Hope Valley School Weekly Update
September 3, 2021
Calendar of Events
9/6-9/7 - No School
9/22 - Early Release Day (No PM PreK)
9/23 - School Picture Day
9/29 - State PD Day for Staff (no in-person learning for students)
9/29 - Open House (Grades PreK-1) 6:00-7:30 pm
9/30 - Open House (Grades 2-4) 6:00-7:30 pm
PTO is planning an ice cream social in September - more details to come
Teacher of the Year
First 2 days of school
Lunch Decisions
IMPORTANT MESSSAGE
SEVERE ALLERGY PROTOCOL
Although this was not the original plan, we did have to move lunches to back in the classroom based on guidance and for the safety of our children. My hope is to eventually move to the cafeteria but in the meantime it is very imprtant that we adhere to this protocol.
Since lunch will be eaten in the classroom to start the year (like we did last year), the ENTIRE school will need to be designated as peanut and tree nut free this school year! Designated peanut and tree nut free means no food products containing peanuts or peanut by-products and tree nuts or tree-nut by-products will be permitted in the classrooms. This includes snacks and lunches within the classroom.
There are multiple students in various grade levels with severe allergies. With lunch in the classroom, the School Improvement Team last year voted to make Hope Valley School PEANUT & TREE NUT FREE to ensure the safety of all students. Therefore, all classrooms will require students to eat an allergy safe meal that is free from peanuts and tree nuts.
Note: Chartwells meals are peanut & tree nut free.
Background Information: There is a difference between peanuts and tree nuts that causes them to be separately labeled. In the case of a tree nut, they are known as "true nuts" growing from trees. This includes a variety of nuts, all of which but not limited to: hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts, hickory nuts, and so on. What are peanuts then? Just like the tomato, a vegetable that is really a fruit, a peanut is not actually a nut because it does not grow on trees, plus the composition is different. It actually belongs to the legume family because it grows in the ground.
Thank you for respecting this policy and helping to maintain a safe school environment for all the children. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation with this health and safety issue.
Back to School Electronic Forms 2021-2022
So you are not receiving a ton of papers on the first day of school, the district went digital. Back to school packets will now be available in PowerSchool using electronic forms. If you need a paper copy, please contact your school.
Parents will log into their Parent PowerSchool account at https://ps.chariho.k12.ri.us/public (FORMS ARE NOT SUPPORTED USING THE POWERSCHOOL APP) and you must login using a browser. Contact the school office if you are having difficulty accessing your Parent PowerSchool account.
Students in grades 5-12 who need to sign an electronic form will log into their own PowerSchool account and follow the below instructions. Students will only be able to view the Back to School Handbook, Policy & Information form in their PowerSchool account.
Once logged into PowerSchool – click FORMS on the left navigation menu. Under General Forms: START OF SCHOOL the following forms will be available for you to review, complete and sign.
- Emergency Consent Form: Yearly form to update student information. (Completed by parent/guardian only) Form can only be submitted once. If additional changes need to be made contact school.
- Student Covid-19 Self Attestation Form: One time Student COVID-19 Self Attestation form (Completed by parent/guardian only)
- Back to school Handbook, Policy & Information Sign-off (Parent/Guardian and student grades 5-12 sign-off) this is the only form students can view in their PowerSchool account.
- Letter of Permission for Student Google Account, Email Access and Approved APPS/Website consent (Parent/Guardian sign-off for students under age of 13) Form can only be submitted once.
- Acknowledgment of reviewed and or completion of forms. (Parent/Guardian sign-off)
Superintendents Corner
Our September E update is ready and we are so excited to welcome back our students and families this Thursday, September 2, 2021. Our district has been working diligently over the past several months to be sure we have followed RIDOH and RIDE mandates and guidelines for a safe and healthy return for all. Our district, schools, curriculum, and updated back-to-school plan are ready. We are confident in the Back-to-School plan that we have created. You can find the plan we submitted to RIDE in the September E Update.
Masks
As we return to school there will be similar protocols to follow that we had in place last year. One of the most important is the mandate per the Governor’s Executive Order that requires all students and staff to wear face masks/coverings indoors in all school buildings.
This is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to build in mask breaks throughout the school day.
Buses
All students on buses are required to wear masks. Mandatory mask-wearing is in effect per Federal order on buses for everyone with the exception of those students who have received a medical exemption. Students will be assigned seats.
NEW!! (One time only form for the entire school year!!)
Daily Wellness Self-Screenings for Parents/Guardians(for Students) and Staff
You will log in to your PowerSchool account. Click here to find the Back to School Electronic Form instructions.
