School begins at Navajo Mission Preparatory School
Welcome to a New School Year at Navajo Mission Preparatory School
Read the full newsletter and find out how you can help here.
September 8, the start of a new school year, looked nothing like what you might expect for the first day of school. Our K-2 students received at-home delivery of breakfast and lunch, met their teacher through the bus window, picked up a specially prepared learning packet and headed back inside to begin their lessons. For more than a week, teachers and school staff have done all they can to bridge the internet divide, figure out how to assess students who don't come to the classroom and inspire kindergarteners who have never been to school. It all sounds impossible but necessary.
President Nez has requested all schools operating on the Navajo Nation observe his school opening guidelines that stipulate virtual/at home learning through first quarter. Pending the approval of our school's implementation plan, we are moving forward with plans to have grade levels on campus on alternating days so that we can comply with social distancing and group safety requirements.
Who knew that the opening day of school would require plexiglass desk dividers and the sanitation of every book, knob, light switch and toilet handle. Who knew that a socially distranced cafeteria would require a different table style. Who knew that teachers, accustomed to teaching a lesson once to a classroom full of students would be teaching one-on-one and investing in a multitude of creative ideas to inspire at-home learners. Who knew. And yet it is happening! Stay tuned for a progress report. Please keep our teachers, school staff, students and their families in your prayers.
Student ChromeBooks
Student success is at the top of our list. The digital divide is a reality here, leaving students and parents frustrated and assignments left undone. Our solution is a Chromebook for every child registered at our school. The Chromebook allows teachers to load lessons, videos and practice links that the student can complete without internet access. The Chromebook is then returned, the lessons graded and the process starts over with new assignments added. The cost of the Chromebooks is $215 each with software, warranty against loss or damage and a durable case. A partner congregation has committed to helping us meet the goal of 40 Chromebooks. You can join in the effort to ensure our teachers and students can have what they need for success.