I’m super excited to begin our Virtual Learning adventure together. This year will surely be different, but it will also be fun. I want you to know that I am committed to making this format work for each student, and I’m here to support you.
Who is Mrs. Gosney?
I’m the mother of two children, Caleb, a senior at Varina High School, and Evie, a freshman at the Center for Humanities at Hermitage High School. My husband, Jonathan, is also a teacher at Varina High School. This is my 21st year of teaching. I love teaching fifth-grade students and have a passion for math and science. I am endorsed to elementary education, middle school math, as well as gifted students K-12.
Thursday, Sept. 3 Events:
Packet Pick up Party (2:00-3:00):
Meeting our Stingers is the best part of starting a new school year! This year Short Pump Elementary has planned a Virtual Learning Packet Pick-up Party for Thursday, September 3, so that we can meet everyone! This will be done by driving through the parent pick-up loop between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. I will be there with a sign that has my name on it. Have your own sign to hold up in the window. Make sure it has your child’s name, their grade level, and my name too. As you progress through the loop you will arrive at my table and I’ll bring you your Virtual Learning Packet that was designed specifically for 5th graders. Just roll down your window or open your trunk, then we’ll be ready to learn together!
Virtual Open House:
On Thursday afternoon you will get a link to a video where you can meet all the faculty and staff in the Hive. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Council will have a special message for all our Virtual Stingers, plus you’ll get a chance to see me and the other 5th grade teachers as well as the resource teachers.
What do I need to get my child ready for the start of school?
Chromebook: One of the most important tools is the device needed for online learning. If you missed the opportunity to pick up your child’s Chromebook, you can pick it up at Deep Run HS, Godwin HS, or Short Pump Middle from 9:30 – 5:30 this week.
Designated Work Area
Set up an area in your home where your student can remain focused, tune in to class, tune out distractions (other kids and games), and perhaps still be monitored if that’s what your child needs. (You likely know your child best in this regard.) If other children will be in the same room as your child, your child will probably need earbuds or - even better - noise cancelling headphones.
Login Information:
Our school administrators and the county have previously sent out information on how to log into PowerSchool and Schoology, but here is a link to the HCPS Online Learning Resource Page: "The Connection" HCPS Online Services and Resources which has that
information and more.
Join Our Class Meeting
I have put a link to our Class Meeting in your child’s Homeroom Course in Schoology. To go to class on Tuesday morning, your child will first login to Clever on their chromebook. Once there, click on the Schoology icon. Once in Schoology, click on the “Courses” tab at the top right of the page and then choose the Homeroom Course. At the top of the page, you will see our class meeting link. All our meetings will be in Microsoft Teams. It may be a very good idea to join Microsoft Teams before class on Tuesday. Remember, your child should be signed into our Microsoft Teams meeting at 8:00 AM beginning Tuesday, September 8. It may be helpful for them to attempt to sign in before our first meeting to ensure they can connect.
Mrs. Gosney’s Virtual Bitmoji Classroom
You can find out more information about your child’s schedule, teachers, etc. on Mrs. Gosney’s Virtual Classroom page. It is a work in progress. As I enter updates, you will be able to see them when you refresh your screen. The most important links on the site are to my website, Clever, and Mrs. Toth’s Virtual Classroom page.
I also want to make sure you are aware that your fifth grader will be switching classes between me and Mrs. Toth this year. I am your child’s homeroom teacher and will be responsible for the Math and Science instruction. Mrs. Toth will teach Language Arts and Social Studies. Most
students really enjoy switching teachers throughout the day. Mrs. Toth and I will ensure that these transitions are smooth and that your child understands the expectations in both classrooms. WE WILL NOT BE SWITCHING ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
I am eager to get to know each and every one of you this year. In the next week, I’ll be sending out a sign up so that I have a chance to talk with you and your family about the start of the school year. Before we meet, could you please fill out this brief survey to help me get an idea of where your child will be doing the majority of his/her virtual learning. In the meantime, you can reach me through the "Contact Me" page on this website. I look forward to working with your child an you this year!