Eric's hiking back down from recording his live Facebook post. He gave us a good word and some encouragement.
Click here to see where he was! Have a blessed weekend.
You are loved!
Trusting 2020 Update 17
I hope you are settling into your new week well. We are continuing to sharpen what we are offering at both Elementary and Secondary levels. One of the things we are working to integrate is more videos - hopefully you reaped the fruit of some of those efforts this week. We are also looking to add a new learning management system which will hopefully make student/parent/teacher interaction and engagement easier. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
Also - if you want to participate in "Couch Parade" in lieu of the Apple Blossom Parade, stay tuned for details from Kelly Walker.
And finally . . . to see my Wednesday live update . . . here you go.
Trusting 2020 Update 16
We want to be praying for you. If you have a specific prayer request you would like the staff to be praying for, we would love to do so. Email your requests to theriver@theriveracademy.org. We will only share these requests with our staff.
Also - we are continuing to add more ways to do distance learning well. Many of you at the elementary level will be receiving videos from your child's teacher this week. Look for more of these to come!
Finally - if you feel like you get stuck playing the waiting game for when restrictions will be lifted . . here is some encouragement I found in the scriptures this morning!
Have a great evening!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 15
Dear TRA Families,
I hope you had a good week of school from a distance. I know the adjustment has been super hard for many of you, but I was glad to hear some of you share that you are starting to settle into a routine. My update for today is more of an encouragement than anything else. If you have struggled to find hope in this time . . . you are not alone. Here is a small slice of my own wrestlings.
Have a great weekend!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 14
hope all of you had a wonderful Easter weekend. We had a great - albeit unique - celebration. Can't remember the last time I didn't sing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" in church on Easter Sunday.
I have two updates for you today:
1. Elementary Drop off and pick up will be this Friday from 7:30-3pm. We extended the time to enable those of you who are working on school work in the morning, to wait and come to school in the afternoon. We also are hoping to spread out the timeframe a bit so that we don't have so many people showing up at the very end like we did last week. Had someone driven by I think they could have been alarmed by the number of folks gathered in the parking lot . . . oops - live and learn I guess.
2. More Technology. We are actively looking into a software solution that would increase our ability to provide online/remonte learning. We are hoping to implement it within the next two weeks, but this will largely depend upon the companies ability to get us in their cue. As you might expect - they are a bit backed up.
And . . . if you are feeling discouraged today - maybe this story will encourage you.
In this together,
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 13
Good Friday is my favorite day in the Church calendar next to Easter. I love the solemn, but joy filled reflection upon the crucifixion as it relates to all of our salvation. As promised I gave a brief Good Friday reflection, watch here if you are so inclined.
Two school updates for you:
1. No school today or Monday due to Easter weekend. Classes will resume on Tuesday. All Zoom classes normally scheduled for Monday will be moved to Wednesday of next week instead.
2. Attached you will find a letter from The River Academy Board of Directors. We have been actively discussing how to lead the school through this challenging time and this letter will give you an idea of some of the things we have been working on.
May the Lord bless you and your family this Easter Weekend.
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 12
Hi Friends
We are still learning what it means to trust the Lord in these crazy times. And one of the ways I am learning to do that is to take things one day at a time with an eye forward - what can I do this week that will move us forward. For me, that has been looking into ways we can better provide education from a distance - now that we know it is going to be a more long term situation.
At present, we are actively investigating some options for how to improve distance learning at the elementary level. Up to now we have largely been dependent upon paper packets. We plan to continue this and are confident this is one way to keep the learning going while we are sheltering in place. But we are now looking into the possibility of providing some additional online resources for you that will make the learning process more effective for your students (and hopefully less time intensive for you). We hope this will even include the ability to do some video instruction for your children. I think it will likely take a few weeks to get things up and running, but know we are working on it.
On this note, secondary students began virtual classes this week and I think (with the exception of a few internet and zoom issues) it was a step in the right direction. And one we plan to continue to improve.
As for my daily encouragement - you can check it out here.
