Cougar Corner
COVID-19 Update 3.23.2020
Dear Cougar Families,
I would also like to make a few notes that you might find useful.
Pre-Approved Waiver from DEED
Alaska Educational Commissioner Johnson has announced that we will not need to make up the school closure days because we are providing distance delivery educational services to students throughout the duration of the school closures. Every school is providing a plan for the distance delivery.
PEAKS TESTING
The US Department of Education has waived the Federal requirement for administering standards-based assessments for the 2019-20 school year. So we will not be administering the PEAKS testing this spring.
Internet Access for Families
If your family is in need of internet service go to www.matsuk12.us/coronavirus to get more details from MTA, GCI, and ACS. These three companies are offering free internet or upgrades during this time. However, you'll need to reach out to each company to see what kind of package they are offering and which would benefit you the most.
Meals
See the section below to learn about how to access free meals for all students in the district. Cottonwood is not a distribution site, but any child can go to one of the listed locations to receive a free breakfast and lunch. On Fridays, you can also pick up meals for Saturday. If you have any questions or need assistance with the meals please contact nurse Chapelle. She is the point of contact person for Cottonwood. Her email is suzanne.chapelle@matsuk12.us.
Academic Expectations
During this time of distance delivery, please know that we will be aiming to provide about 2 hours of seat time instruction for all of the classes combined. Grade levels are working on creating a schedule to provide that level of instruction. However, we know that this delivery model will look and feel different for the students. So please provide us feedback if we are giving too much or not enough work and we will adjust as we move forward in future weeks. This week was intended to be a soft roll out week so if your child wants more, please access the many on-line resources like AR, Lexia, and Edmentum to name a few. Teachers are working to update their grade level websites this week so you'll have a central place to get information and resources for your child.
Facebook Live
As your principal, I am trying to stay connected to our community through the Cottonwood Creek Facebook Live feature. I did not get a message out today, but did do three videos last week. In each one, I have posed a fun challenge for the kids to do at home. I hope you'll join me and help keep all of us connected while we are isolated at home.
Mental Health and Well Being
Thank you to our school psychologist Micah Hoffman who has provided some excellent resources in the section below. We know this is a hard time for families and wanted you to know there are resources available in the community. These resources are a great place to get started, but know if you have additional needs we will do our best to connect you to what you are looking for. For now, I hope everyone is practicing some self care at home.
Mental Health and Well-being Resources for Parents
Mat-Su Health Services - (907) 376-2411
Available to talk to anyone who is anxious, concerned, unable to sleep due to worrying, has behavioral health needs and concerns for their themselves or family members, neighbors, etc. Anyone can call 24 hours a day at 376-2411 and talk to them. They are also continually compiling information on where to get help etc. and have 11 case managers who are trained to help with those types of issues. Callers do not need to be a client and there is no charge for this service.
Connect Mat-Su - (907) 373-2628
Provides Mat-Su residents with immediate access to information, referrals, and direct assistance needed for them to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Open M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM.
100+ Free Social Emotional Learning Resources for home/school activities - CLICK HERE
Love and Logic: This tried and true guide for parenting is offering 50% off all products during the spring - CLICK HERE
Meal Service
MSBSD will be providing free food to any child 18 years of age or younger at established meal distribution sites from 10 AM – 2 PM. Meals will be provided to only those students present. MSBSD staff will greet students upon arrival and accompany them to receive their meals in small groups to ensure the safe, orderly distribution of meals. For any allergy-related needs or nutritional restrictions, please contact MSBSD Nutrition Services at (907) 861-5100. Meals will be available at the following distribution sites:
• Big Lake Elementary
• Burchell High School
• Houston Jr/Sr High School
• Meadow Lakes Elementary
• Palmer Jr Middle School
• Redington Jr/Sr High School
• Su Valley Jr/Sr High School
• Sutton Elementary
• Valley Pathways
• Wasilla Middle School
• Willow Elementary
If you are in need of meals and/or do not have transportation to any of these locations, please contact the Nurse Chapelle @ suzanne.chapelle@matsuk12.us.
Student Personal Items Pick-Up
Last week we asked that you contact the school to schedule an appointment to pick up any items that you were unable to due to being in quarantine or not able to make the first round of pick ups for Chromebooks or personal items. However, we have decided to make daily times available to pick up items starting Wednesday. We will also have the times available for pick up if you need to pick up paper/ pencil items from your child's teacher. See the schedule below. If you are unable to make one of these staggered times, we can make appointment.
If your child NEEDS a chromebook, please complete the agreement form before coming to school. https://forms.gle/4yKgZu9qyXXPggxU7
We are starting to get low on Chromebooks so if you have a device at home that can be used, please use it. Thank you to the families who are having their children share a Chromebook, that is allowing us to get a device into the hands of more families.
Wednesday, 3/25 - 11AM to 1 PM
Thursday, 3/26 - 12 PM to 2 PM
Friday 3/27 - 1PM to 3PM
Monday, 3/30 - 10 AM to 12 PM
Tuesday, 3/31 - 9 AM to 11 AM
Wednesday, 4/1 - 11 AM to 1 PM
Thursday, 4/2 - 12 PM to 2 PM
Friday, 4/3 - 1 PM to 3 PM
IMPORTANT CHROMEBOOK REMINDER FOR PARENTS
Cottonwood Creek Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Cottonwoodcreekactionschool/videos/200826811205608/
Cottonwood Creek ACTION School
Email: cwe@matsuk12.us
Website: https://www.matsuk12.us/cwe
Location: 800 North Seward Meridian Parkway, Wasilla, AK
Phone: 9078642100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cottonwoodcreekactionschool/