Maltby Messenger
November 12th Edition
~A message from our Principal~
Dear Maltby Families,
We are almost to the middle of November! The cool evenings and beautiful fall leaves remind us to pause and be thankful for this time of year. As we huddle close and celebrate our family may we take comfort in the joy of this fall season!
If you signed your child up to be tested for highly capable, that test will be given in January. We had hoped to administer this test during November, however to align our rostering with the company that produces the test, it is taking us a bit longer than we planned. Details about the CoGat test for Highly Capable will be forthcoming as we move closer to January.
Have a student coming back for first grade? Please make sure you,”opt-in,” if you would like transportation. If you are choosing car drop, instructions were sent on Monday.
On the Monroe District website, there are instructions as well as a link to the school safety plan. Each school has a safety plan in place which includes social distancing, PPE, and hand washing. As the Covid supervisor for Maltby, I take the safety of each person seriously. Also on our website is the most current information from Snohomish County Health District. Each person is required to fill out an Attestation form upon arrival. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help or clarification. Attestation forms are available on our website, and we have copies available at school.
As students come back to school, the schedule reflects the AA, BB attendance. Students are in one of two groups. If they are in A group, they will attend on Monday and Tuesday. If they are in B group, they will attend on Wednesday and Thursday. The link to the schedule is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OZIAkn3J37oHD-lSrWUci6PtwfYZkqXbkw5CZZvhmJM/edit?usp=sharing
I hope your Veteran’s Day was calm and reflective. We do have a video of pictures produced by our digital learning teacher and filled with pictures and contributions from you. Thank you for sending in pictures and especially, Thank-You to all of our Veterans both past and present.
Have a great weekend!
Fondly,
Bonnie McKerney
MSD Self-Declaration Checklist Attestation Form
Important Letter from our Principal...
Dear Maltby Families,
On Oct. 12th, one month ago, we brought back our kindergarten students to in-person learning. Before their return, we developed an Incident Action Plan (IAP) for bringing back our students with safety protocols. We have done the same thing as we introduce our 1st graders next Monday, November 16th, in groups that will have half the students attending each 1st grade classroom in-person at a time. Please click on this link to see our plan below:
We are excited to welcome back our 1st graders into the building in a hybrid model next week. As a school and a district, we have been working closely with the Snohomish County Health District to prepare for students’ return, making sure that we have multiple layers of safety measures in place in the school and in each classroom. While Covid-19 continues to impact our community, the scientific research is clear that intentional, cohorted, in-person learning is best for our youngest students. The Snohomish County Health District and the WA State Health Department recently discussed in-person learning for elementary students, with their memos linked above.
Our community has had a number of questions surrounding the plans to return students to our building. Superintendent Blasko hosted a Q & A for families earlier this week (click the link for the videorecording). To learn more about Monroe’s plan to move forward with hybrid learning, see our Moving Forward with Stages of In-Person Learning information.
We know there is concern and angst over any decision made. We know there are many benefits to our youngest learners coming back in person. Each family will make the decision that is best for them. Additional safety plans and information is linked at the end of this message. I know it is a lot of information, but I want you to be informed as much as possible. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns that you want to discuss.
Fondly,
Bonnie McKerney
11/10/20: Family Q&A with Dr. Blasko Recording
Masks at recess: CDC Masks Among K12 Students (page 2)
Operational Procedure: COVID-19 Protection Plan for Phase 2 Return to School
DELAYED: Highly Capable Program Screening
Student Pick-up/Drop-off Procedures:
Attention Parents/Guardians:
In anticipation of 1st graders returning to school November 16th, please read the information below. If you have any questions, contact the office (360)804-3500.
If your child is CAR DROP:
-It is helpful if your child’s car seat is on the passenger side of the car.
-Please STAY IN YOUR CAR, if your child needs to be buckled, once loaded, please pull beyond the dumpsters and buckle them in.
-Cars will wait in a single line. Please do not pull around.
-Parents will pull up to a cone (red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple)
-Our staff will monitor your child by the waiting wall until their name is called to go to a cone and load.
-Parents PLEASE do not have your child run across the parking lot or crosswalk.
If your child is a WALKER:
-Please come to the Parent Pick Up area located on the side of the gym near the black iron gate.
Thank you for helping us keep your children safe!!