Lord bless you this Holy Week!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 11
We received word today from Gov. Inslee that all schools - public, private, and charter, are officially cancelled through the remainder of this school year (June 2020). While I can say this news was super disheartening to me, I will also say I was not surprised. The administrative team and I have been actively planning on this possibility for the last month. In some ways, we are poised for this situation much more so than other institutions because we have already had three weeks to work out the kinks.
With this said, we are continuing to research and test out different methods and tech tools that will make learning from a distance as effective as possible. We are also being mindful to NOT roll out too much at once (which we may have been guilty of the first week). For example, today all students in 7th-12th should have had 2-3 virtual classes with their peers and teachers. I'm told from my children and a few of my teachers that there are still some kinks that need to be worked out - some of them being internet bandwidth related. But this, in my opinion, is a huge step in the right direction. We are also researching ways to support elementary education during this unprecedented time.
I continue to be AMAZED by our teachers who - in some ways - have worked harder these past three weeks than they did the entire school year combined. I also continue to be AMAZED by all of you and your children who are making the most of this challenging time - and even finding ways to thrive in our "stay at home" world.
Now for a few practical updates:
1. To see my facebook live where I speak a little more to the announcement and how we are responding click here.
2. Tomorrow is the first Tuesday of the month - everyone wear your Be Kind T-shirts. Feel free to send pictures to kelly.walker@theriveracademy.org. Flood social media with our message of kindness.
3. Elementary school work pick up will be this Thursday (4/9) from 7:30-11am. (And just in case you were wondering - we have checked and this is an acceptable means of getting school work to students). This pickup applies to:
-KP
-K
-1st
-2nd
-3rd (for drop off of last week's school work only)
-4th
-5th
-6th
Don't forget to bring in last week's work if you have been asked by your child's teacher to do so.
4. In the midst of all this chaos, our Marketing/Advancement Director Shauna Cenotto was offered a job in the HR department at Douglas County PUD. Normally we like to give a proper send off to all our team members, sadly, her departure was rather void of a proper commissioning. We are excited for her new opportunity and are grateful she will still be connected to TRA through her children.
I think that covers it. I'll be back with you on Wednesday for more updates.
Blessings,
Eric
6 Spring Break Staycation Ideas
Are you looking for a few creative ways to celebrate Spring Break this year? You’ve come to the right place! From easy activities to more involved events, we’ve got you covered.
1. Scavenger Hunt/Treasure Hunt: Either indoor or outdoor, this is a fun & easy activity to throw together. You can make it as simple or as challenging as you need. Here are some great links for more ideas & pre-made clues.
https://www.thespruce.com/indoor-treasure-hunt-for-children-1695332
https://kidactivities.net/40-scavenger-hunt-riddles-for-kids/
https://icebreakerideas.com/scavenger-hunt-clues/
https://www.thespruce.com/outdoor-treasure-hunt-for-kids-1695487
2. Family Game Time: Board games, card games, minute to win it games, etc…
3. Backyard Picnic: grab your outdoor blanket, and some yummy food and head out into the sunshine.
4. Family Movie Night/Festival: Pick just one or do a trilogy! Dress up, have a concession stand or vote on your favorites flicks.
5. Chopped-family edition: After the popular Food Network show, gather random ingredients together & compete to see who creates the best dish! https:
http://www.foodfuapp.com/2015/09/25/how-to-play-chopped-at-home/
https://www.upliftingmayhem.com/how-to-play-chopped-at-home/
6. Backyard Camp Out:
https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g27274046/backyard-tent-camping/
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-ultimate-guide-for-backyard-camping-with-your-kids/
https://www.buzzfeed.com/mallorymcinnis/a-backyard-camping-we-will-go
https://www.parenting.com/activities/family-time/14-ideas-for-camping-out-in-your-backyard/
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy this time with your family making memories!
Trusting 2020 Update 10
TRA Family,
My update for today is simply this - enjoy Spring Break. And as an encouragement - at least I hope it is encouraging - view my live here where I read a letter from C.S. Lewis that I think is very applicable to our current situation.
Have a great week off!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 9
We are officially one day away from Spring Break. I think we are all in need of some rest and relaxation - even if we can't leave our homes . . .
