Weekly Updates
New Lebanon School
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We Did It - Week 6 of Distance Learning Complete!
Hello Bobcat Families!
This beautifully written piece came to us a few weeks back, and we shared it on our PTA virtual meeting, but we want to also share it with our entire school community because it resonates so true now, given the struggles many of us face each day.
"Schools have been out for a few weeks, and it looks like this will continue for many more. Many people are concerned about students falling behind because of this. Yes, they may fall behind when it comes to classroom education...
But what if...
What if instead of falling “behind", this group of kids are ADVANCED because of this?
What if they have more empathy, they enjoy family connection, they can be more creative and entertain themselves, they love to read, they love to express themselves in writing?
What if they enjoy the simple things, like their own backyard and sitting near a window in the quiet?
What if they notice the birds and the dates the different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle rain shower?
What if this generation are the ones to learn to cook, organize their space, do their laundry, and keep a well run home?
What if they learn to stretch a dollar and to live with less?
What if they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home?
What if they learn the value of eating together as a family and finding the good to share in the small delights of the everyday?
What if they are the ones to place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants and the previously invisible essential support workers like truck drivers, grocers, cashiers, custodians, logistics, and health care workers and their supporting staff, just to name a few of the millions taking care of us right now while we are sheltered in place?
What if among these children, a great leader emerges who had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler life to truly learn what really matters in this life?
What if they are AHEAD?"
Be Safe, Be Well, and We Love You!
Ms. B & Mrs. Monaco
Important Upcoming Dates!
Tuesday, April 28th: Regular Distance Learning School Day
Friday, May 1st: FLEX Friday
Flex Fridays:
As we make adjustments for several more weeks of Distance Learning, please note that May 1st, May 8th, and May 15th (our next four Fridays) will be Flex Fridays. We have heard from an abundance of staff and families that these days are essential for many of you. For those families who would like additional work on those days, please utilize the supplemental items on the Distance Learning website, and also at the bottom of the K-5 templates.
Daily lessons from your teachers
Our teachers are spending an enormous amount of time preparing daily Math and Reading/Writing lessons for your students. We are doing this so that your students can keep up with the Greenwich Public Schools curriculum to the best of our ability. If you need support finding these videos, please reach out to your teacher or a staff member, so your child can continue hearing your teacher's voice and connecting with them. Thank you!
Live Videos:
When our teachers are working with your students on content or teaching them on a video, please feel free to let them teach. You do not have to tell your students the correct answer or help coach them - that is what our teachers are there for! This also helps teachers assess what the students are able to understand and do independently.
One easy way to help your child be independent is to have them set an alarm on their iPad 5 minutes before their "live video" is set to take place. This will allow them to get prepared and be on time for "class". Thank you for your support with this!
Additional Reminders for live Videos with Teachers and Students:
1. Appropriate Clothing: Think, "Would I wear this to school?" If Yes, then you are good!
2. Appropriate Place: Students should video chat while at a table, desk, or appropriate learning space. When online, mute the microphone until it’s time to speak. This eliminates background noise for all.
New Leb Students Celebrate Earth week of action! Thank you for sending us pictures!
read-a-thon is LIVE!
Below you will find read-a-thon documents and links for where to pout your contract, tally sheets, and POSTER CONTEST submissions!
ALL Read-a-thon documents (English and Spanish): https://drive.google.com/open?id=12rD5rT4mBAXMXYyuk_ZU5UhqWeG-mvuP
Where do I upload my forms? See below!
Contracts: https://padlet.com/cheri_amster/ReadathonContracts
Minutes/Tally Form: https://padlet.com/cheri_amster/ReadathonMinutes
Poster Contest: https://padlet.com/cheri_amster/PosterContest
Focus on Mental Health
Connecticut Corona Virus Help
Unemployment
File for unemployment benefits through the Connecticut Department of Labor. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The Department released a quick sheet related to the virus that can answer your FAQs about COVID-19’s impact on workers and employers.
Mortgage Relief
Governor Ned Lamont reached an agreement with over 50 credit unions and banks to offer mortgage relief to Connecticut’s residents and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about participating financial institutions and answers to frequently asked questions here.
Renter Protection
On April 10, 2020, Governor Lamont signed an Executive Order that provides immediate protections for residential renters.
Utilities
Attorney General William Tong announced that the Connecticut Public Utilities Authority has granted an emergency moratorium on electric, natural gas, and water utility shut-offs.
Price Gouging
Report your concerns about price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General by calling 860-808-5318 or online here. During an emergency disaster, sellers cannot charge prices that would be unjustifiable during normal business operations.
Travel
The Connecticut Insurance Department instructed insurers to accommodate travel cancellation requests under certain terms and conditions. Consumers who have questions on travel insurance can contact the Insurance Department by email at insurance@ct.gov or by calling 860-297-3900.
You may also review the State of Connecticut’s answers to Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about how the state is responding.
Parent Webinar!
WEBINAR: Educator and Parent Panel
Tips and Tricks for Supporting Home Learning
Community support is essential during this time of uncertainty. It is especially important to let parents know they are not alone in helping their children navigate home learning. This webinar will provide parents with tips and support for managing the new reality of parenting and teaching while working from home. A panel will share ideas from their home districts and schools, discuss best practices for balancing the workload, give tips for support, and answer questions from parents. Chad MusselwhiteDate: April 28, 2020
Time: 6:30pm to 7:15pm EST
Click here to register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8787465560730604558
Presenters
Chad Musselwhite lives in Ellettsville, IN and serves as the Assistant Principal at Edgewood High School. Chad and his wife are supporting third and first graders in their home learning while also teaching and working as administrators for their respective schools.
Beth Tharp
Beth Tharp lives in Bainbridge, IN. She teaches math and pre-algebra and is a team lead at Avon Middle School South. Beth and her husband are supporting a kindergartner in home learning while also teaching and working as administrators for their respective schools and districts.
Rachael Havey
Rachael Havey lives in Indianapolis, IN and is a Professional Learning Director for Cognia. Rachael supports institutions in building the capacity of school leaders, instructional staff, and learners through professional development services and coaching. Rachael and her husband are supporting a third grader and preschooler in their home learning.
From the Nurse's Corner! Weekly Health Tip
- Remember to protect yourself and others. You could spread COVID -19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a mask when they have to go out to the grocery store or other public spaces.
- Even when wearing a mask, you should continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
- Remember do your part: Wash your hands and wear your masks. Stay safe!
Is your child under the weather?
If your child has a reported illness, fever, or other symptoms, please email Nurse Pat so we can keep track just like we would when we are in school: Patricia_Bleuher@greenwich.k12.ct.us
IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF HELP/SUPPORT WHILE WE ARE OUT OF SCHOOL
Our School Social Worker School Psychologist will be available during school hours (8:00am-3:00pm) via email if you need any support.
Kaitlin Cyr: kaitlin_cyr@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Sandra Saavedra: Sandra_Corrente@greenwich.k12.ct.us
In case of an emergency, please call 911 or 211 (Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services or EMPS).
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-203-1234 if you or someone you care about is experiencing a crisis or are concerned about someone who might be.
Kids in Crisis - 24 Hour Hotline - (203) 661-1911
Need help? Not sure? Any time of the day or night, there is always a live counselor on the end of the phone. These trained Crisis Counselors are available to provide immediate help and assess services needed to address and work through any situation.
INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS
INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS:
Hotline Numbers for residents who have questions about COVID-19:
203-622-7865
203-622-7703
203-622-7614
203-622-7842
203-622-7836
COVID-19 Testing at Murphy Medical Associates:
1 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich 06830
30 Buxton Farm Road, Stamford, CT 06905