Brimfield Elementary Newsletter
Friday, January 8, 2021
A Message From Dr. Hawley
Dear families,
We have had a great first week back from winter break! Yesterday, Mr. Heflinger sent out an email with important information regarding the new quarantine guidelines, as well as the survey for remote learning for the third nine weeks. His email is listed below. Please make sure you fill out the survey by Tuesday, January 12th at 6:00 pm. Everyone needs to fill out the survey, even if your child is currently an in-person learner. If you choose for your child to be a remote learner then they will have to be a remote learner until the fourth nine weeks of school begins. A new survey will be sent out before the start of the fourth nine weeks. Let me know if you any questions. I hope you have a great weekend!
Thanks,
Barb Hawley
Message From the Superintendent
Field Family,
Happy New Year! It is good to be back. I hope all of you enjoyed the break. I think everyone needed it this year. As we begin 2021 there is reason for hope and optimism. As we move away from the holiday season and have more and more people vaccinated, hopefully, we will see this crisis start to come under control. I do not have a crystal ball. My best guess is things will slowly get better. I do not expect any full return to “normal” this school year. I hope we make enough progress to have a more “normal” start to the 2021-2022 school year.
We are putting out our survey for you to choose in-person learning or remote learning for the third nine weeks. The third nine weeks begins Monday, February 1.There will be another survey later in the year for the fourth nine weeks. With the situation evolving, we are only asking for a nine week commitment. The survey is very similar to the one you completed at the start of the year. Just like last time, we must have a survey returned for EACH student. Also, as before, if you choose remote learning you must remain remote for the entire nine weeks. If you choose in-person learning you may transition to remote learning during the third nine weeks, but you must remain remote for the rest of the nine weeks. The ONLY exception to this will be a change to Level Purple. If Portage County returns to Level Purple you may opt to move from in-person to remote learning and return when we are no longer Purple. As this is now a choice for only the third nine weeks, that will be the only exception. The deadline for submitting the surveys is Tuesday, January 12 at 6 P.M.
There has been a change to the quarantine policy. Upon the advice of the Portage Health District and the Ohio Department of Health, this change is effective immediately. Students exposed in the classroom or on the bus will only be required to quarantine if they were within 3 feet of the COVID positive person for 15 total minutes. Three feet is very close. This will cut down on many of the quarantine situations. This policy change applies to teachers as well. As with everything COVID related, there are exceptions and nothing is simple. The changes do not apply to sports or extracurricular activities. The changes do not apply to situations where everyone is not wearing masks. This could include the cafeteria, band or choir. ALSO, if a student meets the standard of close contact, defined as exposure to a COVID positive person within 6 feet for 15 minutes total, we will still be contacting you. If a student falls into the definition of close contact, they will be quarantined from all activities outside of the classroom. This includes sports. So, trying to summarize, if a student has exposure within 3 feet they will be quarantined from school. If they have exposure between 3-6 feet they will be quarantined from all non-classroom activities. Also, if the exposure occurs at home or not in school, nothing changes. Those students and staff will still need to quarantine as they have. No, it is not simple or easy. We will do our best to implement the new guidelines as directed.
I know everyone is tired of all of this. Believe me, I do get it. We must continue to do the right thing. We must continue to try to accomplish our goals. For me, it is the daily balance between safety and education. The information I receive changes often. My priority is getting our students the best education possible while keeping everyone safe. I know many of you have not agreed with how I have done this. I respect your opinions. At the end of the day, I need to be able to look in the mirror and believe I have made the best decision. That does not mean all of my decisions are correct, it just means I believe they were the best decisions at that moment with the information at hand.
Thank you for reading this very long email. We will continue on the path we have been on. We will take it one day at a time. Please fill out the surveys, one for each student, and have them submitted by Tuesday, January 12 at 6 P.M. Please click on the link below:
https://forms.gle/i3y8HVz5YR52nS1i7
Dave Heflinger
Superintendent
5th Grade Parents Important Information
Field Middle School Student & Parent Orientation
Mark your calendar! The administrative staff at Field Middle School will provide information about the middle school on Thursday, January 21st at 6:30 PM through a virtual presentation. The presentation link will be sent to all 5th-grade parents via email and will be accessible on the middle school website that day. Students and parents will learn all about life at FMS and the current class scheduling process.
Band Orientation for Fifth Graders Interested in Band Next School Year
Please join us for a 5th-grade informal orientation program for students and families who are interested in joining the Field Middle School band program during the 2021-2022 school year. During the meeting, families will have an opportunity to examine band instruments, learn about instrument rentals, talk with band teachers, and learn more about our band program. The orientation program will be held on February 2nd from 5:00 -7:30 PM and on February 9th from 5:00 -7:30 PM. Families may drop by the band room informally during those times to learn more about our band program.