Secondary families look for an email from Mrs. Griffith regarding a schedule for zoom classes when we return home from break. Also, sixth grade families be sure to catch Mr. McCardle's email regarding the introduction to google classroom for our sixth grade students.
And in my daily update I give you two things you can do today to take more control our current circumstances. To watch my live go here.
Have a great evening!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 8
Two updates for you today:
1. We started a few zoom classroom sessions for our secondary students this week as a trial run and will roll out a more regular format for virtual classrooms after Spring Break. Look for an email from Mrs. Griffith for details.
2. In my daily encouragement I spoke about that greatest threat in our current crisis - don't worry it's not bad news - it is actually something you can hopefully apply right away. Watch my live here.
Blessings,
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 7
Two things for you today:
1. In light of Gov. Inslee's mandate that all people shelter in place (effective tomorrow night at the latest) we have scrambled to prepare packets for elementary families for the week after Spring Break. You can pick them up today before 6pm and then tomorrow morning in between 7 and 9am. After this, all communication/schoolwork will be online until April 8th at the earliest. The grades who have work to pick up are:
Kinder-Prep
Kindergarten
Third
Fourth
Fifth
All other grades have what they need.
2. If you are in need of encouragement - here is my word to you. You will make it through this. For more on this topic, watch my live video here.
Until tomorrow,
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 6
Three things to start off your new week:
1. We have made significant changes to pacing for this week across all grade levels. We are hoping to strike a better balance this week. Keep your teachers in the loop on how it is going for your family.
2. Send pictures (to kelly.walker@theriveracademy.org) of your family doing life and school work at home. It is one way we can stay connected with one another and have at least a feeling of "normal."
3. Check out my facebook live today where I talk about keeping perspective in the midst of the ever changing landscape we live in. Watch here!
Have a great evening!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 5
"On Christ the solid rock I stand - all other ground is shifting sand." We have a lot of shifting sand these days. So thankful we can trust in Christ who's a rock that will not be moved about by any virus, or stock market, or government, or . . . you name it.
Today in my Facebook live (listen here) I spoke of two things - first - scheduling. None of us signed up for schooling at home - teachers, parents, and students. One of the challenges parents have shared with me is around the topic of settling into a schedule. In the video I give you the schedule we are working from as a family - take it or leave it - but if it's helpful, feel free to copy. I also spoke about shifting sand verses Christ as our solid rock.
I hope all of you have a restful weekend. We will be back with you on Monday for more facebook live and also any school updates that need to be communicated. Until then . . .have a great weekend.
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 4
We are looking forward to seeing some of you tomorrow (from a distance of course) for the dropping off of this week's work and then picking up work for next week. Elementary families - all of you should have work to pick up unless you have specifically received different instructions from your child's teacher. Additionally, I believe one or two secondary teachers will have work to pick up - but they will have communicated directly with you on that so if you haven't heard something, you don't need to come (we will miss you though). The school will be open from 7:30-11am.
In my Facebook live today I spoke a little about school pacing. Here is a link if you missed it.
We are all trying to strike the balance during this window. Please keep directing feedback to teachers regarding the workload. With this said, make sure you do so gently. All of my teachers are working countless hours each day to prepare meaningful work for your children during this timeframe.
On a completely different note - send us pictures. We would love to see pictures of you doing your schoolwork from home. This is one way we can stay connected even when we can't meet. One of our classes even did a virtual playdate today just so the kids could see each other. How cool is that! Send pictures (or any other good idea you have for staying connected to kelly.walker@theriveracademy.org).
It is in times like these that you realize we are so much more than a school - we have become family - and family sticks together even if we can't be in the same room. Thankful to be walking through this unprecedented season with all of you!
"See you" tomorrow!
Eric
Here is an email from Mrs. Griffith regarding Secondary pacing:
Thoughts on distance learning.
First, teachers are adjusting and should have a more consistent and linear system for giving assignments for next week and beyond.
