THE PARKER WEEKLY PREVIEW
Week of September 21, 2020
Brought to you by, Richele Shankland, Principal
How to Translate this Newsletter
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A Message from Principal Shankland
It was really invigorating to have students and staff in the building this week! The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the school and my heart. Students met their teachers, did some troubleshooting with technology for anyone who needed it and had an opportunity to get familiar with what school will be like when they come in hybrid. When students were not in orientation, they were following their schedule and attending classes. At this point, hopefully everyone is in a routine of going to their HR/Advisory Google Classroom, clicking on their schedule and then following the links through their day starting with HR/Advisory at 8:00 am.
As we make plans to eventually move to a hybrid schedule in October, the only differences will be:
- During in-person week, homeroom starts at 7:50 am (instead of 8:00 am).
- During in-person week, students arrive between 7:35-7:45 am.
- Students will be allowed in the building at 7:35 am and go directly to their homeroom unless they are taking their instrument to the band room or getting breakfast.
- Students may leave their assigned rooms for mask breaks (when the weather allows), lunch, PE, ABC, IEP services, reading support, and counseling.
- Band/chorus and PE will be outside, weather permitting.
- During remote week, specials do NOT meet. They only meet in-person. Those times in the schedule are to finish asynchronous work for core content classes. (Specials include: STEAM (Math+), Reading+, ABC, Music, Instrumentals, Comp Sci, Fin Lit, Health, PE)
Otherwise, students follow the same schedule as they have during remote learning. With our current schedule, we are ready to move between remote and hybrid models pretty seamlessly.
I would like to thank our staff and custodians for working so hard to prepare for our successful first days of school. We had a very smooth start to the year regardless of the current situation and I've appreciated hearing such positive feedback from families. I would also like to thank families for supporting students as they have navigated these first days. I acknowledge this has been a collaborative effort and I am very much appreciative of that.
Have a great week!
Richele Shankland
The Week Ahead
Week A (Districtwide)
Students can refer to their A Week Schedule again but in order to run our full rotation that we started from last week, ON FRIDAY, we will have students follow their B Week Friday classes - check their Tues/Thurs specials for asynchronous work. Specials include: STEAM (Math+), Reading+, Comp Sci, Fin Lit, ABC, Health, and PE.
Students who are in the building full time should arrive to school daily by 7:45 in order to be ready for homeroom/advisory at 8:00. Please enter through the main entrance. Breakfast and lunch are available at NO COST to all.
Re-entry Procedures (document created by committee of staff, parents, students, admin)
Monday, Sept 21 - Thursday, Sept 24:
- Second week of school!
- Students can find their schedules in their HR/ADV Google Classroom
- Click on the Zoom link for HR/ADV to start your day promptly at 8:00 am everyday.
Friday, Sept 25:
8:00 AM - Join your homeroom via the Zoom link on your schedule.
Eventhough it's an A Week districtwide, check T/Th specials for activities/assignments on Google Classroom.
From 12:00-12:30, have lunch.
From 12:30-2:30 complete assignments from the morning and T/Th special activities/assignments.
Absences, Dismissals & Permissions Forms
Permissions/Forms
The 20-21 FORMS are now available on PlusPortals under FORMS. There are 2 forms for you to complete (you MUST complete one for each child – even if they are at the same school)
- Pupil Information (Only PG#1 will receive this Form)
- Contact update (All listed contacts will receive this form)
To access these forms – login to PlusPortal and go to the FORMS tab
Attendance
Whether hybrid, remote, or full in person, we need to officially hear from parents if their child will be absent, tardy, or dismissed for the day. Please follow normal protocols for reporting, which are:- Calling the main office (781-944-1236) and choosing the absentee line OR
- Emailing Diane Finigan (diane.finigan@reading.k12.ma.us).
- Optional: email your child's team leader AS WELL as one of the two reporting methods above so that the team has a heads up and isn't looking for or waiting for your child.
- If dismissing your child, please be sure to call or email when your child returns to their remote learning.