Maltby Mustangs Family Cookbook...
https://read.bookcreator.com/e5PTQrMtFFTCu9GDuuzSp5bW2Gm2/3KHkg_ppT5mBkaoOG3GC1Q
Transportation Opt-In for In-Person Learning
It will not be assumed that all MSD students desire transportation, so they will not be routed unless they opt in. With the unusual circumstances this year, it is crucial to get a handle on our numbers well in advance of in person school.
Transportation is working diligently to provide transportation to all that "opt in" through the district site, however we are finding that the numbers opting in are far lower than what we have been hearing verbally.
Please follow the link to opt your children in EACH student needing transportation needs to be input individually. This helps us establish an efficient route with an appropriate number of students.
https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/departments/transportation/transportation-request-form
Thank you for partnering with us in serving our MSD families...we deeply appreciate it!!
New Opt-OUT Procedure for Student Use of Online Resources
This year, we have made a change in our procedure for our students’ use of technology, Internet, and online digital resources. In prior years, all parents have been asked to sign an Online Digital Resources Student Permission form to allow their student to use our approved online resources while at school. This has become a tedious process for both parents and staff, and we feel by changing the procedure to an opt-OUT, we can make this process easier for all.
Starting this school year, the new procedure requires parents to sign a form only if they would like to opt their student OUT of having access to the Internet, Google Suite for Education, online curriculum services, and other online applications and services that have been selected for use by the District, the child’s school, or the child’s teacher.
If a parent/guardian wishes to deny their student access to the above referenced resources, they will need to fill out the Opt-Out form located on the district website. Because of the essential nature of digital resources in the classroom, if a parent wishes to opt out their student, they will also need to schedule an appointment with the building administrator of their child’s school to discuss the request.
If opt-out documentation is not on file, it will be assumed that permission has been granted for access to the Internet, Google Suite for Education, online curriculum services, and other online applications and services that have been selected for use by the District, your child’s school, or your child’s teacher. Please refer to our website for a list of district approved online resources.
We hope this new procedure will be easier for our families each school year. If you have any questions, please contact DeAnn Hermes via email (hermesd@monroe.wednet.edu).
Monroe School District is HIRING
Monroe School District is currently hiring for Substitute Paraeducators. Due to our immediate need for Paraeducator Subs we are temporarily waiving our regular educational requirement of 72 college level credits or passed ParaProTest. Job requirements are; A sincere interest in helping children of all ages succeed in a safe and healthy school environment. If you are interested in applying to be a Substitute Paraeducator please apply online at https://monroejobs.hrmplus.net/
Applicants will be screened and interviews will take place via Zoom. Please note that the waiver of the educational requirements ONLY applies to the Substitute Paraeducator job position and not to any contracted Paraeducator jobs.
Questions?! Reach out to Annadea Olsen at olsena@monroe.wednet.edu
Learning Assistance Program
Our Maltby Intervention Team has begun serving students in the Learning Assistance Program (LAP), offering support in reading and writing. Your child may have been invited to special Zoom meetings with Jeannette VanDuine, Shae Hill, Jacque Hunt, Jennifer Russell or Becky Baker. Some groups meet Monday through Thursday and others less frequently. In some classrooms LAP support for reading and writing may happen during part of the classroom teacher's regular program in a breakout room or with a shared lesson. This LAP time gives students a chance to get individual attention at their current skill level and also work on grade level tasks for their classroom. Your child's classroom teacher can answer specific questions you may have about our program. In addition, Becky Baker ELL/LAP Intervention Specialist, can provide additional information.
Becky Baker
ELL/LAP Specialist
Maltby Elementary School
From the Desk of Nurse Joy...
Dear Maltby Parents,
We wanted to inform you of the health guidelines our Health Room Staff will be following to screen children for COVID-19 who are either presently at school or who will be attending in person school at a future date. We have provided the flow sheet of this screening for your review and reference.
The district is following guidelines for COVID Screening from the Snohomish Health District. If a child has one of the symptoms listed or more, they will go to a separate room with a health room staff member while the parent is being contacted to pick the child up. Please make sure you have provided a local emergency contact person and phone number in the event we cannot reach you. We will wait 30” before calling the emergency contact.
