5th Grade Introduction to the Middle School

Virtual meeting to talk about the transition to the middle school.Learn More

A Message from the Princeton City Schools Board of Education

Princeton City Schools stands against systemic racism in any form.  We recognize that Princeton’s greatest advantage is diversity - whether the diversity is racial, ethnic, economic, or academic.   We see differences as a strength, whereby the individual talents of the many form a strong force of the whole.  Recent events across the country give us pause to reflect on what we can do to help our students, staff, citizens, and supporters to heal from the anger and frustration that has beset us all.  We support peaceful protests across the country and here in Cincinnati.  It is encouraging to see calls for reform from our young people.  We remain committed to being proactive in addressing the inequities, disparities, and injustice that persist.  Staff and administration are working collaboratively to eliminate racism, as we value each student and work to “Empower each student for college, career, and life success.”  Black lives matter. We are committed to providing a safe space for dialogue and to explore and insist upon equity and equality, for each and every student as we prepare them to be agents of positive social change.

Dr. Lillian Hawkins– President

Mrs. Susan Wyder – Vice President 

Mrs. Mary Cleveland – Member

Mrs. Gina Moore – Member

Mr. Jon Simons - Member

Mrs. Christine Poetter – Treasurer

Mr. Tom Burton – Superintendent

5th Grade Introduction to the Middle School

Virtual meeting to talk about the transition to the middle school.Learn More

 Remote Learning Plan

Mission:

Empowering each student for college, career, and life success

Superintendent 

Tom Burton

Associate Superintendent

Mari Phillips

Technology Director

Chris Lockhart

Teaching & Learning Directors

Tonya West Wright - Elementary

Valerie Hawkins - Secondary

Special Education Director

Theresa Warren

    Student Services Director

    Kevin Jamison

The Remote Learning Plan

For Emergency School Closure of the Princeton City Schools

Overview of Remote Learning Plan

We are committed to making sure that students continue to experience the care and commitment of our staff and the routine of daily learning, while we are experiencing school closure. We must acknowledge that our approach to remote learning cannot replicate the magic that happens when school is in regular session (the invaluable social interactions, in-person feedback, camaraderie with teachers and peers, community and extracurricular events, and so on). However, we do contend that quality learning can occur from a distance.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic,  Princeton City School District has developed a remote learning plan to enable students to continue to learn each and every day while schools are closed.  This plan supports the Ohio Department of Education’s Remote Learning Resource Guide.   The plan is founded on the four core principles for remote learning.:  (1) High-Quality Remote Learning; (2) Responding to Equity; (3) Leveraging Partnerships; (4) Maintaining Quality Schools

The District continues to support instruction by engaging students in remote learning.  Our goal is to support our students by providing meaningful academic opportunities while protecting the health and safety of students and their families.  This remote learning plan will help us deploy remote learning so that all students will benefit from the instruction that is taught by our teachers.  Princeton City Schools will support the whole child by providing flexible learning options and making adjustments based on student needs.  A continuum of learning opportunities for students to access remote learning is demonstrated by providing online platforms for teacher-student interaction, digital lessons for students to work at home; non-digital lessons, instructional learning packets, and consistent communication with students in innovative ways. 

Our board of education, superintendent, district and building administrators, and community partners are committed to providing the necessary resources to support our staff and students through this pandemic.  

Remote Learning Plan

• High-Quality Remote Learning in the Princeton City School District.  

The district continues to support instruction through a variety of digital and non-digital materials, resources, and instructional activities to maintain academic growth while schools are closed due to emergency.

• The district has developed three options to support student learning:

• Option 1 - District Digital Instructional Materials with Teacher Support

• Digital instructional materials are provided by the district for students to access independently.
• Students access the instruction directly from district purchased materials, e.g., I-Ready Math; I-Ready Reading; Edgenuity; EduPath
• Teachers provide online office hours and conduct teleconferencing to support students with lessons.  

