Design Academy Weekly Update for March 30th Falcon Spirit Week                                               

Communication: Who to Contact

Teachers have been busy this week, learning new technology and getting ready to provide content in this new environment.  Thanks to all the students who engaged with them as “test pilots” while they got ready. We are excited about the individualized learning that is about to occur in this environment.  To get started, students should go to the Google Classroom for each class they are enrolled in.

For assignment specific questions or concerns: email teachers.  Teachers have posted office hours in their Google classrooms. Office hours are to ask questions on assignments.  Some teachers will be hosting on-line video chats and others are utilizing email. This is a time you know teachers are by their computers to answer questions.  Students do not have to log on to office hours but it will help with questions they have and to hear questions their classmates have. Plus we all miss everyone and I know teachers want to “see” the students to make sure they are ok.

For questions about credits and transcripts: Email Ms. Castle      

(Seniors please remember you must request transcripts via Parchment!)

For problems with classes or general questions: Email Ms. Loughry or see the District webpage dedicated to Covid-19 information

For computer problems please fill out this form. Students can drop off Chromebooks for repair or report lost Chromebooks Monday - Thursday, 9:30-11:30  (during meal pick up times) at Buchtel CLC, East CLC, Ellet CLC, Firestone CLC, Kenmore-Garfield High School, North High School. 

For Plato/Credit Recovery:  Email Ms. Loughry or Ms. Castle

College Credit Plus Application deadlines are approaching (Intent to Apply forms are due APRIL 1st)! If you have applied, please make sure you have all of the appropriate paperwork completed and submitted. Paperwork and information can be found in the Design Academy Counseling Resources Google Folders. Scan or email Ms. Castle completed forms. 

Visit Collegeboard for updates regarding AP supports and testing. They have great free online reviews! 

The April 4th ACT has been cancelled. Visit ACT.org for more information. 

Reminder: when applying for opportunities outside of APS (i.e. CCP, ACT, jobs applications, scholarships), do NOT use your APS email account. You will not be able to receive any response emails due to security settings. 

Online Learning Expectations for All Students

The 4th Nine Weeks has Started

Teachers will be posting lessons to complete each week we are closed.  These assignments will be graded and grades will be available in HAC.

• Monday and Wednesday will be an “A” day schedule.  Students must log in to A day Google classrooms and engage in work for attendance and 4th nine weeks grades.

• Tuesday and Thursday will be a “B” day schedule. Students must log in to B day Google classes and engage in work for attendance and 4th nine weeks grades.

• Fridays will be catch up days.

Attendance will be taken at the end of the week.  Please make sure you complete your assignments for this week.

New District Websites and Resources

Akron Public Schools has put together a one stop website for all the information families need.  Topics include technology support, how to tutorials on Google Classroom and Google Meets, meal information, social and emotional learning supports, online safety,  links to the United Way resources and more.

Students also will have a new site that includes how to videos for the technology platforms we are using at this time.  This site is their new landing page on their Google Chromebooks.

Seniors

-Seniors with credit recovery must complete those classes for graduation! 

-Senior Capstones updates: If there are questions, the first stop is our 12th grade English teachers.  If you need more information please email Ms. Loughry. All third marking period requirements must be met.

-If you are in need of a NACAC college application fee waiver, please complete the form at the following link, request this form to be sent via Parchment, and return completed waiver to Ms. Castle : Design Academy Counseling Resources Google Folders

-Do not forget to check your CareerCruising for scholarship opportunities. If you need assistance, contact Ms. Castle    

-Seniors who were working on their Physical Education projects need to submit these to Ms. Castle  electronically ASAP as the due date has passed! 

Cyberbullying

Let us start by saying we hope you do not need this information.  However, with the extra time everyone is spending in digital platforms this can become a reality. Here is the link for the district bullying form that you can fill out if you are experiencing bullying.