Please review the attached Screening Tool paying close attention to the box in the lower right corner which explains when the child can return to school. Please note that if your child does not get a COVID test, they will need to wait 10 days from the time the symptom(s) started and at least 24 hrs. after a fever has resolved before they can return. The Snohomish Health District has informed us that they provide COVID testing if you cannot get one from your local medical provider.
We are working to ensure that all children at Maltby stay healthy and safe! Thank-you for your understanding and cooperation.
The public health recommendation is that children receive a flu vaccine this season as an extra protection to their immune status!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Joy Good RN BSN
Maltby Certificated School Nurse
360-804-3170
From our Counselor, Mrs. Gronwall...
Hello Parents/Guardians,
We would like to show students all the career possibilities at their fingertips. Can you help?
Please take a less than 5 min video to tell us about your career and show you in your work site.
Things to include:
- Job Title
- What is a day like in your career.
- What kind of schooling you needed
- What you love about your career.
You could record on your cell phone if you have one and send a downloadable video file. You can also use this flipgrid to record with your gmail account: https://flipgrid.com/c8493301
Please send your videos to gronwallg@monroe.wednet.edu
Thank you,
Mrs. Gronwall
Distance learning is difficult for everyone, including parents, so I would like us to connect via Zoom.
I will be offering a parent support group on Tuesdays from 3-4 pm and 8-9 pm starting November 10th, using my personal zoom link. Each group will meet for 6 weeks to provide time for us to learn how to support each other. Please contact me using email gronwallg@monroe.wednet.edu. Please include your phone number so I can call you back from home.
Please use my virtual counseling office link located down below. There are recorded read aloud stories, activities for the kids, and other resources.
Gail R. Gronwall
School Counselor Maltby Elementary
360-804-3533
Yearbook Snap...
As with all things in 2020, being creative is how we continue to keep moving forward during these unusual times. Creating a yearbook for our students is no exception! The Maltby Elementary yearbook team needs YOUR help by submitting your photos via the yearbook snap app. Continue reading below for further instructions on how to submit photos for consideration.
Two ways to submit your photos to the yearbook staff:
- Download the Yearbook Snap mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, and enter our access code: mustangs (case sensitive)
- Go to yearbookforever.com, enter Maltby Elementary, click on Community Upload/Yearbook Snap and enter our access code: mustangs (case sensitive)
Don't miss out on being a part of this historic yearbook!
If you have any questions about the yearbook or encounter any problems submitting photos feel free to contact the Maltby Elementary Yearbook Advisor: Stacie Birk via email: birks@monroe.wednet.edu.
MSD Help for Families in Need
Hello Monroe School District Families ~
Many of our families and students in Monroe experience homelessness. In order to best serve our community and provide for those in need, we are asking families or unaccompanied students to complete a survey inquiring about housing assistance and needs. If you currently rent or own your home, it is unnecessary to complete the survey. If, however, you are living with friends or family due to job loss or economic hardship, then please do let us know. There are services available to you and your family that we can help you with.
Find the survey here: https://forms.gle/qMDnR6Rc2QtEkKzv9
In community,
Chris Cronas
Director of Categorical Programs
Monroe School District
Changes During Distance Learning
Library Check-Out
Free Lunch Distribution:
We are excited to announce that we are expanding our free meal program to include an option for a free, pre-order, weekly meal kit! Starting October 28, 2020 school meal kits will be distributed every Wednesday.
Moving forward, order cut off will be Fridays at 8 a.m., prior to the pick up week. Meals will be picked up at Monroe High School (17001 Tester Road, Monroe) between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. each Wednesday. Each kit will include five days worth of breakfasts and five days worth of lunches. Each meal will include a fruit, vegetable and milk. Milk will be provided in 1/2 gallon plus 2 - 8oz cartons. You can pre-order your meal kits here.
Note: due to the Veterans Day holiday on Wednesday, November 11, meal kits will be picked up on Thursday, November 12 at Monroe High School that week.
Free meals will continue to be provided at all elementary schools and Monroe High School daily, from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. It is important to note that duplicate meals are not allowed in the free meal program. Please choose to pick up a meal kit or meals daily, not both.
We also strongly encourage all parents/guardians to submit a free and reduced lunch meal application to qualify you for free internet. Completing an application takes less than 10 minutes, and families only need to complete one application.
