It’s Almost Time!
As we get ready to head into the last weekend of summer, it is hard for me to contain my excitement of the start of a new school year. We are looking forward to welcoming students back after a summer break and are happy that we are able to do so in person. There are some safety updates for you and your student to know about ahead of time, so please take a moment to review our district website to learn about the various components of our opening.
Parent Orientation Night Follow-up
Thank you to all who were able to attend Tuesday’s WebEx orientation. I had some trouble with managing some sound elements early, but I think it otherwise went well. We recorded the session for those of you who were unable to make it. Click on this link for the recorded meeting. The password is YmuTmmp2
Canvas (LMS) Instruction
For those of you who were in attendance at the Orientation, you heard me say that high on the list of the most important things you can do to assist your child’s education this year is becoming a Canvas Observer.
The Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) is used by Bend La Pine teachers as an extension to in-class instruction. Teachers using Canvas can post assignments, give feedback and communicate with students. To sign up to be a Canvas Observer and learn more about Canvas, use this link to access the “What is Canvas” page on the Bend-La Pine Website.
Authorization for Medication Administration
Beginning Tuesday, September 7th parents, not students, can bring student medication to the school for us to administer during the school year. Each medication must have a completed Authorization for Medication form which can be downloaded. All medication must be in the original labeled container. Prescription medication needs to have a legible pharmacy label. Drop off medication with Tami Nielsen in the Attendance Office. If you have questions, call Tami at (541) 355-7021. If your student has a health condition you would like to discuss with our school nurse, please reach out to Anita Garland, RN at (541) 355-7824 or [email protected].
Meal Information
For breakfast, students will be outside, weather permitting, spaced out six-feet apart. Only students who want breakfast will be allowed in the building prior to 9:05. This meal time will be no more than 15 minutes.
For lunch, we will be eating outside everyday, spaced 6 feet apart, unless outdoor conditions do not allow students to be outside. If the temperature drops below 20 degrees, precipitation is heavy, or the air quality rises to unhealthy, we will be forced to move lunch inside. For these days, we will utilize The Nest, hallways, library and gym to ensure students can eat spaced out 6-feet apart. Additionally, students will be required to put their masks back on as soon as they are done eating. Knowing that we will default to eating outside whenever possible, please ensure your child has proper clothing to spend 30 minutes outside every day.
Schedule Updates Continue
As we work to balance class sizes as much as possible and enroll new students, please be aware that your student’s schedule may change in the coming days before school and that they should recheck their schedule prior to going to bed Tuesday night to ensure they have the most up-to-date schedule. Any changes that need to be made after school starts will be communicated with families.
New Student Orientation
Tuesday, September 7th, we are excited to host two rounds of New Student Orientation. The first is the 6th Grade WEB Day. Your student, if entering 6th grade, should have received information about this event. If they have not, please contact Christina Johansen [email protected] or (541) 355-7804 for more details.
For 7th and 8th graders entering PCMS for the first time, we will host an orientation from 2:00 – 3:30 on Tuesday the 7th. There is no registration required for this event, your student can just show up with a mask and an enthusiasm for their new school!
Counseling Information
At Pacific Crest, we are proud to have a dedicated counseling team committed to ensuring each student is supportive in a safe and individual way. Our counselors will spend some time in the first few weeks of school visiting classrooms to introduce themselves to students and share some information on how they might help students with school and non-school-related matters. In order to get to know your student better, our counselors have created a Google Form for you to complete and share information on your child.
Our counselors and their assignments (alphabetical by first letter of students’ LAST NAME):
- Abigail Clark (A-K) [email protected]
- Sarah Girard (L-Z) [email protected]
Important iPad Information
- Returning Students (students with a Bend LaPine issued iPad): A great way to ensure your student has a smooth start for the year is to get their iPad fully charged and updated to the latest iOS. Next, make sure your student knows their password by logging in to anything that requires username/password. If all of these things are done, your student will be set to start the year and won’t need to miss class time for tech support.
- New Students (students who don’t currently have an iPad): You will get your iPad on the first few days of school as long as you have a signed AUP (iPad usage agreement) and purchased insurance or parent has signed they do not wish to purchase insurance. Again, we strongly recommend insurance to avoid an unexpected iPad repair or replacement fee ranging from $150-$299 depending on the damage (for more information see August 27, 21 blog entry titled “Required iPad Forms“).
- Forgotten Passwords: If your student does not know their password please have them contact Ms. Hanna in the Library at (541) 355 7834 or [email protected].
- Forgotten Lockscreen Passcode: If the iPad is connected to wifi, Ms. Hanna can clear the passcode easily. Please call or email and she will take care of it.
- StudentVue Password: This password is the same as their password for everything else. If your student is having trouble logging in try deleting the app and getting it again from the Self Service app.
School Onsite COVID-19 Testing
All BLS schools will offer COVID-19 tests to students and staff who become symptomatic during the school day. For some students, COVID-19 testing in K-12 school may represent their only access to a COVID-19 test and the importance of this access cannot be overstated. Click the following link for more info. OHA 3560 COVID-19 Testing in Oregon’s K-12 Schools
How-to Update Information Through ParentVue
Did you know you can update your student’s information in ParentVue? Follow our How-To Guide to get started. Information you can update in ParentVue include home address, emergency contact information and more. Please note, some changes may require additional documents to be uploaded to ParentVue or delivered to the school. Contact the PCMS Main Office at (541) 355-7804 if you have never accessed ParentVue. ParentVue FAQs
Bus Transportation Registration
Registering allows our Transportation Department to create more efficient bus routes and student rosters for safety. Does your student plan to ride the bus this fall? If so, make sure to register them as soon as possible. NEW THIS YEAR…only students who are registered will be able to ride the bus (this includes previous-year bus riders as well as first-time riders). Don’t wait…Register here and now!
Calendar
- Sept. 7 | 6th Grade Orientation Day | 9:00am – 1:15pm
- Sept. 7 | 7th & 8th Grade New Student Orientation | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
- Sept. 8 | First Day of School (see schedule above)
- Sept. 10 | Last Day to Register and turn in all required paperwork for Fall Sports
- Sept. 13 | School Portrait Day
- Sept. 22 | Remote Curriculum Night | 6:30 – 7:30pm (see info above)
Helpful Links