Garfield School Family Bulletin
April 20th, 2020
Garfield Family Corner
Good evening, Garfield families,
Today, Governor DeWine announced that all schools will continue to be closed until the end of the school year. I know for many families, this can create a lot of uncertainly as to how your child will continue to receive enrichment throughout the closure. Please know that the administration, teachers and staff at Garfield are here to support you, your children and your family during this time. As a parent, teacher and principal, your child's educational and emotional well-being is my top priority and our school will do what it takes to ensure learning continues for your children.
I know technology can be a barrier that many families face when trying to continue the learning at home. Today, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Department of Technology began preparing our laptops, Chromebooks and iPads to be used at home. Starting next Monday, April 27th, you'll have the opportunity to "check-out" technology to be used by your children. Later this week, an email will be sent to all families with the details outlining how technology can be picked up from Garfield. We currently have 602 kids attending our school and we want to ensure that everyone that needs support is able to receive it.
If your child needs access to a computer and/or you need access to internet at home, please click here to indicate what is needed by Thursday, April 23rd. We'll use this information to prioritize pickup on Monday, April 27th.
Included in this newsletter are additional family resources, links to online learning, examples of how our Garfield staff are supporting our students and more. At the end of this newsletter are some common questions that we have been receiving and answers. If you have any questions or comments, please reply to this email and I'll promptly respond. Thank you for being part of the Garfield family.
Sincerely,
Jake Bosley
Principal, Garfield School
At Home Learning Resources
- We update our Facebook page daily with enrichment opportunities and more: Click here.
- Week of April 20th CMSD Learning Enrichment Resources: Click here.
- Occupational and Physical Therapy Resources: Click here.
- Free daily Math and Reading videos aligned to our curriculum: Click here.
- Access free dance lessons for kids: Click here.
- For daily, online art challenges: Click here.
Garfield Food Services & Materials Pick Up
- Beginning this week, the learning packets will be mailed home.
Additional Updates from by Bellaire Puritas
- To vote by mail and to get additional information regarding voting: Click here.
- For local food pantries, childcare resources and assistance due to Covid-19: Click here.
- If your family is in need of basic school supplies, arts and craft supplies, and activity kits, BPDC will gladly deliver to households in 44111 and 44135 zip codes. To request supplies, email v.lange@bpdc.org or call 216-671-2710 and leave a message for extension 218. A staff member will return your call to arrange the delivery.
Emergency Assistance Available for Families Affected by COVID-19: Please click here from Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services. See if you qualify for this assistance and share with others!
Amazon Gift Card Winner
Parent Tip of the Week: Keep Healthy Routines
During the pandemic, it is more important than ever to maintain bedtime and other routines. They create a sense of order to the day that offers reassurance in a very uncertain time. All children, including teens, benefit from routines that are predictable yet flexible enough to meet individual needs.
Structure the day. With the usual routines thrown off, establish new daily schedules. Break up schoolwork when possible. Older children and teens can help with schedules, but they should follow a general order, such as:
wake-up routines, getting dressed, breakfast and some active play in the morning, followed by quiet play and snack to transition into schoolwork.
lunch, chores, exercise, some online social time with friends, and then homework in the afternoon.
family time & reading before bed.
Ms. Yoder's & Mrs. Cathcart's PreK Positivity Dots
English Language Arts Instruction @ Home
Ms. Lehane, Going All the Way
Receiving a call from a parent being grateful that Ms. Lehane shows so much love for her kids was a great way to start the week. Ms. Lehane has made and delivered signs to her kids and engages them in thoughtful lessons each day. Thank you for going above and beyond!
Prek, the Virtual Learning Way
Virtual learning can be hard enough, but I couldn't imagine doing it with a bunch of 3, 4 and 5 year olds! Arotzarena, Maynard and Reilly bring reading, engaging projects and math to our youngest kiddos each week. Even after we received our 5-star rating, team preK is truly living up to the state's highest preschool achievement.
Give Orlando an iPad and She'll Give You an Amazing Lesson
"Garfield, School of Multicultural Arts"... thanks to Geftic!
Questions & Answers
- The district is currently working on sending home Q3 report cards.
Will my 8th grader still be able to apply for high schools?
- Absolutely. Not having 4th quarter grades on the report card should not impact high school enrollment.
Can I turn in the packets my children have completed?
- As of right now, we're not collecting the packets; however, I encourage you to reach out to your child's teacher with questions about student work.
My child needs a laptop and/or we don't have access to the internet at home.
- Please click here if you need access to technology and try to complete the form by this Thursday. Technology pick up will begin Monday, April 27th.
What will happen with Prek, K and 8th grade promotion?
- We still want these events to be memorable for your child. We're working as a team to develop a solution.
I haven't heard from my child's teacher or I haven't receiving any instructional materials.
- Please respond to this email and I'll follow up with the classroom teacher and with you.
My child's teacher/a staff member has been doing an amazing job, how can I recognize their efforts?
- That's great! Please click here to submit an acknowledgement and we'll recognize this staff member.