Who to ask for help
Team-Related Questions
Week A In Person/ Cohort A
- Team Merrill (6) - julie.merrill@reading.k12.ma.us
- Team Costa (7) - jane.costa@reading.k12.ma.us
- Team Olivo (8) - stephen.olivo@reading.k12.ma.us
Week B In Person/ Cohort B
- Team McCabe (6) - kristopher.mccabe@reading.k12.ma.us
- Team Peterson (7) - kimberly.peterson@reading.k12.ma.us
- Team James (8) - brian.james@reading.k12.ma.us
Technology-Related Questions
Teachers and students may run into some tech challenges, and often these are out of our control.
- If you think a tech issue may be a class-specific issue (link, for example), please email the teacher directly.
- If there is a technology issue with a district-owned device, please email: help.desk@reading.k12.ma.us. Your request will be assigned to a district tech specialist.
- If there are any password issues, please remind your child that they have created a list of passwords, which should exist both online and in their agendas. They should refer to these to double check that they are using the correct one. If the password still does not work, please email Meg Powers (meg.powers@reading.k12.ma.us)
Office
Health Office: Nurse Kate Shmulsky (kate.shmulsky@reading.k12.ma.us)
Special Ed Team Chair: Leander Corman (leander.corman@reading.k12.ma.us)
Admins: Richele Shankland (Principal) and Brendan Norton (Asst. Principal)
PTO Update
Please note the confirmed date for the first Parker PTO meeting is WEDNESDAY October 7th at 7pm. Please feel free to join from the comfort of your own home! Zoom link will be provided. Please be sure to mail in, drop off or use the Paypal link for your PTO familiy contribution. See the PTO Welcome Letter HERE.
Prior to moving into the hybrid model, we will be reaching out for donations via a sign up genius. We will be looking for the following items, so keep this in mind when shopping during upcoming weeks: paper towels, alcohol and/or baby wipes, tissues (boxes and individual size packages). For the wipes, please be sure they are fragrance free. Any donations will be appreciated - stay tuned for the sign up!
Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff and PTO!
Cell Phones
2020-2021 School Supplies
When we created the School Supply list last spring, we certainly didn't anticipate that we would be returning to school in a remote or hybrid model. While the list is still a great list (see below), there are some additional things to think about:
- Students who are in-person full time should bring their own headphones. If they don't have them, we will supply them, but typically students like their own that they are comfortable with. Headsets or earbuds with a microphone are recommended for all students, as they eliminate noise/ distraction when attending remote meetings; the microphones also improve sound quality.
- When remote, students may choose to get materials as needed.
- Art supplies for home! https://sites.google.com/view/roppleparkerart2020/supplies
- For future planning...When hybrid, students will NOT have lockers to start the year to reduce congestion in the hallways. Students will therefore go directly to their assigned classroom with their backpacks, and will have access to their backpacks all day.
- When hybrid, each subgroup will have a pre-assigned classroom that will be their home base. I strongly suggest that each student keep a pencil bag or small plastic box of supplies in the classroom so that they always have what they need (rather than carrying it home each day). This should be labeled with the child's name.
Please note: Students do NOT have to order the brands listed if shopping on their own.
Introduction to Parker Guidance Staff
The Role of Middle School Psychologists/ Counselors
- Middle school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self- management, and social skills.
- Middle school counselors do not work in isolation, rather they are integral to the total education program.
- Middle school counselors collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning, and developing skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement.
- Direct counseling services include instruction and support.
- Indirect services include consultation, collaboration, and referrals.
Accessing the Psychologists
Dr. Kimberly Bernazzani
kimberly.bernazzani@reading.k12.ma.us
Parker number 781-944-1236 X 319
Mrs. Ann Ozanian
Parker number 781-944-1236 x 318
Google voice number (during remote times) 978-276-4311
Office hours available for in-person/virtual meetings with students, parents and/or staff.
Contact school psychologist to schedule meetings.
From the Health Office
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back! The Covid-19 pandemic has created many new concerns and challenges. As your school nurses, we are committed to providing students and staff with a safe and healthy learning environment. Please take a few minutes to read the important information in this letter as we prepare for this academic year.
