Northview Newsletter
December 18, 2020 Edition
Calendar Reminders
- December 21 - Jan 1; NO SCHOOL; Winter Break
- Jan 4; School Resumes
- Jan 6; Wednesday eLearning days resume
- Jan 18; NO SCHOOL; Martin Luther King, Jr Observance
From the Principal's Desk... First Semester Reflections
Think back... several months ago we stood at the precipice of a new school year filled with uncertainty and apprehension. However, we were all determined to do the best we could to give our students the best opportunity to learn and grow in ways that their families felt most comfortable. Fast forward to the present. There's still uncertainty in the air, but from our joint experience one thing is certain. Together, we can take courageous steps to keep our children learning, growing, and experiencing a semblance of their elementary years. I am so thankful for...
- The manner in which many parents acted proactively with our nurse to keep students out of school when necessary and thus avoiding a major outbreak. We had some challenging weeks but ended the year with 1.3% of our students on quarantine and the school stayed open for students throughout the semester.
- The relentless effort of the NV staff to provide remote and in-person learning opportunities as well as emotional support as students & staff were coming and going due to quarantine requirements.
- The NV PTO and supportive parents for helping to keep "fun" in our elementary children's experience, for a fantastic playground upgrade, and for a lot of behind the scenes support.
- The effort that many parents, grandparents, and childcare providers have made to partner with us, particularly on eLearning Wednesdays, to keep students learning and cared for during this pandemic.
- The resilience of students to abide by the new requirements such as masking up.
But for now, I extend a simple, yet heart-felt thank you to all of the Northview community. Let's take some time to experience the holiday season in a way that renews traditions, creates new memories, and refreshes our relationships. All the best to you. Happy Holidays!
Valpo Boys & Girls Club Information
Northview Specials Rotation Schedule
Valpo YMCA Information
Wednesday eLearning Days To Continue
In their December 17th meeting, the VCS School Board approved an updated Wednesday eLearning plan for the second semester. The plan was the result of a thorough review of stakeholders' feedback and in keeping with our goal of keeping schools open for in-person learning with a remote learning option while providing VCS students with the best possible opportunities for learning over the long term.
As detailed in the Revised 2020-2021 VCS Calendar, Wednesday eLearning days will continue from January 6 through May 19, 2021 with various new improvements in an attempt to provide support for students and their families and also allow time for teachers to generate high quality lessons for in-person and remote students. For more information, please review the general summary of the hallmarks for these scheduled eLearning days.
The Northview Specials Rotation Schedule for the 3rd grading period is also now available for your reference in planning ahead for the days in which your child will experience each of the specials classes.
Santa & His Elf @ NV
Classroom Party Drawings
It's Santa!
Tis The Holiday Season at Northview!
There have been a lot of changes this year, but there were still activities to celebrate the season at Northview this past week. Students in Miss Bronner's class were excited to get a phone call from Santa during one of their live stream sessions. Many classes enjoyed a special holiday pajama day, and during the final week of school students enjoyed a Christmas classic movie on the big screen in the cafeteria during lunches! Classroom parties included games, a holiday story read by Mr. Hershberger, a directed drawing activity, and a goody bag to take home and enjoy. It was hard to beat Santa's coming to Northview on Wednesday and greeting remote learners that were able to stop by as well as the in-person learners. On the final school day of the year students and car drivers were greeted by the melodious sounds of the NV staff singing holiday songs to them during arrival.
A special thank you goes to the Albanese Confectionary and Town & Country Market for donating some of the goody bag treats. We appreciate the PTO for helping with the prizes in the goody bags and helping with the cafeteria decorations. And let's not forget Mr. Wolfenbarger for donning a "red suit" for the kids' excitement. Thank you for making this week special!
Winter Wonderland Cafeteria
Mr. H Reads "Twas The Night Before Christmas"
NV Staff Sings Holiday Songs
Mark Your Calendars For January's Dine To Donate Event...
Public Library Offers Resources
In addition to the free, live, online tutoring from 2-11 pm every day, the Porter County Library has many other resources available to us. Whether it's for a serious project or pleasure, the library has in-person and digital resources that may be beneficial to you.
- In-Person/Curbside Pickup: Books, DVDs, Music CDs, Notary, Printing, Computer use, wi-fi (both in the building and outside), or
- Digital Services: eBooks, Audio Books, Magazines, Movies, The Great Courses, YouTube Channel - Story time and activities
Check out their website for more information.
Also, if you haven't seen the new Library Garden by the Valparaiso Branch, the holiday day break would be a great time to take a downtown walk and check it out. Here's a time-lapse video of the Library Garden construction.
Reminder... Unique Opportunity For Families
In cooperation with the City of Valparaiso, there's an opportunity for Valpo families to obtain some furniture. The city will be demolishing the vacant hotel that is across from Wal-Mart on Hwy 30. Before they do that, they are reaching out to Valpo families that may need a little assistance right now and offer them items that were left behind by the hotel and are still in good condition. These are available at no charge and include:
- Chairs & sofas - limited number
- Bed frames (no mattresses)
- TVs
- Side Tables & Coffee Tables
- Mirrors
Everything will be offered on a specific Saturday prior to the building being demolished on a first come, first served basis. If your family is interested in this opportunity, send an email to natalie@ourgreatergood.com to be put on the list to be notified when the distribution day is set.