From the Principal's Pen
August 7, 2020
PREPARING FOR RETURN TO SCHOOL
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope you are all enjoying your summer and the extra time you have been able to spend with your children. I have bumped into many families while traveling around Greenwich and many have emailed me and called me while grappling with the decision that needs to be made about returning to school. It is a very difficult decision and there is no one right answer. Each parent has to make a decision based on their own values and their own circumstances.
The district will be closing the option for the choice to participate in Remote Learning door tonight at midnight. Every parent who has submitted a request has been sent a confirmation email, and been instructed to reply if they filled out the form in error or have changed their mind. If they submit after the midnight deadline, they will get a message that says we will be reopening remote learning requests soon and to watch their district email.
If you have not received a form, it is either because your contact information is not up to date in the district's system, or because YOUR email is Optonline.
Below is a link to a "blank" form that can be used if you have not received a form.
https://survey.k12insight.com/r/0dkYAb
I am including a NY Times article about parents making this decision. I think it is well written and it makes a lot of sense. The author states, “As I see it, school stress for parents boils down to two main points: Deciding what to do, and then what to do with the uncomfortable feelings that could arise after that decision. “
What I can tell you is that right now there are three strategies that are considered effective in preventing the virus:
1. Wear a mask
2. Wash your hands
3. Social Distance
These strategies are an integral part of the GPS plan and we will focus on keeping our students safe to the greatest extent possible. Our staff is working hard making plans for all scenarios. I truly look forward to welcoming our students and families back to school - however that may look - come September 9th.
Stay safe and keep cool!
Mrs. McGuire, Mrs. Brush and the JC staff
REMINDER: BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MONDAY NIGHT
There is a special Board of Education meeting being held on Monday, August 10th at 7:30 pm.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Attached you will find a supply list for each grade level for in-school learning. We usually provide an opportunity for parents to buy these supplies in the spring but that opportunity was lost during our quarantine. Parents can purchase these supplies at Staples or Target or any store of your choice. For your convenience, Target and Staples will have a copy of our Julian Curtiss lists by using the links below beginning on August 15th.
You can also click on the button below to see the supply list by grade level. Within the list are links to individual items at Staples should you wish to start shopping prior to August 15th. In addition to supplies on the list, we highly recommend students have a spare mask in their backpacks.
If you are able and willing to purchase a second set of supplies for a family in need please email me and let me know what grade level you will be purchasing. I will keep a list of donated supplies and make sure that they are distributed to a family who would benefit. If you would like to make a donation with a Staples or Target Gift Card those are welcome as well. You can mail them or drop them off at school and we will distribute to the appropriate families.
Thank you,
Mrs. McGuire
TOGETHER FOR SAFETY AND LEARNING
These five words say everything about what we as teachers, administrators, and families need to do for this next school year. We all need to work TOGETHER to make sure we are creating a safe environment for the wellbeing of our community and our town. Learning will also be positively impacted when we work TOGETHER. Teachers are the experts on the curriculum, but parents are the experts on their own children. Make sure that you are taking the time to make notes on how the remote learning last spring affected your child, and how his or her summer has gone as well. Whether your child is learning in the physical school building or learning remotely, your child’s teacher will need your help in getting to know your child to help them best. Be willing to share with the teacher whether they reach out with a survey or in person. Develop a relationship with your child’s teachers so that both of you can make sure that you are supporting your child and their learning in the best way possible.
Please follow Mrs. McGuire and Mrs. Brush on Twitter
@JCSPrincipal and @JCSEaglesAP
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Mrs. Trish McGuire - Principal
Email: trish_mcguire@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: www.greenwichschools.org/jcs
Location: 180 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT, USA
Phone: (203) 869-1896
Twitter: @jcsprincipal