School Protocol:
Staff and students must wear masks/face coverings. Specific time will be allotted by teachers for mask breaks during the day; these times will be physically distanced and follow safety protocols
Masks must be 2-ply cloth. Research has shown that the following options do not provide adequate protection so cannot be used: neck fleece, neck gaiters, bandanas, knitted masks, masks with vents.
Please test the fit of your student’s mask. It should cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly over the mouth and chin. It should not gape on the sides. Make sure your child can breathe comfortably wearing their mask.
Practice putting the face mask on and taking it off while avoiding touching the cloth. Help your student recognize the importance of avoiding touching their mask while they are wearing it.
Health Information:
To prevent illness outbreaks, staff and students with any illness must stay home. We will err on the side of caution in our mission to keep everyone healthy and to keep schools open.
Every day before your student leaves home please note any of the following symptoms:
A cough or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
A fever of 100°F or higher or chills
A sore throat or headache
Muscle or body aches
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Congestion/running nose – not related to seasonal allergies
Unusual fatigue
New loss of taste or smell
In addition:
• Has your student been in close contact with anyone with suspected or confirmed Covid-19?
• Has your student had any medication to reduce a fever before coming to school?
The student must stay home from school if the answer to any of the above questions is “yes.” If you are not sure whether your child should stay home, please contact the school nurse to discuss your child’s condition before sending your student to school.
Illness Protocol:
If a child is suspected to be ill with Covid-19 symptoms while at school, the following steps will be taken:
The student will be evaluated by the school nurse
If the nurse’s assessment confirms likely illness with symptoms consistent with Covid-19, the student will be cared for in an isolation area in the building
Parent or guardian will be asked to pick up their student within 30 minutes.
Parent or guardian will be directed to have their student evaluated by a physician and tested if necessary, and will follow guidance for isolation if test is positive. If warranted, contacts of the student will be notified.
If a provider makes an alternative diagnosis, student may return to school following the recommendations for the diagnosis and school protocol.
In order to protect students and staff, it is imperative that there be a timely dismissal plan for all students. Parents must provide a plan that ensures pickup within 30 minutes. Be sure to update all contact information in the parent portal and make updates when it changes.
Start of school information:
We will require all immunizations per the CDC schedule. Additionally, it is required that all students receive an annual flu vaccine by 12/31/2020.
A physical exam with vision and preferably a hearing screening is required for kindergarten entry, and students new to the school. Kindergarten entry also requires a documented lead test.
Please provide documentation for annual physical exams, required in grades 4, 7 and 10.
Documentation of a telehealth visit may be accepted until an in-person appointment can be scheduled.
Telehealth appointments are not accepted as sports physicals.
Back to school preparation:
Please practice hand hygiene at home and talk to your student about the reasons for keeping hands clean. Hand washing will be a routine part of their school day.
Hand sanitizer will be used when it is not possible to wash hands
Label all materials, including your student’s masks, with permanent marker. Send in a labeled container that your student will use to hold their mask during mask breaks and snack/lunch
Students must bring a filled water bottle to school every day.
Special Education Administration: News
Office Hours with Special Education Administration
During the extended closure in the Spring of 2020 office hours were offered to families and we would like to continue to offer virtual office hours with Jennifer Stys, Director of Student Services and Allison Wright, Assistant Director of Student Services. Office hours is a time for individual families to discuss questions and concerns regarding the implementation of their student’s IEP, their progress or to share positive feedback. If you are interested in attending office hours, please sign up for a 15 minute block via the link below. The dates/times of office hours are as follows:
- Friday 9/18, 10-11 am
- Wednesday 9/23 9-10 am
- Tuesday 9/29 2-3 pm
Link to DOODLE Poll for Student Services Office Hours for the month of September
Special Education Support:
If you have any questions about your student’s IEP or services please reach out to our building Team Chairperson, Leander Corman at leander.corman@reading.k12.ma.us.
