Tiger Tales
Hemmenway - August 2020 Edition
Note from the Principal
Whether you have chosen for your child to return to campus on September 8th or have chosen for your child to participate in CFISD Connect, please know that our number one priority of student safety has not changed. This year will be different, but it will still be awesome! We are definitely in this together to ensure our tigers have a wonderful experience.
This Tiger Tales will explain the health and safety procedures we have put in place, what to expect in terms of communication from your child's teacher, and general information about the school year.
Thank you for your continued partnership with Hemmenway. We can not be successful without your support!
Sincerely,
Dr. Silliman
Masks/Mask Shields Required
Modification of “Use of Face Mask” Protocol:
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released new guidance strongly endorsing the use of face masks as a proven and effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for children two years of age and older. After carefully reviewing this guidance, we have made several modifications to our “Use of Face Mask” protocol that we believe will strengthen our ability to create a safe learning environment for students and staff.
· All staff and students (grades PK-12) must wear face masks on buses, in hallways, and in common areas. Students will wear a face mask when entering and/or exiting the gym, playground, or activity space and when not actively engaged in physical activity. Additionally, all staff and students (grades PK-12) will be required to wear face masks in the classroom when social distancing is not feasible and/or the teacher’s method for delivery of instruction warrants the use of face masks. All visitors (including parents, contractors, and vendors) will also wear face masks. Face masks will be provided for staff and students if needed.
· Face masks are defined to include non-medical and medical grade disposable face masks and cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth) that meet the same protection standards as non-medical grade face masks. Additionally, face masks with exhalation valves (vents that allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material) may only be worn in combination with full-face shields.
· Limited exceptions to these rules will only be made for eating, drinking, therapy, or a medical condition or disability that prevents a person from wearing a face mask. Full-face clear shields as an accommodation may be used in place of a mask to protect eyes, nose, and mouth whenever a face mask is not feasible due to a medical condition or whenever the education context may benefit from the ability to see an individual’s full face.
· Students seeking an exemption from these rules for a medical condition or disability may do so in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Staff seeking an exemption from these rules for a medical condition or disability may do so in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Written documentation from a medical provider will be required.
Hand Sanitizer
- 12 Hand sanitizer stations have been added around the campus for the students and staff to use frequently throughout the day.
- Each classroom has a small hand sanitizer station for student and staff use.
- Every student is encouraged to bring a small hand sanitizer from home to keep in their supply box.
Virtual Meet the Teacher
- Homeroom teacher postcards will be mailed out before September 4th.
- Your homeroom teacher will email out a Virtual Meet the Teacher presentation with information that is specific to his/her classroom.
- Within that presentation will be a link for parents to sign up for a 10-15 individual zoom meeting with the teacher to "meet" the teacher, review expectations, and ask questions.
- Be on the lookout for the email from your homeroom teacher.
Water bottle filler stations
- We are not using our water fountains this school year.
- Instead, we have two water bottle filling stations that will be installed for student use.
- Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle from home to fill up throughout the day.
No Visitors
School Supplies - no sharing
- Each child will receive a pencil box to keep their supplies in since there will not be any sharing of supplies.
- Students will take these supplies with them to art when needed.
- School supply lists are below.
- Backpacks will be hung on the back of chairs instead of in backpack closets together.
- Students will have clear desk shields when working independently at their tables.