Cunningham Connection
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Welcome Back!
It has been so exciting welcoming your students to the 2020-21 school year. As with all new things, we are learning that some things are going very smoothly, and other things are a bit bumpier than expected. Teaching and learning in the hybrid/remote environment takes some getting used to, and both the adults and the children are learning some brand-new skills. Although the staff had professional development this fall, this week has been our very-first opportunity to practice the new technology with students. We thank families for your patience, your understanding, and your grace as we learn what works and what doesn’t. We recommend that parents and caregivers encourage children to be as independent as possible, allowing them to work directly with their teachers to troubleshoot and problem solve. We want to avoid having parents sit side-by-side with children during online class time. However, if your child becomes frustrated, needs a break, or needs some brief adult support, that is of course, perfectly fine to step in and help until the child is ready to be independent again. We anticipate that things will become more smooth as the weeks go on.
We have included some reminders and updates in this newsletter for your reference. Thanks for a great first week of school!
Dr. Jonathan Redden, Principal
Mrs. Bernadette Butler, Assistant Principal/Curriculum Coordinator
Handbook Sign Off
Once you have reviewed it, you must click this link to acknowledge that you have read the handbook. Thank you for filling out form.
MPS Pre-Screening Health Checklist
The MPS Return to School website has up-to-date information about the safe return to school.
Chromebooks & Importance of Elementary Loan Agreement
In preparation for the distribution of Chromebooks we ask that you review the following documents and sign the Elementary Chromebook Loan Agreement.
Chromebook Care & Use Policy Guide
Elementary 1:1 Digital Learning Manual
Families will have the option of purchasing insurance for their student’s Chromebook. The optional insurance is thirty dollars and will cover any accidental damages to your student’s Chromebook. Here is a link with instructions on how to purchase Optional Chromebook Insurance.
Students will have the option to bring their MPS Chromebook back and forth to school each day. Families who have a device for their student to use at home may choose to leave the MPS Chromebook in school. The new Chromebooks are HP 11A G8 EE devices. If your student will be bringing the device back and forth to school each day you may choose to purchase a sleeve for the Chromebook. There are sleeves available for all budgets. Here is an example from Amazon. All elementary Chromebooks are 11.6”.
If you need tech support please visit the Family Tech Help Center website, or the Tech Bootcamp created this summer for families and students to complete.
Finally, we appreciate your patience through these challenging but exciting times. Have a great and productive school year!
All the best,
The MPS Technology Team
Forms to indicate an expected Absence, Tardy, Early Dismissal, or Permission for Others to Dismiss
Early Dismissal Form, which can also be used to indicate if you'd like other people to dismiss your child(ren).
These can also be found on our Cunningham website.
Introducing Ms. Kantrowitz, our Adjustment Counselor!
Heather has a knack for making connections with students, and providing solutions-focused therapy. She has a positive disposition and it is contagious! We hope you join us in welcoming Ms. Kantrowitz to our Cunningham family.
Diversity Committee
Topic: Diversity/Cultural Committee
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96590451579?pwd=OGtGTmovV0Q2bVIvQmxDR1BQNHdNZz09
Meeting ID: 965 9045 1579
Passcode: K2Lwqm
Again, we plan to share the link to the Diversity Committee meetings through the newsletter so that anyone who is interested in participating can join the meeting. This way, even if you do not think you can commit to each month, you can still participate when it is convenient for you. We are open to new members and new ideas!
Site Council 2020 - 2021
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94620073542?pwd=N2NldGtZTHk1bytON0hNeEhZblNaQT09
Meeting ID: 946 2007 3542
Passcode: 8SxC1v
Virtual Physical Education Materials
Socks (2) pairs
Bucket/laundry basket
jump rope
water bottles (3)
plastic cups (10)
desk of cards
dice
towel/ mat
paper plates (5)
small soft ball
Open House 2020
Reminders About Arrival and Dismissal
After greeting Cunningham students for a week now, we have made some adjustments to arrival and dismissal. See below for updates and reminders:
1. For K-5 students, the doors will be unlocked at 8:05. If your student arrives prior to 8:05, there will not be a staff member available to supervise. Your child can enter through the main doors, the "kindergarten door" (which is between the gym and front doors), or the gym door.
2. If you plan to use the back driveway (rolling car pick up), we ask that you create a sign on a piece of paper that states the children you wish you pick up in large, clear writing. This way, our staff on duty can quickly and safely identify the student(s) you are picking up. Remember, if you are giving permission for your child to be picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian or person on their emergency list, this form must be filled out in advance.
3. If you are picking students up in the back driveway at dismissal, please note that this is a rolling drop off. Adults need to stay in the cars, and students should be buckling themselves. If you need to assist your child, or need to get out of the car, a better pick-up option would be to park and pick up at the gym doors.
MHS Boosters
MHS Boosters are having a great pop up sale! They have some fun MPS gear, and you can find it on their website: https://miltonboosters.orderpromos.com !
Helpful Contacts
Mrs. Bernadette Butler, Assistant Principal/Curriculum Coordinator, bbutler@miltonps.org
Ms. Erica Cadigan, Administrative Assistant, ecadigan@miltonps.org
Ms. Kathy LaPierre, K-5 TEAM Chair, klapierre@miltonps.org
Mrs. Jayme Szymczak, Pre-K TEAM Chair, jszymczak@miltonps.org
Cunningham Phone Number - 617 696 4285 ext. 2012
Do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions!