setting. Please continue to pray for wisdom and strength for our school staff.
We love your kids and miss them more and more every day! Have a blessed weekend and an awesome spring break! Let us know if we can assist you in any way!
Focusing on Him,
Mrs. Esther Birge
Administrator
Victory Baptist School
ebirge@victorybaptistschool.org
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Update 3.17.20
Dear Parents,
Welcome to digital learning! I hope all is going well for you and your students. I can assure you that our staff is hard at work, from all over the area, assisting your kids and making plans for upcoming lessons. I know this a whole new learning curve for many of you, as it is for us. Thank you for your patience and your flexibility as we have gotten things started for the week. If you, or your students, have any questions or any concerns at all, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. If you cannot reach them feel free to contact me and I will do my best to assist. I have enjoyed seeing many of the creative things our teachers have put together for your kids!
Our staff met yesterday morning to do some additional cleaning and to go over online learning details. We have determined some very important expectations for both students and teachers during this time away from school. We want this to be a profitable learning time for your students. We are continuing in all areas of our curriculum so that students are continuing to learn and fulfill the requirements for their current school year. They need to complete this year well so that they can continue strong next year.
There are a few things we wanted to bring to your attention:
- Please make sure that you and/or your child has joined the Google Classrooms that have been set up by the teachers. This is the main contact point for them to deliver lessons and announcements to you and your students. Several teachers have said they are still missing students in their Google Classrooms. If you need a class code, please email your child’s teacher.
- Student Responsibilties for DLD:
- It is expected that students will complete assignments for ALL classes during this digital learning experience in order to meet the requirement of 180 days of instruction.
- Students will be held accountable for work during this time. Content covered during digital learning will be addressed in upcoming quizzes, tests, and/or exams as we finish out the school year.
- Students should log on by 9:00 am to view assignments for the day and should complete assignments in a timely manner.
- Students must demonstrate participation in the online learning to count towards attendance for the 180 days of school we are mandated to include in our academic calendar.
- Students and/or parents may contact the teachers via email or Google Classroom with questions or concerns regarding assignments. Teachers will also be working from home and will be available to assist with student learning.
- All lunches ordered for this week, March 16 – 20, will be refunded to a lunch card for your student. Hot Lunch week has been postponed, therefore refunds will not be issued at this time.
- We will delay the deadline for the pay in full discount for 20/21 to April 6th. If you would like to go ahead and pay online or have any questions please email Lisa Moore at lmoore@victorybaptistschool.org.
Victory Baptist Church and School are continuing to closely monitor the latest developments from our local and state government agencies and we are following the guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on their recommendations, we have CLOSED the Victory Baptist Campus until further notice. This will give us time to continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect the buildings on campus as well as allowing the campus to rest and the disinfectants to have a complete covering on the surfaces and remain untouched for a few days. We are very thankful for the men who are working hard to ensure that our facilities are well cleaned and disinfected.
Take advantage of this extra time God has given to you to spend with your children. Let them play and take breaks from the computer screen. Create memories with your family every day. Go to God’s Word as a family every day! We have been reminded, in just the last week, how quickly things can change in the world we live in. In reading Psalm 60 this morning, verse 3 and 4 really stood out to me, “Thou hast shewed thy people hard things…Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.” We are facing some hard things, but what a comfort to know that God is for us and He is with us not matter what we face.
If you need anything at all, please let me know. We will do our best to assist you however we can. Please know that all of our staff continues to pray for all of you on a daily basis. We love your kids so much and we sure do miss them!
Focusing on Him,
Mrs. Esther Birge
Administrator
Victory Baptist School
ebirge@victorybaptistschool.org
Update 3.13.20
Following Governor Kemp’s recommendation that local schools consider closing to assist in limiting the spread of COVID-19, VBS will implement our Digital Learning Plans beginning Monday, March 16th for all students. This plan will be in effect for the next two weeks. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to determine when school should re-open and will communicate that information to parents as soon as any further decisions are made. It is important to note that there are no known infections within our school or with those associated with VBS. While extra levels of cleaning and sanitizing have already been put into place, the school facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized while the students are away from school.
From March 16th through March 27th, students will participate in online learning assignments and/or work packets assigned by their classroom teachers. Students will be expected to complete all assignments on a daily basis, just as they would in the regular classroom. For your information, our Digital Learning plan can be seen below, along with several FAQs. Our staff has been trained to take student learning online and will continue to do all they can to ensure that student learning is taking place.
On Friday, March 13th, students will bring textbooks and other items home with them in order to help facilitate their online learning. High school students may come by the school on Monday, March 16th between 8:00 am and 9:00 am to pick up textbooks and materials from their teachers. Teachers will be using Google Classroom, email, and other online tools to assist you and your students through. Teachers will be communicating more details to you today and next week. The IOWA testing that was scheduled for the week of March 23rd will be postponed for now.
After school events and activities will be canceled for the next two weeks. This includes, but is not limited to, all athletic practices and competitions, school trips, and other extra-curricular activities. We will attempt to reschedule the 6th, 8thand 12th grade trips for a later date. As soon as those details are finalized, that information will be communicated to you.
We will continue to monitor the situation in the days ahead and will follow the recommendations that are given to schools. Additional information will be communicated to parents in the weeks ahead. Spring Break is already scheduled for the week of March 30th. The current plan will be to return to school April 6th, providing there are no other health issues or concerns at that time.