Meal Applications can be found on our website and can be submitted in-person or online here. Once you submit an application, you will receive a notice in the mail as to whether your child/children can receive free or reduced-price meals. If approved, your letter can help you access the K-12 Internet Access Program. Every eligible form that is not submitted means lost resources for your family and our schools.
Food Pantry at Maltby...
The Maltby Food Bank in partnership with the Monroe Public Schools Foundation has created a Food Pantry at Maltby Elementary. It will be open every Thursday during the lunch pick-up time 11:30-1:30 pm in the car drop area to the east of the school. Items available include: Peanut butter, Beef stew pouches, black and pinto beans, crackers, snack items, macaroni and cheese, canned chicken and canned vegetables.
If you have any questions please contact Kathy Jackson at jacksonka@monroe.wednet.edu
Free and Reduced Lunch and Discounted Internet
While we are currently offering FREE breakfast and lunch to all students, the funding for this program has been extended through June 2021. We know that each year many of our families qualify for free or reduced price meals and it is very important that families who may qualify fill out the annual application in order to receive free or reduced price meals for the remainder of the school year.
If you qualify for free or reduced price meals, you may also be eligible to receive free internet service at your home. If you qualify for the free or reduced price meal program, you will receive a letter of approval. Once you have this letter, and if you are interested in the free Internet Access Program from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), please contact Brenda Hunt at: huntb@monroe.wednet.edu or 360.804.2500 (English) and Olga Flores at: floreso@monroe.wednet.edu or 360.804.2570 (Spanish) to receive the name of the internet provider and the offer/promo code to sign up for free internet. You can find more information on OSPI’s internet program here.
Maltby Food Bank
WAYS TO DONATE
Amazon Smiles
Do you shop at Amazon? Did you know that you can help our school by shopping through AmazonSmile?
We have an account that each time you purchase on the site, our school will earn 0.5% of funds back on your purchase!
Charity Name: Maltby Parent Teacher Organization
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
Benevity
Does your company partner with Benevity to give back? Did you know that you can choose our school to receive funds?
Search for MALTBY PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION , our unique ID # 911126130
Important Upcoming Dates!
November 16 ~ 1st Grade returns to In-Person Learning (8:55 AM-12 PM)
November 23 ~ School Board Meeting @ 6 PM
November 26-27 ~ Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
December 7 ~ School Board Meeting @ 6 PM
December 21-Jan 1 ~ Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)
TRANSLATE THIS NEWSLETTER
We are so excited to be using Smore for our school newsletter this year! Our newsletter will be delivered directly to your email inbox and can be translated to any language in three easy steps:
When you receive the school newsletter in your email inbox, open the email and click on the title in the newsletter to open it in Smore.
Once in Smore, scroll to the very bottom of the newsletter. Above the red word ‘Report’ you will see the word ‘Translate’. Click ‘Translate’.
Next, select your preferred language in the drop-down menu and the newsletter will automatically translate to the language you chose.
About Us
Principal
Bonnie McKerney
Counselor
Gail Gronwall
Office Manager
Junelle Lewis
lewisj@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Support
Jamie Porter
Health Room
HR Assistant
Becky Urstad
Nurse
Joy Good
360-804-2984
Family Engagement Liaison
Kathy Jackson
Fax ~ 360-804-3599
Health Room ~ 360-804-3532
Attendance Hotline ~ 360-804-3501
Bus Delay Information ~ 360-804-2951
Transportation Office ~ 360-804-2650
School Hours: 8:55 am-3:25 pm (Monday-Thursday)
8:55 am-2:25 pm (Fridays)
Email: maltbyelementary@monroe.wednet.edu
Website: https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/mbe
Location: Maltby Elementary School, 212th Street Southeast, Snohomish, WA, USA
Phone: 360-804-3500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Maltby-Elementary-School-153985141874072/
Twitter: @monroewaschools
About US
Principal
Jennifer Murphy
Email: MVLAelementary@monroe.wednet.edu
Website: https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/schools/monroe-virtual-learning-academy
Phone: 360-804-4900
Twitter: @monroewaschools
MSD Notice of Non-Discrimination
Monroe School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator: Joanne Dickinson and Title IX Coordinator, 360-804-2539, dickinsonj@monroe.wednet.edu; and 504 Coordinator: David Paratore, 360-804-2609, paratored@monroe.wednet.edu. Address: 14692 179th Ave. SE, Monroe, WA 98272.