GRE - Principal's Message - September 11, 2020

Gold Rush Elementary

2020-2021 School Year

September 11, 2020

“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks,

THINKING CRITICALLY ACROSS THE GRADES

I am impressed with the thinking students are doing both in-person and remotely. When I visited classes this week students were immersed in meaningful literacy and math work. Students in the primary grades were applying good reading habits and working on the craft of writing either stories about their lives or persuasive pieces. Students’ focus and detail were clearly evident. Students in the intermediate grades were busy describing their numerical relationships as they examined place value and decimals. They too were thoughtful in their process and clear about the strategy they were using.

I am also proud of the work students are doing at home. Students are building their stamina as they read books that are interesting and appropriate for them. Our intermediate students are also analysing student responses to literature. I want to thank parents for their partnership and for helping students continue their learning at home. We are grateful for your support and appreciate you!

DELAYED DISMISSAL PROCEDURES - REVISED

Click here for the school map

There are times when it is not safe to dismiss students in our traditional manner and the school needs to delay dismissal. Delayed dismissal is almost always weather related. In accordance with District COVID procedures, parents are unable to enter the building even during delayed dismissals.

We will inform you of a delayed dismissal via an email and text. Click here to learn how to opt in to school and District emergency text messages. We will dismiss all students starting at 3:20 PM. We have assigned grade levels different exits on the south side of our building. Please plan to meet your child/children at the entrance assigned to your youngest child’s grade level. If you have multiple children please know that we will have older siblings walk to their youngest sibling's location.

Please review the map above and make sure you are familiar with your youngest child’s pick up location. Parents of intermediate children are able to use the bus loop to park and get their child(ren). Please also continue to wear your mask while on school grounds.

TAKING ATTENDANCE MONDAY - FRIDAY

We are currently taking attendance for all students Monday through Friday. We are tracking student participation on remote days through student work. On Fridays student attendance is based on participating in classroom meetings and live small group sessions with their teacher. If your child is ill on a remote or virtual day and is unable to either complete assigned work or attend live meetings, please call the attendance line so we can mark this as an excused absence.

FREE LUNCH FOR ALL STUDENTS UNDER 18

PICK UP STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

As you are aware, the USDA made meals free to any child 18 years of age and under until December 31, 2020 or when funding runs out. Students are already accessing healthy and free meals at school. The date to pick up free breakfast and lunch for remote days has been changed to Friday, September 18th from 1:00-2:00 PM

We will continue to use a curbside pick up process on Fridays. Please drive up to the shade structure on the front playground using our carloop. You will be greeted by a cafeteria staff member who will hand you a grab and go meal. You do not need to pre-order. You are eligible for meals for all children 18 years old and younger. Students in e-Learning are able to obtain five meals per child for the following week. Students in the hybrid model are eligible for three meals as they will receive their other two meals in school.

If you plan to take advantage of this opportunity and your child has a documented food allergy or intolerance, please click here to learn how to request modified meals.

SAFETY PRACTICES & PROCEDURES

Thank you parents for following our additional school safety procedures! Please remember adults are required to wear a mask at all times while on school grounds. This includes in the parking lot and on school sidewalks.

Dogs are also not permitted on school grounds.

Click here to learn about additional safety practices and procedures.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

It is my hope that access to student learning online has gotten better over time. If you experience an issue please contact your classroom teacher first. If you are unable to resolve the issue, you can email Mrs. Fleet at mmfleet@dcsdk12.org. It is essential that you include the device name and serial number in your emails to staff. Click here for directions on how to find this information on your child's device. Please know that Mrs. Fleet teaches full time and she may need 24 hours to respond. Please see additional resources below.

Parental Controls - Centurylink & Parental Controls - Xfinity

FAQs - Accessing Google Meets with iPads

Joining Google Meet through Google Classroom Chromebook/Laptop

Joining Google Meet through Google Classroom iPads

Troubleshooting Google Classroom on iPads

Alternative Way to Access the Clever App