EMS/ELA STAFF NEWS
3/18/20
Welcome to our first "Virtual" staff meeting!
During this unprecedented and highly unusual time period, I want to make sure we are in touch as often as needed so that I can clearly communicate needs as they arise, and for us to find ways to check in together! :)
Today I met with Dr. Rubin, district cabinet, and all principals (online video chat, of course!) to hear any latest news. Here I am at home following "social distancing" and working. :)
At this time, Governor Polis and CDE's Commissioner are guiding all public school districts in decision making for next steps. There is no new information at this time, but hopefully we will hear more by Friday of this week. I will keep you updated.
Feeling a Need to Connect? Join LUNCH BUNCH
I know some of you are possibly feeling a bit anxious and unsettled because you are missing SOCIAL INTERACTION.
If you would like to check in and "see" people, join the Zoom meeting THURSDAY (tomorrow) at 12:15 pm--it is very easy to connect--you just need to follow the link below. We can spend the time visiting, sharing movie and book suggestions, laughing, and anything else you need.
Bring your lunch! :)
Annessa Hart is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/859207965?pwd=SjFtbXF3VHVNNmYzSHhzQUROZ2tNdz09
Meeting ID: 859 207 965
Password: 983095
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Meeting ID: 859 207 965
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HOT TOPICS!
Message from Paul:
We are trying to determine the best way to support kids and teachers with the 1:1 model. Currently, we are 1:1 take home. We would like to hear from your teachers if they would like to continue this model, or go toward a 1:1 model where devices remain in schools. This option would require carts and a device checkout system, should teachers want to send home devices for blended/flipped learning. Here is the link to the survey.
Illness Update
As of today, we reportedly have 10 staff members throughout the district who are showing symptoms of Covid-19 and no confirmed reports from students/families. Most have had mild symptoms and have been told to self-quarantine. We will continue to track numbers of staff, students, and families who develop symptoms. If you develop symptoms--chest congestion and coughing, fever--please let me know.
The district is also running a hotline for students and families who show symptoms of COVID-19. (scroll down for latest news to families).
VOLUNTEERING EFFORTS
Huge shout out to our staff for your offer of support for food distribution at our elementary schools. We will continue with food distribution next week (even though we previously said we wouldn't due to spring break), but not this Friday due to the weather report. Spread the word on social media--meals are for all children, not just Englewood students. Today, Bishop Elementary served 86 kids! The number keeps growing each day.
STATEWIDE EFFORTS
You might have listened to Gov. Polis' mid-day address today. He highlighted two ways people can volunteer that I thought I'd share with you. He shared that these are both ways to help out and maintain social distance.
You can donate blood by going through Vitalant.org.
You can support other efforts in your neighborhood by signing up at helpcoloradonow.org. They list all sorts of ways to support those in need throughout our metro area and state.
ASSESSMENT UPDATE
Likely our scores, rating, etc. will be frozen for this next year (no penalty/no change).
UPDATES FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
Our new bell schedule is approved for next year. Thank you to ILT for their work to bring this together and thank you for those of you who asked questions and gave feedback as a part of the process. 21 people responded to the survey--20 people agreed to move forward with this bell schedule.
The MTSS committee is working to develop some resources and protocols for our continued work in building this necessary system that we had planned to share today in CREW. More to come on that topic.
Staffing Updates:
Congrats to Carrie Moore and David Owens who will be joining us again next year. :)
Because both Carrie and David were "late hires" we needed to run through a re-hiring process--we made it official before leaving last week.
Currently, we have three jobs posted--Interventionist, Special Education Moderate Needs Teacher, and School Psychologist.
My hope is to run interviews over the next week or so. Please let me know if you would be interested in serving on one of these hiring committees. We will likely run video chat interviews from our homes.
Meals and Food Service
Englewood Schools is providing FREE meals to any child under 18 during the extended school break.
Note, that due to predicted winter weather, food service will be closed on Friday, March 20. Because of this, each child will receive double meals on Thursday, March 19.
During the week of March 23, Englewood Schools will continue to serve meals but with limited hours. Hours will be Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. However, each child will continue to receive a Grab and Go breakfast and lunch.
ENGLEWOOD SCHOOLS DIGITAL RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES
Englewood Schools has compiled extensive learning resources for students to access during the extended closure of our schools. Linked here is a website with the optional, supplemental resources. The site will be updated periodically throughout the closure. While we know these resources do not replace classroom instruction, they are designed to provide students an opportunity to continue their learning. We understand that questions might arise on how to use the resources. If you have questions regarding the resources linked on the website, please contact Learning_Services@engschools.net.
Internet Access
We know that access to the internet is vital to many during this time. While Englewood Schools does not endorse these resources, we want to make sure families are aware of all options available to them:
- Xfinity has announced an Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone program. Through it, Xfinity hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free. Search for a hotspot near you.
- Comcast Internet Essentials is offering two free months of their Internet Essentials package starting March 16, 2020. You have to be eligible, so read more on their website. You can also call 1-855-846-8376.
ENGLEWOOD SCHOOLS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
This can be a stressful and scary time for everyone. Feeling prepared and knowing what you can do to help you and your family stay well are some ways to help minimize stress. This resource for parents/caregivers provides ways for families to prepare as well as how to help children from different age groups cope with what is going on. If you think you are having symptoms of COVID-19, please follow these guidelines from CDC. These resources from Tri-County health can also help you stay informed and reduce the risk of spreading or catching COVID-19. Additional mental health and food resources can be accessed here.
As a reminder, Safe2Tell is a resource students can access right away if they have worries or concerns about themselves or a friend.
COVID-19 Student and Family Reporting Line
If you or a member of your household has COVID-19 symptoms or has a confirmed diagnosis, please contact your healthcare provider and then let us know by calling 303-806-6881. Your information will not be shared; however a nurse will follow-up with you to gather information that will help us keep our community safe.