• Option 2 - Teacher-Led Digital & Nondigital Instruction

• Teacher-led digital and nondigital instruction is provided to students to allow for flexibility and variance in the delivery of instruction.
• Students can access the instruction at any time - students self-pace their learning once teachers assign it to them.
• Teachers provide materials digitally using videos, assignments from district materials or supplemental materials which students work independently on and submit.
• Students and teachers communicate through Google Classroom, Zoom, other digital platforms, and/or by telephone.

• Option 3 - Offline Instructional Learning Packets

• Offline instructional learning packets are provided to students in grade K-5 and to English Learner students.  The learning packets are supplemental to the digital instruction.  We are aware that not all students have access to technology, even when we have made it available; thus, we want our students to continue learning as much as possible while schools are closed. 
• Instructional Materials and Resources with Teacher Support
• Digital Academic Resources
• Digital Printable Resources
• Nondigital Resources
• Offline Learning Packets - Offline learning packets are Instructional packets consisting of interdisciplinary, exploratory, hands-on activities.  The District distributes learning packets with meal pick-up at grab-and-go sites.  In addition, learning packets are mailed to students. 
• Distance Learning Packets - Elementary
• Remote Learning for Students with Disabilities
• Teacher Resources 
• Supplemental Online Learning Resources
• Digital Art, Music and Physical Education Resources
• Supplemental Online Resources for English Learners
• Children Learn English through Nature
• Grammar Gorillas
• https://www.learningchocolate.com/
• https://newsela.com/  
• Distance Learning (offline) Packets are provided to English Learner (EL) students who don’t have access to the Internet.  EL teachers collaborate with content area teachers to accommodate and modify materials as needed within core instruction (see the below section: Responding to Equity 

• Students access instruction directly from district provided materials, lessons, create videos or hold virtual classes to enable teachers to upload or select
• Google Classroom
• Class DoJo
• Class Tag
• iReady
• Video Teleconferences
• Zoom
• Google Hangouts
• Edgenuity
• Exact Path
• Study Island

• Teachers offer online office hours and/or teleconferences and telephone feedback as a way to communicate to students throughout the day.
• Office hours for staff are displayed on the District website and on each school’s website: 
• Student Assignment & Learning Opportunities
• Elementary Example
• High School Example
• Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences are held to communicate with families about student progress.
• Teachers hold ZOOM teleconferences with whole classes, small groups, or with individual students

• Letter to parents regarding fourth quarter grading and final semester grades are shared with parents by teachers.  Letter is also placed on the District website, posted on our social media platforms and shared during the superintendent’s Facebook Live sessions. 
• Professional Development on Digital Platforms

Professional development for staff on Digital Platforms is provided by Princeton City School Technology Director.

• Tech Tips - Zoom Best Practices - How to Prevent Zoom-bombers
• 6 Tips to Deter Zoom-bombers
• Holding Class on Zoom?  Beware of These Hacks, Hijinks and Hazards
• How to Keep Uninvited Guests Out of Your Zoom Event
• Video YouTube:  Zoom Virtual ClassRoom Best Practices TechTip

Responding to Equity

Due to the district’s student demographics, it is important that we ensure that opportunities for learning exist for all students.  We strive to ensure that there is equity of access to learning opportunities so that the opportunity and achievement gaps continue to close. We are committed to ensuring that our students K-12 have access to technology devices and internet access.  Therefore, we have been responsive to known equity issues as we developed this remote learning plan.  We have also focused on equity of access to learning for our students with disabilities and second language learners. 

