This week we were ecstatic to bring back our second and third graders. They very quickly learned the new safety protocols that we have to keep everyone as safe as possible. I am so impressed with how well they have acclimated, and it is certainly an awesome feeling to have our students back at school here at Terrace.
Next week on Wednesday, October 21, we will be welcoming back our fourth and fifth grade students who are attending for in-person learning. We are so excited to welcome them back to school! Like their counterparts who are already back in school, they will need some time to learn the new safety procedures from their teachers as well as get accustomed to the new flow of the school day. We are looking forward to having them back!
As I feel like I do every week, I want to again express my gratitude and appreciation to all of you. Thank you for being patient with us as we continue to cycle in more students and learn new ways of teaching your children. Your willingness to work with your teachers and children is much appreciated. I know this isn't easy on all of you either, and you have been so kind, patient, and understanding with all of us this school year. On behalf of my staff, we feel so fortunate to call you our partners. Thank you so very much.
Families, if you would like to see a small example that highlights some of the safety measures we have put into place, please click on the link to this video.
Enjoy the weekend!
PLEASE READ THESE OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Materials Pickup:
On Thursday and Friday, October 22-23, we will have another round of materials distribution. Please note that due to staffing availability, we have moved the pickup times to 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Your teachers will send you reminders when these dates get closer. If you cannot make one of the timeframes listed below, we will do our best to work with you. Please contact your child's teacher(s) or the main office to arrange an alternative time. Please see the information below for your planning:
- Schedule
- October 22 - Grades K-2 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- October 23 - Grades 3- 5 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Procedures
- Families will pull up in the front circle in their cars. Please do not walk-up to the building.
- Cars should have signs with student names and teacher names clearly visible for staff to see easily.
- Staff will bring new materials to car and collect prior materials along with the bags you initially received.
- For families with multiple students, you can pick up materials on one day. That day will be the day you pick up for the youngest sibling.
Halloween:
- As Halloween is approaching, I wanted to review with you how the school day will proceed on Friday, October 30, 2020:
- Please remember that it is a half-day institute day, and dismissal will be at 12:00. There will be NO SCHOOL for any kindergarten students on Oct. 30.
- This year due to the nature of our enhanced safety procedures, we WILL NOT be having a Halloween parade as we have typically had in the past. However, stay tuned for some communications to come your way from Student Council, who will be planning a virtual Halloween parade.
- Costumes may be worn to school and at home on Oct. 29 for kindergarteners and on October 30 for grades 1-5. We encourage both our in-person and remote students to have some fun and dress up on these dates. Costumes may not contain: weapons of any sort, blood, cigars or cigarettes, and we should not be able to see any student’s bare stomach. In addition, please ensure that costumes are age-appropriate for school and are not overly scary. Masks for costumes may be worn only during classroom activities that allow for it, but they may not be worn during the entire school day. Face coverings still must be worn all day while student are in person at school.
Breakfast and Lunch:
For students who are retuning to school for in-person learning:
- All students will receive meals free of charge through December of 2020. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) changed the guidelines regarding school meals for the reminder of 2020. If you send your child to school and want them to have breakfast or lunch, they may do so free of charge through the end of the calendar year.
- We are awaiting the guidelines on meal service starting in January of 2021. Families whose students are not on the free and reduced lunch program may need to resume paying for their meals starting in January. More information will be communicated to you about this once it becomes available.
D62 Technology:
The District Technology Department is pleased to announce they have expanded their technology support hours into the evenings on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Families are encouraged to email [email protected] during this time or call the tech helpline at 847-824-8115 and leave a message to generate a help desk ticket. A member of the technology team will answer help desk tickets in the order they are received during the evening support hours.