Sequoia Elementary Newsletter
School News and Updates
Principal Message
Dear Sequoia Families,
By now you have heard from Superintendent, Dr. Tracy Smith, that schools will remain closed through at least May 1st. This is an unprecedented situation, and creates many questions on many fronts. The most important thing to know is that we are here as a school community to support you and your children. We are using these next two weeks to get ourselves familiar and knowledgable about various online platforms as well as begin to formulate a new way of teaching. In an effort to create a coherent message to all families as we enter into distance learning for a while longer, here are a few things to consider:
We miss your kids, a lot! We love watching your children learn and grow, so while we are transitioning to a new way of teaching, we also feel sad not to be with them each day. As a staff, we will be checking in often and looking for ways to connect multiple times a week. Hopefully you have already heard from and SEEN your teacher. I am also brainstorming several ways that we can continue to build community even though we are far apart. One helpful way to stay connected is by liking the Sequoia Elementary School Facebook page. We are posting updates, videos, and community activities there. One community effort we've started is "WindowHearts". In order to send a "We are in this together" message to each other and our neighbors, I am encouraging all our families to cut out paper hearts and place them in the front windows of your homes. That way, while we are out walking, biking or driving through our neighborhoods we can remember that we, despite our physical distance, are all still a community. It would be great to let your kids call their friends to ask if they've put up their hearts, yet! More community building efforts are on the way!
We understand that you are not teachers! We also understand that this is an extraordinarily stressful time. The learning opportunities the district and teachers are providing are just that: opportunities. The distance learning packet, online learning resources and anything else teachers may have sent already are meant to keep kids’ minds and bodies active. However, this work is optional. We encourage all students to read and engage in learning each day but it's ok to start slowly. Your family will need to build stamina and a framework for what "home learning" looks like and it's ok if it takes some time. Our entire society has slowed down; it’s OK if learning slows too. Please let us support you, and reach out for help to me or your child's teacher.
What can we expect in the coming months? Our teachers are working extremely hard and learning quickly what distance learning will look like for the next several weeks. AND we are figuring it out as we go right now. Please know that we will communicate regularly as we learn more and have more concrete plans. You can expect that we will continue to find creative ways to connect and communicate with you and your child. For sure you can expect that there will be ample learning opportunities in the coming weeks.
What will students remember about this time of shelter-in-place? Students will likely remember learning to cook or garden with you. They will remember the games and puzzles they played with you. They will remember pajama days watching shows and movies (educational or not!) as a family. Students will remember that their teachers and schools missed them, connected with them, and cared deeply for them. They will remember that all the adults around them tried to create a safe and structured environment for them to thrive in. This is our goal with the online learning opportunities and check-ins we are presenting.
For more information: There is a wealth of information on the RVUSD web site www.rvusd.org about distance learning, how to get meals for kids, community resources, and much more. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or your child’s teacher if there is anything we can do to support you and your family.
Mrs. Clark
Yearbook Updates - Time Sensitive!
Yearbook Ordering Deadline - Sunday, March 29th
Sunday, March 29th will be the last day to order yearbooks. Please submit orders online at ybpay.lifetouch.com, enter Sequoia's school code: 5193520, and follow the prompts. If you returned a paper order form to the school, please email sequoiayearbook2020@gmail.com to let us know. We want to make sure they are all accounted for, since we didn't plan on being away from school this week.
Yearbook Dedications
If you would like to include a message for your student in the yearbook, please submit no more than 30 words to the yearbook staff at sequoiayearbook2020@gmail.com. Dedications must be submitted by Friday, March 27th, and will be included on a first come, first served basis.
Photo Request - Home Study
This year has certainly been eventful here at Sequoia, and we want to remember it all! We would love to include a few photos of students learning from home during our weeks away from school. Feel free to send a photo of your remote learners to sequoiayearbook2020@gmail.com by Friday, March 27th. Thank you!
A video message and resources from Mrs. Melton - Sequoia PE Teacher
Below is a document with several at-home PE options for your children.
Dates to Remember
- May 1st - School Resumes
Sequoia Elementary
Website: http://rvusdca.apptegy.us/o/sequoia
Location: 5305 Dupont Drive, Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Phone: 707-539-3410