Medford Elementary Newsletter
2020-21 School Year - Vol. 2
We are getting closer to opening day! Here are a few updates...
What will morning arrival look like?
While there are many changes, the school start and end times will stay the same as last year. (We are asking families that they do their best to have their child arrive as close to 8:00 as possible in order to promote social distancing to the greatest extent in the mornings). We will be staggering movement into the building with greater spacing between each group. To help with our staggered entrance, we will have morning "zones" outside their grade level windows around the school. Our Elementary staff will be out there on the first day to show them where to go!
We are asking families to do their best to have their child arrive as close to 8:00 as students WILL NOT be allowed to enter the building until 8:00 unless eating breakfast. Breakfast will begin around 7:45. Students who will be eating breakfast, will have a designated spot to line up outside the front of the elementary building and a staff member will escort them in at approximately 7:45.
*Masks will be required and social distancing encouraged outside during arrival and dismissal
*Students will line up by class in front of their class window/designated spot each morning which will be labeled with the appropriate signage.
What will afternoon dismissal look like?
Classrooms will be staggered at various times. Here is where each grade will be exiting. We are also asking families to stay in their vehicles when picking up their child to start the year and the students will be brought out to the parking lot.
Kindergarten - They will exit through their outside entrance doors
1st & 2nd - They will exit out the front elementary doors
3rd & 4th - They will exit out the recess doors
5th & 6th - They will exit out the High School doors
All classes will be dismissed one classroom at a time, starting with kindergarten at approximately 2:45.
Rules to follow if your child is riding the bus this year.
Yes, students are required to wear a mask while riding the bus.
2. What will busses look like?
Bus capacity will be at 50% capacity when we are in the hybrid and in-person learning model to meet social distancing requirements. Masks are required.
3. Where are students NOT allowed to sit?
Students should not sit in a seat marked with a yellow X.
4. How should students enter and exit the bus?
Students should load from back to front and unload from front to back.
5. Can siblings sit together in the same seat?
Yes, siblings can and must sit together.
6. What happens when the buses arrive at the school each morning?
Students must remain seated at the school and wait to unload until directed by the driver.
Here are some answers to some common questions from families:
No. Students will be able to take their masks off during their recess time, as well as during their lunch and snack times. We will be getting mask lanyards for each student so they are able to keep track of it.
2. Where will students eat lunch?
Students will be eating lunch in their classrooms. There will be hot lunch items available.
3. Will students be able to use the water fountains?
No, these will be closed down, but students will be able to use the bottle filling stations. We are encouraging that your child brings their own water bottle.
4. Will students still have recess?
Yes. Students will have a daily recess break which will be organized into different zones on the playground. Each zone will have 1 class in it at a time, and areas will be disinfected as needed.
5. Will students be sharing lockers?
No. We will have enough lockers for each student to have their own. Kindergarten will be bringing their materials into the classroom.
6. Are we allowed to bring birthday treats?
Families may send single prepackaged items only to hand out. No homemade goods will be allowed.
7. Where will Art, Music, Phy. Ed. take place?
Special area classes will take place in the student's homeroom. This will help cut down on foot traffic for the students throughout the building.
8. Are visitors/volunteers allowed in the building?
We will not be allowing visitors or volunteers at any time during the school day. There will also be no visitors or guests at lunch until further notice. We would welcome having additional guest speakers or presentations virtually to enrich our students' learning experience.
Medford Elementary Learning Models & Scheduling Plan 2020-21
Do you qualify for a free chromebook?
Daily Home Screening Process
Families will be responsible for daily at home health screening prior to their student entering the school building/bus.
Symptoms:
If your child has any of the following symptoms it indicates a possible illness that may decrease the student's ability to learn and also put them at risk for spreading illness to others. Please check your child for these symptoms.
Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth
Sore Throat
New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing
Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
Close contact/potential exposure:
- Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with a person with confirmed COVID-19
- Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with person under quarantine for possible exposure to SARS-CoV-2
- Traveled to or lived in an area where the local tribal, territorial, or state health department is reporting large numbers of COVID-19 cases
- Lives in areas of high community transmission while the school remains open
- If "Yes" is the answer to any of the questions above, keep the student at home and notify the school of your child's absence. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
Please contact our school nurse should you have any questions 507.214.6315
What are the Distance Learning Expectations for students this school year?
Links to Helpful Information
Important Dates on the Horizon:
Sept. 8: First day of classes for grades 7-12
Sept. 8: School Readiness Days (8:00-3:00) (K-6)
Sept. 9: School Readiness Days (8:00-3:00) (K-6)
Sept. 10: School Readiness Days (8:00-3:00) (K only)
Sept. 10: First day of classes for grades 1-6
Sept. 11: School Readiness Days (8:00-3:00) (K only)
Sept. 14: First day of classes for Kindergarten
Oct. 15-16: Education MN Convention (No School)
Nov. 5: End of Quarter #1
Medford Elementary
Email: joshcarlson@medfordtigers.org
Website: http://www.medford.k12.mn.us/
Phone: 507.214.6310
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Medford-Public-School-820392311364122/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel