Kangaroo Connection
Weekly updates for our NCES families
January 25, 2021
Para la versión en español, seleccione "Traducir Newsletter" en el lado derecho de este boletín.
Dear Parents,
Welcome back in person students and staff !
A big Thank You to everyone for encouraging your children to have their cameras on during instruction. Teachers have shared with me how much better it is that they can see their students and see their reactions and responses to the lessons. That alone provides so much instant feedback to the teachers. We still need your help. Please continue to expect of your children that they keep their camera on throughout instruction with the teacher. We are certain we can help your students be more successful when we can see and interact with them every day in every class.
Please make sure to review all safety guidelines from school, district and state, there is critical information about safety and health. DVISD continues to monitor the local impact of COVID-19 in our community with guidance from Austin Public Health and any additional changes to our calendar will be informed to parents and staff promptly. COVID-19 Rapid Tests will continue to be available, for details and appointment times visit: https://bit.ly/dvcovidtest
We always count on your engagement to make your kid's success possible, even in times of constant changes. We can do it together!. If you or your child needs any assistance, please contact your child's teacher or reach out to our front office.
Regards,
Ashley Fredo
Principal, Collins Elementary School
Important Dates
- January 27th: Virtual Parent Class-Internet Safety for Children and Families
- February 1st: 100th day of school event for PK-1st graders
- February 3rd: 4th Grade Writing Benchmark
- February 4th: School Pictures
- February 15th: No School
- Coming soon: Kindness Week, Career Day, Parenting Classes /Trainings and much more.
Changes to the Instructional School Day
For our students at Collins this means that:
In-Person students will participate in our online educational programs or independent reading from 7:15AM-7:30AM. This change does NOT impact in-person learner's breakfast routine.
Remote learners will be encouraged to participate in our online educational program for independent reading from 7:15AM-7:30AM. This change does NOT impact when your child joins their Google Meets class.
This change does NOT impact the bus schedule.
Parent Class: Internet Safety, January 28th @ 5:30PM
Collins and The Center for Child Protection are offering our parents a free virtual class on "Internet Safety for Children and Families".
This course will be offered in English and Spanish.
Topic: DVISD Collins ES: Internet Safety
Time: Jan 28, 2021 05:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94757890780?pwd=bXNmalp2Q052aDZCeTZlSFV3alZEdz09
Meeting ID: 947 5789 0780
Passcode: 704318
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,94757890780#,,,,*704318# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,94757890780#,,,,*704318# US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 947 5789 0780
Passcode: 704318
The technology available today provides many useful avenues for children’s educational and social development. However, the rapid evolution of technology has also left gaps in the protection of children, as many are not aware of the potential risks for children online. Learning where, when, and what children access while on the Internet, and potential dangers they may encounter online is imperative for creating a safe environment for our children to learn, play and grow. In this workshop, parents and caregivers will be empowered to set up safe boundaries for children on the Internet, have open communication with their children about the Internet, and react responsibly to any suspicious behaviors online. This program is provided by the Center for Child Protection, which provides regular trainings for adults on prevention of abuse and ways to react skillfully if it occurs.
Picture Day
In-Person and Remote learners can visit the online website to select picture packets and pay at:
Online at https://inter-state.com/order
Enter School Code 56716SF
Online Payments Only, No Cash
In Person students will have their pictures taken in the morning.
Remote learners may come to the school building between 1-2PM to have their picture taken.
Order flyers will go home with in-person students on Friday.
In-Person and Remote learners can visit the online website to select picture packets and pay at:
Online at https://inter-state.com/order
Enter School Code 56716SF
Important Safety Information Regarding School Picture Day
Our photography team has updated procedures and implemented preventive measures that include, but are not limited to:
- Student Masks- Our intent is to photograph all students without a mask. Students will be asked by a school employee or volunteer to remove their mask when it's their turn to be photographed. Inter-State photographers cannot require a student to remove their mask. If a student prefers, they will be photographed with their mask on.
- Social Distancing- The distance between the camera and a student is over 6 feet. Paper tape will be used to mark 6 feet apart for the student lines. We will work with school administration to utilize the largest and most open space in your school available, to aid in distancing.
- Photographers are required to wear face coverings.
- Sanitation of Photo Equipment- Cameras, equipment and stools will be sanitized between every class or group.
- No-touch Order Envelope Collection- We are working to be 100% paperless this year, with all ordering done safely online. In the rare case that your school absolutely needs Order Flyers, a collection container will be available to place Order Envelopes. Personnel that handle Order Envelopes are required to wear gloves and a mask, reducing the amount of shared contact.
- Whenever possible, we will keep the same teams of photographers together, minimizing their exposure to other photographers.
5th Grade Breakthrough Program and Virtual Middle School Tours
Please join us for a very important Family Night Information Session
February 3rd 6PM-7PM
Join us on Zoom! https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 923 8589 2508 Passcode: BT2021
Next week, Middle School counselors will host virtual tours of their campuses, highlighting key personnel and programs. They will also hold sessions to answer questions and provide opportunities for students and parents to meet with program coordinators. Students will take a "virtual visit" of all 3 of our DVISD middle schools during their specials classes. Our school counselor will meet with students to answer any questions they may have.
Virtual choice sheets and more information about this, including a parent night will be coming soon!
Safety First
COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL !
Here are the ways that we are communicating with our families at Newton Collins. If you are not receiving emails or need help with Dojo, please contact our front office or your child's teacher. We can help!
- Collins Parent Newsletter-Weekly, via email
- Our campus Twitter: Account: @DVISD_NCES
- Class Dojo / Website Updates at http://nces.dvisd.net/