• Mobile Student-Centered Computing - Providing Access for All Students

• All learners will have access to technology in a one-to-one computing environment.  Our goal is to distribute as many devices as possible to support our students. 
• 1:1 devices are assigned on loan to each student to take home 
• For students who needed technology devices, they were loaned a Chromebook to use while at home.
• Communication to parents about technology access, and pick up times are provided in many forms, i.e., districtwide All Call messages made by the superintendent and building principals, messages posted on social media (Facebook; Instagram; Tweeter).
• Distribution of devices 
• A District-wide distribution of devices occurred for K-12 students beginning the week of March 23 through April 3.  Individual distribution of devices occurs thereafter based on need.  Parents and students are told to contact the 513-864-1162 to request a Chromebook. 
• Instruction to parents about how to sign up is provided 
• Technology Registration form
• Chromebook Loan Procedures, Including Acceptable Use Policy
• Kajeets devices/hot spots for students that do not have the internet at home

• Students are able to access instructional materials from their device by using the district’s Learning Management System (Clever)
• Two options to access WiFi: (1) District School Campuses and (2) Parking lots of apartment complexes within the community.
• Princeton Mobile Book Center Bus Hotspot - the mobile book center bus will park in the lot of the schools. Students will not board the bus but will be able to access the WiFi bandwidth from the parking lot.
• Partner with the local apartment and mobile home communities to offer the option to checkout WiFi devices from management offices. 
• WiFi schedule and Technology
• Connect with internet providers to see which are available in the areas: 
• AT&T; Cinti Bell; Sprint; Spectrum; Comcast, etc. 

• Consider the Needs of Students and Families 

• Princeton & Community Food Distribution

• Food Distribution
• Morning Bus Stop Breakfast drop-offs were provided to families of all K-12 students beginning the second week of the school closure.  Changes were made to the schedule subsequently to provide morning bus stop breakfasts routes to elementary and middle school students.
• We provide food distributions to families at six elementary schools since March 23. On March 30, Governor DeWine announced that all Ohio K-12 school buildings will continue to be closed through at least May 1; therefore, we have continued to distribute food to our families. 
• In response to the needs and best practices, we continue to provide Grab & Go meals at six elementary buildings to anyone 18 and younger for a meal package each week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday.  The six elementary schools are:  Heritage Hill, Lincoln Heights, Sharonville, Springdale, Stewart, or Woodlawn Elementary schools.  They are in operation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

• Partnerships with community organizations, churches, recreation centers, food pantries, and other organizations to support 

• Our community partners are also delivering donated food and other life supplies to families in need. Our  community partners and volunteers collect, package, and distribute Student Meal Kits and other items to Princeton families in need.  
• Community partnerships:
• St. Monica’s Recreation Center in Lincoln Heights 
• Princeton Closet,  Christ Church Glendale 
• Lincoln Heights Outreach Initiative 
• Montgomery Community Church 
• New Day and Reconcile Community Church
• Sharonville United Methodist 
• St. Simon’s Church 
• Valley Boosters Food Pantry, Vineyard Church 
• Eddie Meiner LaRosa’s Pizza
• Community volunteers, who are collecting, packaging and distributing Student Meal Kits and other items to Princeton families in need

• Students with Disabilities

The District is ensuring that  students with disabilities receive educational services closest to the manners prescribed within their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Therefore, our school personnel are collaboratively working together during this time to find ways to continue to serve and educate students with disabilities.

• Ohio Department of Education - Consideration for Students with Disabilities during Ohio School Closure
• The Required Special Education Contact Log provides guidance on the conversation that intervention specialists and related services personnel have with parents.  All contacts are documented.
• Efforts are made to provide specialized services to students with disabilities during the time of the school closure. Schools will need to consider the exact nature and duration of the services provided during this period on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs of individual students. 
• Ninety- eight percent of our parents with students with disabilities have been contacted.
• Special education guidance document is sent to all special education staff to provide guidance with holding ETR and IEP meetings during school closure.
• Remote learning for Students with Disabilities
• Special Education staff make available assistive technology for students with disabilities.
• Text to speech and/or speech to text software for students with learning needs.
• Audiobooks, digital books (Audible has corporate account options)

• English Learners (EL)