One of the things that 7th and 8th and maybe even 9th grade students might need help from their parents with is knowing how to schedule their time. Because the teachers are just learning this online system they have tended to be posting assignments a bit randomly throughout the day and week. We do hope to get better at giving a week's overview on Monday and then sending out assignments in the order that they'll be due. But there will always be projects that have a longer-term due date for which the students will need to schedule out over the course of the work time. So if you are able as a parent to help your student look at their workload and sort out how much to do each day that would be extremely helpful. This is especially true for students who normally struggle with their daily work and homework as well as for those go-getter students who might try to tackle the entire load on day one. So, we are asking parents to dive in and help them sort and schedule their time so that they don't feel overwhelmed in these first few days of our distance learning program.
Mrs. G
Trusting 2020 Update 3
It is official - we have launched a virtual school in less than five days. I couldn't be more proud of our team! Way to go teachers.
My facebook live reflection for today can be found here
As far as schoolwide updates, we are planning to see many of you Friday morning for Elementary schoolwork pick-up. At that time we will also collect work completed for this week. Doors will be open from 7:30-11am Friday.
If you think of it, send your child's teacher an email thanking them for their hard work.
Additionally, keep your child's teacher informed of progress and also how your student is handling the workload. This will greatly help teachers know how much is reasonable to assign.
TRA team - we got this.
Trusting in Him for 2020!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 2
Here we are - journeying into the new realm of virtual/distance learning together. Remember, we are not canceling school, just moving it home for a few weeks. I'm told I should do something like #stilllearning - but I fear I'm too out of date with such things to even know what that does . . .
You should begin receiving regular communications from your teachers right away.
The first Elementary drop off/pick up day is scheduled for this Friday between 7:30 and 11am. Parents can pick up work for next week and drop off any completed work from this week at that time.
Secondary parents - your students have likely been inundated with assignments via google classroom. Ask to look over their shoulder so you can see how this really cool platform works.
For both Elementary and Secondary parents, let me urge you to help us out in this transition by:
1. Giving our teachers a bit of time to figure out pacing. We've never done this before and it is quite possible we will overshoot or undershoot on what kids are actually able to accomplish.
2. Give us feedback on the pacing (gently please as each of our teachers are doing their very best to figure this now learning plan).
3. Regularly working with and checking in with your children each day to ensure they are keeping up on their work.
4. Letting Tracy, Tonya or myself know of any hiccups, or snags you are finding along our journey together.
If you are interested in seeing my Facebook live video watch here. I will be posting daily in an effort to stay connected with all of you and also to let you in on some of the ways I am processing all of this stuff. If you find it helpful, feel free to share with your friends. If you are not on Facebook - FEAR NOT - you don't have to sign up for an account to watch. (Julie and Amie this is for you . . . :)
So grateful to be a part of the TRA community with all of you!!!
Eric
Trusting 2020 Update 1
We continue to all be in uncharted waters. But we remain hopeful. Hopeful for two reasons: First, because God is with us. This has not caught our Heavenly Father by surprise. And we know that in the end, "all things work together for the good of those who love Him." (Romans 8"28). And second, because we are prepared - at least as prepared as we could be given our short window of time to respond to all of the recent announcements.
Here is a rundown of what you need to know for this week:
1. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to prepare materials for you to be working on with your children. Many of them were here both days over the weekend and will be here all day tomorrow, working to get meaningful things in your hands. I have NEVER been so proud of our team.
2. We ARE NOT CANCELING SCHOOL! We are simply moving it home for a few weeks. This is honestly one of the things I am most excited for. We are not under the same constraints as our friends in the public school setting - which means we can keep the learning process going through this momentary disruption.
3. We have divided our approach to schooling into two categories - Elementary and Secondary. The approach will vary slightly with each teacher, but generally will follow the pattern outlined below:
Elementary Schedule:
Fridays: 7:30 am-11:30 am - parents can pick up materials for the following week at TRA. Our office will be open and you will be able to both pick up and return the previous week’s work (last Monday-Friday). Note - it is critical you RETURN THE WORK FROM THE PREVIOUS WEEK so teachers can monitor your child's progress.
Mondays: Expect an email from your child's teacher explaining the week's worth of work ahead.
