Midland Messenger
January 26-29, 2021
Midland Elementary
Email: midland@fpschools.org
Website: http://midland.fpschools.org/
Location: Midland Elementary School, 105th Street East, Tacoma, WA, USA
Phone: 253-298-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Midland-Elementary-Mustangs-112865059416899/?ref=settings
Dear Midland Families,
Last week was historic, with the inauguration of our new president and vice president. I was so inspired by the young poet Amanda Gorman, who spoke at the inauguration. Regardless of where someone falls politically, her powerful words were perfect for this time. I hope you had a chance to hear her speech. COVID has been a difficult chapter for all of us, and Amanda's words brought me back to an important word at Midland, HOPE! Hope is the confident expectation of better things to come.
I'm excited to look to our school opening as a bright light for our students and community! Midland has been having students in our Support Center classrooms since November. These students fill me with HOPE, as I see them learning and growing. I want to give a shout out to our Support Center Staff who have worked so hard to have a safe learning environment for our students.
Our staff is excited that we get to welcome back Kindergarten students to the building this week. As we have planned smaller class sizes, we also realize the impact of moving some of our staff. I want to recognize Janelle Murray, Anita Blaisdell, Erin Ray, and Sally Wheeler, who have all graciously accepted other assignments, so that we can bring students back. All students will have new specialists, Art and PE starting on Thursday. These classes will be in a format, created by district specialists, to support all students. While this is less "personal" in nature, we recognize it is only for the 5 months left of this school year. We look forward to all of our specialists being back in their roles next year. We also recognize those who will continue to learn remotely. I want to thank Karen Gustafson, our remote teacher who is filling in until Mrs. Brown returns from her maternity leave in April.
They say "It takes a village," and that has been true at Midland to plan our reopening. I'm so proud of our Midland community, students, families, and staff!
It's great to be a MUSTANG!
~Mrs. Dawson
Kindergarten Parent Information Night
https://fpschools.zoom.us/j/92213302681?pwd=bkl3c2NleDk3TTE1WXNVZjJzZ2dvUT09
Midland wants to STOP Covid at the door!
In order for your child to return, you will be asked to complete a health screening questionnaire EVERY morning. This survey will come to your email, but you can also set it up to be sent as a text to your phone, for easy completion. If you have not filled out the form, your child will not be allowed to enter class until we have heard from you to answer questions, and have your child's temperature taken. PLEASE do your part before school, so that your child can go to class when they arrive. Kindergarten parents, you should be receiving the form now. Please start practicing, so that you are ready for Thursday morning. If you are not receiving the email, please notify our office on Tuesday.
- Students will be required to wear a mask on the bus, in the halls, in class, and at recess. Please start practicing now if your child is not comfortable wearing a mask for a length of time.
- Students will wash hands and use hand sanitizer throughout the day.
- Students will sit 6 feet apart in the classroom.
If your child has been exposed to COVID, or if they are showing symptoms of illness, you may not send them to school until they have been quarantined and symptom free for 14 days. Teachers will provide work for students during this time. We are counting on everyone to keep Midland safe for all students and staff. Thank you!
New School Times beginning January 28th!
Kindergarten in person:
8:55-2:25. Students can be dropped off no earlier than 8:45.
Kindergarten Remote:
9:15-11:45 Cohort A
11:45-12:25 lunch and break
12:25-2:55 Cohort B
PLEASE NOTE: ALL OTHER GRADE LEVELS REMAIN ON CURRENT TIMES, UNTIL THAT GRADE LEVEL RETURNS TO SCHOOL.
When can my child return to school?
January 28th: Kindergarten returns 4 days per week
February 8th: Grades 1-2 return 4 days per week
February 18th: Grades 3, 4, 5 return in Hybrid/Hyflex model: students are in the building 2 days and at home learning 2 days per week.
(These dates are what we are planning, but please note they are subject to change, based on continuing updates from the Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department guidelines.)