• English Learner instruction takes place using online learning tools or individual (no-tech) learning packets for families who don’t have access to the Internet.  EL teachers collaborate with content area teachers to accommodate and modify materials as needed within core instruction. EL teachers and paraprofessionals provide check-ins with students and parents and provide guidance for the use of online learning tools such as Rosetta Stone, National Geographic Connect and any online learning resources.  
• Vocabulary resources:
• Written Language
• Breaking News English Lessons: Easy English World News Materials - ESL
• Vocabulary Quizzes | ESL Quizzes
• English grammar guide | English Grammar
• Learn That Word
• Self-Study Quizzes for ESL Students (English Tests)

• Oral Language
• ESL Vocabulary Quizzes | Randall's
• A.Word.A.Day Home Page : Word of the day, vocabulary, wordpower, words, language, quote, quotes, quotation, quotations, english, dictionary, lexicon, logophile, wordsmith, vocabulaire, vocabulario
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/?scrlybrkr
• http://www.englishleap.com/other-resources/learn-english-pronunciation
• Rosetta Stone (for those students who have licenses)

• Google Classroom is used to assign instructional /language level reading, writing, speaking prompts from resources such as National Geographic Reach, Inside, Saddleback, and Edge curriculum materials. 

• Leveraging Partnerships. Education is everyone’s business. This is even more true in a crisis.  We are grateful for the        many community partners, behavioral health experts, churches, 501-3c organizations, parents groups, and other organizations that have supported our students and families throughout this school closure.

• Community Partnerships

• As of April 17, the Princeton City School District, including neighborhood/community partnership efforts, have distributed 36,748 meals to families.  In addition, 1088 volunteer positions were filled by 468 community members. 

• Behavior Health Supports

• The district recognizes the importance of consistent and continued care for our students who access our school-based mental health services; therefore, we have contacted each of our mental health partners, and they are continuing to provide  access to mental health services. 

• Parents are informed that any specific questions or concerns should be directed to your student’s therapist and treatment provider. All agencies have options for home visits (as appropriate) or telephone sessions.

• Administrators, teachers, school counselors, and school psychologists reach out to families to ensure they have open lines of communication during the closure and to make alternative plans if necessary. Our counselors will be monitoring emails and reaching out to our school families in need.
• The below numbers are listed on our website:

• CRISIS HOTLINE: 513-281-2273

• CRISIS TEXT LINE: 839863 and text 4HOPE 

• Maintaining Quality Schools/Family Communication and Engagement:  A quality school is a “place” where parents, caregivers, community partners and others interact and collaborate to enhance the learning experience of students.  Direct human interaction facilitates authentic learning, which cannot be replaced easily by remote learning.  

Parents, guardians, and families are strategic partners for enhancing the learning experiences of students.  They want to be informed and want to be able to get answers.  They are allies in ensuring devices are charged, are cared for, and support their child learning at home.  Below are ways that the District is engaging families.

• Facebook Live Sessions

• The superintendent has a weekly Facebook Live session to update staff, parents, students, and residents about the district's efforts to ensure that students are receiving a quality education through remote learning. Sessions begin at 6:30 pm - 7:30 p.m. The first session was held on April 6.  The second session was held on April 13. 

• Monday, April 6         Facebook Live Events Monday, April 13

• 2.700 views 2.900 views 3,008 views
• 4,541 reaches 5,153 reaches 4,451 reaches
• 1,465 engagements 472 post engagement 1,598 engagements
• 125 comments 87 comments
• 24 shares 19 shares

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

•  FAQ are located on the district website.  Questions are added to this section of the website as needed.
• Messages are communicated to the district via all-call and email.  Messages are posted on the district’s website.

