The Hidden Gem
El Carmelo Elementary School October 7, 2020
Dear El Carmelo Families,
We are busy preparing for the transition of our K/1 students who are continuing with Distance Learning, and Hybrid Learning.
Second and Third Grade parents received their survey regarding Hybrid Learning or Full Year Distance Learning on Monday. Responses are due Monday, October 12, 2020. I know that the options are not ideal. It is important that you select the learning environment in which you are comfortable and will best meet the educational needs of your child. It is important to recognize that depending upon the numbers some children may have a different teacher. We will make every effort to keep students with their teachers, however, this may not be possible.
Fourth and Fifth Grade parents the learning options survey will be coming out for you soon. I will email you when the survey sent out.
Danaé,
How can I keep my child's teacher?
There are no guarantees in either program that you will stay with your child's teacher. There is an increased likelihood that you will have a teacher and classmates from El Carmelo if you select Hybrid learning, however, the teacher may not be the one you have currently.
Classes and teachers in both learning models depend on the number of students in each grade level. Once the District knows the number of students participating in Full Year Distance Learning, classes can be created and teachers will be assigned.
Take a look at the slides from the recent Coffee with the Principal to learn more about the difference between Hybrid Learning and Distance Learning.
I have included information below about both learning options.
We are celebrating Walk 'N' Roll next week. Take a look at how your family can participate below.
Be well,
Danaé
Walk 'N' Roll!
Walk 'N' Roll to School Day, Monday, October 12th
Join El Carmelo in celebrating our annual tradition of Walk 'N' Roll! Kick off the first week of K-1 in-person learning by walking or rolling to school on 10/12, and again on 10/26 when 2-3 starts in-person learning. Click here to find a safe route to school in Palo Alto and East Palo Alto.
Distance learning families you can participate too! Consider walking, biking, scootering, and/or skateboarding to grab lunch, go to the park, run errands.
To show your Dragon pride, send pictures of your children walking and rolling and why it's important to them in their own words to elcarmelopta@gmail.com and they may be featured in the next e-news!
If you must drive, park one or two blocks away, and walk to school every day!
Learning Models
Full Year Distance Learning
Students will continue learning from home five days a week in the program we have been providing this year. Families remain part of the El Carmelo school community. You will continue to receive communication from the El Carmelo PTA and me. There will be a change to the lunch schedule. Many of you will appreciate this!
If you select Full Year Distance Learning, lunch will begin at 11:50 AM. The later lunchtime will begin as follows:
- Kindergarten and First Grade, October 12, 2020
- Second and Third Grade, October 26, 2020
- Fourth and Fifth Grade, November 9, 2020
Hybrid Learning
To facilitate social distancing, classrooms will be divided into two cohorts, cohort A and cohort B. To ensure social distancing on the playground, we will have two recess and two lunches.
Below is the Hybrid schedule for grades 1, 3, and 4. Grades 2 & 5 will have the same schedule, however, their recess and lunchtime will be earlier.
- Cohort A: In-School Days, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday: 8:25-1:50 PM
- Recess: 10:10-10:30 AM
- Lunch: 12:15-1:00 PM
- Cohort A: At-Home Days, Thursday, Friday and every other Wednesday: 8:25-2:2:45 PM
- Morning Meeting with teacher and B cohort via Zoom: 8:25-8:45
- Breaks: 9:35-9:50 AM, 10:35-10:50 AM, 11:35-11:50 PM, 1:35-1:50 PM
- Lunch: 11:50-12:50 PM
- Cohort B: In-School Days, Thursday, Friday, and every other Wednesday: 8:25-1:50 PM
- Recess: 10:10-10:30 AM
- Lunch: 12:15-1:00 PM
- Cohort B: At-Home Days, Monday, Tuesday, and every other Wednesday: 8:25-2:2:45 PM
- Morning Meeting with teacher and B cohort via Zoom: 8:25-8:45
- Breaks: 9:35-9:50 AM, 10:35-10:50 AM, 11:35-11:50 PM, 1:35-1:50 PM
- Lunch: 11:50-12:50 PM
In-School Learning
- Students will have synchronous Morning Meetings each day via zoom with their classroom teacher and students learning at home.
- Teachers will provide lessons in phonics, reading, writing, math, and interactive read aloud.
- Students will have synchronous Morning Meetings each day via zoom with their classroom teacher and students attending school in-person.
- After the Morning Meeting, students will engage in four 45-minute blocks of synchronous and asynchronous content.
- Music, PE, and Library lessons will be provided synchronously. Science, Social Studies, and SPECTRA Art lessons will be provided asynchronously.
- At the end of each day, students have 45 minutes of independent learning time from 2:00-2:45 PM.
El Carmelo Elementary School
Email: elcarmeloattendance@pausd.org
Website: https://elcarmelo.pausd.org/
Location: 3024 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Phone: (650) 856-0960
Twitter: @elcarmeloschool