Sunday, Oct. 18

 Happy Sunday!

I was hoping you could stop and remember this image right now. 

How are you feeling? 

I know we all have a lot to take in and process. We are all witnesses to the crazy normal of things changing so quickly! At this moment, we are processing having the kids in our classrooms five days a week for 5 hours. 

First of all, this is what we have wanted: Our students in our classrooms, learning and growing. From what I have heard, many are worried about some of the details, like engaging the kids for 5 hours, not having lunch, and more. I have spoken to people in neighboring districts from El Dorado County to Placer County. I want you to know that every educator I spoke to felt excited, concerned, and honestly overwhelmed with stepping back onto campus with students.

I ask that you picture yourself with a "Can Do" attitude. A positive attitude allows us to design what we want something to be. For example, having our students with us, in-person, for five hours is a gift. What does that look like if we design it? 

Other feedback I have received from educators back in schools that the students' behavior has been amazing and they are so highly engaged. Students are so thankful to be with teachers and friends and do not want to compromise their chance of being in-person. How can we capitalize on their positive energy? With five hours, what fun activities to build community can your PLC's plan for your classrooms?

Try to think of not having lunch on campus as a gift. Lunches in classrooms and the multi-purpose room with masks off, shared MDS staff floating between rooms can potentially spread the virus and add quite a bit of cleaning to students and staff. Having worked in other districts, it is not unusual for kids to have a long time span without lunch. I have also witnessed students at our site eat their entire lunch at recess, and not uncommon for students to have 6 minutes to eat lunch in the lunchroom. 

I recognize that this is a significant change from our traditional model, but we will work together to get you breaks during the day, and you will have much more time after the students go home. 

Educators are planners and over-thinkers. It is why we are good at our craft. Today I remind you of a quote from Theodore Roosevelt:

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Together we will stay safe and be successful. We need to take our planning one day at a time.

With the news, come some updates:

1) I will be sharing our schedule soon! We may move our start time up so kids can get home sooner. 

2) There will be two- 15min snack break/recesses a day. I will create a schedule and guidelines for recess that will be shared soon. I am working to get extra hands on deck to help with recess so I can give more of you a break. At a minimum, my goal is that each of you have one of the 15 minute breaks completely off. 

Request: 

In your PLC's, please create school supply list for each student in the classroom. They will have a set at school and a set at home. 

Also, determine what sort of caddy you would like the students to have for their things and let me know what it is. Please find one at the Dollar Tree. We will be getting them for you and would like to order as soon as possible. 

iReady News:

Your iReady rosters will be updated with new students on Nov. 4th. They have moved the next diagnostic window to Jan. 5-29. That way, students are taking it at school (without help) and it is with any new students you may have. 

CAASPP Window:

For planning purposes, the CAASPP window is from March 15- May 21. (I know, we don't even want to think about that right now!) 

Meeting Changes:

Wednesday, 10/21: Staff Meeting @ 2:30pm

Wednesday, 10/28: PLC Leadership Meeting @ 2:30pm