Summer Update
Welcome to the Bridge Year
PLANK SOUTH UPDATES
Superintendent Gumina often refers to this upcoming school year as the "bridge year", reminding us that it will look very different than a typical school year as we cross the bridge towards a vaccine for COVID-19. Thankfully we are all in this together and we know that our entire Plank South community will continue to support each other through these uncertain, stressful and unusual times.
While we are still working out the details around many aspects of the upcoming school year, we are confident that we will be ready to welcome students back both in person and remotely. The decisions we have been making have been rooted in science and what is best for students, staff and our school community in general.
This newsletter contains a lot of valuable information as many of our procedures and processes have changed in order to maintain the highest level of safety possible. You can also refer to the district's FAQ document regarding frequently asked questions about school reopening and view the recordings of the parent forums held earlier in the month.
We thank you for your patience as we reinvent what school looks like. We have missed our students and truly look forward to welcoming them back, whether virtually or in the hybrid model, on September 10th!
All our best,
Jen Sullivan (Principal) and Jill Doyle (Assistant Principal)
IMPORTANT DATES
- September 8: Virtual Curriculum Night (for parents of students in the hybrid model).
-2nd and 3rd grades from 6-7 PM
-4th and 5th grades from 7-8 PM
(Google Meet links for the curriculum night meetings will be shared directly with families by classroom teachers)
- September 9: Kindergarten and NEW Families to Plank South Meet and Greet (in person)
-Teachers will be sending video meet and greets to returning students in grades 1-5
-We will reach out to new families with details
-The kindergarten team will reach out to their families with details
-Only 1 adult may accompany each child (kindly leave siblings and other family and friends at home so that we can limit the traffic in the building)
- September 10: First Day of School for all students
- September 16: Picture Day
-Hybrid students during their AM or PM school session
-Remote students will be able to sign up for a time between 10:30-11:30 AM (parents will need to transport their child(ren) to/from school for the pictures if they choose to participate)
NOTE: Teacher placement information will be mailed out in the first week of September
NOTE: Transportation information will be available on the portal close to the school start date (we will be sure to communicate with you as soon as it is available)
HYBRID (in person) SCHOOL TIMING
AM Session:
7:50-7:55 buses arrive and unload upon arrival
8:00-8:10 parent drop off
8:10 (bell) announcements begin
10:10 buses pull out
10:15-10:25 parent pick up
PM Session:
11:45-11:50 buses arrive and unload upon arrival
11:55-12:05 parent drop off
12:05 (bell) announcements begin
2:05 buses pull out
2:10-2:20 parent pick up
IMPORTANT CHANGES (for those in the hybrid model)
- NO bus passes will be issued this year (students may only ride their assigned bus)
- NO visitors allowed (this includes the first day of school on the bus loop)
- NO field trips until at least February
- Art and music will be virtual and PE will be 1x/week in person
- Most intervention services for students that qualify will be pushed into the classroom
- Classrooms will look different in order to provide 6 feet of space between student work spaces
- Students will remain in cohorts while at school (meaning they will get to their classroom and remain in their classroom until dismissal with a few exceptions such as going to PE or the playground)
- Students will bring in school supplies on the first day of school
- Arrival and Dismissal (more information to come in a separate communication)
- Breakfast and Lunch (more information to come in a separate communication)
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SCHOOL (for those in the hybrid model)
In order to help prepare your child(ren) for returning to school please consider the following:
- Develop mask stamina by having your child(ren) practice wearing a mask for prolonged periods of time (similar to what will be expected of them while they are at school)
- Discuss social distancing (limiting extended periods of time in close proximity and limiting physical contact, such as high fives and hugs, reduces the risk of exposure)
- Review proper hand hygiene as students will be required to wash their hands multiple times daily while at school
While this is a lot of change and a departure from how we normally do business, we still very much want to normalize coming to school as much as possible. Our staff is ready to take on the challenge of helping your child(ren) feel connected to school, learning and their peers, even during these unusual times. Prior to the start of the school year, we will be sharing short informational videos to teach the new procedures and expectations for wearing a mask, handwashing, using hand sanitizer, using the bathroom, maintaining social distance and walking in the hallways.
Equity and diversity are catching F.I.R.E. in the Webster community!
Families Igniting Racial Equity (F.I.R.E.) is a vibrant, parent-led organization whose mission is to build a racially- and economically-just community. Spearheaded by the school district, the group includes members from throughout our community -- parents, concerned family members, and allies passionate about One Webster!
For further information on being a part of this growing organization, please contact Terry McCarthy, Webster CSD Director of Humanities, at terrance_mccarthy@webstercsd.org or (585) 216-0080.
Meetings for the 20-21 school year will be held virtually from 6:30-8:00 PM on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except February on the 4th Tuesday and May on the 2nd Tuesday). Meeting links will be shared out each month so hold the dates on your calendar now and stay tuned for the meeting links each month! ALL are welcome & encouraged to attend F.I.R.E. committee meetings.
Together we can help Webster blaze a trail in creating a more equitable and inclusive community!