9.6.2021

Air Quality Index Refresher: In light of our current smoky conditions, below is a refresher on the Air Quality Index (AQI) and what it means to our systems at Elk Meadow. Here is a link to an OHA document with guidance for schools in regards to outdoor activities.

• AQI Green/ Good (0-50): all systems run like normal.
• AQI Yellow/ Moderate (51-100): all systems run like normal, but we watch for students that are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• AQI Orange/ Unhealthy for sensitive groups (101-150): It is an OK day for students to be active outside, but allow students who are usually sensitive to smoke to stay indoors if they would like. N95 masks are available for staff that would like them and are REQUIRED do work outdoors (recess duties and before and after school outdoor duties) – see Sue if this applies to you.
• AQI Red/ Unhealthy (151-200): We will be keeping all students indoors when our local AQI hits this level. N95 masks are available for staff that would like them and are REQUIRED do work outdoors (before and after school outdoor duties) – see Sue if this applies to you.
• AQI Purple and higher/ Very Unhealthy & Hazardous (201 and higher): We will be keeping all students indoors when our local AQI hits this level. N95 masks should to be worn by all staff that are required to work outdoors (before and after school outdoor duties) – see Sue if this applies to you.

First Day of School (9/8) Before School AQI Plan: The combination of the first day of school, COVID protocols, and possible unhealthy AQI is leading to some unique challenges at the start of the first day on Wednesday. Please see below for how we will be supporting students on this first morning in finding their teacher and classroom:

• If the AQI is below red (0-150), all classroom teachers should plan to be out on their playground by 7:25 on the first day of school to greet students as they arrive. All other available staff will help students find their teacher on the playground. When the bell rings, we will close the gates and teachers will escort their class inside and all other students will enter through the front door.
• If the AQI is red or above (151 or higher), all classroom teachers will stay in their classrooms and ALL other available staff will divide up on the playgrounds to greet students and walk those who need it to their classrooms.

ICCL: Thank you to those of you who have reached out with interest in being an ICCL this year! If there is anyone else interested, please send me an email no later than this coming Thursday, 9/9, by noon. I will finalize our ICCL positions next weekend. Thank you!!

Leadership Teams & Committees: I will send sign-up for these out next week.

• Standards of practice for math and literacy – please take a close look at these documents and talk with me ASAP if you have concerns or need support following any of the listed practices; otherwise, I will assume that they are being followed in all classrooms across our building.
• Links to math and literacy supports: There are loads of links to math and literacy supports that will make and year and planning more smooth.
• Forefront: All post-assessments and kindergarten checkpoints should be put into Forefront this school year. The TLC Update has some links for those who need support with how to do this. You can also reach out to Debbi McMahon with support with Forefront.
• Dreambox and Lexia: All students should be started with Dreambox and Lexia by the end of the second week of school. The TLC Update has a little more information about Dreambox.
• Technology Resources: There is a really great instructional technology one-pager that shares the resources available to K-5 staff.

Math Assessments: There have been some questions about which math assessments need to be administered. There is more information with links in the TLC update, but below is a blurb from the update. Be sure to connect with Anna Schmitt if you have any questions.

• Administer the unit screeners to determine necessary re-engagement (just-in-time) activities for individuals, small groups, or the whole class.  
• Administer the post assessments for grades 1-5. There is a possibility that some post unit assessments will be revised especially if content is omitted based on the Scope & Sequence documents. More information will be provided as you approach specific units. 
• Kindergarten teachers administer at least one checkpoint from each unit.
• Number Corner Assessments will be optional this year.

DIBELS: Some of you have been asking if we will be using DIBELS again this year. Yes! The district is putting together a DIBELS team again this year and our DIBELS date will be Friday 9/24. More details soon.