Discovery Elementary School
Parent Newsletter - Device Pick Up & First Week of School
September 7, 2020
Information in This Newsletter
- Meet & Greet and Device Pick Up - TUESDAY, September 8
- First Week of School
- Training Information
- The Discovery Plan for Remote Learning
- PTA Information
Meet & Greet and Device Pick Up
Sign Up for Time
Click Here to Sign Up for your visit on Tuesday: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0449ACA823A2FC1-discovery2
If you are unable to make a time on Tuesday, please email Mr. Kats to schedule another time kats.jeremiah@westada.org
Room Numbers & Masks
What to Expect - Classroom Visits
- Teachers will spend about 25 minutes with you in a small group visiting the classroom, training to access our online learning, and receiving materials for our first week.
- You will not bring school supplies since you will need them at home while we are in Red.
- Please arrive on time, come to the outside classroom door, and bring a bag or backpack.
Safety Protocols - Masks and One Parent
For the purpose of physical distancing, each child may be accompanied by ONE parent/adult. Siblings may not attend. The playground will be open.
Parents and students must wear a mask when in the building. If you do not have one, one will be provided.
Required Forms
1. Demographics in Power School Updated
Click here for information about how to update your contact information in PowerSchool.
2. Responsible Use Agreement & Opt In / Out for Device Insurance (See Screen Shot Below)
*NEW FORM IN POWERSCHOOL (this is actually two forms)
To leave Discovery with a device, two important items must be done:
https://ps.westada.org/public/home.html
Click “Update Student information” on the top right.
Then complete the Responsible Use Agreement and 1-1 Device Optional Insurance form
Computers will be set up in the gym if you need help completing the forms.
Internet/Hot Spots
Training & Tech Support
First Week of School
Expectations
- Complete the tasks assigned by the teacher at the Meet & Greet to be READY for Wednesday.
- Understand The Discovery Way (see back of Learning Binder) - Have a learning space set up with your learning tools (device, binder, supplies).
- Be ready and signed in to Teams at 9:00 AM on Wednesday morning (12:55 PM for PM Kindergarten) for our FIRST CLASS MEETING.
- Attend school on time everyday (virtually). Be ready for a full day of learning.
*Attendance will be taken at morning and afternoon sessions. Teachers will provide a general schedule of our day and a specific daily agenda.
Classroom Routines and Week One Curriculum
The Discovery Way - Remote Learning
- Learning Binders: All students will receive a Learning Binder. All Remote Learning resources will be in one place. Parents and students will know to go to the binder for help with the username and password, schedules, technology support, and grade level resources.
- Learning Kits: All students will receive a Learning Kit. The kit will include materials and supplies students may need at home in Red or Yellow. Grade level teachers will send items home from the kits as needed. If we stay in Red for an extended period of time, the kits will be sent home.
- Devices: All Preschool, Kinder, and 1 grade will receive an iPad, and 2 grade - 5 grade will receive a laptop. Additional tech items will be provided such as earbuds, digital pens/stylus pens, and cases as they arrive and are needed.
- Common Programs and Apps: Preschool -5 grade we will be using common programs and apps so families and students can become experts at a few. We will slowly add additional items.
- Common Practices in Teams: Every class TEAM will have common channels including a Landing Pad 🚀. Your student will start each day in the Landing Pad.
- Communication: To avoid flooding your inbox, you can expect an email from Classroom Teachers on Fridays and a Discovery email from Mrs. McDonough on Mondays. Special circumstance may require additional communication. Our goal is to make it easier to manage. Of course, you can email us anytime.
FROM PTA BOARD
Dear Discovery Parents,
As we approach this new and uncharted year, we as a PTA are looking for new members to help fill in on our PTA board. For the last 8 years or so, the PTA board has been staffed by 5-6 of the same people, rotating positions each year. Unfortunately, there is a limit to how many years/positions a person can fill on the PTA board. The time has come for us to have some new members step in and fill some of the board positions. The PTA is so vital to our school and the success of our students, and we really want our PTA to continue to function in the coming years.
We are distinctly aware that being on the PTA board requires both time and sacrifice on the part on volunteers. As we move forward as a PTA, we are hoping to find more people to fill the positions than we have had in the past. By staffing the board with more people, we reduce the load for any one or few people.
This coming school year will definitely be a unique one. Due to the amazing success of our fundraiser last spring, there will not be the need to run a large fundraiser. The fundraiser is always the most time and work intensive event of the year for the PTA. Without a large fundraiser we have a unique opportunity to have a more quiet year, with the chance to support our teachers and staff in new and different ways. Since it will be a slower year in terms a fundraising, it seems the perfect opportunity to introduce new members onto the PTA board and give them a chance to experience and learn how the PTA works.
Our current PTA board, which includes the president, vice-president and treasurer, have agreed to stay on this year to help train and guide volunteers who are willing to help with PTA. Ideally, we’d like to structure it in such a way that we would have two (or more) people working with each of the already in place board members. That would mean we’d have 3 or more people in each position (president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer). If board position is not your thing, we also are in need of people to help with spirit wear, fundraising (future), popcorn (not for this year), Box Tops, volunteer coordinating, teacher appreciation, and social media.
We will hold a PTA meeting in September. We will let you know the date when we are
able to schedule it.
Our students deserve some stability in these uncertain times, and PTA is one of the ways that parents can provide support to administration and teachers and help create the kind of environment we all want our kids in. If you have ever wanted to get more involved in the school, this is the perfect time to get your feet wet and have the benefit of experienced PTA members to help guide and train. If you are interested or have any questions, please email us at discoverypta@gmail.com.
Our thanks,
Lisa Polson
Christine Serlin
Meghan Wilkison
Masks
We are providing lanyards for all students to keep track of their mask once we are in yellow. Masks will be provided for students who need one.
Contact Us
Jeremiah Kats, Counselor
Location: 2100 East Leighfield Drive, Meridian, ID, USA
Phone: 208-855-4090