Pine Road Express
Pine Road Grows Great Kids
September 24, 2020
- A MESSAGE FROM MR. COLE-
Dear Pine Road Families,
It is hard to believe that we are fast approaching the end of September! As the fall weather settles in we are all reflecting on our first month. It is an appropriate time to celebrate our accomplishments and refine areas where we can improve to maximize outcomes for students.
As we reflect and refine our instructional practices it is important to revisit the concept of synchronous, semi-synchronous, and asynchronous instruction. In the traditional elementary classroom, instruction often follows the "gradual release of responsibility". Under this model concepts are initially modeled by educators "I do", then practiced collaboratively "We Do", before ultimately being applied independently "You Do".
The steps in the gradual release of responsibility are naturally complemented by a healthy balance of synchronous, semi-synchronous, and asynchronous instruction. As we move into October we hope to refine and perfect that balance even further. Please see the graphic (originally shared by Mrs. Drennan earlier this month in the superintendent newsletter) below for more information on the models as well as some tips for virtual learning.
The unique nature of the 2020-2021 school has caused us to revisit many long-standing traditions and systems in all facets of school operation. One area of particular importance is school attendance. PDE has released some information this summer and maintains a website with guidance for the 20-21 school year.
One of the most significant changes is that attendance is no longer predicated solely on a student being physically present in a school building. As you know, students in LMTSD will be accessing their education both physically and virtually this school year. One benefit of this is increased flexibility for families. If a hybrid student is unable to physically report to school for any reason but is still able to connect and engage with their class, they are able to do so remotely and not be marked absent.
Another crucial difference for the 20-21 school year is the impact of work completion on attendance. Physical presence, whether in class for in-person learners, or during synchronous sessions for virtual learners, is only part of the attendance equation. Schools will also be monitoring work completed as part of attendance as well. If students are not completing their assignments or engaging with classmates they may be marked as absent during the 20-21 school year. Please stress the importance of engaging with classwork to your students.
In order to respond to the updated attendance guidelines, the online Blue and Yellow forms will be replaced with a new, all-inclusive attendance form. This new form will serve to report all attendance updates, including a temporary change in learning location for in-person learners. Starting this afternoon we will replace all attendance links for both blue and yellow forms with the new attendance form. With the exception of different questions on the form, the rest of the process remains unchanged for families and is outlined further in this communication.
Sincerely,
Scott Cole
Principal
Upcoming Events
Picture day
Picture Day has been rescheduled. Picture day will occur on the following. More specific details will follow:
- 10/5 (K-2)
- 10/6 (K-2)
- 10/12 (3-5)
- 10/13 (3-5)
- 11/3 (Virtual Students)
Virtual Lunch Bunches
Back To School Night
Digital Attendance Form (UPDATED)
- Use this form to report your child’s absence. Submitting this form will both report the absence and document it. No follow up Blue card is needed.
- Submit this form to inform us that your child has a change in his or her learning location (for example, will be learning from home instead of coming into school on a scheduled hybrid day).
- Submit this form to sign your child into school late.
- Submit this form to sign your child out for an appointment (early dismissal). This form allows you to enter a return to school time if your child will be returning to school.
If you are taking an extended vacation, you will still need to complete the Request for Excusal from Regular School Attendance, familiar to most families as a vacation request form. The form is found on the Virtual Backpack under Forms.
Doctors’ notes still need to be submitted to the school attendance secretary or sent into school.
Virtual Student Picture Day
Virtual students (at PR, MA, and LMHS) will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken at the Murray Avenue School on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. Families who would like to get their child’s picture taken can sign up for a time slot using this link by October 30, 2020. We encourage all families to have their child photographed for school recordkeeping and the yearbook. Families who would like to purchase pictures will pre-pay online. This information will be sent as we are closer to the date of this event.
We are also doing required health screenings on this day. Students will have their pictures taken and then enter into a private area to do height/weight checks, vision and hearing screenings. These are screenings completed during the school year by our school nurses.
Families should park in the Murray Avenue parking lots (back lot by the Upper Gym or the front lot) and enter from outside into the Upper Gym
Dates to Remember
- September 28: Schools Closed (Offices Open)
- October 05: PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)
- October 05: Picture Day (Hybrid Blue K-2)
- October 06: Picture Day (Hybrid Gold K-2)
- October 06: School Board Meeting (7:00 PM)
- October 12: Picture Day (Hybrid Blue 3-5)
- October 13: Picture Day (Hybrid Gold 3-5)
- October 14: Early Dismissal (Professional Development)
Pine Road Reopening Page
Please visit the Pine Road Reopening Page for information about our virtual learning platforms. Information is updated regularly!
Pine Road Highlights
Safety Protocol Reminders
- Please remind students to follow social distancing and wear their masks at all times (including the entire duration of the bus ride)
- If you are traveling please notify the school nurse. This applies to both hybrid and virtual learners
School Lunch Information
Virtual Backpack
Calendar
Home Access Center
PlanetAid
Planet Aid accepts donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes, shoes and accessories, as well as blankets, bedspreads, sheets, towels, curtains, and fabric.
Pine Road Elementary School
Website: https://www.lmtsd.org/prs
Location: 3737 Pine Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Phone: 215-938-0290
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineRoadElementarySchool/
Twitter: @LMTSD_PRES