The McKelvey Messenger
October 2, 2020
Looking Ahead
10/8 Curbside Library Return & Checkout 4-6pm (no pre-orders)
10/9-10/12 Fall Break - No School
10/17 PTO Virtual Fun Run
A Note from your Principal
It was another busy week with conferences, the announcement about returning to in-person learning, and planning for the transition in the weeks ahead. The learning preferences of the McKelvey community stayed largely the same, with 60% choosing to stay virtual and 40% returning to our school. As we prepare the building, we will also prepare for ways to keep our community strong and connected - part virtual, part in-person, one McKelvey. If anyone can do this, we can! Our talented staff is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience for all students, and I can't wait to see that we do!
Kiara
#seeksilverlinings #mckproud
Planning for the Next Phase of Learning
There are several pieces to the transition ahead:
- October 5-16 will be business as usual. Distance learning for all students with their current teachers will continue, with a lovely Fall Break in the mix.
- On October 13th, those who selected in-person learning will receive notification of their assignment to Group 1 or Group 2 for the transition days of Oct 22-Nov 6. Groupings will not require the thought they did back in July when we were creating "Tuesday/Thursday" or "Wednesday/Friday" schedules. Since our transition days do not equate to a true T/Th and W/F schedule, please reach out to us if you have a particular need.
- On October 19th, all families will receive their child's teacher assignment for the remainder of the year.
- October 19-21 will include a variety of transition events - some asynchronous days (with no live teaching) to allow for teachers to set up classrooms, as well as opportunities for kindergarten families & new families to tour the school. Specific details will be shared as soon as possible in order for families to plan.
As always, we are grateful for your support and flexibility as we continue to face and overcome the challenges of a global pandemic. Stay well!
Register Now for the PTO Fun Run
Let's keep this McKelvey tradition alive and come together virtually to celebrate fun and fitness! The McKelvey PTO Fun Run is back in 2020 for a 'distance' run! For families who are new, this event usually includes a mile run on the North High School track. This year's virtual run can be as short or long as you wish and can be completed "virtually anywhere!"
On October 17th, throw on your masked Spike t-shirt and running shoes and hit the road. Post your photos and race results on our PTO Facebook page wearing your special edition McKelvey Fun Run t-shirt. Register and buy shirts for your family ($10 per shirt) by October 6th. https://forms.gle/PEHwEY74yD1d3HT47
Race day shirt pickup will be on October 15 at McKelvey. See other details on a link within the registration page. For other questions, please email ghomrighous@gmail.com
Library Curbside Return & Checkout
On Thursday, October 8th, between 4-6 p.m. our librarians, Mrs. Schone and Mrs. Reames, will be holding our 3rd Library Curbside Pickup for our amazing, book loving McKelvey students. Instead of students completing a Google form to order their books, this time will be a little different. Please follow the steps below if you would like to participate.
Drive up to McKelvey during the designated time frame.
If you have books from a previous library curbside pickup, they must be returned in order to receive new books.
Tell us what types of books you would like including: picture books, fiction, nonfiction and graphic novels
We will choose books from our curbside collection for you. (You do not need to fill out a Google form this time!)
Read and enjoy!
Counselors' Corner
Happy Friday!
Please continue to contact your child’s grade level counselor with questions and concerns by using the Counselor Connection Form. Some helpful resources are listed below.
Resources:
Emergency Resources:
911
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Behavioral Health Response Crisis Line: 1-800-811-4760
Saint Louis Crisis Nursery: 314-768-3201
Salvation Army: 211 (mortgage, utility bills, clothing, medication bills, etc.)
Take care!
McKelvey School Counselors
A Letter from our Nurses: Color-Blindness
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Some students who are color deficient may have difficulty with virtual learning because of the way that the screen appears to them. “Color-blindness” which is also sometimes referred to as “color deficiency” includes a range of conditions characterized by a difficulty distinguishing certain colors. It is estimated that approximately 8% of males and about 0.4% of females are color-blind.
In order to help create an optimal learning experience for students with color vision deficits, We would like to offer assistance in two ways:
First, if your student has never been screened for color blindness in the past or if you question if your student is color blind, you can request a screening through your school nurse. To request a color-blindness screening, contact us at 314-415-6510 or through the Google form attached to the body of this email.
Second, if your student has a color blindness diagnosis, please let us know by email at jsinnott@parkwayschools.net - (grade 1-5), jkreher@parkwayschools.net - (K), or through the Google form at the bottom of this letter. This information will be documented in our electronic health record and will be made available to assist your student in the following ways:
We will share the information with your student’s teachers to make them aware of your student’s difficulty seeing certain colors.
We will send your student’s teachers information about color blindness and different strategies they can use to assist your student.
We will send you and your student information about different applications or technology advances that may enhance your student’s learning online.
We are committed to partner with your student’s teachers and our technology staff to provide a positive online learning environment for your student. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
*Google form to request a screening or notify nurse of prior diagnosis*
Sincerely,
Jamie Kreher BSN, MSW, RN- jkerher@parkwayschools.net - K
Jane Sinnott RN, BSN, NSCN- jsinnott@parkwayschools.net - 1-5Important Reminder: Free/Reduced Lunch
As we prepare for in-person learning and meals, did you know that you may qualify for free/reduced meals? To find out if your family is eligible, please take a moment to complete the online application at parkwayschools.net/Page/1675. Please note, if your child(ren) received free/reduced meals last school year, you will need to reapply by October 5. Free/reduced applications must be re-submitted each school year. Additionally, if your kindergarten student has a sibling in the Parkway school district who received free/reduced meals last school year, he or she will not be automatically added. Please complete a new application. During virtual learning, eligible families are able to sign up for weekly meal pickups.
In addition to our free/reduced meals program, the district is also offering monthly meal boxes. Any family who signs up can purchase meal boxes, but families who qualify for free/reduced meals can receive theirs for a free or reduced price. Interested families, please email foodpantryrequest@parkwayschools.net.
Playgrounds and Facilities are Still Closed
About Us
Email: klackey@parkwayschools.net
Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net/mckelvey
Location: Maryland Heights, MO, USA
Phone: (314) 415-6500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckelveyelementaryschool
Twitter: @McKelveydragons