Pathfinder Compass
August 16, 2021
What to expect with The Compass!
The purpose of the Compass is to provide relevant information to our Pathfinder families and community. During the summer you can expect to see a newsletter in July and August. During the academic year, look for information every Sunday!
In this issue:
- Welcome new staff!
- COVID Protocols
- The Lunch Plan
- Virtual Option Pilot Program
- Class Rosters
- Pathfinder 101
- Listening sessions learning!
I'm not ready for Jump Start, I am ready for Kindergarten!
-Incoming Kindergartener
Welcome New Staff!
Ademole Turner (He/him)
8th Math and Science
Brandon Yeung (He/ him)
3-5 Distinct Paraprofessional
Please click the link above for additional information, highlights include...
- If there is a positive COVID-19 case, all families with students in the same classroom will be notified.
- All non-represented SPS staff are required to be vaccinated.
- Correctly warn masks are required at all times (a medical exemption is required if mask wearing is not possible for a student).
- We are in the process of installing air filters in all Pathfinder classrooms.
- Beginning September 1st, we are NOT required to complete the health screen (attestation).
- We are happy to have vaccinated volunteers!
The Lunch Plan
Tentative Schedule
Kindergarten / First GYM 10:45 - 11:15
Second and Third CAFETERIA 10:45 - 11:15
Fourth and Fifth CAFETERIA 11:15 - 11:50
Middle School CAFETERIA 12:10 - 12:45
We have worked to develop a plan in order to:
- Maximize physical distancing.
- Stagger seats.
- Maximize airflow.
In addition, we will be working to build a common understanding of good habits while eating lunch:
- Wash your hands before and after lunch.
- Only remove your mask when you are eating and drinking. Pull down your mask (or pull it to the side) when you take a drink or a bite, then put your mask right back on.
- Use quiet indoor voices while at lunch.
We are happy to accommodate families who are interested in pulling students during lunch by opening our play field to vaccinated caregivers.
Please note we updating and revising plans as we gain more information.
Virtual Option Pilot Program (VOPP)
A few things to remember:
- The VOPP is intended to be a year long program.
- Pathfinder students who enroll in the VOPP will have priority seating back at Pathfinder.
- There is an appeal process should you want to exit the VOPP.
Let us know if you would like to continue receiving Pathfinder communication while you are in the VOPP - we are happy to stay connected!
Class Rosters
The past year was trying and who knows what is to come! As we transition back you have had the time to come to know your scholar in a new and different way. We would love for you to share this as we welcome students back 100% in person.
You may have noticed your scholar is assigned to a classroom in Talking Points, among other places, please note these may change. Please expect to receive class rosters on Monday, August 23rd.
Class rosters will be sent on Monday, August 23rd.
Middle School
Schedules will be uploaded to the Source on Monday, August 23rd. To support our Middle Schoolers success, we will be hosting an orientation that is tentatively scheduled for the evening of Thursday, June 26th. More information to come.
Please note, we are unable to accommodate classroom requests.
Pathfinder 101
Summer Listening Sessions
Dr. Cordell and Dr. Holmes have hosted four of our five scheduled summer listening sessions! We have learned Pathfinder families are ready to reconnect and build community. It is been a pleasure hearing and learning from Pathfinder families new and old. We are thrilled to begin our journey alongside you all!
If you are interested, we have one more listening session on Friday, August 20th at 11:00am. Don't worry if you are not available - we will have more throughout the school year!
8/20 Listening Session
All sessions will be held in the Pathfinder Garden, please remember to bring your mask!
Friday, Aug 20, 2021, 11:00 AM
Pathfinder K-8 School, Southwest Genesee Street, Seattle, WA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Dr. Holmes' Incoming Goals
- To know all folx personally and professionally connected to the school. Further, allow others to know me as fully as possible outside day to day connection, crisis, and problem solving.
- To use qualitative and quantitative data to determine concerns and issues regarding improving student performance that needs to be closely examined and addressed to repay the educational debt.
- To learn the artifacts, beliefs, and basic underlying assumptions through engaging in essential conversations with Pathfinder students, staff, and community.
- To identify, hold onto, and strengthen traditions that center students and bring the community together. Further, partner with students, staff, and the community to ensure social emotional learning and growth is embedded in the curriculum, adult strengths are highlighted, and we have fun!