This and That:
Link From Coaches: Follow this link to the Friday update from our coaches. If you already read it on Friday, you are up to date.
Bridges Materials: Bridges has prepared a lot of materials to help teachers and families continue learning. Links below. Between the Bridges materials and Dreambox, math should be pretty thorough and simple to plan.
Bridges Remote Learning Packets
Bridges Math At Home Resources
Updates for Activities On Hold: Below are updates on what I know about the activities listed below. I will be removing all of the cancelled items for next week’s newsletter:
- Conferences – officially cancelled
- Art workshops – last art workshop will not be made up
- Read-a-thon – We will NOT be pushing to get donations back from families. Some families have been asking when/how they can turn in their donations, so we will make that option available in a parent communication from me in the near future.
- Field trips – only virtual field trips
- Assemblies – only virtual assemblies
- Naglieri/ TAG testing – more information soon
- Art in the Meadow – cancelled
- Kindergarten Round-up – more information soon
- Parent Survey – TBD
- State testing – cancelled
- Camp Tamarack – cancelled
- Safe Touch – cancelled
- Hiring – more information soon
- QPS/IPS – more information soon
Staff Kids at School: I realized that I answered a question about staff kids coming to Elk Meadow in the Q&A, but I never addressed it with everyone directly. I recognize that some of you don’t have childcare, but need to get into your classroom. For that reason, IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANOTHER OPTION, staff kids can come to the school but they must ABSOLUTELY stay in your classroom or office. No wandering or playing in halls, gym or other classrooms.
Abuse Reporting: Please remember that abuse reporting remains critical, especially during these times. A fillable form is on the portal so you can complete and submit electronically. Once completed, send the form to April… she will take it from there. You can call Kelle, Frank, or Jess if you have any questions or need support with this. The district received the following message from the KidCenter:
“Last week, the Oregon Department of Human Services released data indicating that calls to the child abuse hotline have dropped by 70 percent since the mandated closure of K-12 schools due to the coronavirus. These closures mean that most children no longer have daily interaction with teachers and school personnel who are required by law to report concerns of abuse and neglect. When we also consider social distancing mandates, it is even less likely that children will have much interaction with adults outside of their home who might be able to identify and report signs of abuse. These factors are compounded by added emotional and financial stress the coronavirus pandemic is bringing to many families, all of which is likely to place more children at increased risk for abuse or neglect in their home environment. We know that as the pandemic continues to evolve, it is a matter of time until the real impact to children becomes known and reports of abuse and neglect begin to skyrocket.”
Homelessness: Please remember that if you hear of families that are now homeless, we need to get them counted. Connect with Heidi or April ASAP so one of them can follow up.
Guidance for Protecting Student and Staff Privacy: I suggest everyone take a moment to follow this link for guidance regarding student and staff privacy. There are great suggestions for those who are choosing to work from home to protect your phone number when making calls and sending texts to parents, some suggestions regarding video conferencing, and more….
Behavior Support: As we continue to try and engage students with distance learning, some families might need some behavioral support ideas. Our district behavior coaches created a user-friendly tool for parents. The tools in this resource- schedules, ready/not ready, and break routines- are tools that they use when coaching across the district (so students may/will be familiar). All the links are set for anyone with the link can view.
To Do:
Team Meetings: In order to stay connected and know how we can best support you, Kelle and Frank would like to attend at least one of your team meetings each week. Please be sure to send us an invite each week or a standing invite date and time.
Yearbook Candids: We are still planning to have a yearbook this year. Please send Sue a few candids from your classroom as soon as possible. Additionally, Sue will share a brochure with you that you can share with parents. (We are also sharing it through the office)
Important Dates:
- Wednesday, April 15: Webex staff meeting at 1:00
- Wednesday, April 22: Webex staff meeting at 1:00
- Thursday April 16: K-2 Packet distribution