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Friday, March 27, 2020

Last Blog Post of 2019-20 (probably)

Hey everyone! This will (most likely) be the last blog post for 2019-20–and it's a long one--but please read it all. We will move primarily to Google Classroom and our virtual office hours (via Zoom) for the remainder of our distance learning (I think, we're all figuring this out together, as we go). Here's what you need for distance learning:

The most important thing to me, is first, to acknowledge that this is a tough time for all of us; for you, this is a generation defining experience. I know many of us, including me for sure, miss school and wish we could be back in the classrooms together; I know our seniors are at risk of missing out on exciting, hard-earned events like prom and graduation--I feel terrible for you, and I'll keep hoping that you get to enjoy those things somehow. Like I said, this is a tough time.

On that note, let's try to do our best to work together, to see each other in Zoom, to keep laughing together while we learn, and to allow school to be an outlet for us. Now it's time to truly enjoy learning--that's what I encourage you all to do, enjoy and focus on learning. On that note, I don't want you to be stressed by grades--we have enough to stress about right now. Yes, of course there will still be grades--but here's the tentative grading policy for our distance learning:
  • All grades for missing assignments or scores lower than 50 that occurred during the confidence intervals and hypothesis test units will be changed to a 50 (since we're not in school with the ability to make these up). (EHHS policy)
  • All assignments will be from AP Classroom, attached in Google classroom, or maybe through Khan Academy
  • Our grades will be heavily based on participation
    • All free response will have a key or rubric posted; you will complete the FR, score it, and will earn a 100% for doing so.
    • I might even ask you to send a picture of something cool or try a yoga/exercise Youtube video, or some other random fun thing--who knows! (if I do, it'll be a 100% or exempt, no 0's)
  • Some assignments will be scored based on accuracy
    • MC may be scored for accuracy and/or effort/completion
    • These scored assignments will be assigned through AP classroom or attached in Google classroom
    • Some questions may require you to show work
    • (So grading MC is the same as it's always been)
    • Not all MC will be graded this way--some may also have keys posted and you'll grade it--I'll always let you know how an assignment will be scored.
  • I will not give 0's. The lowest score you will receive (after the first 2 weeks) is a 50%.
  • This system should ensure that all of us can succeed, grade wise, during distance learning--unless you have an A+ average already (great job!), everyone should earn their highest grades during this time
    • Again, this is because I don't want us to be stressing about grades, I want us to be intrinsically motivated to learn, as well as focus on our social/emotional health

It's on us, as individuals, to be self motivated and to push ourselves to work, to learn, and to practice in this distance learning environment. I hope you do that, and I hope we perform well on the AP Exam--but that is not even close to the most important thing right now. Just do the best you can and give your best effort for the 45 minutes of the test. (Per Mr. Ryan we are all still expected to take the AP exam; no pressure though, and you don't have to wear the uniform!)\

We start Monday! Our first 3 assignments will be review, so we can get comfortable with our new situation and get back into AP Stat mode; then, we'll start with some "new stuff" on Thursday.

Here are all the links you need so we can communicate! Please share this blog post with your families as well.
  • Remind
    • You can always contact me via Remind with questions!
    • Class code (for Remind app): @hornetstat
    • Or, text @hornetstat to 81010
    • Click Here to Open Remind!
  • Zoom for office hours: here's the link...
    • Office Hours: 2:00 to 3:00 daily
    • Click Here to Open Carofano's Office Hours via Zoom!
      • This link should take you directly to my office hours, but....
      • Password (if it asks): 485522
      • Meeting ID: 695-910-2672
    • Office hours are not mandatory. I expect to see each of you at least once each week, but the office hours are a place where you can come for help/ask questions.
    • We can play with the idea of doing live lessons via Zoom if we think that will work better--remember, we have to figure all of this out together.
    • It is expected that you will attend our office hours on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday; please do, so we can discuss expectations, the plan for distance learning, expectations for the group chat, etc.
      • If you cannot make it for some legit reason (like work every day, but I hope you're social distancing), please let me know via Remind.
      • You will earn a 100% on a classwork grade for attending. 
  • AP Classroom
    • Click Here to Open AP Classroom!
    • Many of our assignments will be (assigned) through AP classroom.
      • Your first 3 assignments (Mon-Weds) are all in AP classroom
    • AP Classroom will also offer practice tests and tons of other review questions we can use
  • College Board YouTube
    • Click Here for the College Board YouTube Page!
    • This YouTube page has videos posted by College Board (for all courses) for distance learning!
    • This will be one of our primary sources for learning "new stuff," along with office hours and Khan Academy.
    • Note: units 8 and 9 are NOT on the AP exam (and that's what they're uploading first for AP Stat).
  • Khan Academy
    • Class Code: D3XMAP93
    • Khan will also be a source for instructional videos and practice; some assignments may be posted through Khan
    • Be sure to sign up using the code above! (And use your same school email as with Google Classroom)
    • Click Here to Open Khan!
  • Carofano's Google Voice Number: 860-384-7175
    • "Hey! It's distance learning...I know this feels crrazzzzy, but here's my (Google Voice) number, so call/text me maybe..." 
      • (I hope you were singing that in your head)
      • Google Voice will not use your actual phone number or mine.

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