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