SIGSBEE SCOOP
September 8- September 11
Tuesday, September 9: Classes Resume
Wednesday, September 10:
SCS Board Meeting via Zoom 7:00 AM- Link: CLICK HERE
Zoom Meeting with the Principal 6 PM.
Topic: Getting Ready for School. (Use your child's login to access the meeting)
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97312647367
Thursday, September 11: Kindergarten Orientation A Day students 9-10:30 AM (No live lessons for K)
Friday, September 12: Kindergarten Orientation B Day students 9-10:30 AM (No live lessons for K)
Monday, September 14: On-Campus Learning Resumes for students (A Day)
FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCHES FOR ALL STUDENTS!
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR FINAL DECISION ABOUT SCHOOL?
We are spending the weekend finalizing schedules and assigning students to A/B cohort groups. The email sent out includes important forms for parents to fill out. All families need to submit the form that includes the attestation page and liability waiver. A student without a signed form on file will not be able to participate in on-campus learning at Sigsbee. This form also includes a piece to allow you to tell us about any special accommodations you need for your A/B cohort assignment. Accommodations might include aligning your child's assign day with a sibling at the high school or asking for particular students to be together for carpooling. Please do not request placement based on friendships as there are too many variables we are already dealing with.
Should you wish to change your original decision about on-campus versus virtual instruction, please use the survey form in the email. If we do not hear from you by midnight, we will assume that you are sticking to your original decision. These decisions will be in place through the end of the quarter, October 9th.
Are you ready for school to start?
Teachers will be spending time this week reminding students of our new routines and procedures. While some students will remain in virtual instruction, all students will review protocols for washing their hands appropriately, taking care of their masks, using "airplane arms." This will help students acclimate to the school environment and feel a part of our community's effort to stay health and stay OPEN for business.
While the teachers are setting up classrooms according to CDC guidelines, the facilities crew is installing hand washing stations, outdoor classrooms, clean air ventilation systems and sanitizing materials. Schedules are being recreated to attend to the needs of an on campus group, a virtual group and a group that will alternate days at school. The campus is buzzing with activity; something we have missed for the last five months.
Please prioritize your child's return to school by considering the following:
- Masks- each child will need at least 3 clean masks/day; if you have a young child, are you practicing how to put them on? Masks with vents to do not protect other individuals in the room. Please refrain from purchasing those.
- Reusable water bottles- need to be sent each day, filled! We will not be loaning water bottles out this year and our water fountains have been shut down. Only bottle filling stations are available
- Backpacks- students will not be using lockers; a good backpack will come in handy
- Devices- iPads and Chromebooks will be moving between home and school daily. They must be fully charged each night so that we don't need to worry about chargers on campus.
- Lunch- if you are not opting for the free lunch (details next week), make sure your child has a lunch that is easy to manipulate and does not require refrigeration
- Headphones or Earbuds- these are necessary for a classroom of children to navigate technology together
CHILDCARE NEEDS
Kindergarten Orientation
An overview of the kindergarten program will be sent out before the on-campus orientation. Students who are remaining virtual will be able to tour the campus once they return. During the students' classroom orientation on Thursday and Friday, Mrs. Jannes will tour the parents around the school. Students will remain in class with their teachers. Social distancing will be required and all parents must wear masks. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone who may be ill, please do not attend.
We will be outside for most of the session so bring a water bottle, hat, sunglasses and wear sunscreen. It will be hot. If it rains, we will be in the cafeteria, spread apart with each family at a separate table.
Still catching up on all the information?
Remember that we have supported a School Reopening website since March. This is a great place to visit if you need to take a step back and figure out where we've been and where we're going.
How can parents help?
We know this is a stressful time for parents; it's stressful for the staff as well. If you'd like to help the reopening of school in a way that aligns with our Sigsbee culture, here are some ideas:
- Personally thank a staff member for their efforts. They are now teaching students in classrooms, students at home, and students who are doing both. They are also setting up their classrooms while still teaching on Zoom, learning new protocols for keeping students safe, and answering student and parent questions. They then spend their "free" time learning new instructional techniques using technology and then helping their own children get some attention.
- Purchase high-need items as donations for your child's classroom. We expect that we will be using a tremendous amount of cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer. Ask your child's teacher what they need.
- Donate new children's sized masks for students who may not be able to afford them.
- If you are able to stay home with your child, offer to help another parent who is balancing a work schedule and an A/B day schedule for school
- Most importantly, start practicing school routines so your child is comfortable before returning to school. Teach them how to properly wear a mask, wash their hands, greet someone without touching, and how to keep a distance from others. Keep a positive attitude so they are excited not anxious about school.
