Lowell Lantern
December 18, 2020
Principal's Message
Hello Lowell Families,
As our first semester of the school year has come to an end, I just want to thank each of you for your continued support of Lowell! This year has been like no other! I am so incredibly proud of ALL of our students for the great work they have done this first semester!
Some of our students have participated in virtual learning for the entire school year. They've learned a whole new structure for learning and are showing up virtually, working hard, and doing a terrific job with their learning! Some of our students have attended school in-person this year with many different processes and procedures in place. They have done such a fabulous job of adjusting to these new norms and continuing to give it their all and grow in their learning! That's what Lowell Leopards do .... they give their personal best! I want to assure you that it has been noticed, and we couldn't be more proud!
As we begin our winter break, please use these next two weeks to just take a breather and relax and enjoy! Our winter break begins Monday, December 21 and goes through Sunday, January 3. Students will return to school beginning on Monday, January 4. As a reminder, all K-5 students will remain VIRTUAL through at least Friday, January 15th.
Our food distribution will continue to take place over winter break. Distribution sites are Moorhead Community Resource Center, Warren Central High School, Creston, Raymond Park, and Stonybrook. Multiple meals will be provided at each distribution, and our winter break meals will have a special treat included.
Distribution dates are as follows:
- Friday, December 18 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
- Tuesday, December 22 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
- Tuesday, December 29 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing everyone next year! As always, please let us know if you need anything! Thank you for your support of Lowell! Take care! Be safe!
Mrs. Griffin
Happy Holidays from Our Lowell Staff
MESSAGE FROM DR. HANSON
December 16, 2020
Good Afternoon Warren Students, Families, and Staff. This is Dr. Tim Hanson, Superintendent of Schools for MSD Warren Township.
I hope this message finds each of you safe and healthy. I want to provide some very important information as we head into our 2 week winter break.
Our food distribution will take place this Friday as normally scheduled from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Moorhead Community Resource Center, Warren Central High School, Creston, Raymond Park, and Stonybrook Intermediate Middle Schools. There will be additional distributions on Tuesday, December 22nd and Tuesday, December 29th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at our same locations. Multiple meals will be provided at each distribution and our winter break meals will have a special treat included.
This is a reminder that all K-5 students will remain VIRTUAL through at least Friday, January 15th with a tentative IN-PERSON return on Tuesday, January 19th. K-5 families will have the option to request that their student remain VIRTUAL for the remainder of the school year. The request window will open on Wednesday, December 30th and will close on Friday, January 8th at 3 PM. This will be the last request window of this school year.
Students in grades 6th - 12th will remain 100% VIRTUAL until at least Friday, February 12th with a tentative IN-PERSON HYBRID return on Wednesday, February 17th. Tuesday, February 16th is a scheduled district eLearning day. Families with students in grades 6th - 8th will have the option to request that their student remain VIRTUAL for the remainder of the school year. The request window for 6-8 students will open on Friday, January 15th and close on Friday, January 29th at 4 PM. This will be the last request window of this school year.
Our priority from the beginning of the school year has been to have safe access to our students and provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff. Due to our Marion County Data and our local district data, we believe that bringing in our K-5 students with an IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL option and keeping our 6-12 students VIRTUAL until February 17th continues to meet that priority. We know that consistency for our students and staff increases the overall experience and their success.
We will continue to provide food distribution during the VIRTUAL windows and do our best to meet the needs of our students, families, and staff. We will also continue to monitor our data and make adjustments as needed to ensure the safety of everyone.
As I have said from day one, I am appreciative of everyone’s patience, flexibility, and understanding of this situation. #WarrenWill has gotten us this far and will continue to move us forward next year. Weekly communications will continue over the winter break to share reminders or new information. In the meantime, I hope you have a joyful holiday season and I look forward to seeing you next year!
Food Distribution Informaton
Our food distribution will continue to take place over winter break. Distribution sites are Moorhead Community Resource Center, Warren Central High School, Creston, Raymond Park, and Stonybrook. Multiple meals will be provided at each distribution, and our winter break meals will have a special treat included.
