First of all, we appreciate your flexibility and patience during our first two weeks of remote learning. Everyone in our community has gone above and beyond to ensure our first two weeks were successful. We do want to reiterate that we are open to feedback and welcome you to contact us with feedback or if you need support in any way. Please read below for some updates.

No School

As a reminder, we don’t have school on Friday, September 4, or Monday, September 7.

Learning Pit

In many of our classrooms, students are studying about the Learning Pit. As  shared on https://www.challenginglearning.com/learning-pit/:

Learning occurs when you step out of your comfort zone. And yet, many people are hesitant to take this step for fear of making mistakes or revealing their weaknesses.

That’s when the Learning Pit can help: to encourage and reassure learners that taking risks, asking questions, and trying new things can help them develop their abilities and deepen their understanding.

At AFIA, we value the idea that learning can be hard. Understanding that productive struggle leads to deep learning helps us embrace mistakes and challenges. We all experience the learning pit – kids and adults. Below are two models of the learning pit created during remote learning last week.

A 5th grade student in Ms. Horne’s class created a representation of the learning pit.

Ms. Erica created an example of the learning pit while she taught her PK/Kinder students about productive struggle. They also discussed what to do when learning feels hard.

Assessments

We will begin literacy assessments next week. Three individuals from AFIA’s support team will be completing these assessments: Teri Fulton, Taylor Salle and Gwen Van Asselt. One of these individuals will send you and your child a message with a scheduled time for an assessment between 9AM-4 PM. Mrs. Colbert will share more information next week.

Food Distribution

As a reminder, we distribute food at AFIA every Wednesday from 10AM – 1PM. If you did not sign up to pick up food, but would like to do so, please contact Ms. Phoebe at 816.444.1720 or via email at phoebe.devorce@afiakc.org.

Census 

Have you completed the 2020 census? If not, it’s not too late! You can access the 2020 census here: https://2020census.gov/en.html. The distribution of federal funds is based on the census. It is important to ensure your family is counted in the 2020 census. To read more see this fact sheet.

Start at Zero Partnership

Are you home with a young child age 0 to 5 or are you an expectant parent? You can connect with a Parent Educator from Start at Zero, our school partner, for a Virtual or Outdoor In Person Family Visit! Or schedule a Learning Check Up that can be done online, over video or phone call. Receive ideas on how to support your child’s learning at home! All programs are free and school families receive priority. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our parent educator, Sally Morrow at 816-945-9635 or sally@startatzero.org.

Return to School Plan

Read more about AFIA’s Return to School Plan here. If you have any questions or thoughts about this plan, please contact Tricia DeGraff, Executive Director, at 816.444.1720.

Upcoming Dates

September 4, 2020: No School (Professional Development for AFIA Staff)

September 7, 2020: No School (Labor Day)

September 23, 2020: Parent/Caregiver Virtual Game Night and Title I Annual Meeting (6PM)