Greenlodge Weekly Update 9/4/2020
#ReachForYourBest
Newsletter Translations
Dear Families,
Labor Day weekend typically marks the end of summer vacation, back to school preparations and perhaps one last chance for a family adventure. As I know you are aware, staff at Greenlodge has been working hard to prepare our schools for a safe, engaging and meaninging full remote and/or hybrid experience for all students and staff. Special thanks to our custodians Keith and Joan Begin who have worked tirelessly this summer to deep clean and move furniture in preparation.
All teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff returned to the building with increased health and safety procedures in place on Monday, August 31st. Over the past four days they engaged in professional development and room preparations. Among the professional development courses were opportunities to learn new technology to enhance remote learning and content specific best practices in a remote/hybrid model. Next week staff will work together collaboratively to put this weeks' professional development into practical applications.
Here is some of the information you can expect to receive next week...
- Class placement will be sent via email directly from the teacher
- Start state for Cohort B students
- Information about before/after school childcare; Information about childcare on remote learning days
- Teacher meet and greet/getting to know your child- some teachers will offer a small in-person opportunity, others may do a drive-in and some may be fully remote.
- Information on how to best prepare for the first 3 days of remote learning
- Login Information, passwords and meeting codes
As with every year, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of all of our students and can't wait to see everyone! Please remember it will be vital to continue social distancing, encouraging mask wearing and hand hygiene, and avoiding large social gatherings and indoor playdates. If we all work together, we can keep schools open. Thank you for your support of our schools and your continued patience as we reopen our schools!
~Ashley
Ashley Bodkins, Principal
Meet the Greenlodge staff
New Greenlodge Health and Safety Procedures
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1V8Bn3NgovL2pwNZnYsxpvwbj1WVyNPUWpmbwSl_lD3k/edit
Setting up your child's "REMOTE OFFICE"
- Choose a quiet place where distractions can be minimized.
- Make sure the learning space is accessible to caregivers in case your child needs support.
- Be sure your child has a comfortable chair and work surface that fits them appropriately. (See picture below)
- Provide supplies such as pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, glue sticks and paper. (The school will supply all other necessary supplies and materials).
- Hang a small bulletin board or dedicate wall space to post daily schedules, passwords and other important reminders and/or checklists from the teacher.
- Test out your technology. Is your internet connection strong in the space you have chosen? Do you know how to login to your chromebook? Have you tried your passwords? If you are experiencing a technical issue, please check out the DPS Family Educational Technology Site or email home tech service at hometechservice@dedham.k12.ma.us.
Chromebook Pick-Up
The Dedham Public Schools are providing Chromebooks (portable computer) for all students in grades 1-5 for the 2020-21 school year.
Chromebooks are now available for all NEWLY ENROLLED students! You may stop by the school Tuesday-Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to pick-up your chromebook.
Some returning families still need to pick up your child's device. Please be sure to do that next week (Tuesday-Friday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm) in order to be prepared for remote learning on September 16th.
Notes from the Nurse...
Please check this section of the newsletter regularly for updates, tips and notices. More information will be forthcoming.
State public health officials announced earlier this month that influenza immunization will be required for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12, and colleges and universities. The new vaccine requirement is an important step to reduce flu-related illness and the overall impact of respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students will be expected to have received a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020 for the 2020-2021 influenza season, unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided. This new flu immunization requirement to enter school in January is in addition to existing vaccine requirements for all those attending child care, preschool, K-12, and colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Elementary and secondary students in districts and schools that are using a remote education model are not exempt.
The Buzz from Ms. Blais ... Counselor's Corner
I encourage you, as parents and caregivers, to continue to model calmness and mindfulness as we prepare for the reopening of schools. Families and students may be feeling uncertain about returning to a new environment. Do your best to continue to embrace the unknown by: taking a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed or anxious, focusing on what you can do in the present moment, and saying out loud, “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but that’s okay.” We will persevere through together!
Here are a few social-emotional activity ideas:
Draw a picture of yourself and write down three (or more!) of your biggest strengths. Find somewhere special to keep it so you can look at it often and remind yourself that you are awesome and wonderful!
See how many items you can complete on the Family Kindness Bingo and Kindness Bingo in the next few weeks!
Finish each sentence by writing in a journal or sharing out loud at the dinner table:
Today, I felt proud of myself when…
One thing I learned today was...
One kind thing I did today was...
Something that made me happy today was…
Tomorrow I look forward to...
Summer Reading, Writing and Mathematics - It's Not Too Late!
We hope you have had a fun and relaxing summer. To kick off the school year and refresh your learning check out some of the links below that you may not have completed this summer.
Pictures of the Week...
Other District Information...
Dedham Public Schools has translated resource pages:
Please click here for translated curriculum and resources.
Haga clic aquí para ver el currículo y los recursos traducidos.
Clique aqui para obter o currículo e os recursos traduzidos.
Пожалуйста, нажмите здесь для перевода учебной программы и ресурсов.
Ju lutemi klikoni këtu për kurrikulën dhe burimet e përkthyera.
الرجاء الضغط هنا للحصول على المناهج والمواد المترجمة.
There is also a Parent Support Group for Spanish speaking families.
Learn more here:Parent Support Group Flyer (Spanish)
Video Overview of Parent Support Group (Spanish)
Substance Abuse Support Group for Children: Please see this flyer for information about a virtual group to support children dealing with the impacts of a loved ones substance abuse.
Check-out the Greenlodge Homepage!
- Links to current and past newsletters and headlines
- Food service information
- Bus application
- Quick links to Summer Learning
- Families Digital Support Page
- Counseling resources
- Coronavirus Updates
About Us
Email: abodkins@dedham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.dedham.k12.ma.us/greenlodge
Location: 191 Greenlodge Street, Dedham, MA, USA
Phone: 781-310-4000
Facebook: facebook.com/GreenlodgeDedham
Twitter: @GLDGESchool