The Grass Valley Way
Family Newsletter: AUGUST 2020
A note from the Principal
Welcome Grass Valley Families!
As we begin a new year, I know that many of us are holding a mix of emotions. Last year's sudden closure of schools and immediate Shelter in Place, resulted in households and routines uprooted. While some families are excited to get started with a new year, others may be dealing with struggles as a result of COVID-19 and other factors. Like no time in recent history, we are facing a situation that requires us to come together as the strongest community that we can, and we will foster this through intentional relationship building with students, staff, and families.
In receiving feedback from families surrounding our 19/20 Distance Learning Model, we heard a need for clearer communication with families and more equitable experiences across classrooms. In order to support that, our 20/21 Distance Learning Framework will include:
- regular daily schedule for classes to assure equity across students' experiences in different classrooms
- schedule rocks (ie. class meeting, crew time, PE with coach, whole school community meeting) that will hold the structure of our regular school day
- week by week roll out schedule to slowly shift the heavy lifting to students
- Class Dojo as the primary communication platform between students, teachers, families and the whole school
- Weekly Newsletter from teachers that will clarify goals for the week and link students to their work online
We believe that these intentional shifts will support ALL of our students in achieving success. As we launch a year that will be challenging in many different ways, it's important to me that you know the ways in which I will continue to support and build the Grass Valley Community.
As your principal, I promise...
- honesty & transparency in sharing all information with you as quickly as I can
- flexibility in being understanding about where each of you are during this crisis and how this impacts your family's needs
- support in finding the balance that best supports ALL of our students
- a continued focus on equity as a school so we can serve ALL of our students to the best of our abilities
- a continued focus on team as we all lean in in new and different ways to support our greater community this year
Once again, welcome to the new year and I look forward to "seeing" you all on August 10!
Respectfully,
Casey Beckner
Principal
Upcoming Dates
- 8/10: School Year Kick-Off (10a-1p - attend only 1)
- 8/11: School Year Kick-Off (10a-1p - attend only 1)
- 8/14: Coffee with the Principal (10a, https://ousd.zoom.us/j/82697491924)
- 8/19: Back To School Night
- 8/21: Coffee with the Principal (10a, https://ousd.zoom.us/j/82697491924)
- 8/21: BOY Picnic @1p
- 8/28 Student of the Month @2:30p
- 8/28: Coffee with the Principal (10a, https://ousd.zoom.us/j/82697491924)
Is my child ready for the FIRST DAY on August 10?
- registered online OR in person for the 2020-2021 year
- picked up a Chromebook/Hotspot (if needed) from Grass Valley
- planned to pick up your student's materials on August 10/11
- received a phone call/text/email from your child's teacher about connecting on Monday, August 10 @8:30!
If you are unsure about any of these items, please read below or call the Grass Valley Office (510-636-4653)!
What can I expect in the first 2 weeks of school?
August 5-7: In person registration takes place at Grass Valley (10a-3p, Thursday until 5p). If you need to complete registration/get a Chromebook, please plan to join us on one of these days. Remain in your car (park on Dunkirk Ave) and wear a mask!
August 10/11: Kick-off to the new school year! All families will need to stop by Grass Valley to pick up student materials for the first few weeks. Teachers are preparing packets/materials for each student to use during the first two weeks of school.
Grass Valley Community Mural
Background of the GV Mural
Jamila Harris, a parent of a current Kinder student at Grass Valley, has been working this spring to engage our parent community in working with local artist, Keena Romano, to design a mural for our large outdoor cafeterias wall. We are so excited to show our Grass Valley pride and community spirit through this artistic expression.
Vote for your favorite mural design!
On August 10/11 at Grass Valley, you will have the opportunity to vote for the mural design that BEST reflects our school community. Preview the two options below!
Want to showcase your "likeness" on our community mural?
We are looking to showcase the likeness of 4 scholars on our community mural. Any Grass Valley student who is interested in having their likeness showcased on our mural as a representation of the amazing scholars that are a part of this community may work with their family to write a 250 word essay answering "What do you enjoy most about the Grass Valley Community?" Essays are DUE to Ms. Beckner by Friday, September 4.
Option 1
to VOTE!
Option 2
Self Regulating with Toolbox!
We are excited to use Toolbox at Grass Valley!
What is Toolbox?
Toolbox is a social-emotional learning curriculum that supports students in building concrete skills to help them self-regulate when escalated (ie. angry, anxious, disappointed).
What can you do at home to continue working on "self-regulation" with your Eagle?
Continue working with your scholar on understanding the Tools we have reviewed at Grass Valley.
How will my Eagle learn about Toolbox?
All students will participate in Crew Time, which is a small group (4-12) of students and one adult, who meet together to build community and social skills, specifically related to self regulation. These will be important communities of connection for our Eagles this year.
A bit about Ms. Beckner...
Email: casey.beckner@ousd.org
Website: https://www.grassvalleyousd.org/
Location: 4720 Dunkirk Ave, Oakland, CA 94605, USA
Phone: (510) 636-4653
Twitter: @GrassValleyOUSD