November 20, 2020
Good Afternoon BRSSD Community,
As the District will provide both a distance learning model and an in-person hybrid model when San Mateo County enters the Orange Tier, planning is well underway. On Monday, families will receive a unique survey for each student. The binding survey will ask for you to indicate your learning preference and is due by December 4th. This will be the final parent survey for model preference. We ask that you take 15 minutes to thoughtfully complete the survey as soon as possible while noting that we have a very distinguished panel of medical experts scheduled to discuss school reopening in the era of COVID-19 in the middle of the survey window on Monday, November 30 from 6:00-7:30pm. Our distinguished panelists and their bios can be found here.
While the holidays are traditionally a time to gather with family and friends we have not seen, State and County health officers are recommending that residents avoid travel and gatherings with members outside their households over the holidays. There is no such thing as a totally COVID-19 safe gathering among households, however, Scientific American shares ways to minimize the risks: keep it small, limit travel, wear a mask except while eating and drinking, stay outside, and keep six feet apart. Set ground rules early and take precautions beforehand to reduce the risks. Despite the differences this year, you can still make the gathering fun. Swap an indoor meal for a lower-risk outdoor activity, such as a hike or gathering around a firepit. Read the full article for more ideas to stay safe during the holidays.
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. It is a time of the year to think about our successes, value our privilege, and reflect on our service to others. In times like these, this reflection is more important than ever. Gratitude is believed to be one of the healthiest emotions that humans can practice. Rather than focusing our energy and dwelling upon the events of 2020, I encourage everyone to take a few moments to focus on all that you have and the people you are grateful for.
Starting a year amid the Covid-19 pandemic was a challenge. I am grateful to our teaching and learning community for coming together to support our children. While not the optimal start, we came together in unexpected ways. Together we are providing stability for our children and our community’s future. We are ensuring that our children don’t fall through the cracks. We’re ensuring that our children have the best that we are able to provide. Children are resilient, and with our love and support, they will continue to thrive regardless of what life throws at them. I hold our teaching and community in very high regard. Thank you for all that you do!
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and showing gratitude. Our community has proven that we are better together. I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Sincerely,
Dan Deguara
Superintendent
Report Cards
For all schools except for Ralston, November 17 marked the end of Trimester 1. Report cards will be available through the Illuminate Student/Parent portal starting Monday, November 30. Attached to the email is a Parent Guide to Report Cards, also available by following this link. Explicit instructions will be sent on Monday, November 30.
BRSSD Healthy Schools Initiative Newsletter
Click here to access The Belmont Redwood Shores School District Healthy Schools Initiative Fall Newsletter that was created in partnership with the Sequoia Healthcare District (SHD). Learn more about how the SHD supports our school district through the Healthy Schools Initiative Grant with mental health supports for our students and staff.
Mindfulness and Self-Care Workshop for Parents and Caregivers
Carin Winter, Founder and CEO, Mission Be
Thursday, December 3, 2020, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Join us for an interactive workshop with Carin Winter, CEO of Mission Be, to learn mindfulness practices for self-care and stress reduction. In this live webinar, Carin will explore practices (breathing techniques, visualizations, affirmations, and more) that can be easily shared with your entire family.
With 20+ years of experience as a former clinical social worker and yoga teacher, Carin Winter brings a wealth of mindful wisdom to her work with students, teachers, and parents. Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MA, Founder and CEO, The Parent Education Series, at cmargot@csmconsulting.net
Parent Forum #5 - How to Give Advice Your Child (Might) Listen To
Eran Magen, PhD, Center for Supportive Relationships
Friday, December 11, 2020, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Join us for a new Parent Forum #5 with Eran Magen, PhD, founder of the Center for Supportive Relationships. This series of (virtual) parent discussion groups will focus on parent-child communication and managing relationships with your child or teen. Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MA, Founder and CEO, The Parent Education Series, at cmargot@csmconsulting.net
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