Distribution dates are as follows:
- Friday, December 18 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
- Tuesday, December 22 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
- Tuesday, December 29 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
LEARNING OPTION CHANGE REQUEST FORM
Learning Option Change Request Forms for students in grades K-5 will be available for families on Dec. 30. Each K - 5th grade school will have a link on their home school webpage where families can communicate their desire for next semester. If you are a traditional IN-PERSON family or a fully VIRTUAL family this is your opportunity to let us know how you would like to end the school year.
For example, if you are a fully VIRTUAL family and would like your student to return to traditional IN-PERSON instruction for the remainder of the school year, you would fill out the Learning Option Change Request Form and select “traditional IN-PERSON”. If you are a traditional IN-PERSON family who would like to move to fully VIRTUAL for the remainder of the school year, you would select “fully VIRTUAL”.
If you would like to keep your current learning choice, you do not need to complete the form. For example, if you were traditional in-person (before Thanksgiving break) and wish to remain in-person then you do not need to complete the form. If you were fully virtual for the 2nd quarter and you wish to remain fully virtual for the remainder of the school year then you do not need to complete the form.
Families considering remaining fully VIRTUAL for the remainder of the school year, should be aware of four factors:
Indiana schools are required by state and/or federal legislation to administer assessments, such as ILEARN, IREAD, I AM and WIDA. These statewide assessments may not be given to students remotely, they must be taken in-person at school. Your student will be required to attend school on designated days to take their assessments. 2021 Assessment Window Dates.
Second semester placements for K-5th graders will begin January 19th. If students are remaining VIRTUAL, their VIRTUAL teachers will communicate a schedule for students to attend for the second semester. Remaining a fully VIRTUAL student means you are agreeing that your student will follow the schedule provided by your teacher and will log into Zoom for instruction provided by teachers each day during the scheduled times.
When the Learning Option Change Request window closes, staffing changes will be made to support the high volume of requests. Due to these staffing changes, it is possible that your student may be assigned to a new Virtual teacher for the second semester.
This is the last window to request a learning option change. There will not be another opportunity to communicate a change. Students will finish the school year in this option.
Lowell Elementary Learning Option Request Link will open December 30, 2020 at 8 AM and close January 4, 2021 at 3 PM. Second semester schedules will start Jan. 19, 2021.
Students in grades 6 - 12 will remain 100% VIRTUAL until at least Friday, February 12th with a tentative IN-PERSON HYBRID return on Wednesday, February 17th. Learning Option Change Requests Forms for students in 6th-8th grade will open Jan. 15 and close Jan. 29, 2021, at 4PM.
Los formularios de solicitud de cambio de opción de aprendizaje para los estudiantes en los grados K-5º estarán disponibles para las familias el 30 de diciembre. Cada escuela K - 5º grado tendrá un enlace en la página web de su escuela local donde las familias pueden comunicar su deseo para el próximo semestre. Si usted es una familia tradicional EN PERSONA o una familia completamente VIRTUAL, esta es su oportunidad de hacernos saber cómo le gustaría terminar el año escolar.
Por ejemplo, si desea que su estudiante regrese a la instrucción tradicional EN PERSONA durante el resto del año escolar, debe completar el Formulario de solicitud de cambio de opción de aprendizaje y seleccionar “tradicional EN PERSONA”. Si usted es una familia tradicional EN PERSONA que le gustaría mudarse a completamente VIRTUAL durante el resto del año escolar, seleccionaría “completamente VIRTUAL”.
Las familias que estén considerando permanecer / mudarse completamente VIRTUAL durante el resto del año escolar, deben tener en cuenta cuatro factores:
Las escuelas de Indiana están obligadas por la legislación estatal y federal a administrar evaluaciones, como WIDA, ILEARN, IREAD e IAM. Estas evaluaciones estatales no se pueden dar a los estudiantes de forma remota, deben tomarse en persona en la escuela. Se requerirá que su estudiante asista a la escuela en los días designados para tomar sus evaluaciones. 2021 Período de Evaluaciones.
