JIC RELEASE NO. 38 - GDOE Launches Distance Learning Website; DPHSS COVID-19 Coloring Book Available Online - GHS OCD

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) announced the launch of their website to support distance/online learning during this period of school closures.

“We realize that there is a wide variety of learning needs that have to be addressed during this time and we want to give all our students the ability to pursue education and practice their academic and social skills while at home,” said Jon Fernandez, GDOE Superintendent. “We anticipate that some GDOE teachers have already reached out to their students and provided subject matter work, but for those who have not been able to do so, there are still many options that are online and free.”

Parents, students, and interested individuals can access the Home Learning website at http://bit.ly/GDOEDistanceLearning or through the GDOE Main Page at: www.gdoe.net.

The website is intended to initially provide useful resources for parents to lead instruction at home. Beginning April 6, 2020, weekly instruction will be supported for elementary, middle and high school students along with opportunities for teacher feedback. Accommodations for those without internet or computer access at home are being explored and will be announced soon.

Parents and students can choose sites that are focused on their specific grade level from elementary, middle and high school. They can utilize sites with or without logins and can work on a variety of subjects ranging from Math and English to Coding and Art.

Low/No Tech Ideas for all
Below are additional fun options for students and families who will have little to no access to the internet and online resources:

Tech free ideas to learn at home

Language Development: Rhyming games; clap and count syllables (you say “water” they clap and say “wa-ter 2”; thumbs up rhyme: give two words and they repeat them and give thumbs up if they rhyme; read to a younger sibling or adult.
Reading: For students of all ages, students can practice reading a passage aloud clearly, accurately, and with the right speed and emotion. Then, they can summarize and discuss what they read with other children or adults in the house. Newspapers are great for grades 3 and above. When reading a newspaper aloud, students can practice “reading like a reporter” on TV.

Writing: Write a letter to a friend, teacher or family member; keep a daily journal; write a thank you note; write and illustrate a short story; practice penmanship/letter formation; write the room: walk around the house and write down words you see.
Math: Cook or bake with an adult using measurements; go on a shape hunt; sort toys by color/shape/size; measure and record: how far can you jump, toss etc.; teach a sibling/parent/adult how to count, add or subtract.
Science/SS: Plant a seed and record observations; go on a nature walk and write down your observations; keep a daily weather report log; plan a trip to somewhere you haven’t been. Write your plans.
Health/PE: Help prepare a healthy meal; be a food critic with your meal; do stretches as a family or with a partner; eat the rainbow/eat healthy snacks; make up a new sport or game to play.
Art: Create a self-portrait with any material you have; draw a mural with chalk; make up a song; put on a talent show; make up a dance routine; create a collage from magazine cut-outs.
Social/Emotional: Write/draw your feelings about being home, being away from friends or missing school; play a board game; call a grandparent/friend and ask about their day; practice breathing exercises if feeling anxious; use puppets/stuffed animals to discuss feelings.

LearnCHamoru
The CHamoru Studies & Special Projects Division has provided lessons for our students who want to continue their language learning. Those interested can check out the website at: https://www.learningchamoru.com/login#. The website will be regularly updated with new links and added information.

“We realize that there will be many options for parents and students to choose from. We advise them to find the ones that will meet their needs best in each individual household and to set aside time in the day for some fun learning as a family,” Joe Sanchez, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instructional Improvement, said. “We are committed to providing the best options for everyone so please stay posted as we overcome this crisis together.”

DPHSS COVID-19 Coloring Book
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) has created a coloring book to teach children about the Coronavirus. The coloring book can be downloaded here: http://dphss.guam.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Kids-Coloring-Book-.pdf.

For inquiries on COVID-19, local numbers can dial 311 or contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.

Letter from GDOE Supt Fernandez to Students and Parents 033020

News Release - GDOE Launches Distance Learning Website

COVID-19-Kids-Coloring-Book-

X Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods

Wildfire

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.
Maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.

Fire Weather

Turn on your TV/radio. You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the route to take and have plan of where you will go. Check-in with your friends and family.
Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

Drought

Conserve water

Take shorter showers.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Run the washer less frequently and only when you have a full load.
Water your lawn less frequently and do so when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late evening.
When you run the tap to heat or cool water, keep a pitcher to store the water and use it to water plants.
Avoid washing your car.

Practice fire prevention

Don't set off fireworks when conditions are dry.
Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a
Pour water over camp fires and backyard fire pits to ensure they are completely out before leaving them unattended.

Follow directions from local officials. If there are restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires and https://www.ready.gov/drought

X
Typhoons/Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from typhoons/hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and rip currents.

“Hurricanes” form in the Atlantic Northeast Pacific region and “Typhoons” form in the Northwest Pacific Region. These large storms are call cyclones in other parts of the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

JIC RELEASE NO. 38 - GDOE Launches Distance Learning Website; DPHSS COVID-19 Coloring Book Available Online