Midland Messenger
March 7-11, 2022
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
From the Principal:
Dear Families,
Can you believe it's been two years since the onset of COVID 19 closed our schools? I remember it vividly. As I was watching the Governor's announcement, I expected that schools would be closed for two weeks. When he announced six weeks, we did not know how in the world we would make that work. Immediately our district and school leaders made plans to deploy laptops and schools were transformed almost instantly. We operated remotely not just six weeks, but we finished the 2019-20 school year out of the building! The 2020-21 school year started as we left, but with more structure and we remained online through winter of 2021. In fact, we are just at the point where our students have been back in the building for one year, although on a modified schedule. It has been so wonderful to be back in school full time this year, but we have continued to be impacted by COVID restrictions such as masks, social distancing, and quarantine protocols.
This week we removed the mask mandate at recess and soon we will be making other adjustments to release mandates at school. In many ways, this feels like a relief and another step in moving forward into the "new normal." However, I also recognize that masks have become a way of safety for many and some may have reasons to continue wearing masks. At Midland this week, we had classroom discussions about respecting the choices of others and keeping kindness at the center. When masks are no longer mandated, we want to maintain a safe environment for those who will choose to wear them.
I am excited about the work that is happening at Midland. Next week I will share with you the specific changes that we will implement moving forward.
It's great to be a MUSTANG!
~Dr. Paula Dawson
Important Dates to Remember:
March 9 ~ 1:55 Dismissal
March 13 ~ Daylight Savings Time ~ Spring Ahead
March 15 ~ Health Screening
March 16 ~ Full Day of School / 3:25 Dismissal
March 21 ~ Spring Class Photos and Retakes
March 23 ~ 2nd Trimester Ends: 11:55 Dismissal
March 25 ~ No School (Snow make up day)
March 30 ~ 1:55 Dismissal
**For additional future scheduled activities, please check out our Midland calendar at https://midland.fpschools.org/**
Social Emotional Learning:
Social emotional Learning corner
Content by Mrs. Blaisdell
March 7th
Optimism
Optimism is the hopeful focus on the positive/good things around us. To hone our focus on what is positive/good; even when times are tough, will help us to be more resilient, to be happier, and to be successful in MANY things. Pessimists train their brain (with effort and practice) to see the negative/bad stuff surrounding them. Pessimists often have negative self-talk and are tough to be around because of their negative attitude. Pessimists are often bogged down in tough times because they feel hopeless about the outcome and the future. Optimists, on the other hand, train their brains (with effort and practice) to see the good in all situations—to look on the bright side. Optimists are resilient and don’t give up with things are tough. Optimists can often find good in most situations. Optimists are happier and are more pleasant to be around. Mustangs learned to strive to be optimistic and know that it takes practice to “flip your mindset” but it is worth the effort and practice to be OPTIMISTIC. 😊
Attendance Moment: Take an Active Role
Daylight Savings Time
Adult Educational Opportunities
Healthy and Safe practices at Midland
Just a reminder of the things that we'd like you to consider before sending your child to school each day:
- A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above?
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
These are some safety precautions we will be practicing at Midland:
- Students will be required to wear a mask on the bus, in the halls, and in class.
- Students will wash hands and use hand sanitizer throughout the day.
- Students will sit 3 feet apart in the classroom, and 6 feet apart during breakfast & lunch.
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 5 days. After 5 days, they can be tested at school and if they test negative, they can return. 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!
PTA and Volunteers Wanted!
Our PTA has historically been an important part of our school community. Truthfully, with COVID and the movement of our previous PTA leadership, we have had a difficult time having an active PTA. I feel strongly that we are missing this important part of our community and it's time to build it up again! I would love your ideas of what you would like to see in a PTA. If you have ideas, please email them to me at pdawson@fpschools.org.
Have you been wanting to volunteer at Midland? It's been almost two years since we have been able to have parents in our building, but we are excited that we can now do so! Due to the ongoing pandemic, we do have some restrictions which are outlined in the attachment below. Our classrooms could use tutors, we would love to have additional adults on our playground, and we could even bring back Friday snack sales during recess if we had adults who could help. Again, please email me and we will get you plugged in!
I'm looking forward to your partnership!
~Dr. Dawson
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.