Discovery Elementary Newsletter
Home of the Dolphins - September 28, 2020
A Message from the Principal:
Greetings Discovery Families,
This week we are sharing important information about safety at Discovery, as health and safety are our top priority. Even though students are not on campus right now, we have implemented a COVID- 19 Safety Plan that aligns with state and Health Department Guidelines. All staff and visitors are responsible for following these guidelines when onsite. This includes:
- Wearing a facial covering
- Sanitizing and Signing-In
- Maintaining physical distancing of 6-feet minimum.
- Our custodians have a frequent and regular cleaning schedule to sanitize commonly used spaces and classrooms.
You can help reduce the risk for getting and spreading viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, by taking these steps:
- Wear a mask
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home while sick and avoid close contact with others
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands
- Cover coughs and sneezes with elbow rather than hands
- Keep 6-feet of distance between you and others who do not live in your home whenever possible
In partnership,
Shannon Koehnen
Proud Principal
(425) 366-2700
Materials Distribution
Beginning this week we will begin another round of supply and materials distribution for students. The materials distribution schedule is below. At this time we plan to continue with monthly materials distribution. This month's materials distribution days vary, but in November, the library check-out days and materials distribution days will occur at the same time - intermediate the first week, followed by primary the next week.
October materials distribution:
October 1st:
- K and Lighthouse (2:00-4:00 p.m.)
- 2nd grade (12:00-4:00 p.m.)
October 8th (with library distribution):
- 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades (2:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
October 9th:
- 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th grades (12:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
November materials distribution (all connected to library distribution):
October 29th:
3rd, 4th and 5th grades (8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
November 5th:
Kinder, LH and 1st and 2nd grades (8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.)
Please enter the south parking lot and drive toward the gym, onto the playground. We ask that everyone stay in your vehicle and supplies will be brought to you. If you are walking, please go to the south side of the gym (look for the blue cones) and wait at the table at the bottom of the ramp. Please remember to wear a mask and use social distancing.
Important notes: If your student needs additional supplies, please contact the Discovery office and we will make special arrangements.
CHANGES TO DISTRICT MEAL SERVICE
All children, under the age of 18, can pick up a FREE meals at district meal sites. Beginning this week, families may pick up meals for seven days at a time! Order ahead to help us ensure we prepare enough for everyone who needs one. The online pre-order form will activate tomorrow and can be found on the Nutrition Services webpage.
Starting Monday September 28th, 7-Day Meal Bags will be available for pick-up at our current 8 school meal sites:
New pick-up times:
·Tuesday Pick-Up: 11am - 2pm
·Thursday Evening Pick-Up: 2pm - 5pm
Mobile Meals Route
Mukilteo SD will also be operating a Mobile Meals Route on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to serve 7 Day Meals at select sites below:
Monday:
Vantage Apartments 11:00am - 12:30pm
Wednesday:
Olivia Park 11:00am - 11:45am
Greens of Merrill Creek 12:15pm - 1:00pm
Friday:
Puget Park 11:00am - 11:45am
Tamaron Ranch 12:15pm - 1:00pm
Please visit our pre-order form for details on pick-up sites here.
Returning Library Books and Resources from Last Year
Curbside Library Check-Out
Library check-out is coming! Does your child need books at home? Get ready for curbside library check-out beginning this week from 3-5 grade students.
- 3-5 Grades (Oct. 1st is their first library day)
- Will use Destiny to put books on hold
- Optional Google Form that is genre based to request books
- There are videos for how to accomplish these tasks on Schoology
- K-2 Grades (Oct. 8th is their first library day)
If students have fines or overdue books from last year, they will get one book until all other books are accounted for. Students/families can:
- Return books
- “pay off” fines by reading and AR testing until the amount is paid
- OTHER – individualized plans to pay off
- 1st - 5th grade students with all library books accounted for will have an opportunity to check out up to 4 books on their account.
- Kindergarten will start with 2 books as it’s their first opportunity to practice this skill.
Library Check-out Schedule
DISTRICT RETURN TO SCHOOL UPDATE AND SURVEY
The district is beginning to plan for in-person learning and is hoping to start with children in preschool through second grade, followed by students in grades three through five. After elementary students return to school they hope to bring middle school students back in December or early January in a hybrid model with high school students to follow at the start of second semester in late January, also in a hybrid model. As promised, families may choose to remain in distance learning.
To plan further, the district needs to know how many students plan to return to in-person learning, how many will need transportation, meals, etc. The responses they receive from families will drive critical decisions about staffing, schedules, class placement, space availability, etc. Please complete the brief elementary student questionnaire by Friday, Oct. 2.
Language Support: In the Chrome browser, install the Google Translate extension to translate the form into your preferred language.
