EBE Home Connections
September 5, 2021
Weekly Message from Mr. Hanzeli
Dear Elger Bay Guardians and Parents,
After a fantastic and energy filled opening two days, we are excited and pleased to welcome our youngest students this week. On Wednesday of this week, our kindergarten students begin their first days in our school. We are so excited for these students and their families. Please know that we understand what an important day this is for you child and that our staff will all keep a close eye on each of these children working to make sure that each has a fantastic first experience.
Late Start Wednesdays (80 minutes later): This Wednesday (September 8 and the First Day of Kindergarten) will be our first chance to experience Late Start Wednesday. During the year, this later start time on Wednesdays allows for professional development of staff and collaboration for our teams here at Elger Bay and across the district.
MOST IMPORTANT TO KNOW is that everything happens 80 minutes (1 hour 20 minutes) later on Wednesday mornings. Your bus will arrive at the am stop 80 minutes later. Our doors will open to drive up drop offs 80 minutes later (9:55 instead of the usual 8:35). School begins at 10:20. End of day dismissal happens at the same time as the rest of the week.
Chromebook Distribution Update: This continues to be a topic of conversation for my staff and I as we try and determine what is our best course of action in terms of when to distribute the chromebooks. A chromebook has been assigned to each student and is in their classrooms for teaching and learning. As of this date (9.4) we will hold the chromebooks until I have conferred with each of the grade levels on Wednesday. Ultimately, our plan may be a bit different for varying grade level bands. Stay tuned and I will provide another update next week.
Mark All Personal Items with Student Name: Our lost and found is already growing! Please be sure to label EVERYTHING that might be dropped at a recess or on the way in and out of school (jackets, sweaters, water bottles, etc). Our students and staff are great about helping us get them back to their proper owner...if we know who it is.
Morning Bus Arrival and Drop Off (repeat): When students are released from the bus they will be either going to the cafeteria or gym where everything has been marked off in 3 foot intervals where they will either eat their breakfast or wait for dismissal to class at 8:43.
No Student Escort to Class (repeat): At this time we are unable to allow parents / guardians to be in the building in order to escort students to class. Our fabulous support staff will be stationed all over and are very skilled at helping and noticing our little ones who may need an extra boost of confidence the first few times down the hallway. Kindergarten will get an extra dose of this early supervision and supports to the bus.
Breakfast and Lunch FREE to Students (repeat): Reminder that both breakfast and lunch are free and available to all students.
If you are of the mind that you do not want your child to access any of these meals, please be sure to contact our kitchen manager, Marlene Anderson: manderson@stanwood.wednet.edu
If your child has any dietary allergies, please be sure to contact our school nurse to access the appropriate paperwork. Donna Hunter: dhunter@stanwood.wednet.edu
Notes from Mr. Hanzeli regarding School Procedure Refinements
Please let me begin by thanking you for your patience. We know there have been delays, some of them very significant. It is a fact that all of these procedures become much more efficient after about 5-10 school days when we all have had a chance to practice and be certain they are as safe as possible. As you can imagine, all of our procedures are being refined as we learn lessons from the first few days of school.
Thank you for staying in touch with my office and letting us know about your observations as a parent. It really is very helpful.
Here are a few notes for this week:
AM DRIVE UP DROP-OFF
- In order to try and increase the speed of unloading drive up drop off students, we are going to extend the cars that may unload. Instead of just three at a time, we will allow all the cars along the actual sidewalk to unload, then move them all out.
- To that end, please be ready for your child to get out of the car on the passenger side.
- All drop-off students enter through the north entrance of the school.
- Please do not just park in stall and let your children out of the car. It is very unsafe and we have had several near misses in year's past due to car and bus traffic moving in many directions.
LUNCH
- Lunch periods are 20 minutes and roughly 110 are at each lunch.
- Cold lunchers are usually seated within the first 3-5 minutes.
- The last of the hot lunchers a minute or two later.
- At the end of lunch, if a student still needs a couple minutes, they can get permission from the supervisor to move to a designated table so the custodian might clean the other tables before the next lunch arrives.
