Setting up your classroom? Here is an abbreviated list of the Ready Schools Safe Learners (RSSL) guidelines. In general, we need to space students 3 feet apart to the extent possible (italicized as this is a change from last school year when this was “required”) We have been told it is ok to have 2 students sit at a double as long as they are seated on the ends. If you have questions about seating/spacing in your classroom please let Lybe or I know.
Connecting with families before the first day of school– This year elementary schools will not be hosting traditional Open Houses. This includes drive-through events. (Schools have been asked to host in-person, outside welcoming activities for kindergarten families due to the unique circumstance some families are experiencing sending a child to school for the first time. We are planning for a staggered kindergarten connections event on September 2nd from 3:30-5:00.)
Yesterday, our back to school planning team met and designed a plan for making connections with families prior to the start of school for students in grades 1st-5th. Here’s the scoop:
On Thursday, September 2nd at 11:00 AM, each 1st-5th grade teacher will send an email via Synergy, letting families know their child will be in their class and sharing a link to a short welcome video (1-2 minutes). This will be the system we use this year to let families know who their child’s teacher is. The team felt this would be a nice way for teachers to introduce themselves to families, a way for students to see their teacher before the first day of school, and avoid the challenges that can accompany trying to coordinate/host Webex meetings.
Next week, we will have a template teachers can follow to create these videos, Robin Sanderson will share an example, and we will provide time for teachers to work on them. On Thursday at 11:00 anyone who needs help sending an email via Synergy will be able to get coaching and support for this in the Media Center from Emily Curfew.