Dear Lower School Parents,
There is something magical about this time of year. The last weeks of August are a period of transition for educators marking the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. This year, of course, is different to all other years as we have the opportunity to return to 342 Smith St. after a prolonged period of absence. Yes, it was strange for the teachers to see their colleagues wearing masks and to have all of our meetings during in-service on Zoom, but it was also heartwarming to be reunited, to reopen our “socially distanced” classrooms, and to plan for the opening of school. We are grateful to be together and full of anticipation for the 2020-2021 school year.
When the children return next week I anticipate that they will also experience a range of emotions. I fully expect to hear exclamations of “Whoa!” as they discover classrooms in the gym, arrows in the hallways and hand sanitizers by every doorway. I am also certain that we will witness their joy as they see familiar teachers, greet their classmates, and explore their new pods. Coming back to school will provide the sense of normalcy that we have all been craving.
During our two week in-service, our teachers have been planning on many fronts. They have transformed classrooms into pods, making sure that each space is inviting and attractive. We discussed the social and emotional challenges that our students have faced these past six months and explored the most effective ways to support them. Developing strong relationships between students and teachers and creating a supportive environment is a priority for all of our faculty. Each department met to plan opening curriculum units that are engaging and motivating for students who are coming back after a long summer. Teachers have been trained to use the new technology that will allow students who are choosing the remote streaming option to have a full learning experience. In 2nd through 4th grade, each student will receive their own Chromebook and teachers are excited to integrate technology in ways that will enhance and deepen learning. And, of course, the faculty spent considerable time reviewing health and safety protocols.
In order to help the students transition back to school, we are beginning the year with grade level orientations. Please see the table below for logistical details for your child’s grade. Please ensure that you arrive at the time of your orientation. Students will not be allowed to enter the school property earlier than their allotted time.
The purpose of these orientations is to:
- Allow students to feels comfortable and safe when school begins
- Allow students to meet all of the teachers in their grade
- Start to build connections with teachers and classmates in each pod through fun ice-breakers and activities
- Introduce students to their new spaces and supplies
- Practice important routines prior to the first day of school (mask wearing, 6-foot distancing, handwashing, arrival and dismissal protocols, etc.)
Note: Students starting the year in the remote screening of in-person learning program can pick up their supplies at Hannah Senesh on Sept. 8 or Sept. 9. Between 9am and 3pm.
Important September Dates
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Sept 10: First full day of school for grades 1-8
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Sept. 14: First full day of school for kindergarten
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Sept. 17: Back to School tekes (assembly) at 1:30pm; parents are invited to attend via Zoom (link will be sent soon.)
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Sept. 18: Erev Rosh Hashanah, school closed
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Sept. 24: Back to School Night for grades K, 1, 5 and 6
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Sept. 28: Yom Kippur, school closed
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Sept. 29: Back to School Night for grades 2, 3,4, 7
I am looking forward to greeting you in person (or remotely) next week and am excited for the new school year to begin.
Best,
Shelley Fogelson
Lower School Director
Orientation Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival: Parents or guardians should bring students to the side yard for their orientation where they should find their assigned arrival spots (Numbered circles). Please remember that students will be welcomed into the arrival area at their designated start time (not earlier).
Dismissal: Students will be dismissed from the side yard. Parents/guardians must wait outside the side yard gate to receive children.
Orientation Schedules by Grade
Kindergarten
Tuesday, Sept 8th
Wednesday Sept 9th
Kindergarten students and parents will have the opportunity to meet the teachers during 20 minute Zoom meetings;
Parents should have signed up for these meetings via signup genius.
Password: Dawn
Thursday, Sept 10th or Friday Sept 11th
Half of each kindergarten pod will attend an in-school orientation from 9:05-11:30.
First Grade
Tuesday, Sept 8th, 9:00-10:30
Remote orientation for all first grade pods
Password: Liz
Wednesday Sept 9th
Each pod will have a 90-minute in-person orientation.
9:00-10:30 1A
11:15-12:45 1B
1:30-3:00 1C
Second Grade
Tuesday, Sept 8th
Each pod will have a 90 minute in-person orientation.
9:00-10:30 2A
11:15-12:45 2B
1:30-3:00 2C
Wednesday Sept 9th, 9:00-10:30
Remote orientation for all second grade pods
Password: Rebecca
Third Grade
Tuesday, Sept 8th
Each pod will have a 90 minute in-person orientation.
9:00-10:30 3A
11:15-12:45 3B
1:30-3:00 3C
Wednesday Sept 9th, 9:00-10:30
Remote orientation for all third grade pods
Password: Nir
Fourth Grade
Tuesday, Sept 8th, 9:00-10:30
Remote orientation for all fourth grade pods
Password: Sammi
Wednesday Sept 9th
Each pod will have a 90 minute in-person orientation.
9:00-10:30 4A
11:15-12:45 4B
1:30-3:00 4C
