Hello, Lightridge Chorus Families -
Thanksgiving will be different this year, however, I am no less thankful for the work I am blessed to do. Your students have persevered through many obstacles this year and I am grateful to have them in my life. This newsletter will include updates regarding your second-semester options of hybrid learning or distance learning, what we are working on during the second quarter, and chorus spirit wear pick up days. Please keep updated through Lightridge Chorus social media! The links are below.
Hybrid Learning - Distance Learning
The link below has set of instructions for families of all students to complete a survey by Friday, November 20 at 8:00 PM to register their choices for the type of instruction for their students in the second semester, which begins January 21. All families should make a new selection for the second semester, even if your preference has not changed.
There are two options:
Hybrid Learning, in which a child comes into school twice a week and is at home the other days of the week.
Distance learning, in which a child will not attend school in person.
Choices must be made in the ParentVUE system by November 20 at 8 p.m. Information about how to make the selection through ParentVue is available on the LCPS ParentVue Website.
How will chorus be handling hybrid learning?
Loudoun County Public Schools has worked closely with health professionals to determine the guidelines for music classes. Extensive research has been done throughout the world in regards to playing instruments and singing indoors. Here are the guidelines created:
10 Feet Distance: our classrooms are much bigger than other classrooms and can comfortably accommodate for this extra distance.
30 Minutes of Singing: guidelines indicate that we will be singing for half-an-hour and working on other elements of the chorus curriculum to allow for air circulation.
Mandatory Masks: students will be wearing masks at all times, whether we are singing singing or not.
Choice Board
Chorus students worked diligently first quarter as they prepared for our virtual performance of Connected. We are still in the editing stages of this performance and hope to have it completed as soon as possible! It was important to me to have second quarter serve as a time for individual growth rather than another quarter rehearsing music. I wanted each student to intentionally choose their own assignments that will strengthen their understanding of music and its significance to other aspects of life.
Students have already chosen their assignments from the list below:
A copy of this can be found on Schoology with links to every assignment and their specific directions.
Students have created a schedule for what assignments they would like to work on each week. We are working together to keep them on track and make sure that their focus during this holiday season is to mainly work on assignments during class time so they can focus on spending time with their families. We are following this daily schedule to structure our time:
While students are working individually, I am available for assistance and also teaching voice lessons to students who signed up for them.
Chorus Apparel [Pick-Up]
Every student has a t-shirt to pick up from Lightridge in the upcoming weeks. Some students who also ordered extra spirit wear can pick up their items during this time as well. If the dates and times do not work for you - do not hesitate to reach out for an alternative time.
Here are the pick up dates and times:
Monday, November 30th from 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, December 2nd from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Pick-Up will be by the Chorus Room - below is an image of its location:
Please text Ms. Karim on Remind when you arrive so she can come out with your t-shirt!
As always, thank you for your support of Lightridge Chorus. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Socially Distant,
Helai Karim
