Valhalla Elementary Updates 8.3.20
From Principal Keck
A letter to our Viking Families....
Happy Summer Families,
MDUSD announced it will be starting the school year with distance learning on Monday, August 17, 2020. I know this is not ideal for anyone, but our staff has been working hard and collaborating to ensure our Kindness Warriors have the best possible experience. Teachers are prepared to support your child to the fullest. While details of our daily schedule are not complete yet, please know we have your students social and academic needs at heart. Please check out the 7/30/20 reopening plan link below.
Reopening Plan for MDUSD
Click here for our Preliminary Reopening Plan
.
Superintendent's Friday Letter
Our Friday Letter has arrived, with the following headlines:
Key Elements and Dates for our Reopening Plan
Thoughts and Encouragement From Board Member Joanne Durkee
Partnerships for Good: Feeding our Community
Thank you for your patience as we work to navigate new uncharted waters...together.
Lisa
Lisa Keck
Principal
Valhalla Elementary
Communication- Sign up for KONSTELLA
Our school uses Konstella messages, automated phone calls and emails, our school website, and several social media accounts ( Twitter for School and, Facebook for parents of specific grade levels) to keep you connected. Be sure to follow us and check these areas often for updates. If you or someone you know is not receiving the newsletter, please email me. If you have not signed up for Konstella, please do so now.
If you have not already signed up for KONSTELLA, please do so right now.
With Konstella you are able to tailor the notifications to meet your personal needs.
https://www.konstella.com/cd/PM1ZTV
You may also download the Konstella App on your Smartphone and enter the code PM1ZTV
Please, do not place your child into a class UNTIL you are given their teacher assignment. Instead when you sign on, please sign up as a parent and add your contact information. You can make necessary adjustments once you know who your child’s teacher is.
Distance Learning
Instructional Supplies for Distance Learning
Each grade level has created a suggested at-home supply list to help students succeed during distance learning. These lists will be found in the instructional materials bag that you receive at our “Drive Through All-In-One Day” If you are unable to provide these materials, please let your teacher know after All-In-One Day and we will gather materials for you.
Remember to help your child prepare for online instruction by getting dressed before school, creating a workstation where they can focus and study (bedroom, desk area, kitchen table, quiet outside space) In this workstation, students will keep their learning supplies, Chromebooks, textbooks and workbooks. We know there is a big learning curve for everyone and we are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or your teachers with concerns.
Important and Timely Survey
Timely Survey- All Families to fill out please!
Wi-Fi Inventory and Chromebook Reservation- Valhalla Specific Survey
ALL families are to complete the form below so we may gather information on:
Who may or may not have internet access.
Who needs to borrow a device. This will allow us to prepare enough devices to lend out based on family need. Reserved Chromebooks will be available for pick up during All-In-One Day Drive-Through on Aug 13 and/or Aug 14th.
Important: You will be responsible for this equipment until the return date. To AVOID ANY FINE ($150), we ask you to please keep your assigned Chromebook and charger in a safe place as you will be responsible if the Chromebook it is damaged or lost.
Valhalla Wi-Fi Inventory and Reservation Survey -Click Here!
Valhalla's All In One Day Drive-Through- August 13th /14th
All-In-One Day- Drive Through
Thursday August 13, 2020
TK/K- 8:30-10:00
1st 10:00-11:30
2nd 11:30-1:00
Friday August 14, 2020
3rd 8:30-10:00
4th 10:00-11:30
5th 11:30-1:00
New this year: Families need to verify their information via Homelink. Click here to be directed to Homelink Portal. Click HERE for directions on how to sign up. If you are a current Valhalla family, you received your Homelink login information at last year’s All-In-One walk through. If you are a new family, please contact the office for your log-in information. Upon completion of your Homelink verification, you must print out your student emergency card, sign and date it and bring it to us at All-in-One drive through. Families will then receive classroom materials such as Chromebooks, textbooks, workbooks and other essential Instructional materials for at home learning. All people on campus must be prepared to follow all county social distance protocols. Wear your mask and remain in your car. Please open trunk to limit in-person contact while we give you your materials. We look forward to seeing you and your child on our Drive-through All-In-One day. Parents will receive class assignments once all documents are provided.
For All-In-One Day Please bring....
Print out the “Universal Form” that Homelink generates for you. Read agreement with your student. Have student and parent sign form.
*Print, sign and date Student Emergency Card BEFORE coming to Valhalla for All-In-One day via Homelink account (call office for questions regarding access)
If Checking out a Chromebook, please print and fill out form below with your student’s name and Parent signature as the office will fill out the remaining portion.
Chromebook device check-out form- English
Chromebook device check-out form -Spanish
Please note- New address? Please come to the office to provide address verification PRIOR to All-In-One Day (payroll stub, car registration, lease/mortgage agreement)
Parent Education
This year our school will use SeeSaw and Google Classroom for our distance learning platform. Please watch these short clips to orient yourself to the platforms your students will be using.
Students and teachers will be interacting via Google Meet or Zoom according to preference. Your teacher will be in touch with information about how to log on once school officially begins.
Grades 3-5 Google Classroom Tutorial for Parents
Grades Tk-2 Seesaw Tutorial for Parents
RECEIVE IMPORTANT INFORMATION VIA TEXT MESSAGE
Click on image to enlarge it below.
Food Services Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions...
Q. How will music and library work during Distance Learning?
A. This is being considered at this time. Our MDUSD Board of Education will be making decisions about schedules and classes in the coming days/weeks.
Q. Will students have live instruction and a daily schedule during Distance Learning?
A. Yes. The exact details for these things are still a work in progress, but you can expect your child to have live instruction and interaction every day based on a consistent schedule. We are creating a schedule that ensures students have an age appropriate amount of screen time and independent written practice. Daily schedules will have a variety of learning on and off line.
Q. Will students receive grades?
A. Yes. The grading system will return.
Q. How will attendance work during Distance Learning?
A. This is still being worked out, but students will be expected to attend online classes and their attendance will be tracked.
Q. When will the office open?
A. The school office is open as of Monday August 3rd 8am- 4pm.
You may call our office at 687-1700 to speak to Melissa Pratchard, Secretary and/or Nadine Pence, Office manager.
Follow us on Twitter
Email: keckl@mdusd.org
Website: https://ves-mdusd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Location: 530 Kiki Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
Phone: 925-687-1700
Twitter: @VikingPridePH