Monday , January 18 2021

It’s hard to believe, but after 10 months we have students returning this week! Like you, I am both excited and full of trepidation. I’ve been tossing and turning every night this weekend, often waking up in the middle of the night with my head full of thoughts (some of which I will share with you below). In the midst of all this I was able to spend the weekend in Corvallis with my granddaughter and as a bonus I got to see my daughter and son-in-law. It was a great distraction leading in to this monumenttal week! I hope you were able to enjoy the long weekend and are feeling ready for the big return!

I know these next few weeks are going to challenge us in new ways, and I want you to know that I am here for you, whatever it is that you need. Let’s keep communication open and strong and be sure to ask for support needed.

There are going to be some things we haven’t accounted for as we head into Orientation Week, but we’ll learn and make adjustments as needed. K-3 should plan to meet on Wednesday to re-tool a little before the next group arrives on Thursday.

Some really important info and reminders to get you going this week:
1) Staff Appreciation Lunch provided by the Worbes family again! This Wednesday at noon. They’re bringing food from Nancy Ps.

2) Orientation Day is a day that should be filled with connection, fun, and setting some important routines. Routines:
-how we enter the classroom
-when and how to wash/sanitize
-getting ready for recess
-getting ready for lunch–get all lunches ready before taking off mask, try to do this at the same time so time without masks is limited
-where to wait at the end of recess
-using the bathroom (1 at time during class, 2 at time 10 minutes prior to recess breaks)
-end of the day walk to gym (K-2) or breezeway via the gym (3-5)

3) Remember, you are supposed to meet virtually with students at home on both Orientation days–this should be for some type of morning meeting

4) Classes will be individual cohorts for now (we can reassess in a few weeks). This means we will have 3 play zones on the playground: 1) swings/play structure; 2) tetherball and basket ball court; 3) wall ball to field including “nature area”. Cones will demarcate each zone and I have developed a zone rotation schedule–we will have a copy posted by the door out to the playground and one attached to the fence outside for reference.

K-2 Recess Zones

3-5 Recess Zones

5) At lunch:
-K-2 eating first and then escorted to playground
-3 (and soon 4-5) will play first and then be brought back in for lunch
-Cafeteria lunch will be brought to your classrooms, as will breakfast

6) Lots of physical breaks at desks, outside play time, and mask breaks these first few weeks!

7) Lunch time for teachers–please minimize the number of people you eat with (no more than 3 people in the staff room together). We’ll have to get creative with where to eat, and on nice days we can eat outside. On a not as important note, but still important, please be sure to wash any dishes and silverware you use in the staff room.

8) As discussed, please remember to get Kim, me, or Patti if you have a student or students with symptoms, high or low risk–having any one of these symptoms could be reason to send students home to keep everyone safe:
High Risk
~Cough
~Fever of 100.4 or greater
~Difficulty breathing
~Loss of taste or smell

Low Risk
~Sore throat
~Muscle pain, chills
~Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
~Nasal congestion, runny nose, or headache

9) Don’t forget the Fun Socially Distance Classroom Ideas document started by Stephanie: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10thBXwJHJ9nVVPOM6180HBP0xB5hCAk8Jt2zD9kE2_0/edit?ts=5ffe0f5f

And the outdoor game link: http://greatcampgames.ca/group-games-for-social-distancing/

Upcoming
January 25: All in for K-3, Orientation for 4-5
February 1: Hybrid begins for 4-5
February 5: “Grading Day”, no school (as of now, I’ll confirm soon)
February 15: President’s Day, no school
March 22-26: Spring Break, no school (a beacon!)

Here’s to a great week like no other, back to school!
Andy