Orion Gazette
August 24-August 28
A Message from Principal Katherine Rivera
Dear Families,
You and your children were amazing this past week!! Each week we will get better as more families get access to hot spots, become familiar with the new platforms and learning schedules and kids have a chance to re-connect.
The first three weeks of school across RCSD is dedicated to helping students make connections, feel comfortable with each other and the new learning platform and technology tools.
Your classroom teacher is the best person to answer questions, concerns and challenges. If the teacher has not be able to solve the problem or answer a question, please reach out to me or the new assistant principal or office manger.
Principal: Katherine Rivera krivera@rcsdk8.net
Assistant Principal: Nichole Crawford ncrawford@rcsdk8.net on M, T, W only
Office Manger: Elizabeth Araiza earaiza@rcsdk8.net
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 8:45-3:45
REACH Distance Learning Support Care Begins August 31
Orion Reach program will be having an in-person Distance Learning Support Program. In this program, students will be assigned to a learning pod by age/grade where they will be supported by staff in an environment conducive of learning. The program begins on Monday, 8/31. Program days and hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am-3pm with monthly fees set at $325. For more information about the program, including FAQ’s, please visit Distance Learning Support Hubs..
If you are interested in the program, click on the link to register, Orion - 53.500
As always, if you have any questions, please contact Onika Tarver at otarver@redwoodcity.org or 650-444-6560.
Adilah Haqq Smith
Recreation Manager
Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Phone:650-780-7315
Orion Students Spreading Good at Home & in Their Commuity
Oliver in Kindergarten
Nia in kindergarten
Sofia in grade 2
Technology Support and Online Learning Platforms
Starting on Monday Aug. 24, the District Office will be available to help families who are not able to visit Hoover or MIT this Sunday. The District Office, located at 750 Bradford St. in Redwood City, is open Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm.
Families with Questions About Recently-Issued Distance Learning Tools:
Families who have questions about their recently-issued devices should visit the District Office. This includes questions about how to operate the tools and if replacement materials are needed. We want to help you with any replacement as quickly as possible.
The District Office, located at 750 Bradford St. in Redwood City, is open Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm.
To request a hotspot, please contact:
Merced Ruiz at 650.482.2200 or email hotspots@rcsdk8.net
We thank you for your understanding.
RCSD Technology Department
Even if you already filled out a request online, please follow up with an email to Merced.
Updates on Learning Platforms in Clever
Math: The class rosters are not yet in sync with the Clever accounts. The technology department in partnership with the providers are working to have this resolved soon.
Grade: Kindergarten
Grades: 1-5 Zern
English Language Arts: Grades k-5
Benchmark in up and running, students in all grades have access
Raz Plus: Grades 1 and 2 to be launched this week
Mandarin Immersion Program only grades k-5
Better Immersion is up and running
Level Chinese will launch later this week
Short Videos for Parent to view for support with student tech tools
Startship PTO Corner
Starship Corner
First Starship Meeting: Wednesday Sep 2nd, 7:30-9:00pm: Please join us for our first meeting for the 2020-2021 school year! This year, more than ever, we need everyone's support to make sure our children have what they need to succeed. Meet your PTO committee members, learn about what we do, and connect with other parents. We will be voting in this year's executive officers and approving the PTO budget. Please join us! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3596442118 Meeting ID: 359 644 2118
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,3596442118# US (San Jose)
Join Konstella! This summer we moved to a new parent communication platform that we hope will provide greater support and flexibility for our campus needs. You should have received an email invitation inviting you to join. You can also join using this link here https://www.konstella.com/cd/KU7S9V. Please sign up and join the following groups. Class Coordinators: We are still looking for a few more parents to join as class coordinators to support school communication and connection during this next year. We hope to have bilingual teams supporting each grade. Please sign up on Konstella if you are interested.
Every parent, teacher and staff member is a part of Starship and it is essential that Starship represent both programs and the entire community. There are lots of places for parents to get involved and it is exciting to explore the opportunities to come together in these uncertain times to support the campus. Our first Starship's are generally the 1st Monday of the month.
Wednesday Assembly and Book Read Aloud from Librarian Christina
Google Meet times and Links:
Wednesday Schedule:
Grades k-1:
9:00-9:15 Principal Katherine Link: meet.google.com/ynd-jmkj-khc
10:00-10:15Librarian Christina Library meet.google.com/hho-vmtn-xxr
Grades 2-3
10:00-10:15 Principal Katherine Link: meet.google.com/ynd-jmkj-khc
11:00-11:15 Librarian Christina Library meet.google.com/hho-vmtn-xxr
Grades 4-5
4-5 9:00-9:15 Librarian Christina Library Link meet.google.com/hho-vmtn-xxr
4-5 11:00-11:15 Principal Katherine Link: meet.google.com/ynd-jmkj-khc
Coming in September: Live PE classes each Wednesday via Zoom
Grades 3-5 9:00-9:20
Grades k-2 9:40-10
Stayed tuned for more information about live PE each Wednesday along with asynchronous lessons for grade level groups along with other enrichment opportunities.
Parent Collaboration and Leadership Opportunities
Parent Leadership Roles
The Orion school community recognizes the importance of parent leadership at all levels of our school in both the Mandarin Immersion and Parent Participation programs. To this end, we encourage parents to participate in one or more of the following committees or teams. Check the school website and newsletters for specific meeting times and dates.
Once the dust (and ash) settles, both figuratively and literally, starting in September we will begin officially holding meetings, information sessions, and elections for different councils and teams. Some teams require an election process per California Education Code, such as School Site Council and English Language Advisory. Some teams are made up interested parents who commit to consistently attend meetings. Noted below are the current council and teams. School Site Council (SSC), English Language Advisory (ELAC) will start the year with the leadership from last year and begin the election process next month.
School Site Council
Purpose: Develop, implement and monitor the school improvement plan based upon the assessed needs. The State of California mandates goals and targets for public schools.
Meetings: Meet at least one time per month via Zoom
Parent Role: The council is to consist of 10 members, up to 5 representing the parents and community and up to 5 of staff members. The officers shall be elected annually by a ballot at the second meeting of each year. Council members must attend each meeting.
ELAC English Language Advisory Committee
Purpose: The primary purpose of ELAC is to advise the school principal and school staff regarding the instructional programs and support services for English Learners. ELAC is also responsible for advising the School Site Council (SSC) and reviewing the Site Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA).
Meetings: At least 5 meetings per year. One meeting to meet with the principal to plan the agenda and one meeting every other month.
Parent Role: At least 2 parents serve on the ELAC committee. Parents/ guardians of English learners elect parent members of the school committee or subcommittee. All parents shall be provided the opportunity to vote.
Orion Alternative Parent Participation Advisory Council
Purpose: The purpose of the Orion Alternative PP Advisory Council is to work in partnership with Principal Katherine and teachers from the PP program to bring forward the three main program goals:
- Create a culture that prioritizes, expresses, and develops excellent social-emotional skills
- Shape curriculum to include thematic learning aligned to global citizenship, both in classrooms and through school wide activities
- Engage families to participate in the Orion Parent Participation to model the civic engagement behind global citizenship
Meetings: At least one time per month via Zoom
Mandarin Advisory Council
Purpose: The purpose of the Mandarin Advisory Council is to provide the school input into strengthening the Mandarin Immersion program by helping develop and guide the program vision and mission, Chinese cultural events, academic enrichment and student recruitment.
Meetings: At least one time per month via Zoom
Parent Role: Volunteer parent committee leads meet one timer per month to with the principal to report out committee work, share upcoming events and solicit support.