If you are unable to attend the orientation program or have any questions about our band program, please contact the FMS office at 330-673-4176 or email either of our band teachers (Denise.Soulsby@fieldlocalschools.org or Charles.Collins@fieldlocalschools.org)
CHILD FIND
Identification of Children with Disabilities
The Field Local School district is in the process of locating, evaluating, and identifying children from birth to age 21, residing in the district, who may be entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), including special education and related aids and services, pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504).
Children eligible for FAPE under the IDEA are those with disabilities such as Autism,
Multiple Disabilities, Deaf-Blindness, Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Speech or Language Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, or Specific Learning Disability.
Children eligible for FAPE under Section 504 include children who have a physical or
mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. If you know of a child who may have a disability or a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you would simply like additional information, please contact
Megan Longfellow, Director of Special Services at (330) 673-2659 or email her at megan.longfellow@fieldlocalschools.org
PRINCIPALS GOOD NEWS CALLS
Lora Ziler, Kalie Manning, Zane Bravin, Lincoln Mull
SWEET TREATS WITH THE PRINCIPAL
Lucia Henline, Lincoln Mull, Layla Bucceri, Anthony Castillo, Olivia Menegay, Vera Everett, Chloe Roudybush, Avery Braun, Christian Burkett, Nicholas West, Sophia Robbins, Mason Cunningham, Kellen Allen, Logan Poluga, Xander Noussias, Henry Hayes, Jaxon Ellis, Ellias Algbali, Isaih Pruszynski, Madilyn Alsip, Jameson Ellis, Audrey Hinkle, Michael Hanley
Portage County Dog License Available!
Helpful Information
The Ohio CareLine is a toll-free, confidential emotional support call service created by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS). Trained, licensed clinicians will answer calls and offer emotional support and assistance 24 hours a day, 7days a week. The CareLine exists to provide emotional support to Ohioans struggling with these challenging times at no cost. All calls will be confidential. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Ohio CareLine: 1-800-720-9616.
OMHAS has also developed a Crisis Text Line. Text 4HOPE to 741-741 for free support at your fingertips.
Attached is a Facebook attachable graphic with this information and the call line #.
A crisis text line banner for Facebook is also attached. Some teens and young adults may find the crisis text line more helpful.
A descriptive, well-done 30-second Ohio CareLine video is here:
Zoom Clarification for In-Person Learners
If your child has COVID symptoms or is exposed to someone at home with COVID symptoms, and cannot attend school, please notify the office immediately.
A student with COVID symptoms is not required to login to class to live stream if he or she is ill; however, you have the option of having your child live stream if you feel that your child is feeling well enough to be online. If they feel well enough and will be logging in, please let your child’s teacher know so that the teacher will let him/her into the Zoom session.
If your child is quarantining they are expected to be logging into all of the classroom Zoom sessions throughout the day. If your child is home on quarantine and cannot log in for any reason, you should call your child off school like you would any other day. If you have any questions please let me know.
If your child is off of school for anything not "COVID" related, he/she will not be permitted to join a Zoom session.
FREE/REDUCED LUNCH INFORMATION & School Fees information
Breakfast and Lunch are free to all students this year just remember to apply as well so you can see if you can get your fees waived.
It's Getting Cold Outside!
We go outside if the temperature is 20 degrees or higher.
If your child is in need of a winter coat this year please call the office at (330)673-8581. We have new coats that have been donated to the school for those who may be in need of one.
Join PTA
STAY CONNECTED with Brimfield Elementary PTA this year by joining us on MemberHub.
MemberHub allows our PTA to keep all of our important news in one place. Use the hub to JOIN PTA, support fundraisers, view our calendar, and more!
Join us today: https://brimfieldelementarypta.memberhub.com/hub/brimfi50534
MEETING LINK
Important Message From Nurse Patty!
- Students will need to have an extra mask in their book bag every day.
- Students will need to have a NON- GLASS, refillable water bottle every day in school. We do not have water bottles and the fountains are closed. They will be able to refill their bottles at special filling stations.
- Students will need to have 2 change of clothes in their book bag in case they might need them, We do not have extra clothes in the building this year.
Counselor's Corner
1/08/2021
Hello Field Families!
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful and safe holiday season! It’s a great time to get recharged, organized and a great time to start a new routine! Work with your students on how to stay organized for school, color coding, folders and using their planners! Getting back to a good sleep routine is extremely important as well! Students need 8 to 10 hours a night of sleep to be prepared for the next day at school. Setting up a nighttime schedule with no electronics 30 minutes before bed is a great practice to start. If you need any tips or tricks please feel free to reach out!