- Should a student still need a few minutes, the first two picnic tables outside are saved for that purpose (unless they are not needed).
- At recess dismissal, students take their lunchboxes to a designated table for their particular class so they can easily find it at the end of recess.
END OF DAY PICKUP
- For those picking up students (prearranged and communicated to the office), the process already got much quicker on day 2 and will continue to be more efficient.
- Reminder there are two (2) lines of cars that enter the playground. As you line up behind, please maintain two lines, even along the bus fence.
- Please STOP at the YELLOW LINE by the bus fence and make sure the exit is fully clear so that a turning bus may drive through the bus chute and turn in front of you when it arrives at the school to pick up students.
END OF DAY BUSSES
Please know from me personally that these first couple days were not good enough and my team and I will be working each day to continue building a SAFE and EFFICIENT system for end of day transportation.
- Thanks to everyone who has returned DAILY TRANSPORTATION PLAN FORM. This is really THE key document for communicating precise plans for your student each day.
- Calla Sheryl or Kristie in our office and provide any change, even if only for one day, so they might document and communicate the change.
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, September 6
Labor Day, No School
Wednesday, September 8
Kindergarten, FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, 10:20 - 3:30
Wednesday, September 8
Late Start Wednesday Schedule, 10:20-3:30 (see article above)
Thursday, September 16
Vision / Hearing Screening Day
Friday, September 24
EBE Picture Day
Friday, October 15
No School for Students, Staff Training Day
Information from the Assistant Director for Covid Recovery-Health and Safety Related
Families, please remember that if anyone in your household has a cough or fever or if anyone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, you need to keep your student home and contact your school. If someone in your household is waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, all unvaccinated students need to stay home. Finally, if your student has been around anyone who later tests positive for COVID, the student needs to stay home until being cleared by the school nurse. Thank you all for doing your part!
Please take a moment to look over the following two newsletter items explaining the following:
What to do if someone has COVID-19 symptoms and has confirmed or suspected
What to do if someone has COVID-19 symptoms but has not been around anyone diagnosed
PTA Photo Opportunity, (extended through Tuesday)
On September 7, there will be a spirit filled welcome backdrop created for a fantastic "back to school" memory photo.
As you exit your Family Connection meetings the backdrop will be available at our main entrance.
Thank you Laura Tetzlaff and PTA for leading the way and helping make this welcoming activity happen for our families.
EBE Health and Safety Procedures (Reapeat)
In alignment with the guidance of our district health and safety communications, the following are health and safety protocols we will be applying as we begin the 21-22 school year. I hope this helps paint for you a picture of how things will work we bring everyone back.
GENERAL:
- Temperature check or health attestation screening with students will NOT take place as part of the morning entry procedure.
- Cloth or paper masks will be worn at school and on the school bus. Gaiters are not allowed.
- Students will have multiple recesses and teachers are encouraged to provide outside mask breaks.
- Students and staff will maintain three feet social distancing whenever possible and reasonable.
- As students move through the hallways, they will be asked to always use the right hand side of the hallways.
- As a school district and with our school nurse at the lead we will perform contact tracing and communicate quarantine requirements when necessary.
BREAKFAST and LUNCH:
- Meals will be free to all students and eaten in the cafeteria.
- There will be 3 feet of social distancing while seated.
- Masks will be worn when not actively eating or drinking.
RECESS:
- Students are not be limited to classroom cohorts while outside at recess.
- Equipment will be available for students to use.
- Hand washing or hand gel or sanitizer will be required before/after play.
- Masks must be worn on big toy and when 3 feet of distancing cannot be maintained.
CLASSROOMS:
- Masks will be worn while indoors and during all specialist classes, including P.E.
- Three feet of distancing while seated in the classroom.
- Hand washing or use of hand gel will be practiced throughout the day.
- Shared items, such as manipulatives and equipment, will be limited.