If you are having difficulty accessing your PowerSchool account, you should contact the school for support.
Please note that the PowerSchool App for phones does not support forms. You must log in to PowerSchool using a browser athttps://ps.chariho.k12.ri.us/public.
Vaccination Clinic
On September 9, 2021, we will be hosting another vaccination clinic from 3-5 pm at Chariho Regional Middle School for anyone who received their first shot on August 16, 2021, or if someone needs their first shot. This clinic is open to all individuals 12 and older.
Per the state, the registration window for this clinic will close on September 8, 2021.
Vaccination Clinic link- September 9, 2021
https://www.vaccinateri.org/appointment/en/reg/9510296042
If you have specific questions please reach out to your school administrators.
Warmest regards,
Gina Picard
Superintendent
From the Bus Company
If you have any questions regarding bus transportation, please call 401-552-7608.
As we prepare for school tomorrow the central office has received a large number of transportation-related requests for service. To assist our community regarding expectations for bussing we have the following information (links are provided in each item for your reference):
Registration for buses for this fall was due July 1, 2021.
Due to RIDOH and CDC guidance students are assigned to only one bus to reduce Covid transmission.
Requests to change buses, bus stops, or update registrations filed after August 1st may take up to three weeks for processing perChariho Transportation Policy. Actual processing time can be as little as 3-5 days.
Approved transportation requests may be rescinded after (10) consecutive days of no ridership if no reasonable explanation is made available to our transportation provider.
Additional bus behavior policy information is available online.
Please use our online registration resources on our website at www.chariho.k12.ri.us for readily available information. Information is also located on our Transportation Page.
Should you need to speak with our main office please call (401)364-3260.
Should you need to speak with our transportation provider please call (401)552-7608, Ocean State Transit.
Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to an excellent school year ahead!
Masks now Required in Schools per Governor's Executive Order
Masks will need to be worn inside the school. Teachers will be providing students with regular mask breaks and will be taking classes outside as much as possible. Masks are not required outside, such as at recess or when learning outside. Students can remove their masks for eating or drinking throughout the day. We suggest students bring extra masks. The school will also have some in the office is students need one. ALL OF OUR CLASSROOMS HAVE HEPA FILTERS!
School Re-Opening for 21-22
Masks - NOW REQUIRED FOR EVERYONE IN SCHOOLS PER EXECUTIVE ORDER!
Distancing - There is a 3' foot distancing requirement within stable elementary pods. There is a 3-6' requirement between classes.
Bussing - Increased to Full capacity. Masks are required on buses by Federal Order.
Contact Tracing - Remains some being within 6' for 15 or more minutes in a 24 hour period. This includes time spent outside. The contact tracing practice used last year will be continued. As long as students are wearing masks and are maintaining the 3' distancing, it will be unlikely that a child will have to quarantine. A child may still be considered a close contact but it does not necessarily mean they will need to quarantine.
My thinking regarding re-opening is to safely transition to some of our previous approaches:
- Students remain in their stable homeroom pod groups for subjects, specials, and recess.
- At this time I am going to have lunch in the classrooms like we did last year. My plan is to move to the cafeteria at some point but for the time being students will eat in their rooms.
- Students will travel to the gym for PE, Library, Art Room and Music Room for specials. (students will enjoy leaving their homerooms).
We will have the following sections and teachers
- Kindergarten - Mrs. Abbott & Mrs. Scheer
- 1st Grade - Mrs. Lilly & Mrs. Carmack (Hopfer)
- 2nd Grade - Mrs. Mello & Ms. D'Agostino
- 3rd Grade - Mr. Fanning & Mrs. Zonfrilli
- 4th Grade - Mrs. Ricci & Mrs. St Clair
Districts are no longer required to offer a Distance Learning choice to families.
Kindergarten Orientation
Parent Drop Off, Parent Pick Up, and other Routines
Below are important procedures and routines at Hope Valley School. Visitors and volunteers will be restricted in the school as much as possible. If you need to pick up your child early from school or need to drop off your child late to school, please park on Locustville Road and proceed up the stairs to the main front door. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN A NUMBERED SPOT. All spaces in the parking lot have been assigned to staff and we have staff in and out during the day.
BEFORE SCHOOL EARLY MORNING CARE (K-4)
The district offers families before school care. Early morning care will be available. The morning program cannot exceed 25 students due to space and social distancing guidelines. Families can utilize the program for a specific number of days each week. If you will be using the morning program, please contact Ms. Donna at 401-539-2321. The program begins at 7:35 AM. If you sign up for this service, the cost is $3.50 a day. Drop off will be on the back playground at the gym door.
