McNear Falcon Flyer
Keeping Us Connected with Campus and PTA News
Thank You to McNear Faculty and Staff
As we close out this historic year, I am so proud of the McNear community. This has been a stressful year for everyone, our family included. I have unexpectedly found myself as a first-year nurse working on the Covid unit during a global pandemic, while navigating distance learning at home. I have had a lot to worry about, and yet the one thing I have NEVER had to worry about was that my 5th grader was emotionally and academically safe in her online classroom. Thank you for that, McNear.
I have been amazed at the commitment and patience I have witnessed from the teachers and staff at McNear. Our fearless leader Liza, who appears to never have a day off, would be embarrassed to hear me say how impressed I am with her creativity and positivity. She has an amazing ability to find answers to problems we have never had to solve before this year.
Thank you Liza!
One interesting effect of distance learning is that we are now background participants in daily class activities. (Apologies to Ms. Turko, who has to see me walk past in my pajamas every day during class, I work PM shift!) And as a result, I have seen the transformation of my daughter’s class from early technical glitches and scheduling confusion in August, to an engaging and sweet group of children who share openly and login early just to see their teacher and each other. My daughter loves Art Friday, and Lego Club, and lunch with her teacher, all special events planned by Ms. Turko. I tell my story of our experience this school year, knowing that many of you have similar stories.
Thank you McNear teachers and staff!
I also apologize in advance for my future pleas for help with the Wish Benefit. I will come to you again in the new year, asking for volunteers for our biggest fundraiser of the school year. Asking for a donation of your time is really difficult for me. It is my most precious resource, and I am very protective of my own time. But our volunteers are working parents just like you, and we are all tired, and stressed. And I know how important the support that comes from PTA is for our school, and all the great programs it offers. So I will step outside of my comfort zone and ask for help again. But not today, so please, enjoy your break, and try to relax!
It is with tears in my eyes that I say I am hopeful for the new year. Vaccines are arriving, our best hope for a return to normal. And until we are back together again, we still have the special gift of our community, keeping our children safe and engaged. If you have read this far, thank YOU for doing your best, and hanging in there.
~Susan
Spring Performing Arts
REGISTRATION: Calling all 2nd through 6th grade performers! The show will be recorded on May 1. You will have two options for the Casting Call, you can record and email your audition or in-person (via zoom) on Thursday, January 14, beginning at 3pm.
We will be performing “Smash-A-Lot, An epic medieval, mash-up with a cast of 1000's”. It includes glimpses of Robin Hood, Princess Bride, Spamalot and several other classic stories. You can register your student online below.
Please look at the attached packet for additional information!
Girls on the Run
After taking the fall off from programming, Girls on the Run Sonoma County (GOTRSC) is launching our spring season. GOTRSC is a leader in delivering evidence-based, life skills curriculum to girls of all abilities. Through various sites throughout Sonoma County, we have served more than 8,000 girls since it was founded 2007. For the spring 2021 season, GOTRSC is offering a flexible programming model to accommodate the changing and unpredictable school year due to the pandemic. Registration for the season opens 1 January at https://www.raceplanner.com/register/index/GOTR-SonomaCounty-S21-Program.
And, we are still taking applications for more alternative community sites. For information on starting a team, email info@gotrsonomacounty.org. We are ready to bring critical social-emotional programming to Sonoma County girls at a time when they need it the most. We have adapted based on the recommendations of local health officials and decisions of local governments and school districts.
With our flexible programming option, GOTR afterschool programming can be delivered in-person as in the past, with enhanced safety measures including physical distancing modifications. Should we need to suspend in-person gathering, the program will easily transition to a virtual model, with lessons that mirror the in-person program. This fluid programming model ensures that participants will experience the social, emotional, and physical outcomes of the program while allowing local teams to adjust to changes in the school and community health guidelines throughout the season.
Because of the recommendations and mandates of the county, teams will not meet at school locations this year and will meet at local parks. Another change is that teams will be smaller in size with only 10 girls per team rather than the usual 15-20. This change will allow for easier social distancing. Volunteer coaches will receive the training and materials required to provide girls a safe, trauma-sensitive space to learn valuable life lessons and be active.
Petaluma City Schools District does not sponsor, staff, supervise, support or endorse the information, activities, or events posted
UPCOMING DATES
Winter Break
December 21st thru January 4th
January 14th beginning at 3pm
Martin Luther King Jr Holiday
January 18th
Ways to Stay Connected
Email: Leichert@petk12.org
Website: https://www.petalumacityschools.org/mcnear
Location: 605 Sunnyslope Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-778-4752
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McNear-Elementary-243976945636795/?eid=ARA0ovmGs_7oUxh6_4wadNP1pGIc2snX8ZUqdFtE15ERQBNAa6SYUuk1idGxeccJqxEs6pOYIxmx7MJf
Twitter: @mcnearelement