Summer Update - August 14, 2020

I hope you are all healthy, happy, and enjoying summer!  Continue to soak up this time... we will be back at it soon!  

Distance Learning:

Overall, we have around 150 of our students doing distance learning!  As an elementary, we have around 350 students doing the distance option.  The distance learning will be programmed out of McKinley - with teachers reporting to McKinley.  As of today, we will have K-2 distance learning teachers set up in Taylor Gritz's old Kindergarten room and 3-5th grade distance learning teachers set up in Meiners/Nelson's classroom by 2nd grade.  This is considered a district-wide program with teachers and students from across the district.  I'm very excited to see this new program grow - with some awesome teacher leadership to support this!  

Staffing & Sections:

Due to the need to reduce class sizes to meet CDC requirements, we had to make some changes to teaching assignments.  Overall, we are losing a 1st Grade section and adding a 4th Grade section.  A HUGE thank you to the below people for their flexibility, focus on kids, and professionalism.    

• Kayla Davis will be teaching 5th Grade Distance Learning, district-wide
• Karen Thurnau will be teaching 3rd Grade Distance Learning, district-wide
• Dani Rypka will be teaching 4th Grade Distance Learning, district-wide
• Julie Bauer will be teaching 5th Grade Distance Learning, district-wide

• Jess Zupansic will be teaching 3rd Grade - 3A.  We cut a section of 1st Grade.  
• Michelle Meiners will be teaching 3rd Grade - 3D.  
• Sami Nelson will be teaching 4th Grade - 4B.
• Gia Davison will be teaching 4th Grade - 4E.  This was an added section and will be located in 5th Grade (Paige Gilligan's old room).

As you can see, we will not be programming any tier 2 or 3 interventions this year.  We will want to be creative in how we can intervene with students for the year.  

Again, these are still not final.  I wanted you to be aware at this point.  

Staff Update Meeting:

I will be offering another update meeting next Thursday, August 20.  This is an optional Google Meet to hear about updates and ask questions. 

Class Lists:

With the changes to staffing & decrease in students to distance learning, we are re-working class lists today.  A huge thank you to our Special Education and EL team for helping with this process.  Our goal is to get out placement letters mid-next week.  At that point, your roster will be updated in Campus - but still not final.  We are still getting move in/move out requests.   I'm so thankful for Steph!  

Welcome Back & Before School Interview Information:

We are finalizing your welcome back week - you should receive an email next week with this information.  Please know this week has lots of preparation time - to get you ready for another successful year.  

Before School Interview Dates:

Thursday, August 27 - 7:40-3:10pm

Wednesday, September 2 - 11:40-7:10pm

Thursday, September 3- 7:40-3:10pm

Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 are NO SCHOOL Days.  As I look at the calendar, it must be in honor of Kathy Feltes & Gia Davison's birthdays?  :)

We start school on Tuesday, September 8 (Kindergarten will do half classes on Tuesday & Wednesday of this week).  

Writing a New Chapter:

This quote will summarize my year - and hopefully yours, too.   We know there is uncertainty - all the logistical stuff, how will staff and students do with these changes, etc.  There is lots that is "unknown".  However, all of these "unknowns" are writing a beautiful chapter for us.  Some day, we will look back and think about each of these experiences & opportunities and smile.  I can't think of a group of educators I'd rather write this chapter with.... our talent, dedication, and energy will carry us through the next few months! 

I hope you are all doing well and are gearing up for another great year!   Let me know if you have questions or concerns - my "door' is always open!  

Enjoy your last few weeks!

-Justin

Summer Update - August 11, 2020

Happy August, McKinley! 

Can you believe that school is right around the corner?  This year is sure to bring many new challenges to our team.  When I think of these challenges, I take a deep breath and feel the stress in my body.  Then, I take another deep breath and look at pictures of our team... and remember how strong we are as a united team.  Our team has taken on challenges in the past and come out better - and stronger - than before.  I know I've said this before.  We've got this.  

What's Going on at McKinley This Week? 

Just to update you on where we are at with the beginning of the year.   We just closed up our enrollment form where families indicated distance learning or in-person learning.  A huge thank you to Steph, Selena, Nura, and Sylvia for their countless hours of working with families.

Today and tomorrow, we will be calling those who indicated distance learning to talk through the expectations.  They will look differently than spring, so we want families to know this before committing to distance learning.  

The rest of the week, we will look at who indicated "in person" learning and balance class lists.  I will, more than likely, need help from staff in the building with this.  I'm hoping all the changes just magically work out by taking a few students per classroom.  If not (sigh!), we will go back through to balance classes.  

It's a crazy week with lots of moving parts.  Thank goodness for our awesome office staff who have this handled.   We've got this!  

Family Update - August:

This video was sent home today to families:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ6WA4bdJ4s&feature=youtu.be

School Theme for 20-21 - "What's Your Story?"

Our theme for the year is "What's Your Story?"  This theme really focuses around two things - knowing about others' stories and using our backgrounds/stories as assets to learning.  There is so much power in understanding others - both students and staff. 

Article - 7 Ways to Cope with Uncertainty:

This time of year (on a normal year) can bring excitement, energy, and also stress.  Add COVID-19 to the mix to leave many of us with uncertainty, stress, and fear of the unknown.  I completely understand this and feel it myself.  I recently came across an article on dealing with this uncertainty- well worth the read!  

Scope & Sequence:

With two different forms of programming (distance learning and in person learning) occurring, it is critical we follow the scope and sequence this year.  With families health and the differences between programming, we will more than likely see more mobility this year.  It is critical we follow the scope and sequence provided.  More information will be coming on this.  

I hope you enjoy your last few weeks of summer - rest up and enjoy the beautiful weather!

-Justin