September 15, 2020

Dear Families,                                   

Welcome to third grade at Eugene Online Academy.  My name is Donna DuBois VanDeurzen.  The kids lovingly call me DVD.  I will be your teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. 

This is my 23^rd year teaching and I can honestly say, it is like no other in the history of my career.  This is my 20^th year as a 4j schoolteacher.  For the past 10 years I was at Camas Ridge Community School. Over the years I have taught 1^st-5^th grade. My main expertise is in project base learning, visual arts, and connecting with students. I am the mother of 5 children and a very sweet Beagle named Luna.  My favorite subjects in school are all of them. In my free time I love painting and creating art of all kinds. 

Just like you, I am new this year to the Eugene Online Academy.  I am excited to go on this online journey with your family this year. My top priorities this year are teaching your child and connecting with every family to make sure all students have exactly what they need to make their third grade year productive and fun.  Together we will have an amazing year. The best way to contact me is via. My email is dubois_d@4j.lane.edu.  Alternatively, you can leave a message for me at 541-790-6850.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

*  Elementary classes will host two Zoom sessions each day. Students are invited to attend

ONE session each day.  The morning session is 9:10-10:00 (M-F). The afternoon session is 1:30-2:30 (1:00-1:40 on Wednesday) and will be a repeat of the morning session.  The first week I will email the link. After that students will learn how to find the link independently without the use of email.

 

*  Week one, September 21^st  -25th,  will be focused on building our classroom community, exploring our platforms for learning, and practicing our online expectations for learning.  Academics will not begin until the week of September 28^th.   

 

*  When students are not in a Zoom session the following time guidelines for online distance learning are required: 

Daily: 30 minutes English Language Arts, 30 minutes Math, 30 minutes Enrichment (Enrichment examples include, Science, Social Studies, Art, etc.)

Offline enrichment activities will be provided as the year progresses.   

 

TO DO:

1. If you are interested in conferencing with me about your child, please respond to this email with a contact time for your family. I will confirm meetings via email.  I am excited to meet each of you and talk specifically about what your family needs to have a successful distance learning experience.  We can meet via a phone call or a Zoom meeting. It is your choice.  Our specialists will contact students with a 504 or an IEP in the coming weeks.

 

2.  Respond to this email with your choice of Zoom class.  Do you prefer morning or afternoon?

 

3.  Take a deep breath and get ready to have an amazing third grade year!

~Warmly, Donna

 

Kelly's Stories

Kelly’s Story Links:

Two Magic Pots

Space Dog Story

The Mouse and Her Children          

Unicorn Story                                               

A Butterfly Story                             

Classroom News ~ June 1, 2020

June 1, 2020

Dear Families,

I want to start today by saying I hope each of you are safe and healthy.  This has been a very painful few days for our country. I don’t have the words to express how much my heart is aching, as I’m sure yours is too.  My deepest hope is out of all this suffering, some good will come out of it for our country, and for each of us personally. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote a beautiful piece this weekend and he said, “The greatness of America doesn’t come from the status quo, it comes from our constant struggle to live up to our promise. I’m ready to listen and work to make America better every day. Are you?” Through the education of our children, this is possible. By teaching tolerance for those different than you, compassion, and kindness, we have the ability to create a better United States for all.  If your family needs anything please reach out.   

We are winding down our school year.  Here is the schedule. Please mark your calendars!

THIS WEEK’S THEME:  The Rainforest

Monday, June 1 Whole Class Zoom

Wednesday, June 3^rd Small Group Zooms ~ Bring a Treat. We are having a celebration because we have completed more than 2,000 Seesaw Activities!

Thursday, June 4^th  No School ~ Transition Day

Friday, June 5^th   No School ~ Furlough Day

Looking Ahead:

Monday June 8^th, Whole Class Zoom

Tuesday, June 9^th, End of the Year Zoom W/ Mrs. Walker’s Class!

Wednesday, June 10^th,  Last Day of School! 

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday! 

~DVD