To help families get a better idea of what school will be like for those returning to in-person learning, the district created a video. The overview is about nine minutes long and applies to elementary staff and families. Please watch the video before completing the elementary family survey - WATCH VIDEO.
Discovery Elementary is a Title I School
Discovery Elementary participates in the Title 1, Part A Program. The goal of Title I is to ensure all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards. As a Title 1 school, we qualify for federal grant money which we use for additional staffing, parent involvement, and staff development opportunities to help us meet that goal.
This update is intended to provide you with important information about this law, as well as your child’s education. You have the right to request regular meetings and/or information about Title 1 at Discovery. Please contact the principal if you would like more information.
Your Right to Know - Title I, Part A Schools
Professional Qualifications of Teachers
In compliance with the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) you may request information about the professional qualifications of your student’s teacher(s).
A. The following information may be requested for teacher(s):
- Whether the teacher has met Washington teacher certification requirements for the grade level and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
- Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status through which Washington qualifications or certification criteria have been waived.
- The college major and any graduate certification or degree held by the teacher.
Qualifications of Paraprofessionals
B. The following information may be requested for instructional paraprofessional(s):
Paraprofessionals must work under the supervision of a certified teacher. In schools that operate a schoolwide program, all paraprofessionals must meet professional qualifications. Paraeducators, in schools that operate a Title I, Part A program, must have a high school diploma or GED and completed the following:
1. Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; or
2. Obtained an associate’s or higher degree; or
3. Pass the ETS ParaPro Assessment. The assessment measures skills, and content knowledge related to reading, writing and math;
4. Completed previously the apprenticeship requirements and must present a journey card or certificate.
Annual Title 1 Meeting October 15, 2020
Who: You and other interested parents
What: Learn and share ideas about how to best communicate, collaborate, and meet your needs to support your child's learning.
Where: via Zoom or video link
When: October 15th - 7:00 p.m.
Not available? Call or email your ideas.
Title 1 Survey
As a parent/guardian of a child attending a Title I school, you are an important part of our team. Your input is vital as we plan and implement parent involvement activities in our school. The focus of all Title I programs is to help eligible students meet the same high academic standards expected of all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status and background.
A Title I survey provides us with important information and feedback to assist us in supporting all students and families. This survey is confidential and will be used in future planning of our parent involvement programs and school events. The Title I survey will be available on October 15th, following our Title I Annual Meeting.
Technology Support
Families can watch short videos on topics such as joining a Zoom meeting on Family Orientation Videos Web Page. Currently, the videos are available in English and Spanish, with more languages and more videos to come later this week.
Technology Support Request Form
- Please remember, your student should log on to Schoology every day!
- Students MUST log on to Schoology from our district's student portal. (Using your home computer? Go to mukilteoschools.org and click on "student portal" icon). Most school computers automatically take students to the student portal. (IMPORTANT: Do NOT google "Schoology" and try to log on--it doesn't work. You will get an error message.)
- Username for Schoology: StudentID#@mukilteo.wednet.edu (example: SK123456@mukilteo.wednet.edu)
- Password: First initial, last initial and student ID (example: SK123456)
- Once in Schoology, your student should click into their class every day to see if there are any updates or assignments. Teachers are able to see which students have checked into their class throughout the day. This is also how attendance is taken.
- It is best for each student to have their own device during distance learning. If your student still needs a district laptop please use the quick check out form below. Computer Request Form
- There are many options for families to add wi-fi at home, including many free or discounted rates for qualifying families for a limited time. Please see the technology family resources page for options. Families can also request a hotspot or other internet service support from the district by clicking on the button below: Internet Request Form
Discovery Elementary
Principal: Shannon Koehnen, KoehnenSA@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal: Mikey Trexel, TrexelMA@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Dean of Students: Dr. Irina Kourilenko, KourilenkoIN@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Elementary Support Specialist (ESS): Kristen Ching, ChingKL@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Administrative Assistant: Debbie Fischer, FischerDL@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Email: koehnensa@mukilteo.wednet.edu
Website: https://www.mukilteoschools.org/Domain/147
Location: 11700 Meridian Avenue South, Everett, WA, USA
Phone: (425) 366-2700
Mukilteo School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator Bruce Hobert (425-356-1319), hobertbl@mukilteo.wednet.edu, Section 504 Coordinator Lisa Pitsch (425-356-1277), pitschla@mukilteo.wednet.edu, and the ADA/Access Coordinator Karen Mooseker (425-356-1330), moosekerkw@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett, WA. Inquiries regarding ADA/Access issues at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center should be directed to Wes Allen, Director (425-348-2220) allenwr@mukilteo.wednet.edu. Address: 9001 Airport Road in Everett, WA 98204