North Ohio Elementary
August 2020 Newsletter
A message from the principal...
I am so excited to welcome your children back, whether it be here in person or online! We have put countless hours into planning a safe and smooth return to the year. Most of the planning rests around what I like to call, "adult problems"... essentially all of the logistics that we as adults need to be concerned with. As far as the students go, my hope is that the only thing they really notice different this year is that everyone is wearing a mask. Obviously, we will emphasize things like keeping distance, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer... but quite frankly, we do that every year. We just have to be more strategic about it in 20-21. There are changes in drop off and pick up procedures, changes in visitor policies, changes in scheduling. Please be patient as we make adjustments those first few weeks of school. While the circumstances in which we return are different, our goals remain the same: we want kids to enjoy coming to school, meet their goals, grow as individuals, and be safe.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Mandy Bolen, Principal
Important Dates
Virtual Open House- Thursday, September 3rd
First Day of School (1st through 3rd)- Tuesday, September 8th
First Day of School (Kindergarten)- Thursday, September 10th- 12 PM
First Full Day of Kindergarten- Friday, September 11th
Office Hours
The North Ohio office is open to assist you Monday-Friday from 7:00am-3:45pm. Please call 731-2648 with questions or to schedule an appointment.
North Ohio Elementary Virtual Open House
NOE staff has created a virtual open house that will take the place of our in-person open house for the 2020-21 school year. The link will be available on Thursday, September 3rd on the GCS website and GCS Facebook. Each teacher will introduce themselves and provide valuable information about their classroom.
Return to Learn Plan
The GCS Return To Learn Plan was developed in accordance with the requirements in the MI Safe Schools Roadmap, MI Safe Start Plan, EO 2020-142, and OSHA guidance. The Return To Learn Plan outlines how GCS will deliver in-person instruction and the safety protocols that will be in place when we resume school. Please review the plan prior to the start of school. It can be found on the Gaylord Community Schools Website (gaylordschools.com).
What's new this year at NOE?
- Instruction- Parents have the option of remote learning or in-person instruction for their child. Both platforms will be taught by GCS teachers and will provide a quality education to meet the unique needs of each and every child.
- Student Arrival/Dismissal- The 20-21 school day is 8:00-2:15. Arrival: We are asking that if you arrive before 8:00 that you wait in your car. The gym doors on the south side of the building will open for drop off at 8am. Busses will be in the front driveway between 7:55 and 8:10. After 8:10, students may be dropped off at the front of the building or the gym doors. All entry into the building after 8:20 must be through the front of the building, and students must be signed in by a parent after 8:20. Dismissal: Busses will be loading in the front of North Ohio from 2:15-2:25. Two different groups of busses will be coming through during that time so you may not enter the front entry way until all busses are cleared. As soon as busses are loaded and gone, student pick up will begin. K/1 students and sibling groups will be picked up at the front of the building, and 2/3 students will be picked up out the south side of the gym doors. All students must be picked up no later than 2:45.
- School Entrance- Even though access to the building and office will be different this year, we continue to value our educational partnerships with our parents. Parents will be allowed to sign their child in and out of school or they can make an appointment for other matters. In order to enter the office, visitors must complete a self-health questionnaire and wear a mask. No visitors will be allowed past the office.
- Lunch and breakfast - Students will eat lunch and breakfast in their classrooms at their seats.
- Recess - Students will be allowed to have a recess break with their teacher. Students and staff will be required to wear masks.
- Masking- Masking at NOE is required for all students, staff, and visitors. Details about masking requirements can be found in the Return-To-Learn Plan on the district’s website.
School Health Screening Agreement
Each day students will need to be screened at home before entering the school building for the health and safety of our students and staff. The School Health Screening Agreement that is attached below needs to be signed and returned to NOE prior to the first day of school. Your child may bring it with them on the first day of school and give it to their teacher or you can return it to the NOE office during office hours, 7:15 A.M.-3:30 P.M. prior to the first day of school. A hard copy will also be sent home with the welcome packet on August 31st.
Transportation- Please see information from the transportation department below. Seating is limited this year and there are changes in protocol.
North Ohio Elementary School
Email: lindsayk@gaylord.k12.mi.us
Website: gaylordschools.com
Location: 912 North Ohio Avenue
Phone: 989-731-2648