What a comfort and peace it is to know that none of this is a surprise to our Lord. He is still in control and will guide us through this current situation, just as He guides us each and every day. Though this is new territory for all of us, please keep in mind that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) He is still God and He is still good!
Please contact your child’s teacher or the school office if you have any questions or concerns over the next few weeks.
Focusing on Him,
Mrs. Esther Birge
Administrator
Victory Baptist School
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Victory Baptist School – Digital Learning Day Information – 2019-2020
OVERVIEW
For future inclement weather days, VBS
may declare a “Digital Learning Day.” If a
digital learning day is declared, students will
have the opportunity to continue their
learning while allowing flexibility to complete
the activities at home. Teachers will provide
assignments via Google Classroom for
students to complete at home. Teachers will
also be available for virtual “office hours”
through Google Classroom and email
should students or parents have questions
on the material or need assistance with their learning.
ASSIGNMENTS
*Students are responsible for all work
assigned. Assignments will be graded.
ASSIGNMENTS
*Students are responsible for all work
assigned. Assignments will be graded.
- K4
- Language Arts and Numbers
K5-2nd grades - Language Arts and Math assignments
3rd-5th grades - Math, Language Arts, Bible
- History and/or Science (teacher choice)
6th-8th grades - Assignments for each core class
9th-12th grades - One assignment for each class
- HS – DE will continue as normal
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Make sure you have access to your
child’s Google Classroom - K4 students – expect 1⁄2-1 hours
worth of work total - Elementary students – expect 1-2
hours worth of work total - MS/HS students – expect 2-3 hours
worth of work total REQUIREMENTS - All digital work will be handled
through the google classroom - Assignments will be published to
google classroom by 9:00 am on the
Digital Learning Day - Each subject’s work will have a
submission component such as a
quiz, discussion, or assignment SPECIALS - No elementary specials classes will
be included in Digital Learning Day assignments - MS/HS electives may be included in
Digital Learning Days (TBD by teacher)
DIGITAL ACCESS CONCERNS - Students/Parents may request a
hard copy of assignments upon
return to school - Students will have up to 2 days after
returning to school to complete assignments
OTHER QUESTIONS? - Check the FAQ page located in the
resources section of ParentsWeb - Contact your child’s teacher by email
or through the Google classroom for
questions on specific assignments
— —
“Digital Learning Day” Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a “Digital Learning Day”?
A digital learning day is used in place of a school day that has been cancelled due to inclement weather. A digital learning day means that students will complete learning activities and assignments provided by the teacher at home. Students will receive learning activities and assignments for each subject that would have originally taken place during a regular school day.
• How will we be notified that a “Snow Day” is a “Digital Learning Day”?
The school office will communicate to all parents, students, and staff through the Parents Web Alert system, by email and on the school Facebook page. In the message sent it will read that this “Snow Day” is a “Digital Learning Day.” Digital Learning Days may also be called in the case of severe weather that prohibits students and staff from being at the school.
• What about 2 hour late starts and when school closes early? Will those days also be a “Digital Learning Day”?
No. In the event of two hour late starts and early dismissals, a digital learning day will not be expected. Specifically, students and staff are typically either getting to school or going home during those school hours missed and assignments and activities are not expected for either students or staff.
• What about PreSchoolers and a “Digital Learning Day”?
There are no expectations for preschoolers in K3 to complete activities on a digital learning day.
Preschoolers will K4 will complete assignments in language arts and numbers.
• What happens if a student does not complete the “Digital Learning Day” assignments?
Students are expected to turn work in on the following school day (so one day make-up). Students are expected to complete assigned work in a timely manner. Parents should contact their child’s teacher if there are extenuating circumstances that prohibit their child from completing the assignment satisfactorily.
• What if a K5-12th grade student does not have access to a computer and/or internet to access the lesson or complete activities?
The student can obtain the assignment in a hard copy or electronic version during the next regular school day. Either way, students will have two days, after they return to school, to complete the required learning activities and assignments.
• What if a student is on a pre-arranged absence?
The student would be expected to make up the learning activities and assignments just as they do for any other absence from school.
• How much time is my student expected to take to complete the assignments?
Teachers have designed learning activities and assignments that are equivalent in time to a regularly scheduled class period. Students working independently on an assignment will likely take less time to complete the assignment compared to a large group setting. It will take an estimated 15-30 minutes per assignment per subject/core class.
• Will the school building be closed on a “Digital Learning Day” to students as it is on a regular snow/inclement weather day?
Yes. The school buildings will be closed to students and activities on a “Digital Learning Day”.
• Will staff be accessible during a “Digital Learning Day”? And if so, how?
Yes. The school staff may be contacted through their school email or through the Google classroom. Staff may not respond immediately to questions, but are expected to respond in a timely manner. If students struggle with an assignment because they can’t contact a staff member due to lack of internet connectivity, they would still be allowed 2 days to make up their work.
• What if there is only one computer in the house but multiple students?
Students may need to share resources in the home or other locations. Some students may want to work on offline options while others complete online assignments.
• May a student access the assignments or complete the online assignments from their smartphone?
Google classrooms can be accessed from a variety of tablets, smartphones, laptops and desktop computers. The assignments may use a variety of websites and applications that may or may not work from a variety of devices.
• Will there still be make-up dates built into the calendar?
Yes, make-up dates will continue to be built into the school calendar. A digital learning day is an option that may be used in place of one or more cancelled school days or make-up days, but it may not be used for all cancelled school days in any given school year.
Other questions?
If there are other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask and we can add them to the frequently asked questions list. Please email the school at: office@victorybaptistschool.org.
