Ohlone Family Connection
November 4, 2020
We have one last transition as 4/5 students join their new classroom communities for in-person and full distance learning. It has been quite the emotional rollercoaster. The reason is a good one. We have formed strong connections with each other. It is hard to let go. I feel confident that our teachers, students, and families will find their way, build new relationships and make new friends.
I am looking forward to getting back into FDL classrooms and sharing the wonderful teaching and learning happening online. Reopening has been all consuming. It will be nice to settle in with a routine of sorts. Please enjoy the FDL costume pictures near the end :).
There is information in this OFC for our hybrid families as they prepare to return to campus. Please review before next week. I will have time tomorrow for a little Q&A, 4:30-5:30pm. Heike emailed the link earlier today.
Our parents are amazing. Our staff is exceptional. Our students make it all worth it. Thank you for being on this journey with us and entrusting your beautiful children in our care. We will get through this together and we will do it the Ohlone Way.
That virtual dance party was phenomenal, PTA! Thank you!
Dawn
Ohlone Principal
Important Dates Ahead
11/5 - 4/5 Principal's Tea - Q&A for 4/5 Hybrid Families, 4:30-5:30pm
11/6 - 4/5 Principal's Kid Tea - Hybrid overview and Q&A for 4/5 students - 2:00-2:30pm
11/9 - First day of Full Distance Learning for new 4/5 classroom communities
11/9 - First day of in-person instruction for 4/5, Cohort A (Mon, Tues, Wed)
11/10 - PAUSD Board Meeting, 6:30pm - Congrats, Jen!
11/11 - Veterans Holiday - No school for students
11/12 - First day of in-person instruction for 4/5, Cohort B (Thurs, Fri)
11/12 & 11/13 - PiE Rally Days
11/14 - Farm Work Day
11/15-11/21 - Books, Inc. Ohlone Fundraiser
Your Support is Needed!
If you have already donated to PiE this year, I appreciate your support. If you have not, I ask you to please consider making a donation now. A donation, in any amount that is meaningful for your family, makes a difference to our community and our school.
If you donate or pledge by November 16th, your donation may be matched by a Challenge Grant. You can find out all the ways to make a contribution on PiE's website at:
Thank you for being a wonderful member of the Ohlone community!
RAISING ANTI-RACIST KIDS NOVEMBER 10
RAISING ANTI-RACIST KIDS
Activating the Next Generation
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum and Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith
Tues. Nov 10, 4:00pm PST
Registration closes 2 hours before the event.
https://www.commongroundspeakerseries.org/
Through generations of systemic racism, our nation has failed to protect and value Black children and families. Beyond just learning about racism and the inequity that abounds in our communities, the issue of racial justice also requires action.
HYBRID LEARNING FOR 4/5 FAMILIES IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PARENTSQUARE - COVID-19 DAILY HEALTH SCREENER
Each morning, before you leave for school, you will need to complete the health screening survey for your child by 7:45am. It is important to complete the survey honestly and keep your child at home if you answer "Yes" to any of the questions. Students who are sick need to stay home. Click here to see a short video on completing the health screener.
Parents will access the screener on the Ohlone School website. Connect this to part of your morning routine!
IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
Below are some important things to review before your child comes to Ohlone next week. Please refer to the 4/5 Hybrid Learning Handbook below for additional details. I look forward to seeing your children next week!
WALK AND ROLL TO SCHOOL!
We encourage all families to walk or roll to and from school beginning next week. If you are driving to school, please consider parking a couple of blocks away and walk your child into school. Having less cars to negotiate during arrival and pick-up supports a safer environment for students and you can't beat the natural opportunity for exercise and kid connection!
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES AT OHLONE
Arriving to School:
All 4/5 students arriving on foot/bike/scooter will enter through the side staff parking area behind the MP Room and office, from Amarillo. There will be a clear indication of the entrance when you arrive. This will be the only entrance for 4/5 students. This staff parking area will be closed to cars during arrival and dismissal to ensure student safety. Please be sure to maintain social distancing and wear your mask while waiting in line to be checked in. (Students being driven to school can get out in the drop-off circle, especially if coming with younger siblings. If driving just 4th or 5th graders, please consider letting them out from a safe parking spot along Amarillo and having them walk to the 4/5 check in spot.)
Parents are not allowed to walk their children onto campus, so you may want to practice or visit during non-school hours if you think your child will have a hard time separating.
Dismissal
Please be on time to pick up your child. Please note the earlier pick-up time on Wednesdays. While waiting, please wear your mask and be sure to maintain social distancing from other adults picking up children. We will use a walkie talkie system to call for students when parents and caregivers arrive. Pick-up is at the same place as drop-off. If you are driving, please be sure to place a large placard on your dash with your child’s first and last name and room number that we can see easily from afar.
Bike Racks
If your child enjoys riding their bike to school, they can park their bike behind the G building.
Late arrivals
If your child is tardy, please walk to the front of the school and call the school office, (650) 856-1726. Our staff will meet you near the flagpole to check your child in for school. As a reminder, parents are not allowed on campus for the health and safety of students and staff. Staff will escort your child to class.
Drivers
Students being picked up or dropped off must have their first name, last name and room number clearly and largely written on a piece of paper on your car's dashboard. It must be written large enough so that we can easily read it from afar. We absolutely need your child's name plate for a smooth arrival and dismissal.
MASKS, BODY SPACE, AND HANDWASHING
MASKS, BODY SPACE, AND HANDWASHING
Wearing a Mask
All students are required to wear a mask the entire school day with the exception of eating their snack or lunch. Students must wear a mask upon entering the campus. Please talk with your child about the importance of wearing a mask.
Body Space (Physical Distancing)
Even though students are in specific cohorts, practicing physical distancing is important. Please talk with your child about the importance of staying 6 feet away from other students and staff. We can wave and say, "Hello". We will keep our hands to ourselves. Airplane arms!
Handwashing
The best ways to stay healthy include wearing a mask, physical distancing, and handwashing. Please talk with your child about washing their hands with soap thoroughly for twenty seconds (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or ABC song). Students will be required to wash their hands several times a day: upon entering the classroom, before exiting the classroom and before and after snack recess, and lunch.
WATER, SNACKS, AND LUNCH
Water Bottle
Please have your child bring a water bottle. Due to Covid-19, drinking fountains are closed.
Snack
Please pack a hearty, healthy snack for your child. Reducing trash is always a plus. Please speak with your child about doing their part to clean up after themselves. Gil and Chau will be very busy with cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day.
Lunch
Due to Covid-19, all children are provided lunch at school. Your child does not have to eat the school lunch. Feel free to pack a lunch that your child would prefer eating. Please note that there will only be a vegetarian option. Click here for the October lunch menu.
Reopening Information Video
Videos for your Children
Dawn
Email: dyoshinaga@pausd.org
Website: www.ohlone.pausd.org
Location: 950 Amarillo Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Phone: 650-856-1726