• Home Survey - 360-Degree Communication 
• If school closure continues through the beginning of next school year, we may want to consider surveying teachers, students, parents to find out how they are adjusting to at-home learning in real-time. Surveys should be shared via text, email, and online to broaden accessibility and increase response rates. These can be quick 2-3 question polls that can be completed in under five minutes. Here is an example: 
• Remote Learning Home Support Survey Template

• Virtual Connectivity - Taking Activities Online as Much as Possible

• The district realizes the importance of being connected to teachers and friends.  We also know that students need to feel a sense of belonging to be fully engaged in learning;  therefore, the administration is making provisions for virtual connectivity, taking activities online as much as possible. Google Hangouts, Facebook, and Zoom can be used for the following:
• Show-and-tell 
• Book report/science presentations
• Awards Assemblies
• Music Concerts
• Spirit week daily challenges 

• Social-Emotional Wellness at Home/ Mental Health

 School counselors work remotely with students.  They use digital resources that focus on SEL competencies, for example, feelings and emotions, self-regulation, decision making, etc. 

• It’s Okay to Ask for Help - Joining Forces for Children
• Talking to Kids about Stressful Situations - Joining Forces for Children
• A resource provided by the Ohio Department of Education provides guidance on How to Support Your Child’s Health and Well Being during Ohio’s Ordered  School-Building Closure 
• SEL and COVID-19 (via CASEL) 

Appendix (Content is based on Denver Public School District’s Roles in Supporting Remote Learning)

Roles in Supporting Remote Learning

District & Building Administrators

LEADERS WILL PREPARE FOR REMOTE LEARNING BY:

• Providing socio-emotional support and an overall positive remote school culture.

• Supporting teachers in determining which remote learning option is best for them.

• Supporting teachers to provide instructional resources and materials through remote means such as  Google Classroom, Google Meet, and Zoom.

• Creating district-supplied remote learning materials and off-line instructional learning packets.

• Setting office hours to connect with parents to support remote learning for students.

• Participating in leading professional learning and attending virtual learning sessions intended to support leading in a remote environment.

• Ensuring that they are monitoring District communication for up-to-date information regarding school closures and remote learning plans to then ensure communication systems are created and implemented for families.

Teachers

TEACHERS WILL PREPARE FOR REMOTE LEARNING BY:

• Determining which remote learning option is best for them in collaboration with their principal.

• Providing instructional resources and materials through remote means such as Google Classroom, Google Meet, and Zoom.

• Reviewing district-supplied remote learning materials and off-line instructional learning packets.

• Setting office hours to connect with students and support their learning remotely.

• Participating in group professional learning and attending virtual learning sessions intended to support remote learning.

• Ensuring that they are monitoring District communication for up-to-date information regarding school closures and remote learning plans.

Students

STUDENTS WILL PREPARE FOR REMOTE LEARNING BY:

• Engaging in remote learning activities being offered by their teachers, school and/or the District.

• Signing up for office hours with your teachers if you need assistance with your assignment.

• Ensuring that they know the usernames and passwords for instructional resources that are accessible via the district portal and/or website.

• Ensuring they set up a remote workspace and calendar to manage their time.

Families

FAMILIES WILL PREPARE FOR REMOTE LEARNING BY:

• Assuring that a device and internet access are available at home (complete the Technology Registration form) to indicate the need for a device and/or internet access for at-home use if needed).

• Ensuring that they are monitoring District communication for up-to-date information regarding school closures and instructional continuation plans.

• Encouraging their students’ participation in remote learning content.

• Reviewing the appropriate grade-level information linked within the District website.

• Ensuring that they know their students’ usernames and passwords for instructional resources that are accessible via the District portal and/or this website.

• Ensuring that you and your family are safe and healthy during this pandemic. 

Student Pick-Up

 Scholarship Application Deadline Extended

In accordance with Kasi Jordan, Principal of Sharonville Elementary, and the family of Pat Bowes, a former teacher at Sharonville, Sharonville Elementary is offering two $1,000 Scholarships to any 2019-20 graduating senior attending Princeton High School. Please read the requirements thoroughly. Completed applications must be received by June 5, 2020.

Click here to download the application.

Sharonville Elementary Staff Smiles