May Newsletter
May 2020
A Note from the Principal
Hello Orion Families,
As I am able to reflect from a distance on our Orion community and this past year. This year has been full of change for all of us. The end of the school year also brings about additional changes. This include moving teachers into new roles to expand their professional development, welcoming new teachers into our community, and saying goodbye to some of our staff. At the end of each school year, we also say goodbye to some of our families as their children move up to middle school. We also recognize and say goodbye to students in PCS transitions to enjoy new communities.
While we feel sad to no longer see students every day at Orion, we are also joyful for the new adventures awaiting! We truly hope that our families have enjoyed the time spent at Orion. During my time of reflection, I have also been considering the year to come. At the end of each year, we also prepare to welcome new families to Orion. As we continue to grow in this way, we want to preserve the feeling of a tight community.
One of our biggest goals this coming year is to focus on COMMUNITY--how to continue to create and nurture a feeling of closeness, connectedness and support amongst our families at Orion. We have many new ideas in mind to achieve this goal and also welcome any of your ideas and suggestions towards this end.
Farewell to the 2019-2020 school year! Students you are encouraged to finish strong! Orion’s staff truly misses your presence and are looking forward to when we are back together again. Looking forward, we welcome new growth and inspiration in the coming year full of laughter and learning.
Hugs and gratitude,
Principal Cheathon
Highlights of Distance Learning
- Our teachers are supporting lessons that align with state standards through the online Canvas model. While some of the options will include online resources, most will only require the materials you commonly have in your home. Optional activities will be added to provide you with resources that go beyond the essential curriculum.
- Specialist also have pages on our Canvas site offering extended/enriched activities.
- Many activities and lessons may be completed online. Paper/pencil activities can still be requested. Those students who do not have internet access can explore options offered by the teacher. Teachers will be available to support you and answer any questions by holding virtual “office hours.” Office hours will be posted on their Canvas site that you are able to access through Clever on the ASD website.
- Teachers will also be touching base with families on a regular basis to continue to grow their relationship with students and to check on their progress.
- Grading: We do not want to overwhelm you or your children during this stressful period; therefore, all activities are optional and non graded.
- We want to support your child’s learning while also balancing personal responsibility and accountability while students are at home.
- There may be opportunities for additional summer support for learning. Please stay tuned for more information.
Notes from Nurse Wurm
April Showers Bring May Flowers
I’m hoping this will be true and the “flowers” we will see are healthy students and families, a reduction in cases of Covid19 and a return to a more “normal” lifestyle.
A few details for next school year; asthma, allergy and other care plans need to be renewed for each school year. All medications given at school need appropriate doctors orders.
Forms can be found at https://www.asdk12.org/domain/1216
Keep up with thorough and frequent hand washing and social distancing, enjoy the sun and warmer temps.
I wish you all a wonderful Alaskan summer. See you in the fall.
Mrs. Wurm, RN
Orion School Nurse
Counselor's Corner
Students and parents,
Here are some Social-Emotional Learning Resources for you to use.
I miss you and hope to see during your next SEL Zoom lesson!!
Be Mindful
For Parents: Tips for Calming
For Kids: Breathing Exercises with Mindyeti
Build Resilience
For Parents: Building Your Resilience
For Kids: Don't Let Things Get You Down
Beat the Boredom Blues
For Kids: Make a Colorful Spinner With String and Cardboard
For Parents: Dealing With Boredom
Mrs. Bise
Orion Elementary
School Counselor
Orion Lions,
I LOVE being your PE teacher! You are the best students in the whole, wide world! We had SO much fun in PE class this year, didn't we!?
For these final weeks of school, let's keep having fun in our ZOOM meetings. We will have a VIRTUAL FIELD DAY all together as a school on Thursday, May 21st. Your teachers will tell you more about this soon!
Once we finish our school year, please have a SUPER fun summer. Stay safe, be active, and have fun!
With Love,
Coach Howard
Karen Howard, M.Ed
Physical Education Teacher
Orion Elementary School