Weekly Family Update 11.19.20

11/19/2020

Freshman Mentoring Group: Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 2:30pm
Supply pick-up: Tuesday, November 24th. POSTPONED DUE TO LOCAL HEALTH DATA
Thanksgiving Break: NO SCHOOL- Wednesday-Friday, November 25th-27th, 2020.
Prospective Family Virtual Open House: Thursday December 3, 2020 at 5:00pm
GoCPS HS Application Closes: Friday, December 11, 2020, 11:59PM.
Early Release: Friday, December 18th, 2020. 1:00PM.
Winter Break Starts: Monday, December 21, 2020.
Winter Break Ends: Friday, January 1, 2021.
Classes Resume from Winter Break: Monday, January 4. 2021.
MLK Day: NO SCHOOL -Monday, January 19, 2021.

Dear AIM Families-
As you may have seen, on Tuesday afternoon Chicago Public Schools (CPS) shared a tentative timeline for returning to school based on public health conditions and guidance. Earlier this week, we shared our tentative timeline:
January 25, 2021, aligned with the start of Quarter 3, would be the first date we could possibly allow for Community Care, or potential in-person learning scenarios.

Our ability to reopen Community Care will be dependent on programming for Q3.
We are also planning for potential alternative return to school options (other in-person learning scenarios).
In-person learning scenarios are dependent on the status of COVID-19, the guidance we receive from our partners, and the health data trends.
Our school teams are designing what in-person or alternative learning options may be possible for January and beyond. Based on those proposed ideas, we will send surveys in mid-December or early January to identify your preferences, interests, and feedback regarding Community Care or potential in person learning scenarios.

We plan to reopen schools as soon as it is safe to do so. We are working in close collaboration with CPS to understand plans. We will share more updates during the week of January 11, 2021 to ensure families have enough time to plan. Thank you for your commitment to our remote learning model and please reach out if you have any questions or need any support.
Sincerely,
Mrs. May & Ms. Rychel

Student & Family Tech Support!

Technology exchanges are by appointment only on Mondays between the hours of 9am - 12pm at campus.
If you have have technology issues please submit a tech ticket using this link
Tech support is available via phone by calling 773-828-4221

The main office number is 773-820-9426, and is answered between 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.
When your artist is going to be absent please email aim@distinctiveschools.org. Automatic attendance messages from Synergy will go to your email on file when your student is not present or on time for a class.

Supporting Your Student's Learning in a Click!
Please utilize our www.aimchicago.org website for resources like all Student Links (including weekly assignment bulletins, schedules, program websites, teacher e-mails), these Family Updates, and more. Also, follow AIM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news & celebrations.

Mentoring with Summit Learning!
We are very excited to be re-launching our mentoring program for each student at Art In Motion. All AIM students have a dedicated mentor throughout the year that meets with them at least once every two weeks to maintain a trusted relationship with a staff member, who serves as that student’s point person. An effective mentoring program provides deep impacts and supports to students and families and helps our school community thrive. You can expect to hear from your child’s mentor by the end of the day Tuesday, 11/22, and should work to form a strong partnership with that staff member to best support your child. Check out the following videos for more information: What is Mentoring? and Mentoring at Kairos Academy.

NEED HELP? OFFICE HOURS! Every Tuesday and Thursday after 2:30pm, teachers will be hosting office hours as an additional time to connect with students and support them with their work. Teachers will be discussing office hours with their students this week. If you have any questions about office hours with your student, please email your student's teacher or reach out to them on Remind.

WHY THE ARTS MATTER AT AIM FOR COLLEGE & CAREER

"Do not underestimate the value of the arts and it's place in your future!"

Mrs. Keys, our Visual Arts Teacher made this video to inform families and students about WHY Arts classes matter for your future college and career plans! As a creative arts focused school, arts classes are core subjects at AIM and matter towards graduation and promotion to the next grade level!

Student Choice & Voice is back! A survey will be completed during Arts classes where students choose 1 of 2 learning paths that will help them choose their Semester 2 discipline classes that begin mid January 2021. The learning path options are: Dance/Music OR Literary arts /Visual arts. Our semester 2 classes will have a central focus of: "AN EXPLORATION OF GROUP IDENTITY THROUGH THE WIZ"

Past due assignments are still being accepted. Students will apply the ideas and skills from Q1 into current Q2 assignments, which lay the foundation for our interdisciplinary showcase of “The Wiz” for Semester 2.

Student Supports for Academics and Attendance: Our Deans have started reaching out to families and calling home to find out what supports your students if they struggled to stay on track with their school attendance and work completion. Please answer calls, emails, and/or texts if you our team reaches out to support your student’s success.
November Wellness Calendar: University of California's Greater Good program puts out a calendar with things you and your student can do for your social-emotional health during these challenging times. Check it out and do some of the activities with your student!

School Store: Ready to launch this Quarter. Look out for the new video on how to earn "additions".
Assemblies and Special Events: With the new schedule will come opportunities to recognize students and gather together as a whole school. Details to come.
Arts Collective: Showcase your work, explore new opportunities, and take your skills to the next level through AIM's Arts Collective. Coming soon...

Through our partnership with the Juvenile Protective Association (JPA) Parents are able to register for monthly virtual parenting sessions focused on coping with teens "after the mask comes off" that started this week! You will also be entered into a raffle if you attend. Please be sure to register with Francesca at fcole.barnes@jpachicago.org.
As always, if your family is in need of support please contact Mr. Acevedo our Student Support Leader or Mrs. Lee, our School Social Worker!

AIM FAMILY UPDATES