Jones Center Parent Newsletter
August 6th
Happy Thursday!
With so many new updates coming out, I wanted to take time to make sure that our families have as much information as possible. Things are still changing often and right now I am waiting on guidance from the Director of Special Services following the final special education online enrollment numbers. Deadline to sign up for online learning for all students closes today.
As you read, please keep in mind the information presented below is what I know right now. I do realize, you likely have more questions than what I have answers for... (I am truly sorry about that). I will be scheduling a couple virtual Q&A sessions for families through zoom as we approach the start of the year, so you can ask any questions that still remain.
Important Dates (Tentatively set)
- August 17th-Parents will receive a matrix of our safety plan for the fall semester
- August 24th- Parents who have completed online verification will receive class assignments by email
- September 3rd-Parents will receive Parent Newsletter with Back to School videos from teachers - will come in the form of videos embedded in a newsletter like this one.
- September 8th- First day of school - at this time, the plan is that Elementary Students will be attending 100% in person, Secondary Students will be attending in a hybrid model.
Board of Education Updates from Special Meeting 8.3.20
Highlights:
- School will begin on September 8th, with elementary students either online (parent choice) or in-person. Middle and high school students will be on a hybrid schedule.
- The deadline to move to online learning OR back to in-person is now August 6th at 5 pm. If you would like to change our selection please call 816-359-4044 or email phonline@parkhill.k12.mo.us. There will be no switching possible after the deadline.
- More details for online students will be available by next Monday, August 10th.
Message from The District Office
Class Sizes and Back up Planning
We know you are getting lots of communication right now, but we wanted to share some information about class sizes and selecting online options for students.
While having an online option for students decreases the overall number of students in the building, and reduces the number of students in common areas, such as the cafeteria and playground, it does not necessarily reduce class size numbers. This is because our own teachers are taking on sections of online classrooms, which is a reassignment -- not an additional teacher -- for each grade level. Class sizes will stay within typical ranges for in person instruction.
Also, an important reminder for those selecting in-person learning: As you would for inclement weather days, please make a plan in the event your child’s classroom must quarantine or if our school goes into distance learning mode. Each family will need a backup plan for child supervision and assistance with distance learning assignments. Developing a back-up plan now will help you and your child transition more easily, should the need arise.
Repeat Information
News from the Health Room.... Did You Know???
I know as a community we are on guard looking for symptoms of COVID-19, but did you know that pinworm infections affect millions of people each year, particularly school-age kids?
Pinworm is an intestinal infection caused by tiny parasitic worms. They get into the body when people ingest or breathe in the microscopic pinworm eggs. The eggs pass into the digestive system and hatch in the small intestine. From the small intestine, pinworm larvae go to the large intestine, where they live as parasites.
These eggs can be found on contaminated hands and surfaces, such as: Bed linens, towels, clothing (especially underwear and pajamas) toilets, bathroom fixtures, food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, toys, kitchen counter, desks or lunch tables at school, etc.
The most common signs of a pinworm infection are itching around the anus and restless sleep. The itching is usually worse at night because the worms move to the area around the anus to lay their eggs. If your child has a pinworm infection, you can see worms in the anal region, especially if you look about 2 or 3 hours after they have fallen asleep. You also might see the worms in the toilet after your child goes to the bathroom. They look like tiny pieces of white thread and are really small.
As we come back to the building, I bring this to your attention so you can be on the look out for signs and symptoms of pinworm infection. I assure you we are consistently cleaning and disinfecting classroom spaces, but have had students who have battled with this infection in the past. If you have concerns be sure to call your doctor, they can prescribe an anti-worm medicine.
The best medicine is prevention with good handwashing!
Talking to Children About Race and Racism
Recent protests have underscored the need to better understand how race impacts all aspects of society. The following resources from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) highlight ways families can discuss race and racism.
1. 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race:
Strategies and points for parents to consider when talking to their children about race.
2. Six Ways to Help Your Child Cope with Racism:
This article offers advice on how to help children cope with racism and how parents can address it.
3. Talking About Race: Parents & Caregivers:
In its "Talking About Race" resource page, The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers resources tailored specifically for parents and caregivers.
4. How to Use Children’s Books to Talk About Race and Racism:
How children's books can be used to effectively educate children about race and racism.
Russell Jones Education Center
Email: kalista@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: https://russelljones.parkhill.k12.mo.us/
Location: 7642 North Green Hills Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-4510
Facebook: facebook.com/russelljoneseducationcenter