Greenlodge Weekly Update 6/15/2020
#ReachForYourBest
Dear Families,
Today marks our last Monday before Summer vacation. This seems strange, given the fact that we have not been together since mid-March. I cannot thank our families enough for supporting remote learning this spring. I'd also like to recognize the efforts of every Greenlodge staff member, who like you, were called upon to balance work and home life in a totally unconventional way. To say this has been challenging would be an understatement.
Over the past three and a half months, I have been impressed with the ways in which we have come together as a community to support one another and our resiliency. Resilience is the ability to manage stress and bounce back from challenging situations. I hope that you are able to find time this summer to recharge after a very challenging period of time.
This week's newsletter contains information about the end of the school year and summer learning. Have a wonderful week!
~Ashley
Mark Your Calendars...
Here are some of the upcoming events to add to your calendar...
- Week of June 15th - End of Year Spirit Week; Chromebook Return (see below for details)
- Tuesday, June 16th - Incoming 1st grade virtual information session, 4PM
- Tuesday, June 16th - 1st grade end of year farewell 11:30am - Greenlodge front circle
- Friday, June 19th - 5th Grade Drive-In Promotion Parade. 1PM-3PM
- Friday, June 19th - Last Day of School for all students.
- Report cards will be mailed home on Friday
- Beginning the Week of June 22nd- Food Distribution will only be available on Tuesday and Thursdays. You will be able to pick-up food for multiple days.
Greenlodge Spirit Week!!!
Chromebook Drop-Off and Exchange
The Dedham Public Schools are providing Chromebooks (portable computer) for all students in grades 1-5 for the 2020-21 school year.
Chromebook Return and/or Pick-up:
- Tuesday, June 16th - 9am-11
- Wed, June 17th - 9am-11
- Thurs, June 18th - 9am-noon
- Friday, June 19th - 9am-noon
- Monday, June 22 - 9am-2pm
Current 2nd, 4th and 5th graders will be able to exchange the chromebook for a NEW chromebook to keep for the ENTIRE summer. Students in these grades who did not borrow a chromebook during the closure, may also come to pick-up a chromebook during the times above.
Students in kindergarten, 1st and 3rd grades who borrowed a chromebook for the closure, will need to drop off their chromebooks during the times above. It is very important for us to get these back so they can be serviced. These students WILL NOT be given a NEW chromebook at this time. Chromebooks WILL be available for these students in early July.
Check-out the Greenlodge Homepage!
- New! Quick links to Summer Learning
- Links Grade Level and Specialist Learning Plans
- Families Digital Support Page
- Morning video announcements with Mrs. Bodkins, and guest staff!
- Information regarding meals for students
- Counseling resources
- Coronavirus Updates
Remote Learning Plans
- 1st Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 2nd Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 3rd Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 4th Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 5th Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- Specialist Remote Learning Activity Log Please use this Google Form to share what you’ve done by Friday.
Pictures of the Week...
Nolan had a fun field day!
Chloe is working hard!
Erik did some amazing chalk art!
Ms. Balfour read "I Am Enough" by Grace Byers
Celebrating Flag Day!
Levi climbed Blue Hills!
What is Juneteenth?
Food Boxes available Wednesday, 6/17/20!
Contact the Mrs. Gardner in main office if you want to pick one up.
The Buzz from Ms. Blais ... Counselor's Corner
Dear Families,
I hope you are all safe and well. In light of recent events, I wanted to share some resources on how to talk to children about race and racism. Across sources, one important theme that struck me was the concept of taking care of yourself first, as we are all likely experiencing a spectrum of emotions at varying levels. In a recent CNN article, Chicago pediatrician Dr. Nia Heard-Garris said, “A parent's first step is to take care of themselves, their mental health, their emotional health. Put their oxygen mask on first before they put the oxygen mask on their child.” Once you've been kind to yourself, you will be even more available to listen deeply to your child(ren).
In a recent Child Mind Institute article, it was recommended to try to talk to your child(ren) calmly and be clear, direct and factual, as it helps them process information. However, at the same time, the article also conveyed that it’s important to not hide your emotions from your child(ren). In a safe space without distraction, ask about what they know and what they’ve seen, ask how they are feeling, validate their feelings, and let them know what you are doing to keep them safe in your home and/or your community. Erlanger Turner, a clinical psychologist, said in a recent USA Today article, “One of the most important things to remember is that you may not have all the answers, and that is OK.” Below I have linked a few more resources to explore to help continue these crucial conversations:
- Resources About Race and Racism (Common Sense Media)
- How do I talk to young children about the racial injustices happening right now?