Las colocaciones del segundo semestre para los estudiantes de K-5to grado comenzarán el 19 de enero. Los estudiantes de la Academia Virtual de Aprendizaje (VLA) recibirán un horario de sus maestros VIRTUALES. La elección de mudarse al VLA por el resto del 20-21 significa que acepta que su estudiante seguirá el horario proporcionado por su maestro (s) e iniciará sesión en Zoom para recibir instrucción proporcionada por los maestros cada día durante los horarios programados.
Cuando se cierre el período de “Solicitud de cambio de opción de aprendizaje”, se realizarán cambios de personal para respaldar el gran volumen de solicitudes. Debido a estos cambios de personal, es posible que su estudiante sea asignado a un nuevo maestro virtual para el segundo semestre.
Este es el último período para solicitar un cambio de opción de aprendizaje. No habrá otra oportunidad para comunicar un cambio. Los estudiantes terminarán el año escolar en esta opción.
Los formularios de solicitud de cambio de opción de aprendizaje para estudiantes en los grados K-5 se abrirán el 30 de diciembre y cerrarán el 8 de enero de 2021 a las 3 p.m. Los horarios del segundo semestre comenzarán el 19 de enero de 2021.
Todos los estudiantes en los grados 6 al 12 permanecerán 100% VIRTUALES hasta al menos el viernes, 12 de febrero, con una tentativa de regreso HÍBRIDO EN PERSONA el miércoles, 17 de febrero. Los formularios de solicitud de cambio de opción de aprendizaje para los estudiantes de los grados 6 al 8 se abrirán el 15 de enero y cerrarán el 29 de enero de 2021 a las 4 p.m.
MATERIAL PICK-UP FOR 3RD QUARTER
Textbooks and materials that your student will need for the 3rd quarter may be picked up the week of January 4th during normal school hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm. If other times are needed, please call the front office at 317-532-3900 to make an appointment.
Parents/Caregivers of students who are participating in the Virtual Learning Academy should plan to pick up materials for their students. There are new materials that students who are remaining virtual for the second semester will need.
Parents/Caregivers of in-person students who have transitioned to virtual learning should first check with their child's teacher to confirm if any new materials are needed.
TRANSITION TO VIRTUAL
Wifi Hotspot
DO YOU HAVE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS?
If you have any technology needs, you can access one of the following supports:
Technology Help Desk at Moorhead Community Resource Center from 10:00 - 2:00, Monday - Friday. iPad concerns should be directed here.
All three Intermediate Middle Schools during school hours.
Chromedesk at the High School during 1st and 2nd period.
Submit a help ticket through IncidentIQ by clicking on Technology under the Explore Tab and then select Parent Tech Info..
ARE YOU IN NEED OF ADDITIONAL SUPPORT?
If you have other needs beyond what is being provided, you can access the following resources:
Contact your child’s counselor or administrator. All of our schools are open during normal school hours.
Share your request through our district outreach hotline at 317-608-0545 or email at MSDWarrenOutreach@warren.k12.in.us.
Visit our Moorhead Community Resource Center ~~~ Monday / Wednesday / Friday - 8:00 - 4:00 or Tuesday / Thursday - 8:00 - 8:00.
YMCA Virtual Care Information
District Website -- Parent Resources for Virtual Learning
Click Here to check out the updated District Parent Resource webpage to learn more about the digital tools we use in our schools.
LOWELL ELEMENTARY COUNSELING SERVICES PARENT/GUARDIAN REFERRAL FORM
If you are interested in counseling services for your child, please click on the link below and complete the referral form for Mrs. Hand. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Mrs. Hand has also created her own website where families can access information and resources. Please visit her website at the link below.
https://sites.google.com/warren.k12.in.us/lowell-school-counselor/home
PLEASE JOIN THE LOWELL PTA
Our Lowell PTA provides so much support for students, families, and staff. Please consider joining the PTA! It does not mean you must volunteer for events; however, joining the PTA allows you to advocate for your child and others.
For every membership bought, you will receive a discount card that provides great deals to businesses on the eastside. So your membership could be free with the great deals you get.
