Huffman News 9/21
September 21, 2020
The Huffman Commitment
We will work with every student, staff member, and family to develop and maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning community. We are committed to continuously improving our professional practices and take responsibility for the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. We believe all people can grow in a positive direction.
Principal's Note
I hope you had a terrific weekend.
I'm sure many of you may have questions with the recent announcement coming from our Superintendent. If the decision making criteria allows, the hope is K-6 students will be able to return to the school building during the second quarter on October 19. I encourage you to review the Risk Level Decision Criteria. This site outlines the updated criteria being used to make this decision. This is different than previous guidance. Much of the information outlined here comes directly from the CDC: Indicators for Dynamic School Decision Making that has recently been updated. We are so excited to see students while we also understand each family and staff member has a varying degree of anxiety and concern.
Our teams at ASD are working diligently on detailed safety procedures to mitigate the risk of transmission. As Dr. Bishop shared, ASD acknowledges the virus will be among us in our community and we cannot entirely prevent its spread. We are learning how to live and work while minimizing the risk to ourselves and others by implementing robust and layered mitigation strategies in alignment with the latest CDC guidance. ASD will consistently monitor information and review data as part of the decision making process. There is also little doubt that some schools will experience covid related disruptions as we navigate a return to school. There are strict procedures schools will follow in the event of confirmed exposure as well as detailed communication plans.
At Huffman, we are developing plans and procedures and will implement risk reduction strategies while providing a well rounded education and school experience. I understand families must make difficult decisions and I fully respect and support you as you navigate this process. Please reach out if I can assist or answer any questions about the options ASD provides.
Many of the protocols and risk mitigation techniques come directly from the guidance and research outlined in the three resources shared below. I share this not with the expectation that parents read all of the fine details, but rather to provide you some of the resources we are consulting to guide our work as we plan to bring students back to the building.
Thank you for your feedback in the previous family surveys. I have shared that feedback with ASD leadership.
As always, please feel free to reach out if I can assist in any way.
All the best, Chris
Chris Opitz, principal
Guidance & Research on Re-Opening Schools During Covid-19
Click on the Survey Below to Answer 2 Quick Questions
Virtual Running Club
Huffman is excited to collaborate with Rabbit Creek Elementary for our first ever Virtual Running Club!
What: 6 Fun Cross-Country Running Practices. These practices are OPTIONAL. Just a fun way for you to get out and explore some different locations, stay active and have fun!
When: September 14th - October 2nd (3 weeks to complete)
Where: 6 different location in the South Anchorage Area (Huffman School, Rabbit Creek School, South High School and Service High School areas)
- How: Complete practices on your own at any time, with family and in any order. *Route Substitutions Allowed
***Prizes for students who complete 6 practices and submit their record sheet to miller_jean@asdk12.org
Complete details included in the link below. Students can print their own packet or pick-up a copy at library book pick-up.
Return to School - Frequently Asked Questions
Free Flu Clinics for Everyone
Safety & Security Drills
Please take a moment and have your student watch this short emergency drills video. It's less than 2 minutes long.
What is your Family's Intent for the 2nd Quarter?
When to Stay Home, When to Come Back to School
Return to School - Masks are Required
Please take the time to have your student practice wearing a mask.
Are you on the list to Pickup Library Books this week?
If you want to order books for next week, be sure to visit Mrs. Schroeder's Library Link on your student's Clever page.
Library Pick Up / Drop Off: Thursday, 9/24, from 4-6pm.
News from Nurse Krista
Huffman Elementary School
Email: opitz_chris@asdk12.org
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/huffman
Location: Huffman Elementary School, Lorraine Street, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: 907-742-5650
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HuffmanElementary
Twitter: @principalopitz