Reading SEPAC
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is gearing up for a robust year of supporting our kids and building on last year’s increased engagement.
SEPAC and Parent Resources:
The SEPAC will be offering a basic special education rights training on October 13 at 7:00. More information will be coming about this important event.
Connect with SEPAC by clicking these links:
Join SEPAC's mailing list by emailing SEPACREADING@gmail.com
Follow SEPAC on Facebook (please adjust settings so that you are sure to see our posts)
The mission of the Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community.
Food Service: Director, Danielle Collins
While the return to school this fall is not what any of us envisioned, I want to assure you the Reading Schools Food Services is working hard to create a welcoming and safe environment to provide healthy meals for all Reading Public Schools students. We are so excited to provide our students with nourishing and nutritious meals that will support them, both in school and at home.
There will be some significant changes to the Food Service program this fall. The primary one is related to the payment system. In March, when our schools closed because of COVID-19, the USDA (the federal agency that oversees the nation’s school lunch and school breakfast program) allowed all schools in the US to provide meals at no cost to all students and then they extended that provision through the summer. A second extension was announced on August 31st and is set to expire on December 31st or when funds run out. What this means is ALL students will eat for free through this USDA extension period. All students, regardless of eligibility are able to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every academic day until December 31st. We understand the vital importance of providing meals at no cost for all students across our community during this unprecedented time. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has requested that the USDA extend free meals for all students for the entire school year. However, no decision has been made by the USDA.
Families should still submit a household application to determine eligibility for free and reduced price school meals in order to qualify for any additional benefits as well as have a seamless transition when school meals transition to a paid school meal program. Therefore, we strongly encourage families to complete an application for free and reduced priced meals as soon as possible. The application is available to download at Reading.k12.ma.us under Food Services.
In addition, we also encourage families to apply for SNAP benefits. SNAP provides monthly cash benefits (on an EBT card) to purchase groceries for eligible families. To apply for SNAP, visit DTA Connect at https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ or call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Families approved for SNAP are directly eligible to receive free meals at school.
Meal Distribution will be provided each Wednesday from 2:30 – 3:30 pm and Friday from 11 am – 12 noon at the bridge of Reading Memorial High School. Please reach out with any questions you might have. Your children are the reason we love our jobs and we are here to make sure that they are fueled with good food and ready to learn!
After School Opportunities
BOLD
Do you want to learn about female empowerment? Join BOLD.
Using media literacy and mentorship we will empower girls to use their voices for positive change. Girls will learn from high school students about media literacy while discovering and developing their voices and capacity for action.
Meetings will be over zoom and include both Parker & Coolidge students.
Please email- Riley.murphy@rdgstudent.com if you would like to sign up or hear more information about what BOLD entails.
Reading Kids Connect
Is your child in need of a friend or an older peer to spend time with? Many younger students might feel distant from their peers because of remote-learning, and on top of that, some parents might feel overwhelmed with having to entertain their kid and work from home at the same time.
To reduce stress of child-care on parents and feelings of isolation on younger students, Reading Kids Connect connects RMHS students + alumni with younger students (ages 7-15) over virtual video sessions. We can provide homework help, boredom-killing activities, high school advice, and a friendly face." To find a mentor, visit our website:
Family Resources
Please be reminded of these amazing resources, if your family is in need:
- RPS Behavioral Health Resources linked here.
- Town of Reading: compiled resources linked here.
- RCASA and Mental Health Support linked here.
- St. Vincent de Paul linked here.
- Free & Reduced lunch access: sign up here.
- Reading Food Pantry linked here.
- Project Bread link here.
- Residential Financial Assistance (Rent/Mortgage) link here. (New resource! Check it out!)
Walter S. Parker Middle School
Richele Shankland, Principal (x301)
Brendan Norton, Asst. Principal (x302)
Diane Finigan, Administrative Assistant (x300)
Email: richele.shankland@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: www.reading.k12.ma.us/parker
Location: 45 Temple Street, Reading, MA 01867
Phone: (781)944-1236
Twitter: @WSParkerMS