Hello Weckie Parents!!
What an amazing first week we are having here at school!! After many long months, it has been nice to hear the sound of laughter and learning in the hallways and class of Dublin once more. We have spent a TON of time this week going over many new procedures:
Arrival - Where to go, how to unload and what to unload
Supplies that stay vs Supplies that go home (Monday - Thursday the kids will only bring home their device and water bottle. Everything else should stay here!) We do not have the Chromebook Carts back in our classrooms to have the ability to lock up devices at this point. * On Friday we will send home their Friday folder loaded with goodies - things they have done, and possible supplies we would like kept home, just in case we go remote once more. They will also bring home their math journal and writing folder. All things in their folders are labeled with explanations :-). On Monday, they should return their yellow folder EMPTY. Please make sure to date and sign the front of the folder as the letter on front explains.
Lunch - Here's where it gets tricky! Each child has been assigned a number in our room and they sit by these same kids in our room, in the lunchroom, in FAPES, etc. On TUESDAYS we will be eating in our classroom. There is not an available space for us to eat. At least for the next few weeks (until we see if we can find a space for lunch) please send your child with a PEANUT AND TREE NUT FREE LUNCH. I am overly worried about bringing nuts- tree nut or peanut into our class room right now with allergies that some of our students have. Please be diligent about this - Please imagine if this was your child. Students who receive the free hot lunch will always be provided with a safe lunch, so this could be a great day to have your child order lunch if you are worried. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we eat lunch in one half of the lunchroom which has a safe peanut/tree nut free area but also allows for no dietary restrictions at other tables.
School not looking normal… Our kids are staying at their seats as much as possible. I try to offer brain breaks, mask breaks, snack outside (weather dependent) as much as we can between our learning. This has been REALLY hard for everyone. Please discuss with your child at home about remaining in their learning space with a mask on. Several times I have found that the kids take their masks off at their seats simply because they feel protected with their dividers up. Also many students have just needed reminders to stay seated. They are up and moving around simply to show a friend something or to talk - which makes learning and being safe, difficult. The bad news is that there is no division between children in their seats - the divider is simply on the table. We have to remain diligent if we want to remain safe, healthy and open. Thank you!!
Remember, everything in their yellow “everyday” folder stays home this weekend and beyond just the folder is returned (and if you have a book order), everything in their colored book bag is also meant to stay home, but please do not let them read the books in there, yet!
Last but not least - there is ONE chromebook charger cord that has been left behind. Every child has promised they have checked their bag and that it is not theirs. However, I know it must belong to someone and this is worrisome. Please make sure to label everything! Even a piece of tape with their name on the chromebook and charger is fine at this point.
Thank you for all of your donations of supplies and sanitizer this week!!! In four days we have gone through two tubs of 75 wipes… just in wiping down our learning spaces for breakfast, lunch in the room Tuesday, snack and at the end of the day! It is a lot! It has become our mission to keep our room clean. Custodial services only cover vacuuming and trash emptying each night within our room.
I promise there have been academics too - but I wanted to get as much information out to you as I can right now about routines and procedures. Please stay safe this weekend and please stay healthy.
Your partner in safety and learning, Jen Weckstein
