Cougar Catch 7/10
Jake Jorgenson, Principal at Millburn Middle School
20/21 School Year Update
Sent by Dr. Lind on 7/7/2020
This is a brief update on our progress toward finalizing our plans for in-person learning in August. The Millburn staff has been working out in-person learning scenarios that will align with the state guidelines that were sent out on June 24th (see below to view document). We want to give our students the opportunity to be in school as much as possible within safety guidelines. We are aiming for a plan that will allow our students to be in school every day, even if it is on a shortened schedule. We will continue to communicate our progress as we make final decisions, and we are planning to communicate an outline of the plan within the next two weeks.
We will also continue to modify our Remote Learning Plan. Our new Remote Learning Plan will have significantly more structure than the emergency plan implemented in April. The new plan will require 5 hours of instruction with greater student accountability among other changes. We are currently operating under the assumption that students/parents will have the option to choose the Remote Learning Plan or attend school under a modified schedule.
We will not have all the questions answered and details worked out within two weeks, but we realize that we are all needing to make arrangements for childcare and work schedules. Our plan is to provide enough detail so teachers and parents can start to make fall arrangements as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience, and we will continue to keep you updated.
I have attached a couple of documents that we are reviewing as we wade through hundreds of decisions. We are currently reviewing and testing sanitation products and PPE, running schedule scenarios, reviewing instructional models, and determining professional development needs.
American Academy of Pediatrics Guidance
I will continue to offer Zoom meetings every Wednesday until school starts. Please feel free to sign up through the following link to ask any questions you may have, or to offer your thoughts. COVID CONVERSATIONS
Keep in touch,
Dr. Lind
Face Masks
There are many companies that are selling masks, but which one is right for you? It really is like choosing a pair of shoes. You want them to be comfortable and still serve the purpose. The CDC recommends face make following these guidelines:
- Face masks should fit snugly and comfortably
- They must be secured with ties or ear loops
- They should comprise multiple fabric layers
- You should be able to breathe without restriction while wearing the face mask
- You should be able to wash the face masks without causing damage or losing the face mask’s shape
We do suggest families start looking for options for their child and to have them get use to wearing it for longer periods of time. Try wearing the mask around the house in relaxed environments: watching TV, playing a family game, etc.
Welcome 5th Grade Students!
Transitioning between schools at this time is particularly tricky. Normally we have a Welcome to 6th Grade event in May.
Although we will not be able to have a big welcome event for our incoming 6th graders, Mr. Rowlands and I will try to work out some details for a possible tour in small groups. The timing of this would be late July or early August. I will share any details on something like this as they develop.
MMS is really looking forward to bringing in a new group of students!
In the meantime, be sure to check the summer learning newsletter or virtual backpack for Caudill Book lists.
19-20 Yearbooks
Once these are in, I will communicate a pick up plan.
Report Cards
Likely we will put printed report cards into yearbooks and coordinate pick up details.
You can also contact the office at bvarga@millburn24.net if you would like a digital copy sent.
Office Hours
Millburn Middle School Has a Twitter Account!
Virtual Backpack
Supply Kits
Caudill Reading RequirementsCaudill Book List
Caudill Clouds
Lake Villa Library - Summer Neighborhood
EPIC Educator and Parent Involvement Connection MillburnEPIC.com
Supply Kits: 2020-2021 Supply Kits available to order. Socially distant school supply shopping has never been easier. New this year: new company and home delivery!
***Delivery of kits to your home
***Can order until July 15th (delivery charges will apply)
Kits available to order until July 15th.
Check your student’s supply list in the Virtual Backpack and then Visit the website blow.
www.write-stuff.com/storefront/school/Millburn24
Box Tops: Don’t forget about your Box Tops! If you would like to submit any Box Tops that you have, please email us at: boxtoplabels@millburnepic.com. We will be happy to pick them up from your porch or mailbox. Any Box Tops submitted over the summer will be saved for the 2020-2021 school year and your child will get credit for their new classroom. Don’t forget to scan your grocery receipt to earn digital Box Tops for Millburn!
Jimano’s $$: Are you ordering dinner from Jimano’s? Look on your pizza box for the ‘Piece of Education’ logo and save that tab - Jimano’s will donate back to Millburn for each one of those saved! Turn these into the school with your Box Tops. Have a lot and want to give them now? Contact us at
boxtoplabels@millburnepic.com
Coca-Cola Give: Coca-Cola Give is a new destination for donating to your school. Each bottle of Coca-Cola products has a code on the inside of the bottle cap. (Not just soda – Dasani water, Powerade, Honest, etc).
2 Ways to give us the codes:
Enter the codes online
https://us.coca-cola.com/give/ Click Donate to your Local School. Enter Millburn Middle School or Millburn Elementary School (please make sure it is for the Illinois school NOT the New Jersey one). Join or sign in when you have an account.
Or
Send us the caps: contact us at boxtoplabels@millburnepic.com. We will sent up a pick up time and we will do the work for you.
Board Elections: We are going holding elections in the fall. Open positions will be: Vice President, Secretary, Community Fundraising Director, MMS Activity Director and MES Activity Director. If you are interested in a position and would like to reach out to us please contact us at president@millburnEPIC.com.
Amazon Smile: Do you use Amazon? Consider making your orders through Amazon Smile –Millburn EPIC will get a percentage of every order done in our name. See the virtual backpack for the easy instructions.
For more information visit our website at www.millburnEPIC.com
Questions or concerns contact us at millburnepic@gmail.com