Tornado Times
News From John Tuck Elementary (June 2020)
Principal's Message
Dear John Tuck Community,
It is with deep appreciation that I write to you for the final time this school year. The year began with a bang as we kicked off "The Year of the Rock Star" with our students and staff. The momentum grew as relationships were nurtured, community events were held and students gained confidence in their unlimited potential. Insert Covid-19, a scenario which held no regard for the way we all wanted things to go and threw our world into a whole new way of operating. Through it all, the one thing that has kept me grounded is finding a laser focus on making the best of every scenario and being flexible to meet the daily changes in needs. Our students have remained our priority and despite the overwhelming odds, we have continued to build relationships and find unique ways to help students engage in their learning. Has it been ideal? Not by a long shot, but it has taught us much and we have become stronger because of it.
It is my greatest hope that we can return to some semblance of normal this upcoming Fall, but I encourage us all to be prepared to think flexibly and differently about what school will look like until a vaccine has been developed for Covid-19. Regardless, Tornados are strong, courageous and have a can-do attitude. We will look to find the best possible outcomes possible within the guidelines the State of Oregon gives us. Thank you for being a strong partner to help us support each and every child.
A special shout out to our 5th graders who will be heading off to middle school next year. This year's 5th grade class demonstrated tremendous leadership and pride. Many of the students were with us since kindergarten and will leave behind a legacy of wonderful memories. We are so very proud of each of you and John Tuck will forever be your home!
We encourage all students to continue with a learning routine this summer. Both the iReady and Lexia online learning programs will be available for student use through July 31st. We recommend 45-60 minutes of each, each week. In addition, we highly recommend 30 minutes of reading per day and 3-4 days per week of math fact practice. Links to resources will be available on the EngageRedmond website and your teachers will be available with recommendations through July 12th.
A huge thank you to the John Tuck PTO and especially Amy Stancliff and Michele Hyde, two PTO board members who have served diligently the past several years and have brought such joy and opportunity to our school through various events and fundraising.
I wish you all an amazing summer. It is my greatest hope that I will see each and everyone of you this upcoming September!
Yours in Service,
Dusty Porter
Principal, John Tuck Elementary - Go Tornados!
End of Year Virtual Events
John Tuck 5th Grade Talent Show
Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
Youtube link* will be emailed to you soon.
End of Year Slideshow
Wednesday, June 10th at 6:00 p.m.
Youtube link* will be emailed to you soon.
*These will not be public showings and will only be available to those with a link.
News From F.A.N.
I hope you’re all continuing to stay healthy and safe as we head into summer. For the
remainder of this school year, I’ll be available to assist you with FAN services by email at jennifer.summerton@redmondschools.org or by text at (541) 728-2754 (text-only line).
From June 15-August 28, there will be very limited FAN services available. If you
need assistance with referrals to resources during this time, please email Raquel Hernandez
on Monday or Wednesday ONLY at raquel.hernandez@bend.k12.or.us or text her at
(541) 224-7188.
If your student is in need of school supplies for the 2020-2021 school year, please email me prior to school re-opening to schedule a time to pick up school supplies.
Please note: the “grab and go” food distributed by RSD Nutrition Services at Redmond High School will continue each weekday from 9:00-10:30am throughout the summer. Each Thursday, Jericho Road will be distributing a limited number of weekend food backpacks, first-come-first-served, at the same location beginning at 9:00am.
Here are some other general resources you might find helpful:
https://www.deschutesunitedway.org/get-help/
http://redmond.k12.or.us/covid-19-resources/
https://familyaccessnetwork.org/resources
Have a great summer and stay safe!
Jennifer Summerton
FAN Advocate
New From the Tornado Library
To celebrate the joy of reading and develop our reading skills and stamina during this summer we invite you to join the online Summer Reading Program at the Deschutes Public Library, to access the JT Library homepage and catalog to find great online reading resources, and also to participate in our Extreme Reading Photo Competition.
Students and their family members, and staff: All we need from you is a photo of you reading in an unusual and interesting place. All entries will form part of a whole school display and three of the most extreme will win a prize. To submit your entry, you can email your photo to Ms. Pia at pia.alliende@redmondschools.org ensuring the subject of the email is entitled Extreme Reading Summer 2020. We will be posting all summer long the photos we receive at our John Tuck Tornados Instagram account @johntucktornados. Make sure to follow and tag us and use the hashtag #tornadosread2020 so we can see and share your photos! You can also send us your photos through Instagram messaging. Here you can see some examples of extreme reading photos to get you inspired. We can't wait to catch you reading and receive photos of Tornados reading the entire summer!
Let's keep reading all summer long in extreme, unusual, interesting (but safe) places!
Order Spirit Wear For Next School Year
John Tuck Spirit Wear is on sale now for Tuck Tornados to wear when we return to school this fall.
Please print the attached order form and return with a check to:
John Tuck Elementary School
209 NW 10th Street
Redmond, OR 97756
Orders will be placed at the end of August and will be delivered to students at school by mid September.
Go Tornados!
Community Resources
Deschutes County Health
Deschutes County Health Services is continuing to provide services and resources for families during this time. Please visit their website below.