Monday-Friday - Teachers available by phone and email for questions during school hours. Please note that their response times may vary.
Note to parents with younger kids: Our teachers are doing the heavy lifting for you by preparing the materials, but it will still likely take you working with your children (especially Pre-K-2) as they are simply not as able to do independent work.
Several of the Elementary teachers (at least 2nd-6th) will be using a few free online resources that will allow them to give assignments in math, writing, and grammar, and then track their progress. They will be communicating with you so you know how to log in.
Additionally - several of the older elementary teachers are going to use Google Classroom for their students. Google Classroom is an amazing piece of technology that allows teachers to update assignments, organize class chats, and basically completely flip the classroom, if necessary. All that is required on your end is an account that can access Gmail. If you don't have a Gmail account, you can set one up for yourself and then have your students log in through your account (google doesn't allow children under 12 to have a Gmail account).
Secondary Schedule:
Teachers will be using Google Classroom to manage assignments and the learning process. Generally, they will be introducing the week's lessons on Monday, but will likely be adding assignments daily. They will also be organizing chats and online hangout times throughout the course of the week (don't worry - your kids know what this is). We will be training all of the teachers on this tomorrow so it may take a week or so for them to get up to speed on all that Google has to offer. Your children will use their River Academy emails to access this virtual classroom.
Lastly, you can expect to hear from me regularly. There is much more I wish to say, but know if I were to write anything else, it would be too much for you to bear.
Responding with faith,
Eric
Coronavirus Preparation
Have any of you been surprised recently by the long lines, disappearing packages of toilet paper, and inability to purchase bottled water at Costco lately? This was our experience over the weekend, and come to find out that many others had a similar experience to ours. The Coronavirus is on everyone's minds and is causing some to stock up on supplies in event that the virus was to spread to Wenatchee.
I have been closely monitoring the spread of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) over the last week in preparation for how we might respond if it were to come to Wenatchee or into TRA. Below are a few facts about COVID-19, a few resources for you to read up on the virus if you are so inclined, and also a brief outline of how TRA will respond in the event of an outbreak locally.
First - the Coronavirus is not currently viewed as a high threat in Washington State (see “Risk Assessment” in this article)
Second - for healthy individuals, COVID-19 is not considered a big threat. At present, they calculate the risk of death to be less than 2% and many researchers believe this number will go down as they are able to test more and more people. The Coronavirus has symptoms that are highly similar to the common cold or flu and thus many people may contract the virus without ever going in to be tested which is likely why the death rate percentage is as high as it is.
Third - the symptoms (as mentioned above) are similar to the flu or a cold. Fever, cough, and respiratory issues like shortness of breath. In many patients, the symptoms are so mild that some who tested positive still felt fine to go to work or school.
Fourth - Children have so far (especially in China) been less likely to contract the illness. Less than 2% of the confirmed cases in China were in children.
Fifth - those considered to be at highest risk are those in the age range of 70-79 or those with underlying or chronic conditions (especially respiratory-related).
Here are some of the most informative articles:
As a school, we will continue to carefully monitor the spread of the virus in our state. We will also follow the direction of the state and local Health Departments as well as the Superintendent of Public Instructions recommendations. If the virus were to spread to our school, we are prepared to consider school closure for a time, but will, again, follow the directives of state and local health officials.
In the meantime, may I suggest a few good practices with regard to the prevention and spread of the virus should it come to our town?
The following practices are extremely important for all students and adults:
Do not bring your students to school if they do not feel well or have cold or flu-like symptoms (elevated temperature, fever, cough, shortness of breath). Keep your student home.
Do not come to work at the school if you do not feel well or have cold or flu-like symptoms (elevated temperature, fever, cough, shortness of breath). Stay home.
Wash hands often with soap and water. If you do not have soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Sneeze and cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve instead of your hands. Throw used tissues in a garbage container immediately after use. If you use your hands to cover a sneeze or cough, wash your hands immediately with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, touching your nose or putting your fingers by or in your mouth.
Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
And as with all things in life, trust the One who gives us breath and life each day.
God bless,
Eric
