Audubon Updates
January 2021 - Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead
Reflecting and Looking Ahead
As I sat in my office to write you all a message last year at this time I could have never imagined the year that was ahead. It was last December that I shared with you that my one word that would guide me through 2020 was the word "Grace." I chose that word before any of us had heard of COVID-19 and well before we saw what it would do to our school, our families, our communities and our world. During this entire year I have seen so many examples of people giving grace. Without grace, this year could have been even harder to manage for so many. In January I look forward to sharing my word that will help guide me through 2021.
I would like to take some time and highlight some of the amazing things that we have accomplished and learned over the past year:
- Since March 13, 2020 we have had to "pivot" so many times a high school basketball coach would be proud of our advanced proficiency at this point.
- We have learned that it is possible to have 20+ kindergarten students on a virtual meeting at the same time and provide meaningful instruction.
- The art of a "celebration parade" has been perfected and we were able to honor our 5th grade and kindergarten students in May with a drive-thru promotion ceremony.
- All it took was a world wide pandemic but we were able to get appropriately technology in every students hands to meet the needs of learning in 2020 and beyond.
- We have added terms like "WebEx, Zoom, and Quarantine" to our normal, every day vocabulary.
- We have come together to help our neighbors and local businesses in need.
- In November our community helped 14 families have a Thanksgiving meal that they would not have had otherwise.
This year has been one that was hard to manage for so many of us. The COVID pandemic has changed all of our lives and how we will ultimately move forward as a society. There have been so many hard parts to 2020 that it is easy to get stuck thinking about those. I get it, many times I find myself stuck in that mindset as well. What I challenge you to do is join me in finding the celebrations for this year that you can hold onto. It does not have to be a big one, but find that things that have made you smile this year and hold onto them.
I hope that you and your families find some happiness during the holiday season however you choose to celebrate. We look forward to continuing to work with our families once we return in January.
Wishing you health and wellness through the holiday season and into the new year!
Sincerely yours,
Aaron Ford
Remote Learning to Start January
- All students start January 6th in remote learning
- In-person learning resumes on January 19th (Tuesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
The return to in-person learning is something that I know many are looking forward to - staff included. We hope that with care over the holiday break that our local health data will improve enough to allow for in-person learning to resume as scheduled on the 19th of January.
Asynchronous Monday Schedule - Continues for Second Semester
This does not mean that days that are already scheduled to be days off or holidays that students will have to engage in asynchronous learning. This only applies to the Monday's that are currently on the district calendar for student learning.
Will You Choose to Stay Remote or Return to In-person?
The first week back we will be sending a survey to hear what your family is planning to do once in-person learning begins again. You will be choosing your learning preference for the remainder of 3rd quarter in mid-March. At that time, if you choose to switch, you will be allowed to do so. Please look for that survey to come out the week of January 4th so that we can prepare appropriately for the correct number of in-person and remote students.
Office Closed During Winter Break
Our office will be closed during winter break from December 19 - January 3. We will re-open the office starting on January 4, 2021. Students will return to learning virtually on January 6, 2021.
In the event of an emergency or other important matter during winter break and you need to contact anyone we would ask that you email Mr. Ford (aaron.ford@d11.org) or reach out to him via Class Dojo. Teachers have been asked to turn off their Class Dojo and call forwarding during this time so they may not be aware of a situation until we return starting in January.
Meal Options - Free For Children of All Ages
Update - Meals will not be served from December 19 - January 5
As a reminder to all families - meals are 100% free of charge to any student and family for the remainder of this school year. This comes from the USDA and is a program that will continue through the end of June.
Box Tops for Education
Technology Support
- Phone: 719-328-2624
- Email: robert.watson@d11.org
- Tech Support Link - Click Here
Mr. Watson is ready and willing to support in any way that he can.
Thank you to everyone. We will get through this together!
Audubon Elementary
Email: aaron.ford@d11.org
Website: www.d11.org/audubon
Location: 2400 East Van Buren Street, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Phone: 719-328-2600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudubonElementary
Twitter: @Audubon_D11