Buffett Bulletin
April 1, 2020
Message from CK
Hey there, Bobcats!
As I write this from my dining room table, I keep thinking about what Buffett would normally be like on April Fool's Day. Our school is typically brimming with laughter, activity, and excitement. Bobcats are usually found talking with their friends and engaging with the teachers and staff members. Now, I go to Buffett and it is quiet and empty. The classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and gymnasium sit silently craving the days for all of us to return. I don't know how long this current closure will last, but I do know one thing...we are here.
I don't mean that we, teachers, are at Buffett. I mean that we are here for you.
- If you need someone to email, we are here.
- If you need to know that you are missed, we are here.
- If you need someone to chat with in Microsoft Teams, we are here.
- If you video taped yourself and shared it in Padlet, we are here.
- If you played a Quizlet Live this week, we are here.
- If you spent all day trying to get yourself motivated to start your activities, we are here.
- If you are worried about logging on for the first time, we are here.
- If you reached out via Twitter or Instagram to share a picture, we are here.
- If you need to know that you are loved, we are here.
Students and families, you may not be fully online yet. But, when you reach out, count on the fact that we are here ready to support you and keep you engaged.
And...we aren't going anywhere. We will continue to be here through all of this. We care about you and your families. We won't let you down.
I am thinking of all Bobcats out there and wishing you safety and good health. Until we can be together again, please take care of yourself and those you love.
Joke of the week: I thought during this closure I would go on an all almond diet. But, that's just nuts.
Much love, Bobcats!!!!
Health & Wellness
So what is Coronavirus or Covid-19?
Coronavirus or Covid-19 is a virus that affects the respiratory system (lungs, nose, mouth, throat, bronchi, and all other body parts involved in breathing). It passes from person to person through droplets from sneezes, coughs, runny noses, and saliva.
Notes from Our Counselors
Limit Media and Social Media Exposure
Create a Schedule
Allow Your Child to be in Closer Proximity to You
Talk about Feelings
Encourage Teens to Do Stress Reducing Activities
Reach Out to Your Child’s School Counselor
Technology Support
System Logins
OPS utilizes a single user sign in system with all O365 applications and most other OPS applications. Your child's username is s + first 5 letters of their last name their first intial and then then last 3 digits of their lunch code. Their password is their lunch code. If needed, passwords can be reset by emailing Ms. Tolliver or Mr. Spore.
EXAMPLE: stollik123@ops.org
Privacy in School Systems
Infinite Campus
Troubleshooting & Maintaining a Working Laptop
Shut Down Often
Your child should completely shut down their device at least once per week. Once daily certainly won't hurt anything.
One mistake we find our students making is closing their laptop lid before the device actually fully shuts down. After they click the power tool and shut down, wait until the screen goes black before closing the lid.
Fix a Freeze
Update! Update! Update!
Some updates require a student to be on the OPS network in order for them to run. However, please have your student always update any OPS application or system that indicates needing updated.
Communication
Your child's teachers are utilizing email as their first line of communication to students about assignments. Your child should be checking email daily to ensure they are getting all communication they need. From there, students are directed on what applications they will be using to complete that week's assignments.
Assignments are being sent weekly by teachers. Those assignments will arrive every Monday by 3:00 PM.
Resources from Scholastic
The Scholastic Learn at Home website requires no password and is open freely to all, on any device. They are designed to limit the need for printing and allow students to learn independently or with their families.
Other Resources
Team News & Updates
In addition to weekly messages, be sure to check out team homework pages to help guide your child through weekly assignments.
Physical Education - Stay Active!
Cooperative Arts - Get Creative!
Click on the image below to visit Art for Kids Hub. Many of the lessons are perfect for children of any age and only a few supplies are needed. Currently, there are many drawing lessons related to SPRING!
Magnet - Stay Connected!
If you have photos you would like to share (learning at home, social distancing activities, etc.), send to megan.thompson@ops.org. Let's Stay Connected!
Webinar
Parent & Family Tips for Helping Middle Schoolers at Home
Presenter: Jack Berckemeyer
Monday, April 6, 2020, 3:30-4:30pm ET
Jack Berckemeyer, author of Managing the Madness – A Practical Guide to Middle Grades Classrooms, provides pragmatic tips, mixed with his trademark humor, to help parents enjoy this time at home with their young adolescents. Invite your parents and families to this can’t-miss event!
Summer School Information
As of the time of this newsletter, the district plans to still have Summer School in session this year. If that changes, communication will be sent. For now, we are planning for holding Summer School.
Please understand that limitations will be set at each grade level due to staffing.
Summer school is an opportunity for your student to improve their academic growth in reading, writing, and math. During the month of June, students can benefit from smaller class sizes and lessons that focus on hands-on learning. The program consists of a 4-week session (20 instructional days) from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM daily from Monday June 1st to Friday, June 26th.
In order to ensure your student’s participation in the summer school program, please complete the registration link for your child’s current grade level that is below. This form must be completed by Monday, April 13th to secure bus transportation for students who are eligible. Confirmation of your student’s selection into Buffett’s summer school program will be sent to you via e-mail prior to the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.
We look forward to working with your student this summer to help reach his/her academic potential! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Norris or I via e-mail or phone.
Amye Aggen
Summer School Principal
531–299–2320
Jessie Norris
Lead Teacher
531–299-2320
Upcoming Events
Connect with Us!
Website: buffett.ops.org
Location: 14101 Larimore Avenue, Omaha, NE, United States
Phone: 531-299-2320
Facebook: facebook.com/OPS.Buffett.Magnet
Twitter: @BuffettMagnet