Start Up News
Coldstream Elementary September 8, 2020
Welcome back everyone!
Students start Thursday/Friday - check your email Wednesday morning.
Coldstream Staffing 2020
Coldstream is an Allergy Safe School
There are a number of students in our school who have life-threatening allergies to peanuts and nut products. Even the smallest trace can be deadly. To ensure a safe environment for all our students, we take precautions throughout the school. All common areas such as the library, music room and gym are areas that everyone is asked to keep peanut and nut free. Students eat their lunches and snacks in their classrooms and do not take food outside. In addition, the specific classroom where students will be eating their lunches are also monitored and kept free of peanuts and nuts. Students in these classrooms are made aware of the need to pack nut-free lunches. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe.
Masks at Coldstream
Our School Board strongly recommends masks for students in K-5 in these same areas.
All students will receive 2 masks. We have received 1 for this Thursday/Friday and will receive a second shipment early next week.
Teachers will review how to use the masks with students.
Students will keep masks with them and will bring them to and from school each day.
A reminder to parents that masks should be washed daily.
Extra disposable masks will be availabe if masks are forgotten or become dirty at school.
Masks are not required in classrooms within student learning groups.
Staff and any visitors will be required to wear a mask when in common areas or if working with a student who is not in their learning group or they can't maintain proper distance from. (example - music, student support, Education assistants, TTOCs.
Parking Lot Reminders
- no cars in the bus lane (closest to the school)
- respect the student drop off area. We will now have 2 lanes for drop off and pick up. Parents are asked to remain in their cars during drop off and pick up.
- pick up will be organized in 2 lanes (Families A-L on left lane and M-Z on right lane). We will have students lined up in designated areas to speed up the pick up system.
- families with a primary student (2:26-2:35). Families with only intermediate students (2:35-2:45)
- please make sure that you arrange to pick up your children on time. Students will need to stay in designated areas and respect social distancing with others so our playing on the playgrounds of the past won't be able to happen this year.
- respect handicapped and reserved spots. The reserved area is for SD22 maintenance staff for emergencies.
- bikes and scooters are to be walked once on school grounds
- there is a "Goodbye zone" for parents walking or biking their child to school
- no U turns on Kalamalka Lake Road
School Supplies
Agendas will be used by some classes. These will be available in approximately 2 weeks. Your child's teacher will let you know if they will be using the agendas.
Most years, there is a $5 fee for cultural acitivites. This allows us to schedule performances and experiences for the students. Last year, we had to cancel 2 of our shows in May/June and we don't foresee the ability to bring in presenters at this time, so we won't be charging this fee to families this year.
Supporting your child with the start of the school year
-express confidence in them to manage the 'new' way of doing school
-reassure them that all of the adults have been busy planning to make a safe and fun year at school
-practice putting on/off their mask
-practice washing hands, sneezing/coughing into elbows.
-for our younger students - make sure they have lunch containers and shoes they can access independently
-ask them about their new classmates and friends.
Linda Campbell, an elementary counsellor provided this insight. Rather than seeing these changes as trauma for our children, see the potential that this is going to help them to manage new things and become resilient for a lifetime. It is all about our attitude and perspective. More useful tips are available on her social emotional learning blog post here.
Previous information
Back to School Planning - https://www.smore.com/f1ck3
FAQ after PAC Zoom meeting - https://www.smore.com/bkn8a
Kindergarten Gradual Entry Planning - https://www.smore.com/f8d6n
Questions - concerns
Coldstream Elementary
Email: csiegmueller@sd22.bc.ca
Website: www.sd22.bc.ca/school/coldstream
Location: 10104 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC, Canada
Phone: 250-545-0597
Twitter: @coldstreamel