Randall Newsletter
April 1, 2020
Message From the Principal
Hello students and families!

It has certainly been a unique month and I know we will continue to work together as we navigate this journey into the unknown. 

We remain dedicated to the success of every child and want to do all we can to ensure they have access to excellent learning opportunities. I have been impressed by the involvement and support of families. Thank you for everything you have been doing and continue to do. This has been a new experience for everyone. The best way we can improve is to listen to one another and make mutually beneficial changes. I encourage you to reach out if you have any feedback or suggestions as we continue to move forward. 

I know this past month has been very challenging in many ways for a lot of families and individuals. If there is a way we can support you as a school community please reach out. 

This video captures the spirit of Randall Middle School.

Yours,
Jordan Ashley, Principal Randall Middle School
C ontacting the School
Our school buildings are closed to the public. On site staff in each of our buildings has been reduced to a small rotating group of essential employees. Teachers and office staff are working remotely from home.  

Teachers have posted their contact information on the Distance Learning Portal which is accessible from the District website. A staff email directory is available from the Randall Middle website. As a general rule, staff email is the person's first initial and last   name  @cortlandschools.org  .

If calling our main office, please leave a voice message. We will make every effort to respond within a 24 hour period.
Technology Needs
For those who received a Chromebook, please read through the directions that were provided with the device. You will need to connect to your own home WiFi. If you have any questions or problems using the Chromebook, you can email:  helpdesk@cortlandschools.org or call: 607-758-4188.

This same email may be used if you did not previously request a Chromebook, but would like one. Important to know: Chromebooks do not function without Wifi access.
Food Service Continues
Breakfast and lunch will be available for every student, Monday through Friday, at locations across the community from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. Locations include:
  • Barry Primary bus loop
  • Junior Senior High School bus loop
  • Randall Middle bus loop
  • Smith Intermediate bus loop
  • Virgil School bus loop
  • Additional sites added: 
  • Parker School (parent drop-off area)
  • Penguin Trailer Park (11a - noon only)
  • Rickard Street Apartments (11a - noon only)
News From The Nurse
It is important to practice good hand washing to protect yourself and others from getting sick.
Good hand washing should be done:
  • after coughing or sneezing
  • when caring for the sick
  • before during and after you prepare food
  • before eating
  • after using the toilet
  • when hands are viable dirty
  • after handling animals or animal waste

The new term we keep hearing about is "social distancing." Together we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep physical distance between each other. Read more about social distancing by clicking here .
Music News
Just a few notes (pun intended!):
  • Google classrooms for 5th and 6th grade band are up and running! Codes are listed on the Portal on the school's website. 
  • There are assignments posted there - these are meant to be fun and engaging, not stressful! Please check them out!
  • Practice logs are also online - these are most important! Keeping up with lesson book material and band music is important!
  • We've started trying online Zoom band lessons! See the Google classroom for the sign up sheet each week!
  • Playing music on your instrument is a fantastic way to have some fun and relieve stress. Playing with a friend over Zoom could be a fun way to connect with friends! 
  • Unfortunately the NYSSMA festival for this year has been canceled. I'm so proud of the hard work that students put into learning solos, duets, and/or trios! I'd love to find a performance opportunity for those interested this spring if possible!
  • Please reach out with any questions or concerns - I will do my best to help, and I really look forward to connecting with students via Google classroom and Zoom!
Math Minute
Are you looking for an additional challenge after completing your assigned math work? Have you always wanted to master the 3x3 Rubix Cube? Click here to view my first tutorial which will teach you the steps to solving the first layer. Practice this and look for Parts 2 and 3 coming soon!
Talking to Students about COVID-19
Your child may have many questions and concerns regarding the CoronaVirus. Here are some helpful tips for discussing this topic with your children. 
Positivity Project
For the month of April we will be focusing on identifying and appreciating the good in others. Through this we will also be looking at the appreciation of beauty and excellence as well as what it means to have purpose. This very important character trait allows us to maintain a positive mindset. It also helps us to see the kind of people we wish to be. Take a few minutes and ask your child about someone they look up to. What is about that person that they appreciate? How can this be a positive influence in their life? 

"When you choose to see the good in others, you end up finding the good in yourself."
~Unknown
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