Please click on this link to become a member.
https://indiana-congress-of-parents-and-teachers.square.site/
VIRTUAL STUDENTS AND PARENTS/CAREGIVERS
Please read the important information below about virtual learning.
Are You a Virtual Student Who is Having Technology Issues?
Beginning Monday, October 26th the Moorhead technology help desk will move to door 11 at the rear of the building located near the playground. Please drive through the gate on the west side of the building and, after parking, enter door 11 for assistance. The Technology team will keep the same hours for the help desk: Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 11am to 1pm.
If you are having tech issues, please contact the help desk:
MOORHEAD COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
Moorhead Community Resource Center (MCRC) is now open and ready to provide services and supports to our Warren Family! We are so excited to have this fabulous center in Warren Township and look forward to serving our Warren Families! Please see the flyers below for more information about MCRC.
AMAZON SMILE
If you use Amazon or have an Amazon Prime Account, money may be donated to Lowell with NO extra charge to you. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.
Please see the flyers below for easy ways to donate to Lowell. Share with your friends and family!
BOX TOPS ARE GOING DIGITAL!
SELF-SCREENINGS
Thank you for taking time each morning to screen your child before coming to school each day. Please continue to do so. Below are symptoms impacting consideration for exclusion from school:
● A fever of 100.0° F or greater
● Chills
● Cough
● Muscle or body aches
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Headache
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Fatigue
● New loss of taste or smell
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
Students and employees should be excluded from school if they test positive for COVID-19 or exhibit two or more of the symptoms of COVID-19 that are not otherwise explained based on ISDH / MCPHD guidance. If in doubt, please don't hesitate to call school at 317-532-3900 for some guidance. We appreciate your support in doing this important screening step each day before sending students to school.
MSD WARREN TOWNSHIP S.A.F.E. REOPENING PLAN
You may download our 20-21 Reopening Plan on our S.A.F.E. Reopening Webpage.
https://www.warren.k12.in.us/o/msd-of-warren-township/page/20-21-s-a-f-e-reopening
Covid Screening & Quarantine Information
CAR RIDER INFORMATION
Students will only be released on the sidewalk side/passenger side of the vehicle. Please make sure your child is sitting on that side of your vehicle. When the sidewalk is cleared of students, cars will be released by staff to exit back out onto Raymond Street. PLEASE DO NOT MOVE YOUR CAR UNTIL STAFF INDICATES IT IS SAFE TO MOVE. DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR RIDER LINE TO MANUVEUR YOUR CAR AROUND OTHER CARS. STAY IN LINE AND FOLLOW THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU SO WE CAN EXIT SAFELY. When the next row of cars are lined up along the sidewalk and are stopped and in park, staff will release the next group of students into the building.
OUR PRIORITY IS TO KEEP STUDENTS AND STAFF SAFE! PLEASE MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES AND TO FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF THE LOWELL STAFF. WE APPRECIATE YOUR COOPERATION.
Please make sure your child has backpack/supplies ready and that good-byes are said before it's time to exit the car. We will not have time to retrieve items or have prolonged good-byes in the morning. We appreciate your help with this!!
Review the map below to see the entry/exit location and the path for the car rider line. We appreciate your patience as we all learn this new system.
SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS
Please remember that our Lowell Campus is a smoke-free campus. There is no smoking allowed anywhere on Lowell grounds. This includes smoking in your cars while on the Lowell Campus. Please refrain from smoking on school grounds if you are picking your child up or dropping your child off at school. We appreciate your support with this policy!
Lowell Construction Updates
The renovation at Lowell is going strong!! We are excited to see the progress!
School District Publication/News Media Use
STUDENT SUCCESS HANDBOOK
Click on the link below to access the 2020-2021 Student Success Handbook.
Make Sure to Follow Us on Social Media and on Our Website
Follow us on Twitter!
Follow us on the Lowell website!
Follow us on Facebook!
Lowell Elementary School
Contact Us
Kim Griffin -- Principal
Tasha Reedus -- Dean
Website: lowell.warren.k12.in.us
Location: 2150 South Hunter Road, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-532-3900
Facebook: facebook.com/LOWELLLEOPARDS
Twitter: @LowellElementa1