- A Kindergarten Teacher Explains Racism to Young Kids: "You Have the Voice"
- Anti-Racism Books for Kids
As always, if you have any questions, or would like additional support, please reach out! As previously mentioned, I know there are many questions about race and racism that I won’t be able to answer, but it’s not a reason to stop talking, learning, and finding ways to teach children how to spread kindness and love.
Be Well!
Ms. Blais
Notes from the Nurse...
Have a great summer, Greenlodge! Stay healthy and have FUN
Summer tips:
Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat every day
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, or skates
Think about pool safety
Planning ahead for Fall Medications: If your student will need to take any medication (or have an EpiPen available) during the school day, I will need the following when we go back to the building:
An updated pediatrician’s order for the nurse to give the medication at school
For students with asthma, an updated Asthma Action Plan
For students with allergies, and updated Allergy Action Plan
The medication in its original container/packaging dropped off by a parent/guardian
Immunizations: The CDC strongly recommends children continue to receive routine immunizations during the pandemic. Read their guidance here. If your child’s annual physical was cancelled during the stay-at-home period, it would be a good idea to check in with the pediatrician over the summer and re-schedule. Many practices are even doing telehealth physicals!
4th Grade Physicals: for students entering 5th grade who never submitted an annual physical during 4th grade, please do so when you can. You can email the form to me, or drop it off when we are back in the building.
Diabetes: According to the World Diabetes Federation, 1 out of 2 people that have diabetes are undiagnosed. Do you think you would recognize the signs and symptoms in a loved one? Take a look at the poster below and contact the pediatrician if you think your child is at risk.
A reminder from Ms. Altone
What's New in the Library?
Like so many of you, my heart has been heavy over the past week of seeing the racial injustice that is always present in society rise more visibly, and I am reminded yet again why it is so important to say Black lives matter. I often seek out books to help me learn more, and books are a great resource and support for having these conversations with others. Below are some resources that may be helpful. Please note that these are specifically for talking about race with children. It is important that all kids have these discussions, but it is also important for all kids to hear and read positive stories about people of all races. If you would like additional book lists, books about specific topics, or want to talk more about any of this, please reach out to Ms. Bickel at sbickel@dedham.k12.ma.us
Booklists for Kids about Race:
31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance
Books to Teach White Children and Teens How to Undo Racism and White Supremacy
These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids
Resources for Talking about Race with Kids:
Resources for Adults to Learn More Themselves:
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race
What if I Say the Wrong Thing?: 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People
Summer Reading, Writing and Mathematics
We hope you have a fun and relaxing summer. We also hope you will visit the summer work website, where you can find all that you need to keep your learning fresh and be ready for the upcoming school year.
Below you'll find links, by general topic area, to all of our summer work documents and resources. Take a look, explore, and enjoy.
Students making a positive impact through activities and challenges!
Some DMS 7th graders have designed a one of a kind journal that has two activities and one challenge each day for 30 days. Keep your child motivated and challenged during quarantine! For an added bonus everyday when your child completes a task and sends in a picture each day they’ll receive a reward. Please check out their website for more details on how to get your child a wonderful one of a kind handmade journal before they sell out! All profits are going to charity.
Instagram: @13thCraft
Website: 13th Craft
All residents 21 & under can get meals for FREE. Your child does not need to be present to pick up the meals.
Other District Information...
Dedham Public Schools has translated resource pages:
Please click here for translated curriculum and resources.
Haga clic aquí para ver el currículo y los recursos traducidos.
Clique aqui para obter o currículo e os recursos traduzidos.
Пожалуйста, нажмите здесь для перевода учебной программы и ресурсов.
Ju lutemi klikoni këtu për kurrikulën dhe burimet e përkthyera.
الرجاء الضغط هنا للحصول على المناهج والمواد المترجمة.
There is also a Parent Support Group for Spanish speaking families.
Learn more here:Parent Support Group Flyer (Spanish)
Video Overview of Parent Support Group (Spanish)
Substance Abuse Support Group for Children: Please see this flyer for information about a virtual group to support children dealing with the impacts of a loved ones substance abuse.
Newsletter Translations
About Us
Email: abodkins@dedham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.dedham.k12.ma.us/greenlodge
Location: 191 Greenlodge Street, Dedham, MA, USA
Phone: 781-310-4000
Facebook: facebook.com/GreenlodgeDedham
Twitter: @GLDGESchool