Dawson Staff Update
We got this..Summer 2020
What have I been doing over the past few weeks!
Hey Team,
I hope everyone is having a relaxing summer with family and friends. I know there is still much uncertainly about re-opening in the fall. Shannon and I are here to support you in any manner. I have been using a mindful/meditation app called Headspace over the past three weeks, and it has helped me tremendously. These are challenging times, so please take care of your self and reach out if needed!
I have had a very productive month since school ended. My knee surgery was a success, and I only needed to be on crutches for three days. I am currently in PT, walking about 2 miles a day, and attending my exercise classes again. My doctor says I can slowly begin to run mid-August.
Over the past three weeks, I have been part of a book study through Massachusetts School Administrative Association. We are reading and discussing White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo. It is a powerful book, and I am learning about my own biases and reflecting on my white privilege.
Last week Bob Berlo toured Dawson to discuss classroom size and safety measures. He told me to stage classrooms for half the students, but not to take out extra desks or furniture until the district and DESE have made the final decision. We all know things can change in a matter of a day! The classrooms will not be your typical format as we need to tape placements of desks for kids, etc. Shannon and I would love to collaborate with you in your class desk format. I will be sending out a Sign Up Genius to make an appointment to come to Dawson (Central Office is not allowing that many people in the building until further notice).
Over the next few weeks, I will be painting a few murals, ordering supplies, reviewing class lists, and many more things. I will keep you updated on any new essential information! Again please remember to self-care and reach out to Shannon and me if you need ANYTHING!
Hello From Romy and Shannon
Yes, that's my toddler having some fun on the Kindergarten playground and getting acquainted with Dawson! Romy has enjoyed her visits to Dawson and looks forward to meeting all of you. She is fully enrolled in her training program with hopes and dreams of becoming a working therapy dog to help children and families.
Romy and I hope that you are thoroughly enjoying summer, taking time to rejuvenate and spending time with loved ones. This summer (besides training my rapidly growing puppy) I have been reflecting upon current events, keeping up to date on COVID and how districts, states and other countries are responding, as well as reviewing social-emotional learning resources for the fall. I plan to collect as many resources as I can to support you and our students in returning to the classroom after this long period of school closure. Re-connecting with colleagues, students and families as well as responding to both social emotional and health concerns will continue to be a priority.
I have been at Dawson weekly since school has been out and plan to come more frequently during the month of August. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you plan to stop by as Romy and I would enjoy a visit to catch up on your summer adventures and talk through any ideas or questions that you have about the upcoming school year. Melissa and our Leadership Team will be meeting regularly throughout the summer and collaborating with other districts, DESE and the Department of Public Health to put thoughtful protocols in place.
In the mean time please enjoy every second of this beautiful summer, take good care of yourselves and please start to send summer pictures for our "Dawson Summer 2020" welcome back slideshow. It will be such a wonderful way to get reconnected with one another and to share about our summer adventures!
Warmly,
Romy and Shannon
SEND SUMMER PICTURES VIA EMAIL WITH "DAWSON SUMMER" IN THE SUBJECT LINE
Optional Check In Date and Times
Instructional Budget Update
Lexia K-3 has been funded by the district, and I purchased Scholastic News K-2 and Storyworks 3-5. Lori and I are working diligently to get Eureka workbooks and an online component called Eureka Math in Sync. Here is the website - feel free to check it out - https://eurekamath.greatminds.org/en-us/eureka-math-in-sync.
School Supplies...Think about remote and in school!
Class Lists ...Please review and Update with current sections and teacher placement!
I would like to thank Lea and Tim for being flexible on the current placement!
Grade Two - Lea Fullam ( Grade One going to three sections)
Grade Three - Tim Sweeten ( Grade Five going to three sections)
Virtual Kindergarten Informational Gathering and Children Read Aloud Schedule
I will host three virtual gatherings to answer your questions and address any concerns. The Zoom link to all the meetings will be the same, and I ask you to put your full name in the Zoom so I can properly address you by name. Thank you!
July 29, 2020 - 4:00 pm - Topic - Typical Kindergarten Information and General questions (please no reopening questions as those will be addressed in August when we have more information)
August 5, 2020- 7:00 pm - Topic -Typical Kindergarten Information and General questions and Reopening Update (if available)
August 12, 2020 - 9:00 am - Mrs. Wallace Kindergarten Read Aloud
August 19, 2020 - 9:00 am - Mrs. Wallace Kindergarten Read Aloud
The last parent information date will happen once all reopening information is confirmed.
Zoom Link for all meetings:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77099231495?pwd=d1Y5Rm0zc25XUHJ1S0Q3VEdSR21uZz09
Meeting ID: 770 9923 1495
Password: 6e89pP
Interesting Videos on Social Justice
Melissa Wallace, Lead Learner and Principal of Dawson Elementary School
Email: melissa_wallace@wrsd.net
Website: http://www.wrsd.net/dawson/
Location: 155 Salisbury Street, Holden, MA, USA
Phone: 508-829-6828
Facebook: facebook.com/DawsonElementarySchoolDolphins
Twitter: @dawsondolphin