Welcome Back to WHS for 2020-21
The "Official" Back to School Letter from Dave Danielski
Dear WHS Staff,
"Hammerschmidt STRONG"
The global pandemic we find ourselves in has challenged us all in ways we never have been before. Our WHS Family is STRONG together! As we open this school year remotely, we will need to stay STRONG together! We are an amazing staff who I know will rise to the challenges that stand before us.
In reflection about the way last year ended, and how we will need to start this 20-21 school year, a number of characteristics came to mind. In order to be successful, we will all need to be STRONG. "Hammerschmidt STRONG!" This is defined using the following acronym:
- S (Self-Confident): Our students are leaders who all bring unique perspectives, talents, and insight to our school community. Helping students to realize their talents and develop self-confidence will help make them Hammerschmidt STRONG!
- T (Tenacious:) This is a big word, but our WHS students can handle it! Tenacious people never give up and never stop trying. They are people who do whatever is required to accomplish their goal. Helping our students develop tenacity will make them Hammerschmidt STRONG!
- R (Resilience): Resilient people are aware of situations, their own emotional reactions snd the behavior of those around them. By remaining aware, resilient people can maintain control of a situation and think of new ways to tackle problems. Life is full of changes, particularly in the reality in which we live today! Teaching our WHS students to be resilient will help make them Hammerschmidt STRONG!
- O (Open-Minded): We have been required to thing about things differently as we approach this coming school year. Keeping our minds open to new approaches and "out of the box" solutions has never been more important. Helping our student to stay open-minded will make them Hammerschmidt STRONG!
- N (Nice): Being nice never goes out of style. Helping our students to remain positive and to demonstrate courtesy and kindness through their words and actions will help them become Hammerschmidt STRONG!
- G (Grateful): We all have so much to be thankful for. Practicing and modeling gratitude with our students will not only help their overall emotional health, but also encourage leadership through humility. Helping our students to show gratitude will make them Hammerschmidt STRONG!
By "thinking with the end in mind," I reflected about our most recent 5th graders and how they ended their experience at Hammerschmidt. Are they prepared? Are they ready? Are they strong enough? As our 5th grade class leaves us this spring, I want the strength of our WHS students to be obvious. Students who enter GWMS with self-confidence, tenacity, resilience, open-mindedness, and who are nice, and grateful, will be Hammerschmidt STRONG!
Source of Summer Inspiration:
Hamilton
"There's a million things I haven't done, but just you wait."
"If you stand for nothing, what will you fall for?"
If we don't have beliefs, we are way more susceptible to doing the things that the world tells us to.
"I am the one thing in life I can control, I am inimitable, I am an original."
We have our own talents and unique strengths. We can't control everything, but we can control our own words and actions.
"Let me be a part of the narrative."
This is all about increasing student voice and collaborative decision making. Helping student to be engaged means allowing them to be a part of the process!
Building Access at WHS:
The building is now open to you at your convenience. Please keep the following things in mind:
Please be sure that you utilize a door with a swipe for our knowledge as to who has been in the building. We ask that you follow the typical protocol for entering the building during non-school days due to the alarms, etc. Below are some important additional highlights:
Health and Safety within the Building
Masks are to be worn at all times except when alone in your designated work space.
Please adhere to the six foot social distancing protocol.
Only employees of the district are allowed in the building - no kids or family members.
Limit access to the office - use the intercom, phone, Google Meets to communicate (when possible) and alert the office when you enter the building.
Please be mindful and sensitive to everyone’s comfort level by following the safety guidelines at all times.
Work Expectations
At this time, the physical set up of your room shouldn’t be a priority. Instead, focus your time on how to begin “remote learning” in a successful manner.
All K - 8th grade students will be given a district-issued technology device.
Among the things to consider, think about the needs of your students at home. For example, should small packets of tools, resources, etc. be constructed for your grade level? Do they need a particular reading book? Math workbook?
Please consider utilizing supplies within your classroom environment prior to submitting your orders.
Begin to consider what curricular and classroom/student materials you would like to order as a grade level. More information about ordering will be coming out soon.
Specific information regarding expectations for involvement in “cohorts” will be communicated through faculty meetings within buildings during the week of August 17th. These assignments will be constructed to make teaching and learning manageable for all.
Articulation between grade level teachers regarding incoming students will occur during the week of August 17. This will be scheduled at a later date.
All staff should report to their “Home School” unless they have received specific notification from principals.
WHS Family Chat with Principal from 8/6
Staffing Update for 2020-2021
Kristen Rosemeyer- Grade 1 Teacher
Caorle Loane - Grade 5 Teacher
Rett Richards - Part Time Night Custodian
Upcoming Dates to Note:
8/17 - 8/21 - WHS "Return to Learn Week" for STAFF
- The hours for this week will be 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- The agenda for the week will be sent out on Friday 8/14
Wednesday, 8/19
- Class placement assignments will be communicated with parents
Monday, 8/24 - Return to Learn Week begins for students and families
WHS Master Schedule 2020-2021
Staff Spotlight Information Request:
David J. Danielski, Wm. Hammerschmidt School Principal
Email: ddanielski@sd44.org
Location: Wm Hammerschmidt Elementary School, Hammerschmidt Avenue, Lombard, IL, United States
Phone: 630-827-4207
Twitter: @ddanielski