Week of September 20, 2020

That’s a Wrap!

Congratulations!!! 🎇

You made it through the first week of school! You may be feeling like you had some glitches, things may not yet be where you want them to be but remember, school is SOOOOO much more than content alone. You provided students with connection, support, love, and learning. That is no small feat. Thank you for making this week so very special for all our young people. Our students, families, and colleagues feel connected and supported due to all the energy you have put into making each moment important. You truly are Caring, Learning, and Inspiring. On behalf of all of us and our future world, I thank you. 

Here are a couple of things that I’d like you to know about as we move into next week. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Staff Introduction Folder: We’d like all staff to add a 1 minute-ish clip to the Staff Introduction Folder. We will be sharing these with our families over the next 4 weeks so they can get to know us while we’re apart.

Office Hours: All staff must be available for office hours for the entire hour on Tuesday and Friday from 1:30-2:30. This is a time that is a bit different than the other periods during the day that may only require us to be face-to-face for the first 30 minutes.

Entering the Building: Everyone MUST sign-in and sign-out when they come into the building. This includes children accompanying staff. QR Codes may be used for staff members; however, if you prefer a paper version, please follow the directions listed at the check-in table. All non-BLS staff must sign-in and out using the binder. If you have any questions, please ask our front office team. 

Yearbook: Thank you to our Yearbook team (Julia and Amy Kissell) for creating memories even when we are apart. We are relying on staff and families to share photos. Please be a part of their collective creative genius by taking photos and uploading them to the following staff-shared folder 2021 Yearbook Photos Google Drive Folder. This is ONLY for PCMS staff. Do not share this link with students. I will give a different one to families. 

Custodial Request: Our custodians are working to keep our areas safe and clean. Please put away any eating or drinking materials prior to leaving. They spray areas each night.

Staff Goodies to Pick-Up: Stop by Tami’s office and get the following items

    • your cornflower blue “2020/21” badge tag (a must have to be a viable BLS staff member)
    • your newly designed black and gold “Wordle Heart” staff tee
    • your personal district-issued face shield. One per staff member…sharpie your name on it! 

Flu Vaccine Clinic At PCMS: During the month of October, Rite Aid is partnering with BLS for our “annual in-house flu vaccine clinics” for staff members and their immediate family members over the age of 7. We will be following strict Covid-19 protection protocol. Masks are required, 6 foot distancing and sanitation a station will be available. The flu shot is covered by most insurances with NO out of pocket expense to you. Please have your insurance card with you. You do not have to carry our insurance to attend. If you have questions regarding the vaccine, click on the following links: CDC, Local Rite Aid

Staff Leaves: If you believe that you may need to take a leave for any reason, please connect with Ryan and I. We will help you navigate this strange situation this year.

PCMS Anthems: In case you aren’t already rocking out to our PCMS Anthem playlist; Spotify Playlist, Apple Music Playlist

Canvas Support: Make sure to refer to the Canvas Help document when you have questions. It continues to be updated daily thanks to Dan, Jane, and Mandy! Additionally, this week we asked that you all take a few moments with a student to see their Canvas screens and better understand what their experiences may be. Our Canvas team will be asking for your thoughts about what you saw. Please know that we will be asking staff to adjust when we have more clarity on how we as a school can become more streamlined for students.

MS Expectations: If you have questions regarding MS Expectations, please refer to the MS Standards of Practice form and accompanying FAQ doc. These tools are dynamic and will continue to be refined throughout the year. Remember, synchronization this year is not a suggestion- it is an expectation to support all our students and families.

Hybrid Models: We have just started as a MS team to design our hybrid models for instruction. I should have more information to share with you next week. If you have questions or personal considerations that you feel I should know, please reach out to me.

Department Meetings: We will start our department meetings next week. You can find your department times HERE. We will meet in my Webex room unless you hear from us otherwise.

I told you last week and I want you to hear it again- what you have done and are doing is enough. It is not only enough- it is excellent. There is not another group of educators that I would want for our students and our future during this time. Take time to do the things you love this weekend and walk away from the computer. 

Go Golden Eagles! -L

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