ARRIVING TO SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Parent Drop-off Routine
Stop, Drop, & Go (K-4): If you do drive your child to school, please arrive between 8:25-8:35. A staff member will be at the Kindergarten door to let your children in (around the island). Please keep the traffic moving so that traffic does not get congested and so buses may get through.
Bus Arrival Routine
We strongly encourage families to use bus transportation provided by the school district. This will ensure your child arrives at school on time and gives your child some social interaction with peers.
Buses will drop off students in the back of the school.
Breakfast students will get off the bus at 8:25 AM to get a "grab and go" breakfast.
At approximately 8:30, all bus students will exit the buses and will enter through the back office door staggered by bus pods. School staff members will be outside monitoring students. Other staff members will be located throughout the building to greet students and adhere to the guidelines.
Masks are mandatory while on the bus due to a federal order.
DISMISSING FROM SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Bus Dismissal Routine
After parent pick-ups exit, buses will roll up to the back of the school for students. School staff members will monitor the routes to the buses to ensure safety of students. All students and staff are strongly recommended to wear a face mask while walking to the bus. Again, while on the bus masks are mandatory. Students will be dismissed by their classroom pod.
Parent Pick-up Routine
Please notify the school if your child will be a parent pick-up at dismissal time (3:20). These regular parent pick-up families will be issued name cards to hang in their vehicles. At the end of the school day, students will be dismissed to the gym by PODS. Students must wear a mask. Parents will loop around the back parking lot and stop at the gym door to retrieve your child. PLEASE always have your ID on you.
If a parent is requesting to pick up their child on occasion or in an emergency situation, please be sure to complete a parent pick-up slip. A note is required, but in an emergency situation, you can call the office. Be prepared to answer some questions about your child to ensure we are talking to a family member listed on your emergency release form.
PRESCHOOL DROP-OFF & PICK-UP INFORMATION
A detailed preschool procedure informational sheet will be coming home with preschool students.
PTO & School Information
PTO Information: The first PTO meeting will be Monday, October 4, 2021 at 6:30 PM. All parents are welcome to attend any of the PTO meetings. Hope to see you there!
October 4th at 6:30pm
November 8th at 6:30pm
December 6th at 6:30pm
January 10th at 6:30pm
February 7th at 6:30pm
March 7th at 6:30pm
April 4th at 6:30pm
May 9th at 6:30pm
PTO Members
Co-President: Kristin Clarke > kristinc49@aol.com
Co-President: Leah Sousa > leah.sousa@hotmail.com
Treasurer: Stephanie DaPonte > sdaponte14@gmail.com
Secretary: Chloe Morgan > cmako28@yahoo.com
Communication: Chelsea Baker > chelseabaker101@yahoo.com
School Contact Information
School Principal: Giuseppe Gencarelli – Giuseppe.Gencarelli@chariho.k12.ri.us
School Secretary: Donna Sunderland – Donna.Sunderland@chariho.k12.ri.us
School Webpage: https://hopevalley.chariho.k12.ri.us/
School Contact Info: Phone - 401-539-2321 Fax - 401-633-7099
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Due to the limited time we anticipate funding may be available, it is important that families continue to submit updated free/reduced meal applications if there are any changes in household size or income. Confidential applications are accepted throughout the school year and, if approved, are effective through the last day of the 2021-2022 school year. Applications and instructions for applying can be found here:
https://www.chariho.k12.ri.us – Parent/Student Resources section; Lunch Program
Please note we are only able to provide free meals to children 18 and under and will only be provided as a complete meal per program guidelines. All extra items, including milk to accompany a lunch brought from home or ala carte, are not included in this program. Students must have sufficient funds available in their food service accounts in order to purchase extra items.
School Calendar Information
Early Release Days will continue, but the release time will be at 1:55 pm.
Early Release Days will be held on Wednesdays and occur about once per month. (see calendar below) There are no ERD Wednesdays in April or June.
3 Professional Learning Days are scheduled in September, March, and May. These will be distance learning/asynchronous days for all students and will count towards the 180 day state requirement.
Social Media Outlets
@CharihoRegional
use #HopeValleyHawks
Tik Tok
Social Media
About Hope Valley Elementary School
The mission of the Hope Valley Elementary School is to work in partnership with our colleagues, students and families. We are committed to creating a learning environment where children are expected to achieve their full potential.
Email: ggen@chariho.k12.ri.us
Website: hopevalley.chariho.k12.ri.us
Location: 15 Thelma Drive, Hope Valley, RI, United States
Phone: 401-539-2321
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mr.Gencarelli/?ref=br_rs
Twitter: @MrG_HVES