TCU Montgomery Parent Newsletter
Back-to-School Edition - Sept. 2, 2020
Dear Parents,
Hello and welcome to the 2020-21 school year! With so much happening and changing, please make sure to read through all of the items in this newsletter. There is a lot of information, but it is very important that you have all of the information during this time of transition. We are working diligently to ensure an excellent start to the school year at TCU Montgomery K-8 that prioritizes both safety and learning. I am looking forward to meeting you and your child(ren) in the coming days!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Manders, principal
Masks
All students must wear masks during the school day. Students are encouraged to bring extra masks to school if possible. In the event a mask is soiled during the day, the student can switch to a clean mask. Masks are meant to be laundered daily. Please speak with your child at home about the importance of wearing masks for the safety of others as well as mask management.
Water Bottles
Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school as drinking directly from a drinking fountain is not permitted. Filling stations will be available. Paper cups will also be available if a student forgets their water bottle.
Hybrid Learning
The schedule for grades 1-6 has transitioned to hybrid mode of learning during this time. During students in-school learning days, they will receive instruction from their classroom teacher in all core learning areas. During at-home/distance learning days, students will have their specialist classes (P.E., Art, Music, and Tech.) as well as other opportunities for independent practice as assigned by their classroom teacher. Teachers will be communicating many more specifics in the coming days and weeks. Students in kindergarten will report to school in person every day.
The middle school schedule has transitioned to a Block schedule during this time. During students in-school learning days, they will have one block for each of their core classes (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Blocks are 80 minutes in order to cover additional content in an every-other-day format. During at-home/distance learning days, students will have their elective classes. Additional homework from core classes may also be assigned on the distance learning days as directed by the teacher.
Hybrid Days and Calendar
B students will be in person on Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday.
Tuesday, Sept. 8th: First day of school for 7th and 8th grade B students
Wednesday, Sept. 9th: First day of school for 7th and 8th grade A students
Thursday, Sept. 10th: First day of school for Grades 1-6 B students and ALL kindergarten students
Friday, Sept. 11th: First day of school for Grades 1-6 A students
7th and 8th Grade Lockers
Students will be assigned a locker, however, there will be some rules in place for locker usage. We are trying to limit students visiting their lockers and congregating. The rules are as follows:
Students may visit their lockers at the following times:
Before school (get ready for Block 1 and 2 and put cell phone in locker)
Before lunch (get cell phone and leave Chromebook and/or backpack in their locker if they wish)
After lunch (get ready for Block 3 and 4 and put cell phone back in locker)
At the end of the day (get organized for hybrid day needs and get cell phone)
Cell phones will be kept in lockers during the school day but allowed during lunch.
If a student wishes to bring their Chromebook and backpack to the cafeteria they can do so.
7th and 8th graders can use a lock from school at no cost or bring a lock from home.
Devices
7th and 8th Grade
7th and 8th grade students will be issued a device on their first day of in-person learning. Devices are to travel back and forth to school with the student. If your child is a 7th or 8th grade full-time distance learner, they should come to school on Sept. 2 between 3:30-6:30.
K-6
Students will be issued a device on their first day of in-person learning. Students WILL be bringing their device to and from school each day. If your child is a K-6 full-time distance learner, you should pick up your device from school sometime during our Bolting Back to School event during the following days/times:
Sept. 8th: 11:30-7:30
Sept. 9th: 10:30-6:30
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Morning:
If you are dropping off your child(ren) in the morning, please drop them off as close to 8:50 as possible. This will help us out greatly. All students will be dropped off at the main entrance to the school. Students PK-4 will enter through the main doors. Students 5-8 will walk up the courtyard to The Link doors.
To comply with MDE and MDH safety regulations related to COVID, parents are NOT to get out of their vehicles. Please assist us with a safe drop off process by remaining in your vehicle and following the road signs for traffic flow.
Afternoon:
If you are picking up your child(ren) at the end of the day, please wait in the pick up line in front of the school. To comply with MDE and MDH safety regulations related to COVID, parents are NOT to get out of their vehicles. Please assist us with a safe pick up process by remaining in your vehicle and following road signs for traffic flow. To ensure a safe and efficient pick up process, we are asking that you write the last name of the student(s) you are picking up on a piece of paper in LARGE EASY TO READ LETTERING as a staff member will be reading the names into a walkie-talkie.