Non School update for March 17, 2020 - Hope you are doing OK... Let me know what I can do.

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to start providing a non school update every few days before I post the actual class room work blog... I'll try to update the actual class blog for the day of learning by about 10 AM every day.

It’s been a stressful few weeks for everyone. Many people, myself included, are trying to juggle many shifting priorities—preparing to teach remotely, stocking up on necessary supplies, keeping students and family members calm.  I have found that some of my favorite bans played loud (for just a little while) is cathartic and therapeutic.  Right now I'm play Paramore... Loud...

This last weekend I even did a super fast 1800 mile trip to go snatch my son from college in Utah, where they closed, wend remote and asked students to go home if possible.  I did not want to put him on a plan, so Friday right after the bell at 3:30, my wife and I drove out and grabbed him... and were back Sunday night.. Crazy.

What has helped me stay focused is considering the people my actions can affect most—my family, my students, Friends, and those in need. It gives me a clear sense of purpose and something to focus on. 

I thought I would share a few resources that have been helpful to me and others during this time, including the two sites I have found most helpful for the most accurate up to date global data:

• ​Worldometer – An up to date count of cases worldwide.
• ​Information is Beautiful – A helpful page of graphics related to the virus.

The Stay-Home School Work

The spread of COVID-19 is changing our daily behavior and creating rapid changes in our school and learning environment, as we all do our part to help flatten the curve of the virus’ spread. There will be both short-term and long-term impact as we are entering a new reality: the stay-home school. I really hope that you, as my students, are well positioned to thrive in this new normal.  

Learning from Home

Millions of students have already been instructed to learn from home, and while there are great benefits to remote learning, it’s definitely an adjustment. 

Keeping Busy

First for my students, Here are my thoughts:

• Keep busy.  Create a routine that works for you and your household.  Try to get up at the same time and go to bed at the same time.  Routine helps keep you focused.
• Plan to do some school every day.  The also works best if you try to do it at the same time every day.  Check the class blog.  I'll try to update it by about 10 AM every day.  So if you are up before that, just work on yesterdays assignments... it's OK to be a day or so behind, just try to keep up on the assignments.  Most stuff I post will be due at the end of the week...
• If you are looking for other stuff  to keep you busy the ​Khan Academy is a valuable educational resource that has daily schedules and educational livestreams for kids who are off school.  This might help you keep up in some of your other classes, or even just catch up on some of that math that might have been hard to get the first time.
• You might even keep a written or video journal of how you are feeling and what is going on... it will definitely be interesting to look back on after we are on the other side of this. 
• ​Ideas for Social Distancing: This list is for both you and your parents or guardian... If you’re looking for ideas of how to pass the time, this is a great crowd-sourced list.

While many people face high risk from the virus, a majority of us will only have to deal with major disruptions to our lives. At times like this, extending our help to those who really need it is crucial. Each of us has an opportunity to lead others by being clear, honest and empathetic in helping others adjust to this crisis.

Stay calm, stay safe, communicate well.

Mr Burnham