Greystone News
March 20, 2020
We miss you!
If you would like to ask Dr. Stocks a question, share what you have been doing, or give a "Shout Out", fill out this Google Form.
We would like to offer parents the opportunity to let us know what environment you feel is most appropriate for your child. While it is not possible for you to choose your child’s teacher, we do want to make sure all of your concerns are addressed when making next year’s placement. If you would like to submit a letter about your child’s placement for the 2020-2021 school year, please send it to Stacey Stocks or Sherita Williams, NO LATER THAN MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020. (extended due to school closure)
Parent letters might include: a description of the amount of structure/flexibility needed for the learning environment in which you feel your child works best, or if you have had a past experience with a teacher or another student that was either positive or negative. We ask that you not request a specific teacher’s classroom. We work very hard to make the best possible class rolls and consider all of the given information.
Once we begin making the class lists, it is difficult to make changes. For this reason, letters received after March 30th may not be considered for class placement. You may submit your letter via e-mail to: sstocks@hoover.k12.al.us or shwilliams@hoover.k12.al.us Note that the placement letter due date for incoming kindergarten students will be May 5, 2020.
COVID-19 Update
Grace Klein Community is a resource for food. We know that some parents are concerned about providing food for their children. We have created a form for these parents to sign up to receive food while the schools are out. Click here for the form.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions regarding the School Closure and COVID-19.
THe Counselor's corner
Dear Parents,
In these uncertain times, talking to your children about the COVID-19 virus may be difficult. As a parent, you may be concerned about the balance of being realistic, but not inflicting fear on your children. Julia Cook, a former teacher, counselor, and current children's author, has shared some tips for parents on talking to kids about the virus:
- Remain calm and reassuring. It is very important to create an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions.
- Always answer a child's questions truthfully with developmentally appropriate, simple answers. You don't need to go into more detail than necessary, but lying to children, or making up facts will ultimately confuse them. Eventually, when they find out the truth about what happened, they may struggle with trusting you in the future if you lie in an attempt to protect them.
- Focus on what you and your child are doing to stay safe. Remind children that they can be part of the solution, by washing hands, using tissues when coughing or sneezing, using fist or elbow bumps instead of handshakes, and not sharing food or drinks.
- Stick to a predictable routine as much as possible. If schools and/or daycare close, re-establish a functional routine that your child can count on.
- You may be asked to repeat your answers several times. Be consistent in your reply and realize that your repetitive answers are your child's 'need to know,' and you are building upon his/her sense of security.
- Children may often feel out of control when disasters occur. Keeping with a familiar routine is very important when trying to re-establish the security of predictability and feeling of being in control.
- If your child asks you a question that you do not know the answer to, its ok to say, "I don't know."
- Acknowledge and normalize your child's thoughts, feelings and reactions. Help children understand why they feel the way they do.
I hope some of these tips will help, as you navigate through being a parent in these difficult times. I, along with the rest of our faculty and staff, miss your children dearly! If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to my email, Kamos@hoover.k12.al.us. Also, if you are looking for ways to help or donate to HCS students and families, please send me an email and I will connect you to our Neighborhood Bridges or Hoover Helps Program. Stay safe, we hope to see you soon!
Kristin Amos-White
School Counselor
Greystone Elementary School
teachers will be contacting you and/or your children after spring break. please make sure you respond to them as we prepare for the possibility of virtual learning beginning April 6th.
Pre-Registration for Pre-K continues until March 31st! Please note that we are changing the drawing to April 10th.
Library news
Online Reading Resources
If you have any questions on how to use these resources, please email Mrs. Richey at jrichey@hoover.k12.al.us
- Storyline Online https://www.storylineonline.net/ Hundreds of books read by famous people!
- Storytime with Ryan & Craig https://www.ryanandcraig.com/read-alouds Hilarious read alouds for all ages!
- MyOn (on Clever) Fiction and nonfiction books and activities.
- Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) On Clever or go to https://www.avl.lib.al.us/ Ebooks and databases for all ages! Read an eBook, learn to speak a new language, research a favorite topic, or explore Animals & Science on PebbleGo
- Sora by OverDrive (on Clever or download the free app) More than 1,500 great eBooks & Audiobooks ready for students to borrow. Click here for instructions.
- Scholastic Learn at Home https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html Great resource for magazine articles, videos, and more! Go to the PreK & Kindergarten or 1st & 2nd grade sections to get BookFlix and Watch & Learn Video Library free! Wow!
- Capstone Interactive Books http://www.mycapstonelibrary.com/login/ username: abc password:123 *make sure to click Capstone Interactive at login
- PebbleGo (complete access with more options than AVL) https://site.pebblego.com/login username: eol password: 123
MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE IMPORTANT DATES!
March 16th - April 3rd - School is closed due to COVID-19
April 6th - School will resume - either virtually or in person (waiting on the state)
All field trips for the rest of the school year are canceled.
Some events may be rescheduled once school resumes.
Did you know you can help our school by participating in the Box Tops for Education program?
Our Greystone Motto
Learn - Lead - Leave a Legacy
Our Greystone Mission
As a school community, we empower learners, inspire leaders, and encourage all children to reach their potential.
Our Greystone Vision
Empowering a generation of learners and leaders to leave a legacy.
Greystone Elementary
Email: sstocks@hoover.k12.al.us
Website: https://www.hoovercityschools.net/greystone
Location: 300 Village Street, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-3200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreystoneElementarySchool/
Twitter: @greystoneelem