Medford Elementary Newsletter

2020-21 School Year Vol. 6

Principal's Message

Dear Medford Elementary Families:


We are thankful we have been able to have students in the building for face to face learning the past 7 weeks. And, at the same time, it has been rewarding to provide distance learning to families who have chosen this option. At this point we have been able to accommodate students moving back and forth between the models on the majority of occasions. Looking ahead, if you are wanting to switch learning models starting 2nd quarter, please contact myself or your child's teacher.


As we enter the cold and flu season, on top of the COVID factor, let's all be sure to do our part to support Medford Public School's safety goals that have been put in place. Students and staff should stay home if they are showing any symptoms first and foremost. Each of us need to continue to practice the 3 W's; 1) wash hands, 2) wear mask & 3) watch the 6ft of social distancing. Thank you for all you are doing as parents to help us manage the health and safety of our school community in this most unusual time. We appreciate you!


Our teachers will continue to move forward with academic expectations for new learning. With the lost time from last spring, we are eager to close the learning gap by providing students expert coaching and establishing routines at school and home for reading practice. Be sure to support your child each day by setting aside a reading time and space of at least 15-30 minutes per night, depending on your classroom teachers expectations.


I look forward to seeing how the school year continues to take shape in an unfamiliar time. We are in this together. If you have any feedback on how we can improve, please call 214.6312 or email joshcarlson@medfordtigers.org

What will Fall Conferences look like this year?

What will Fall Conferences look like this year?

Conferences this fall will be held virtually from 4:00-7:30 on November 17th and 19th. Your child's teacher will be contacting you to set up a time if they haven't already. They will also be sharing a link for you to connect virtually for the conference. Be on the lookout as we approach your child's conference for any paperwork that will need to be sent home for you to use during your scheduled conference time. If you have questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.
What will Fall Conferences look like this year?
School Cancellation and Delay Information

School Cancellation and Delay Information

Student Dismissal and Early Dismissal


Students are required to leave the building immediately upon dismissal (classroom dismissal times will be staggered) from school. Students who ride the bus should board the bus promptly after dismissal by a teacher. Students who walk or ride their bicycles should leave school grounds as soon as possible. Students who are waiting for parents, guardians, or baby-sitters to pick them up can wait by the Elementary office exit. Students are discouraged from being in the High School area at dismissal time.


The community will be notified through Radio Stations KDHL (920), KRFO (1390), and WCCO (830) as well as Television Stations 4, 5, 9 and 11 when weather conditions or other emergencies make it necessary to close school or start late. The Medford School District also uses an automated e-mail/voice service to communicate with families.


It is extremely important for families to have plans communicated well with their children in the event of an early dismissal at the beginning of each school year.

School Cancellation and Delay Information
Winter Has Arrived; Let's Be Prepared!

Winter Has Arrived; Let's Be Prepared!

Winter Clothing: Are you ready? It is the time to establish the routine of wearing coats, hats and gloves to school. Students will be outside before school starts, as well as during their daily recess break. Please develop a routine that has your child check the weather and temperature so he/she can be ready for the weather conditions of the day. Be sure to check the lost and found if anything comes up missing!
Winter Has Arrived; Let's Be Prepared!
Daily Home Screening Process

Daily Home Screening Process

Families will be responsible for daily at home health screening prior to their student entering the school building/bus.



Use this checklist every day before your child leaves for school to determine symptoms and/or close contact/potential exposure.



Symptoms:


If your child has any of the following symptoms it indicates a possible illness that may decrease the student's ability to learn and also put them at risk for spreading illness to others. Please check your child for these symptoms.

  • Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth

  • Sore Throat

  • New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing

  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

  • New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever


Close contact/potential exposure:


  • Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with a person with confirmed COVID-19.
  • Traveled to or lived in an area where the local tribal, territorial, or state health department is reporting large numbers of COVID-19 cases.
  • If "Yes" is the answer to any of the questions above, keep the student at home and notify the school of your child's absence. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times.



Please contact our school nurse should you have any questions 507.214.6315

Daily Home Screening Process
Did you know that Oct. 28th is National First Responders Day?

Did you know that Oct. 28th is National First Responders Day?

Medford Elementary would like to recognize and honor our local volunteer firefighters! We would like to help raise money for them by hosting a HAT DAY on Wednesday, October 28th. See attached photo for more information.
Did you know that Oct. 28th is National First Responders Day?
Big picture
Are you Aware of the School's Attendance Line Number?

Are you Aware of the School's Attendance Line Number?

If not, this is just a reminder that if/when you need to call the school's attendance line, the number is (214.6378) Please do not call the elementary office number. Thank You
Are you Aware of the School's Attendance Line Number?

Important Dates on the Horizon!

Nov. 3: Picture Retakes (7:30-11:00)

Nov. 4: Picture Retakes (7:30-11:00)

Nov. 5: End of Quarter #1

Nov. 6: 1/2 Staff Development Day 1/2 Workday (No School)

Nov. 17: Conferences (4:00pm-7:30pm)

Nov. 19: Conferences (4:00pm-7:30pm)

Nov. 26-27: Thanksgiving (No School)

Dec. 24-Jan. 3: Winter Break

Jan. 4: School Resumes