DISTRICT COVID COMMUNICATION:
- The Stanwood-Camano School District has developed an Opening of School FAQ (En Espanol) that addresses what we know now on various topics related to COVID regulations and requirements for school districts. This FAQ is also available on our COVID information page on the District website. This page will be updated regularly as we receive information from the state or as we update our safety procedures.
Superintendent Deborah Rumbaugh’s August Message, 9.3.21 (Repeat)
Hello Families,
We did it! The first days of school were a celebration of the hard work our school staff, families and students have accomplished over the last months to prepare for today. I spoke with many of you on the first day of school and could see the excitement and anticipation. We are all planning for a year of learning, fun and connection. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the many details of in-person school over the next few days. Please take a moment to view our First Day Back Video.
As we embark on this new year together, we have five priority areas that you will have the opportunity to give feedback on:
Safety
Relationships
Accelerated Learning
Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Strategic Planning
Please watch for opportunities to participate in listening sessions, morning chats and more. These sessions will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your experiences and wishes for the coming school year. The first of four superintendent listening sessions (scheduled quarterly throughout the year) is at 6:00pm on September 28th at Cedarhome Elementary. The purpose of these informal gatherings is to provide an opportunity for parents, community members, students, staff, or others to provide input, ideas, and their perspective about our schools.
Who Do I Call?
As you navigate through the school year, please connect with your child’s school for questions or concerns related to your child’s experiences. You may always email me directly at Drumbaugh@stanwood.wednet.edu, and often, the best way to find out information that is school-specific is to start with the school itself. All school websites are accessible here. Each school is also sending home weekly newsletters over email, these newsletters will help answer questions for students and families.
Mealtime Reminder
As a reminder, school breakfast and lunch are provided to all students at no cost. The Stanwood-Camano School District no longer charges for a standard breakfast and lunch. Students may choose between bringing lunch from home or eating at school; no advance planning is required. Students may take a free breakfast, while still bringing lunch from home. We hope this allows students and families to more easily access meals while at school.
Employment Opportunities!
The district is seeking outstanding applicants to fill new and existing positions in the district. We would love our families and community members to consider applying for jobs in the Stanwood-Camano School District. Currently, we are looking for applicants for the following positions at various sites throughout the district:
Classified positions (Paraeducators, Custodians, Maintenance/Electrician, Nurses)
Certificated Teachers (music, special education, preschool, social studies, science)
Other (Counselors, Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist, School psychologists
Coaches (cross country, girls’ basketball)
Substitutes (bus driver, paraeducator, custodian, teacher)
The District provides competitive wages and benefits packages for positions over 630 hours per year. Please go to the district’s employment page to apply.
REMINDER: Late Start Wednesdays (Repeat)
NOTE: Kindergarten families please pay special attention to this article (meant for everyone) as your child's first day of school will be on a Late Start Wednesday.
- School will not be open for students until 9:55 a.m. First Bell, 10:15. School begins, 10:20.
- Bus service will arrive roughly 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes) later than on the usual 4Day schedule.
- Dismissal is still 3:30.
- Bus arrival home after school should be roughly the same as other days.
There are one or two exceptions to this Wednesday pattern. I will try to be diligent about sending reminders, but if you are a planner, here is a link to the student calendar for the full year. Student Calendar 2021-2022
Spread the Word, Call Your Friends
If you have a child to register for next year, you may stop in to the office. Please bring:
- Registration Forms
- Copy of their birth certificate (or other age verification document, as noted)
- Immunization records.
For enrollment purposes, we accept birth certificates, adoption decrees, baptismal certificates, immunization records, previous school records, or entry in a family tree. Other documents not outlined here may also support age verification.
Students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old by August 31, 2021.
Please call us at 360-629-1290 if you have any questions.
REGISTER ONLINE: New Student and Kindergarten Registration for 2021-2022
CONTACT YOUR ELGER BAY TEAM
Email: ebeinfo@gmail.com
Website: ebe.stanwood.wednet.edu
Location: 1810 Elger Bay Road, Camano, WA, USA
Phone: 360.629.1290