Welcome Back Washington Newsletter
Current Events and Community News
Welcome to the 2022/23 School Year!
“Living a life fully engaged and full of whimsy and the kind of things that love does is something most people plan to do, but along the way they just kind of forget.” - Love Does by Bob Goff
Hi Everyone,
Welcome back to a new school year at Washington Elementary! As summer wraps up, we hope that you had an amazing vacation full of adventure and whimsy!
Wednesday we had a professional development day. It says a lot about how much our teachers love this school because so many showed up even though our official start day wasn’t until August 22nd!! They look forward to meeting their new class, and learning and growing together in the year ahead!! Please also join me in welcoming our newest WES faculty: Jessica Medina (4th), Margaret Lu (1st), Jessica Sobalvarro (TK Instructional Aide), Alexandre Manu (PE), Jennifer Guerrero (Speech) and Ekaterina Brilts (Aide).
Since I am new to Washington this year too, I am meeting with all the teachers, staff and look forward to developing relationships with you too! So far I’ve met with most of our faculty in one on one meetings and what I’ve learned is that this school is truly a special place. We are truly fortunate to have such incredibly dedicated, passionate educators working together to provide amazing learning experiences for our students.
I’m also excited to have met with our BCE rep, Christina Funk, PTA co-presidents Rebecca Hopkins and Jennifer Ellison, Dad’s Club President Eric Missildine. Like our faculty, each of our community groups is vested in making sure all of our students have an amazing year ahead so look for more information from them in the days that follow.
A couple of notes to start the year:
First day of school Thursday, August 25th
School 8:30-12:00pm
Parents Coffee in the MPR from 8:40 - 9:10am
Outside assemblies: Each month we will have an in-person assembly for students. Parents are welcome to join us for this community event to celebrate student achievement, birthdays, talk about the month ahead, sing, and celebrate our time at WES. Our first assembly is Monday, August 29th at 8:35.
New Curricula: This year the district is rolling out two new curricula in math (iReady/Illustrative) and Inspire science . Our faculty will participate in the district math training this Monday and Tuesday. We look forward to sharing more with you in the weeks ahead!
TK/Kindergarten Schedule
August 26 - September 2 8:30-12pm
September 6-23 8:30-1:30pm
After September 26 8:30-3pm
**Tuesdays are 2:00pm Dismissal
COVID Kit Distribution
We are no longer testing students or adults for COVID. Tests are available for you to self-test your children.
Lunch Information
We will be offering free lunch and snacks again this year. There will no longer be a sign up. Please communicate with your child if they are receiving lunch at school.
Classroom Supplies
These are supplied by the school but it would be good if your child has a backpack, reusable water bottle, lunch, snack, layers, etc.
This is a year of healing and new beginnings. Be kind to yourself and each other on our journey together. Have fun and celebrate your children’s experiences…there will be lots of them! Finally, I invite you to join me in living a life full of whimsy and being fully engaged this year. The time we have is precious. Let’s make the most of it!
We mailed out classroom assignment letters last Friday. If you haven't received them, please contact our office.
I've included a lot of information in the rest of this Welcome Back Letter,
so please read through to the end.
If you have any questions after reading everything, our office is open and we are answering calls and emails, so please reach out.
I can't wait to see everyone on August 25th!
All my best,
Rick
Lunch Information
TK-2 will eat from 12-12:20 and then play from 12:20 - 12:40.
3 - 5 will play from 12-12:20 and then eat from 12:20 -12:40.
We will be providing FREE snack and lunch for all students again this year. Please notify your child/ren if they are getting lunch at school. The teacher will ask for the count every morning. To sign up for Free and Reduced Lunch (for other benefits such as free internet, etc) information is available here: https://www.myschoolapps.com/ or email Jennifer Baker jbaker@burlingameschools.org.
COVID Protocols for 22/23
Arrival and Dismissal
Pick up and drop off for the first few days of school might feel a little stressful as we get back into the rhythm of things. Please make sure that you arrive in plenty of time, and consider walking instead of driving, to reduce anxiety!
What to do - Drop-Off?
Parents drop students off at one of our four gates* at the front of the school, and do not come onto campus. Students enter campus independently, and line up outside their classrooms.
This arrangement allows us to keep our students as safe as possible as they arrive at school, at the same time as encouraging their independence and giving them opportunity to foster connections with other students.
*KINDER PARENTS: all kinders are dropped off and picked up at Gate A (Howard)*
*TK PARENTS: all TK are dropped off and picked up at Gate B (Arundel)*
Please be patient and kind to staff, students, and other families on the first day. Our whole teaching staff will be around to help make sure that students (and families!) have help with the transition, and get to the right classrooms so that they can start making new friends.
Coffee and Recovery!
On the first day our PTA is providing coffee and a place to decompress for parents right after drop off. After you have said goodbye to your child(ren) , please come to the MPR and chat with your friends and neighbors.
What to do - Pick Up?
Parents pick students up from one of our 4 gates. Please arrange this with your child in advance and do not come onto campus. This allows us to safely reunite students and their grown ups. On the first day of school it might take us a while to dismiss all our students, please be patient and kind! Again, all our staff will be out to help. We anticipate that some students will go to the wrong gate and we will get them to the right one eventually!*
*REMEMBER TK/KINDER PARENTS Gate A (Kinder) and Gate B(TK) is the pick up spot.*
Please familiarize yourself with our Arrival and Dismissal procedures to help us have a smooth start to the school year.
(links to Handbook pages included below - click the pictures)
BTSN - September 7th
Great news - Back to School Night is IN PERSON this year on September 7th.
This means you will get to come onto campus, explore inside your student(s)'s classroom, and meet their teacher.
Watch out for more information about the times and agenda - coming soon!
Get Ready to Volunteer!
Before/After School Care @ Champions
What do students need for the first day of school?
Students should bring:
- a reusable water bottle (we don't provide plastic bottles of water any more, but we do have working water fountains),
- a backpack, and
- a snack for the first day (snacks will be provided for those that sign up, more information to follow when available).