McNear Falcon Flyer
Keeping us connected through distance learning
Summer Updates from Principal Eichert
Bloom where you are planted? Really? Here, now? The last five months have brought a lot of uncertainty, confusion, challenges and opportunities to reflect, reevaluate and rethink. Educators go into teaching for the creativity, the community service, the opportunities for lifelong learning and many other reasons but first and foremost the best part and most important part of the job is the kids. Our staff spent the Summer working for all of these reasons, working to improve the distance learning model and ensure greater connection, consistency and quality of instruction. Nine staff members served on the district distance learning committee, others are participating in UCBerkeley's Green Schools COVID 19 Outdoor Learning committees, many attended a two day arts integration training earlier this week and starting Monday several will be participating in this year's virtual watershed week focused on Social Emotional Learning and Nature Journaling. In the past week I have met with members of TIDE, MASC, PTA and the Garden Committee. McNear is an amazing community and we will work to solve these new challenges together dreaming, building and blooming.
We are also grateful for physical improvements to the school that happened this Summer including the painting of our beautiful new murals, roofing, new carpets in half the classrooms, installation of sanitation stations and more. When site based instruction returns we will have a lot to celebrate.
As we all weather the uncertainty and changes brought on by the global pandemic, let's remember the kids are watching us, please let them see our grace, compassion, gratitude for the little things, growth mindset and hope for a better future. Please also remember that McNear has an incredible staff of professionals who are thinking of and balancing many things. I have had a flood of requests for teachers, pods of students etc. We are working to meet the needs of each and every student in the school, there are many things that go into class compositions with even more considerations brought on by the potential of moving between distance learning and hybrid learning models. Please know and trust that we will be factoring in all of these things and will get class lists out as early as possible. Teachers are collaborating and working together more closely than ever to make programs that can viably surf the fluidity of the year ahead.
Please check frequently for updates from me, from the school district and from your child's teacher as more information becomes solid. For now we are starting in distance learning, in the first week of school there will be parent information zooms for classes, materials pick up options, small group zooms and one on one zooms to get to know your teachers. Below are two very important surveys to help us finalize classes, identify needs, get off to a good start and continue to strengthen our learning community. Please take a moment to complete them as soon as possible.
I am looking forward to the year ahead, to the discovery, the adventure, the problem solving and to all the new ways in which we can connect and learn. We can do hard things together, please reach out if you are feeling stressed, need some support, have questions, can't find an email or just want to talk. My cell number is (707) 239-3753.
With gratitude,
Liza Eichert
Please click on the buttons below to complete two very important surveys
Distance Learning Webinar
Save the date for a district webinar on Distance Learning next week! On Thursday, August 6th, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Cliff DeGraw and Director Jason Sutter will host a webinar for parents to discuss the upcoming Distance Learning model used in Petaluma City Schools. Topics will include schedules, expectations, best practices, and some time for questions and answers. They will discuss the elementary program from 2:00 to 3:30 and the secondary program from 4:00 to 5:30.
PCS Elementary Webinar for Parents
https://zoom.us/j/96403396094?pwd=MkEvK2FXWVJnTS9pWUhLSDhSTUkxUT09
PCS Secondary Webinar for Parents
https://zoom.us/j/93609480301?pwd=dCtVay9tcHFNUklxdTcydnFjWDZHUT09
Aeries Data Confirmation is Now Open
2020-21 Aeries Data Confirmation is now open and should be completed prior to the first day of school. If you need assistance with the Data Confirmation process or creating your Parent Portal account, please review the resources below or contact the school office.
New Students
Families with students new to the school should receive an email with the information required to create an account. If your student is new to the school, but you did not receive this information, please contact the school office.
Technical Support for All Families
Technical assistance is available by contacting parentconnect@petk12.org.
Support Resources
Completing Data Confirmation
Creating a Parent/Student Account - Manually, without email notification
Our New PCS Communication Tool
Petaluma City Schools has adopted ParentSquare; a communication and organization tool designed to keep parents informed and involved in their children's learning and school activities. We hope that having this all in one place, you'll feel more connected and less scattered. ParentSquare allows you to:
• Receive all school, classroom and group communication via email, text or app notification
• See important calendar events and RSVP
• See photos, links and attachments
• Sign up to volunteer or bring items
• Send private messages to teachers or staff
• Appreciate those who post messages (please give them generously!)
Here are links to ParentSquare training modules for parents in both English and Spanish.
McNear Summer Reading Challenge
READ and RELAX this summer and enjoy a celebration in your honor next fall when you return your list of books! Here’s the “scoop”.....
If you are in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Grade: READ at least 20 Books.
If you are in 4th, 5th. or 6th grade: READ at least 5 chapter books. (If you are reading other style books, then 20 is right for you.)
Record the titles.
Have your parents sign your list.
Turn in your list to your new teacher by: FRIDAY, September 4, 2020
Receive your participation award and “scoop”!
Copperfield’s Books is a good place to get books as well as the Petaluma Library.
iPad Issues?
If you continue to have unresolved issues, students and families can receive technology support for PCS issued iPads and Chromebooks by sending an email to helpdesk@petk12.org. Please include the following:
Student’s full name
Student ID number
School
Preferred contact information
A thorough description of the issue
A representative from the PCS Technology department will make contact and attempt to resolve the issue remotely. If PCS Technology determines that the device needs to be swapped out, they will provide instructions for dropoff/pickup.
Amazon Smile!
Amazon Smile! Just a reminder to set McNear School PTA as a designated recipient on Amazon Smile. By doing so, a portion of all purchases made will go straight back to our school! It's super easy to set up. Just follow the link below and log into your Amazon account. After logging in, you'll be prompted to search for a charity name - type in McNear School and hit Search. Choose McNear School PTA from the list, and away you go!
Just remember to shop from smile.amazon.com versus amazon.com or Amazon app in order for every eligible purchase you make to result in a donation.
Thank you!
https://smile.amazon.com/…/…/homepage/ref=smi_chpf_redirect…
Ways to Stay Connected
Email: Leichert@petk12.org
Website: https://www.petalumacityschools.org/mcnear
Location: 605 Sunnyslope Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-778-4752
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McNear-Elementary-243976945636795/?eid=ARA0ovmGs_7oUxh6_4wadNP1pGIc2snX8ZUqdFtE15ERQBNAa6SYUuk1idGxeccJqxEs6pOYIxmx7MJf
Twitter: @mcnearelement