The Python Press
August 3, 2020
PJHS Preparing for a Return to School!
Dear PJHS Students and Families,
The start of the school year is just around the corner, and we understand that many students and families might be feeling nervous, excited, or have questions about our return to school. Please know that the staff at PJHS has been working hard to ensure that you will have a positive, safe, predictable, and inclusive return to school experience. Because of the pandemic, we will not have school in our usual form. Unit 5 has communicated two learning options for you to consider. You can choose to learn in-person, or you can choose to learn online. These options were shared in the Unit 5 Return to School Plan. The district has asked that you communicate your choice this week by Tuesday, August 4th at Noon. We have created a website with more information: PJHS RETURN TO SCHOOL WEBSITE.
In-Person Learning:
If you choose the in-person learning option, you will come to PJHS two days a week, and you will learn remotely the other three days of each week. The schedule is based on the first letter of your last name. If your last name begins with A-K, you will come to PJHS on Mondays and Thursdays. You will learn remotely on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If your last name begins with L-Z, you will come to PJHS on Tuesdays and Fridays. You will learn remotely on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. To learn more about in-person learning, please CLICK HERE.
Online Learning:
If you choose the online learning option, your learning will take place through a program called Edmentum. You will have a teacher but not come to the school building. To learn more about online learning, please CLICK HERE.
Making a Choice:
Once you have compared the learning options, please make a choice for the first semester of this school year. Do you want to learn in-person or online? Parents/Guardians- Please make your choice by using the following form. This is due to be turned in by Tuesday, August 4th at Noon. Please submit one time for each child.
Return to School Selection - https://forms.gle/aZA4tWtwffXoZs2z5
Selección del Regreso a la Escuela - https://forms.gle/ucKv7eV5wHu8bvTy5
formulaire d'options de retour à l'école de l'unité 5 - https://forms.gle/hn9WLbVmf6vH3qQCA
Please submit questions to Mrs. Hesser, the Principal, and Mr. Henderson, the Associate Principal, and Athletic Director by using the following form. We will post a list of questions and answers. CLICK HERE
Take Care,
Mrs. Hesser, PJHS Principal
Safety Updates
We are working diligently to ensure students and staff have a positive, safe, predictable, and inclusive learning environment.
- Specialized Cleaning Schedule-School staff will work together to disinfect classrooms between each class period. Cleaning and sanitizing of common areas will be increased.
- Desk Shields/Table Dividers-Plexiglass dividers and shields have been ordered to place between individuals when social distancing is not possible or practical.
- Staggered Passing Periods-Passing period schedules are being developed to limit the number of people in the hallway at one time.
- Social Distancing-Reminder signs have been ordered for strategic areas to ensure social distancing. Directional arrows have been ordered to control the flow of traffic.
- Masks-Mask reminder signs will be placed around the school to remind all individuals of the mask requirement in schools.
- Water Bottle Filling Stations-Water bottle filling stations will be utilized instead of water fountains.
- Hand Sanitizer Provided- Hand sanitizer has been ordered for classrooms and common areas.
- Outside Seating Areas- Picnic tables have been requested from the district to accommodate outside learning and mask breaks.
6th Grade Student Physicals
101 N. Parkside Road, Normal, IL 61761
Completed physical forms may also be emailed to PJHS Nurse, Mrs. Carter
Walk-In Registration
Walk-In Registration for PJHS Families will occur this school year with the following schedule:
- August 6th, 2:30-4:00 pm (Student last names A-F)
- August 6th, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm (Student last names G-L)
- August 7th, 2:30-4:00 pm (Student last names M-R)
- August 7th, 4:30-6:00 pm (Student last names S-Z)
Please note this event is only for families who are unable to register online. For safety reasons, there will not be an option of building tours or decorating lockers at this event.
Please review the following COVID guidelines and health protocols for this event:
- Masks are required to be worn by individuals in the school building.
- Only two adult family members and the student are allowed to attend this event.
- Social distancing will be required in the school building.
Back to School Checklist
Back to School Checklist Summary:
1. Don't send kids to school sick. Have an alternate plan in place before school starts.
2. Bring your own school supplies. Students will not be able to share supplies. They will be asked to keep their supplies in their backpack and carry them to classes for use.
3. Pack hand sanitizer. There will be hand sanitizer available at school, but you may want to pack an individual bottle for the bus, etc.
4. Have a supply of masks on hand. Students will be required to wear masks every day for the entire day except for breakfast, lunch, and outdoor learning time.
5. Establish a back-from-school protocol at your house. When arriving home, students should wash their hands, remove clothes into the laundry for disinfecting, and shower, if possible. Shoes should stay at the door.
6. Stay positive. We can influence our children to have flexibility and patience during this difficult time.
Uncommon School Supplies to Purchase:
Please note that school supply lists will be emailed with schedules on August 16th.
1. Face Masks: It's a good idea to have enough face masks to ensure that they are properly cleaned before worn again.
2. Personal Hand Sanitizer
3. Water Bottle: The water fountains are off, but a bottle filling station will be available.
4. Thermometer: You will need to take your child's temperature each morning and certify that they are healthy and able to attend school.
Important Dates
Thurs., August 6th
Middle School Walk-In Registration: A-F 2:30-4:00 p.m., G-L 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Fri., August 7th
Middle School Walk-In Registration: M-R 2:30-4:00 p.m., S-Z 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Thurs., August 13th
- Back to School Supply Distribution from Noon-5 p.m.
- All Middle Schools in Unit 5 plan to email student schedules on August 16th at 5:00 p.m. through Infinite Campus.
First Day of Student In-Person Attendance, A-K
First Day of Online Learning, A-Z
First Day of Student In-Person Attendance, L-Z
First Day of Remote Learning, A-Z
- Second Day of In-Person Attendance, A-K
- Second Day of In-Person Attendance, L-Z