Important Dates to Remember:
January 27 ~ Asynchronous learning day
January 28 ~ Kindergarten Hybrid classes begin
February 3 ~ Asynchronous learning day
February 8 ~ Grades 1 & 2 Hybrid classes begin
February 10 ~ Asynchronous learning day
February 15-16 ~ No School for Mid-Winter Break
February 17 ~ Asynchronous learning day
February 18 ~ Grades 3-5 Hybrid/Hyflex classes begin
February 24 ~ Asynchronous learning day
February 26 ~ HOPE Assembly
Social Emotional Learning Corner by Mrs. Blaisdell
Many changes are upon us Midland families and we are all ready and capable. 😊 This will be my last entry in the SEL Corner for this year. As we work together as an educational team, my services are needed as an online classroom teacher to assure that the needs of our students and families are met in a way that is safe and supportive. We are feeling complex and conflicting emotions right now. All emotions that students, families, and staff are feeling right now are OKAY. 😊 I encourage you to talk about your feelings and problem-solve together with those you care about. In times of uncertainty, it is best to focus on our “Circles of Control”.
When you are feeling worried or anxious in the upcoming days of change; focus on what you have control over and (my favorite 😉) all the things you have to be grateful for. Our circle of control is small but powerful. We also have a “Circle of Influence”; where we can use our assertive and respectful words and actions to attempt to influence or change something that we are worried or anxious about. (this circle is slightly larger, but it is a circle that can bring hope when focused upon). Then we have our “Circle of no control and no influence”. (not a worrier’s favorite). Despite it being “Out There”, we cannot let this circle control our thoughts and emotions. We must breathe through it, focus on what we can control and influence. We’ve got this Midland Mustangs! Reach out for support when you need it, lend support when you can, focus on your strengths and give yourself a break when you make a mistake. It has been my honor to teach and prepare lessons for Social Emotional Learning this year. I have connected with so many, despite our distance and I am ever so and forever GRATEFUL.
Mrs. Blaisdell 💖
Important: Bus Route Information
As some of our students are returning to in-person learning, we wanted to make sure you have the most up-to-date bus information. When it is time for your student to return to our building, please be sure you check their bus routes.
We have adjusted the elementary school pick up and drop off times. The times on the bus cards that families received in the summer are now incorrect, however the location is still correct. For the updated times please see the information listed below:
Use the E-LINK SITE to find your child's bus route and pick-up/drop-off times. When you get to the site, type in the following username and password:
Username: guest
Password: guest
Note: It is important that parents also check back a few days prior to school, as route schedules do change as more students are enrolled.
Weather and Emergency Updates
Remote learning will not be cancelled due to inclement weather when schools are closed. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, breakfasts and lunches may be available in limited locations.
Remote learning will be cancelled only if the entire district is closed. Breakfast and lunch services will not be available.
Click here for more information from our district's website.
January is School Board Recognition Month
We want to thank Alex Davis, Rebecca Gallogly, Dr. Gil Mendoza, Mary Sherman, and Board President Cole Roberts for the many hours they volunteer on behalf of every child in our school district. Their duties include setting the vision and mission of education in the district; establishing policy; adopting an annual budget; approving all expenditures; employment of personnel; curriculum, textbooks and courses; and deciding on school sites, building plans, and construction.
Midland's Lifetouch Fundraiser
WIFI Opportunity
We have the pleasure of sharing this incredible free WIFI opportunity for families (who qualify) through Rainier Connects - Student Connect Program.
Here’s what you and families need to know:
- Eligible families must reside within the Rainier Connect service area to qualify, please see highlighted map for boundaries or visit https://rainierconnect.smarthub.coop/Shop.html#SelectAddressAndCity:
- Staff can assist families by submitting the Rainier Connect- Student Connect Program Application (link below)
- Families can self-refer utilizing the English/Spanish Rainier Connect- Student Connect Program Application, at www.fpschools.org/resources
Next:
- Once form is submitted, A parent or guardian over 18 years old will need to contact Rainier Connect directly, at 253-683-4405 and mention the Students Connect program.
- An adult must be present during the scheduled installation.
- Rainier Connect must have access to enter the home to complete the installation and confirm the service is working at the time of the scheduled installation.
Technology Help
The help number for the IT department is 253-298-4647 or you can fill out one of the two forms linked below.
PTA Corner
- $12 for a Single Membership
- $20 for 2 Memberships
- $10 for Student Membership
- $12 to Sponsor a Teacher
Email: midlandptapresident@gmail.com
Phone: 253-298-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlandmustangs/
Franklin Pierce Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be directed to James Hester, Compliance Coordinator for State and Civil Rights Laws; Wendy Malich, Title IX Officer; or John Sander, 504/ADA Coordinator at 315 129th ST S, Tacoma, WA 98444-5099 or at (253)298-3000.