Dear MHMS Families,

On April 20, we will begin our next phase of the distance learning model with middle school students and I would like to share important information to help your family prepare. All students will need access to a technology device for approximately two hours each day. 

Expectations for this Week

In preparation for the launch of the distance learning model, teachers are creating Canvas posts today that will include a short optional activity for students to complete to re-engage in learning. On Wednesday, April 15, teachers will post a short orientation video in Canvas that will explain the weekly routine including the expectations for assignments, the dates and times for the weekly virtual class check-ins, and the norms for engaging in check-ins. This week, students are expected to access teacher Canvas homepages to watch the orientation videos, review the preparation information, and access the optional learning activities.

Learning Activities

Beginning April 20, students will engage in learning activities that will take up to two hours per class each week to complete. Weekly assignments will be posted each Monday by 9:00 a.m. and will be due on Friday by 10:00 a.m.  

Virtual Class Check-ins

Regular class check-ins will follow the schedule below. Each class will have one meeting time. Your child’s teacher will determine which of the two designated times will be the check-in time for the class period and communicate the schedule with families and students via Canvas. The time teachers select will remain constant throughout the school closure.

Monday, April 20

• 6th Grade: Period 5/5A Google Meet Check-In: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

• 7th Grade: Period 4/4A Google Meet Check-In: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

• 8th Grade: Period 4/4A Google Meet Check-In: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21

• ALL Grades: Period 1/1A Google Meet Check-in: 8:00-8:45 a.m. OR 9:00-9:45 a.m.

• 6th Grade: Period 6/6A Google Meet Check-In: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

• 7th Grade: Period 6/6A Google Meet Check-In: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

• 8th Grade: Period 5/5A Google Meet Check-In: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22

• ALL Grades: Period 2/2A Google Meet Check-in: 8:00-8:45 a.m. OR 9:00-9:45 a.m.

• ALL Grades: Period 7/7A Google Meet Check-in: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 23

• ALL Grades: Period 3/3A Google Meet Check-in: 8:00-8:45 a.m. OR 9:00-9:45 a.m.

• ALL Grades: Period 8/8A Google Meet Check-in: 1:00-1:45 p.m. OR 2:00-2:45 p.m.

A-day/B-day classes will follow a weekly rotation. Assuming the state-mandated closure is extended beyond April 24:

• April 20-24: A-day classes will be assigned work and have check-ins

• April 27-May 1: B-day classes will be assigned work and have check-ins  

The A/B schedule will continue to rotate each week for as long as we are engaged in distance learning.

Our MHMS team is excited to engage with students and families through this distance learning model. Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Lisa R. Smithson

Principal

Murray Hill Middle School

Murray Hill Middle School | 9989 Winter Sun Road, Laurel, MD 20723 | 410-880-5897 | mhms.hcpss.org