Medford Elementary Newsletter
2020-21 School Year Vol. 8
Principal's Message
Dear Medford Elementary Families:
In response to the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within our community, Medford Public Schools has made the determination that grades K-12 will shift to distance learning on Monday, November 23rd-December 4th. Here are some important dates your family might want to be aware of:
a. Friday, November 20th will be the last day of the in-person learning model for PreK-6 students. Student school supplies, educational materials, and technology needed for distance learning will come home this week.
b. Monday, November 23rd we will start our distance learning model through December 4th.
c. Monday, December 7th is our anticipated return to school in our current models. There will be further communication to come.
Students currently enrolled in distance learning will transition to their homeroom teacher for distance learning as long as we are in a full distance learning model.
The Medford Elementary Distance Learning Option will include daily synchronous (live) learning and/or self-paced (asynchronous) learning for students. Synchronous learning sessions will be an opportunity to connect, build relationships, collaborate and deliver instruction. Synchronous learning will include whole groups, small groups, or working with individual students.
Teachers will connect with students and families using SeeSaw for Grades K - 3 and Google Classroom/SeeSaw for Grades 4 - 6. Teachers will have a schedule that they will share and various learning experiences during the day. Between the hours of 8:15 am - 3:00 pm, teachers will be working with children in Google Meet class meetings, whole group and small group instruction and one-on-one sessions. The student daily schedule will also include lunch, recess, and a break.
As a reminder, students with special needs, English learners, and 504 students, will continue to receive services during distance learning.
Thank you for doing your part to support Medford Elementary's safety goals. Students and staff should stay home if they are showing any symptoms. Each of us need to continue to practice the 3 W's; 1) wash hands, 2) wear mask & 3) watch the 6ft of social distancing. Thank you for all you are doing as parents to help us manage the health and safety of our school community in this most unusual time. We appreciate you!
I look forward to seeing how the school year continues to take shape in an unfamiliar time. We are in this together. If you have any feedback on how we can improve, please call 214.6312 or email: joshcarlson@medfordtigers.org
DAILY HOME SCREENING PROCESS
Families are responsible for daily at home health screening prior to their student entering the school building/bus.
Symptoms:
If your child has any of the following symptoms it indicates a possible illness that may decrease the student's ability to learn and also put them at risk for spreading illness to others. Please check your child for these symptoms.
Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth
Sore Throat
New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing
Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever
Close contact/potential exposure:
- Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with a person with confirmed COVID-19.
- Traveled to or lived in an area where the local tribal, territorial, or state health department is reporting large numbers of COVID-19 cases.
- If "Yes" is the answer to any of the questions above, keep the student at home and notify the school of your child's absence. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.
Please contact our school nurse should you have any questions 507.214.6315
SCHOOL CANCELLATION AND DELAY INFORMATION
Student Dismissal and Early Dismissal
Students are required to leave the building immediately upon dismissal (classroom dismissal times will be staggered) from school. Students who ride the bus should board the bus promptly after dismissal by a teacher. Students who walk or ride their bicycles should leave school grounds as soon as possible. Students who are waiting for parents, guardians, or baby-sitters to pick them up can wait by the Elementary office exit. Students are discouraged from being in the High School area at dismissal time.
The community will be notified through Radio Stations KDHL (920), KRFO (1390), and WCCO (830) as well as Television Stations 4, 5, 9 and 11 when weather conditions or other emergencies make it necessary to close school or start late. The Medford School District also uses an automated e-mail/voice service to communicate with families.
It is extremely important for families to have plans communicated well with their children in the event of an early dismissal at the beginning of each school year.
Important Dates on the Horizon
Nov. 17: Virtual Conferences (4:00pm-7:30pm)
Nov. 19: Virtual Conferences (4:00pm-7:30pm)
Nov. 23, 24 & 25: Distance Learning Days
Nov. 26-27: Thanksgiving (No School)
Nov. 30-Dec. 4: Distance Learning Days
Dec. 7: Anticipated return to school in current models. There will be further communication to come.
Dec. 24-Jan. 3: Winter Break
Jan. 4: School Resumes
Jan. 21: End of 2nd Quarter
Jan. 22: Teacher workday (No School for Students)