Also please check out my website to sign up for coffee with the counselor and or to contact me for your child's needs! School Counselor's Corner
~Mrs. Kuzas
SPIRIT WEAR WINNERS!
Kindergarten = Mrs. Scalise
First Grade = Mrs. Shaffer
Second Grade = Mrs. Swartz
Third Grade = Mrs. Morrison
Fourth Grade = Mrs. Starkey
Fifth Grade = Mr. Puice
WHATS FOR LUNCH?
Monday, January
Hot Dog/Bun/Fries
OR PBJ/Fruit/Milk
Tuesday, January
Walking Taco, Refried Beans/ Salad
Or PBJ/ Fruit/ Milk
Wednesday, January
Cheese or pepperoni Pizza/Corn
OR PBJ Bar/
Corn/Salad/Fruit/Milk
Thursday, January
Chicken Fries/ Fries
OR PBJ Bar/Fruit/Milk
Friday, January
Macaroni & cheese/ Peas
OR PBJ/Salad/Fruit/Milk
A Message For Our Remote Families (Please read this article each week as the information is updated) )
IMPORTANT UPDATE!
Being Late for Live Streaming
Please make sure your child is logging into Zoom on time for each live streaming session. Your child will not be let into the Zoom session if they are more than 5 minutes late and they will be marked absent. We are having issues with too many students logging in late after the teacher has started teaching. If you think your child may be late or is having technical issues, please call the office and the office can notify the teacher to let your child in. Your child will then be marked as tardy. We appreciate your help with this!
Pick-up Dates for the Remainder of the Year
1/25
2/8 & 2/22
3/8 & 3/22
4/12 & 4/26
5/10 & 5/24
6/7
*Please note that we changed remote learner pick-up from December 21st to December 18th due to the remote learning days.
- Material pick-up for remote learners will be every other Monday. The next Pick Update is Monday, January 11th. The times will be from 8:00-8:30, 10:00-10:45, 1:30-2:00, and 3:45-4:30. Your child's teacher will send you a message if they do not have any materials to pick up.
- Material drop-off will be every Monday from 8:00-3:30. Parents can put their child's work in a ziplock bag with their name and the teacher's name. There will be a bin outside of the school to drop it off.
- As always, if you can’t make it to these pick-up times yourself, have someone else pick them up for you.
Remote Learner Helpful Hints
1. Absence: If you know your child will be absent from one of their online classes, please call the office at 330-673-8581(select the call off line option) or send an email to Betsy.Dalziel@fieldlocalschools.org to report their absence. If your child is absent due to a doctor appointment, please email or fax the doctor's note to Mrs. Dalziel. Our fax number is 330-677-2519. This way the absence can be coded as an excused medical absence.
2. Online class links: When joining your online class, click on your link 1 to 2 minutes before the class starts (NO SOONER). At the start of class, teachers will see your child in their waiting room and have them join the class. If you are waiting for an extended period of time, try refreshing and clicking on the link again. Please do not wait to enter a classroom for an extended period of time. You can call the office at 330-673-8581 for assistance.
3. Technical Support: If you are having Chromebook issues not related to your internet connection you can send an email to Remotelearning@fieldlocalschools.org and someone will respond to your request.
CALENDAR
Remote Learners Packet Drop Off
8:30am - 3:30pm
Remote Learner Packet Pick Up
8-8:30am
10-10:45am
1:30-2:00pm
3:45-4:30pm
Wear your Ohio state or any football jerseys today!
Monday, January 18, 2021
NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
PTA Zoom Mtg.
6-7 pm.
Friday, January 22, 2021
SPIRIT DAY!
Field Schools is not part of the Brimfield Community Cupboard that is featured in the flyer below
Good Luck Browns and Steelers!
Specials
Hello Online Learners,
We wanted you to know that you should be completing an Art, Music, P.E., and Technology assignment every week. We are adding new assignments to our Google Classroom every week on Tuesday. Some weeks you might have an activity to complete and turn in and other weeks you might have an activity to complete but nothing to turn in. We understand that everyone is working hard this year so we are trying to keep our assignments under 15 minutes or a total of about 60 minutes a week for the four of us. If you need ungraded Library or Counselor activities click on their bitmoji and see the resources they have provided for your children. You should have received an invitation to join the Specialist Google Classroom at the beginning of the year.
Art-Ms. Giltz - diantha.giltz@fieldlocalschools.org
Music-Mrs. Kirby - katherine.kirby@fieldlocalschools.org
Technology-Mr. Scherer- jason.scherer@fieldlocalschools.org
P.E.-Mr. Turner- jacob.turner@fieldlocalschools.org
Please let us know if you have any questions and stay healthy and safe through this pandemic.
The Specialists