COVID-19 has made us rethink many of our practices. One traditional practice that is impacted by COVID-19 is our elementary classroom celebrations. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several health and safety mitigation aspects to our schools this year (i.e. social distancing, restrictions on volunteers, and shared materials). The instructional time we have with students has been impacted, and we know the time we have is critical given the loss of learning that our students experienced in the last 2 years. As such, we have determined that we will no longer be having these these classroom parties (ie--Valentine's Day).

This consideration and decision provided time for us to reflect on the overall classroom party concept. Our workaround equity is at the forefront of everything we do, and in recent years we have looked at participation in our classroom parties through an equity lens. For cultural or religious reasons, many of our families opted for their students not to participate in one form or another. For those that do participate, access for all students is not the same (i.e. lack of costumes, food, cards, etc.).

We understand that celebrations are an important part of our students' school experience. Each of our elementary schools will continue to have PBIS celebrations throughout the school year. While these may look a bit different this school year, they will continue to be part of our system of support. We strive to make all students and families feel welcome and included in all aspects of our school day and the school community.

Thank you,

--

Andy Gahan

Principal, Coralville Central Elementary

Message on Masks and Vaccines (9/15/21)

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, the Iowa City Community School District requires universal mask use for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to our schools, regardless of vaccination status. This is based on guidance from the CDC. In addition, the President’s Executive Order on domestic transportation requires students and staff to wear a face-covering while on a school bus or while utilizing other District-provided transportation.

Gifting Library

You may request a book for you to ‘gift’ to your child as you wish.

Gifting Library Request Form

DONATION REQUEST

Do you have any baby items laying around to donate?

Preferably fitting the female gender.

Consider donating to Becca Bender, Student and Family Advocate to share with a Central family expecting a baby at the end of March.

Feel free to call with any questions 319.688.1104

https://gayandciha.com/tribute/details/4370/Charles-Bates/obituary.html

All of us at Coralville Central were saddened to hear about the loss of Charlie Bates. Charlie went to school here at Central from 2nd through 6th grade. They were kind, engaging, funny, and a wonderful human. Charlie went on to attend NWJH and was a freshman at West High. Our deepest condolences to their family and friends.

The Kids' Art Open House date will be announced later this spring if it seems safe to do so.

From the Library

Just a reminder of some important library information. Please save!

Important Library Information

Devin Redmond (she/hers)

Teacher Librarian

Coralville Central Elementary : ICCSD
Google Voice (text) : 319.435.8220

Instagram @cclibrary

Facebook @coralvillecentral

Twitter @devinred

Follow @cclibrary on Instagram for BN recommendations from CC Staff AND CC Students!

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

Dental Health is important not only to the mouth, but the entire body. Help your children maintain healthy teeth by:

• Brushing teeth every morning and every evening.
• Visiting your dentist twice per year.
• Limiting intake of sugary foods and drinks
• Learning how to floss their teeth
• Having sealants applied to teeth to prevent cavities
• Drinking tap water with fluoride in it

Dental Sealants FAQ

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings that when painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) can prevent cavities (tooth decay) for many years. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield that blocks out germs and food. Once applied, sealants protect against 80% of cavities for 2 years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to 4 years.

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a permanent hole in a tooth. If it is not treated, it will get bigger; it can hurt and get infected. The most common place for cavities is in the grooves of the back teeth.

Is sealing a tooth better than filling the cavity?

Sealants are a quick, easy, and painless way to prevent cavities. A tooth without a cavity is stronger and healthier than a tooth with a filling or untreated decay. Sealants are also less expensive and easier to apply than fillings.

Should I ask the dentist to put sealants on my child’s teeth?

Yes. Dental cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions among children and teens. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain and infection and problems in eating, speaking, and learning. Sealants are an extremely effective yet underutilized shield that protects children’s teeth from cavities.

When can my child get sealants?

Sealants prevent the most cavities when applied soon after permanent molars come into the mouth (around age 6 for 1st molars and age 12 for 2nd molars).

What are the risk factors for cavities?

Your child’s chance of getting cavities can be higher if:

• Family members (older brothers, sisters, or parents) have cavities.
• They eat and drink a lot of sugary foods and drinks, like soda, especially between meals.
• They have special health care needs.
• They wear braces or orthodontics or oral appliances.

If any of these apply to your child, be sure to talk with your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor to make sure you are taking extra steps to protect your child’s teeth.

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/dental_sealant_program/sealants-FAQ.htm

The ICCSD is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. In line with that goal, changes are being made to the district’s Wellness Policy regarding classroom snacks birthday treats, and classroom celebrations.

NO FOOD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

In line with the district’s Wellness Policy, student birthdays will be celebrated in the classrooms with a special acknowledgment. Each grade level team has determined a special recognition for students who wish to celebrate their birthdays at school. Please note these birthday celebrations will not involve food. If food is sent to school for birthdays the food items will be returned home.

SNACK & CELEBRATIONS :

When food is served to students in the classroom as a snack or during a classroom celebration, the following rules apply (ICCSD Wellness Policy 507.9):

• allow only fresh fruits/vegetables or purchased foods with the ingredients listed (no homemade foods).
• allow only foods that meet the Healthy Food Guidelines/ Smart Snacks. (the only exception to this would be food-tasting related to district-approved curriculum lessons)
• not allow foods with peanuts or peanut butter or foods that were made in a factory where cross-contamination may occur.
• food that does not meet the guidelines will be sent home.
• a list of acceptable foods (Healthy Food Guidelines/ Smart Snacks) will be made available to parents and teachers at the beginning of the school year.

The ICCSD Wellness Policy Classroom Snacks and Celebrations is a complete list of approved foods including where the approved food items can be purchased.