Dear Families,
This was surely an exciting week going into our next phase of in-person learning. We loved welcoming our kindergarten students into the building. Students seemed elated to be seeing their teachers and classmates. Procedures ran smoothly and kids have been quick learners around our wellness parameters. Students have learned about the "3 W's", wearing a mask, watching their distance, and washing their hands. They're doing fantastic! All while our remote learners continue to thrive! Here is a video you can watch to give you a glimpse into Willow Grove and see our kindergarten procedures and classrooms.
Enjoy your weekend!
Fondly,
Jenny Smith, Principal
Principal
Follow me on Twitter @JennySwanSmith
NEW *Upcoming Calendar Reminders*
Tuesday, Oct 20, Early Release
EARLY RELEASE DAY HOURS: AM KDG/EC Blended AM dismisses at 10 AM; PM KDG/EC Blended PM dismisses at 2 PM; Structured dismisses at 2 PM
If your child is taking the bus home, you can anticipate your child's arrival time to be one-hour before their typical drop-off time.
Monday, October 26, Picture Day (details below) DIRECTIONS TO ORDER HERE
NEW *Additional Picture Day Information*
You must pre-order and pre-pay for pictures of your child to be taken. Please see this order form and order soon for your child to have their picture taken on Monday, October 26th. Details for picture day are below in "REPEAT INFO." Thank you!
NEW *In-Person Reminders*
Superintendent Schmidt's recent message features some very important reminders. I want to highlight a few notes from this message that are so important for us:
- It is of great importance that in-person families are submitting their DAILY CERTIFICATION. It is a hindrance to our arrival routine when this hasn't been completed and delay's your child's start to the school day. Mrs. Schmidt's message provides instructions if you need a reminder.
- Your child needs a mask that fits them well. If you notice it is slipping under their nose, please find an alternate mask that fits them better. We replace the mask with one of ours when we see this happening and contact the family. Mrs. Schmidt's message has additional information and resources related to masks.
- Our partnership is of great value. Where it has become a cliche, "We're All in this Together" has never been more true. Thank you for your patience as we've begun settling into routines. We appreciate you sending your child with a mask, supporting their understanding of the 3 W's, and providing us with honest, need-to-know information related to your child's or family's health.
REPEAT *Picture Day*
Picture Day is Monday, October 26, at Willow Grove. Weather pending, pictures will be taken outside in tents. Ordering will be completely digital - LINK HERE. Pictures will be shipped directly to your home.
In-person students will be taken for their picture by their classroom teacher.
Remote student families must follow these guidelines:
Oct 26, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM - NOT during your child's classroom teacher time
Park and bring your child to one of the photography tents to have their picture taken (photographers will be masked and maintaining social distance). ONE adult can come with each child if outdoors. If the weather requires we move indoors, the parent will walk the child to the door and pick up at another door. We will have signage that will direct parents where to go, either way.
All students and parent/guardian MUST wear a mask. Students may remove their mask when their picture is being taken.
PICTURE RETAKE DAY: November 30th
REPEAT *Halloween Information*
Given the unique circumstances we are faced with this year, we will not have students wear Halloween costumes or partake in our annual Halloween parade. At Willow Grove, we will celebrate with a "Mismatch Monster Mash Day!" Students may wear mismatched clothing and teachers are preparing a fun game to enjoy during the school day. Our PTO is providing a craft for kids to take home, too! More to come on how we'll distribute those for our remote students. Children in-person or remote will partake in the mismatched fun and Halloween themed game.
REPEAT *Commitment to Partnership*
As emphasized in Superintendent Schmidt's message sent on Tues., Sept. 29, implementing a hybrid in-person learning model is and must be a partnership.
We know that some surrounding districts or schools who began their in-person learning plan have had to revert to full remote for a period of time. In many situations, this has been due to positive cases about which families were not truthful with the school or with the health department regarding symptoms and the diagnosis or with those conducting the contact tracing process.
We are confident that the District 96 community will rise to the occasion and partner with us to ensure safety and success. Please think carefully about your commitment to our partnership before sending your kids to school.
REPEAT *Tech Hub*
KCSD96 Family Technology Hub! The District 96 Family Technology Hub is designed to guide families through technology tools related to Enhanced Remote Learning. On this site you can find links to the recordings and the corresponding Slides decks for the parent/family informational sessions from last week. You can also find tutorials on how to use ZOOM, Schoology, Seesaw, Clever, Notability, and other iPad essential tools for student learning. Additionally, there is a link to email the technology support desk. Please save or bookmark this site. It will be updated with tools, resources, and tutorials through remote learning to better support your family.
Please email [email protected] with any tech-related support needed.