GATOR TALES
Grace Abbott Elementary
September 17, 2021
Principal: Dr. Erik Chaussee, epchaussee@mpsomaha.org
Secretary: Cindy Wrenn, clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
About Us
Email: clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
Website: abbott.mpsomaha.org
Location: 1313 N 156th St, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-715-2900
Facebook: facebook.com/GraceAbbottElementarySchool
Twitter: @MPS_Abbott
PLEASE TAKE NOTE!
NEWS FROM DR. CHAUSSEE
Covid Update 9/17
This week we had four positive cases of students at Abbott. Because the proper precautions were taken including the student not being at school since prior to the positive tests the students are not close contacts therefore they do not have to wear masks. Had the children been in school within 48 hours of their positive case or symptoms, all four classrooms would be wearing masks for 14 days.
We are so appreciative of this proactive approach. If you notice symptoms and think someone in your home might be getting sick or you are awaiting test results, please stay home. We all need to work hard and together to end Covid and get back to a normal school year.
Parents received the following information at the end of August but I’m going to copy some of the letter to remind everyone of the consequences of covid cases:
When a case of COVID-19 is brought into our schools and involves close contacts we will respond as follows:
If one (1) confirmed case of COVID-19 has occurred in a classroom, all others in the class are required to mask for FOURTEEN (14) days following the last unmasked exposure.
If two (2) or more classrooms in a school are closed due to COVID-19 transmission within a 14 day period, ALL students and staff in the school will be required to wear a mask at all times in the school building for TWO (2) incubation periods (TWENTY-EIGHT (28) days) following the second class closure.
These mitigation strategies are in direct response to the cases brought into our schools. These strategies are aimed at keeping our classrooms open and stopping any spread of COVID-19 that was brought into the room. During the required masking period, should there be additional virus transmission in that classroom, we will consult with Douglas County Health and determine if the room needs to be closed. We have cases of COVID-19 exposure in some elementary classrooms. Just like last year we can’t stop COVID-19 from being brought into our schools. There is the potential that your child will be in a classroom where somebody brings COVID-19 in from the outside. If that happens, we will require temporary masking in that room for fourteen days in an effort to prevent spread and keep the classroom open. Any elementary classroom that has a positive case will be required to mask for 14 days. This includes all children and any unvaccinated staff members. This requirement will include any elementary classroom that had one positive case on or after August 23rd. This is to make sure we can keep the room open to the best of our ability. Your child’s principal will communicate with you regarding the specifics around this required temporary masking. We will not require masking during physical education exercise or outdoor recess. We will be intentional about mask breaks.
Again, if there are no positive exposures in your child’s classroom, there is no requirement to mask at this time, even though students are strongly encouraged to do so.
WATER BOTTLES AT SCHOOL
4th Graders
Beginning Monday, September 20, all fourth graders will enter and exit door #2 on the west side of the school. This is to relieve congestion before and after school. If they have a cello to bring inside, eat breakfast, or at tardy they can enter the front door. Teachers will be supervising students at 8:00 and after school. When the weather turns bad they may be back to the front door.
SUCCESS CENTER
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 23 - 2/3 Fun Night is POSTPONED! IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED!
October 1 - Walkathon
October 1 - Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.
October 4 - Runza Night, 5 - 7 p.m.
October 5 - PTO Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
October 7, 12, 13 - Conferences (Sign up information to be coming out soon)
October 13 - 15 - NO SCHOOL
BUZZ BOOK TIME
The Buzz Book is getting ready for our new school year! Please help us by purchasing your Buzz Book (which gives you online directory access and a printed copy) by September 24th. Even if you aren't planning on buying one, it helps us tremendously if you update your info. As a thank you, this year we are doing a raffle for those who have updated their info. The link for the raffle is found on the Buzz Book Website: https://graceabbottpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home
Purchase, update and enter to win on the website or you can always send a check to the school office. The cost is $4.00. Thank you!
POP TABS FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Abbott has been collecting pop tabs for +15 years. Our total is currently over 1,750,000. All pop tabs can be dropped into the blue bucket by the front doors.
The Ronald McDonald House provides temporary housing for families of hospitalized children.
Fun Facts
One pound of tabs is about 1,500 tabs
1 million tabs end to end would stretch 16.75 miles
HEALTH ROOM NEEDS
WATCH D.O.G.S. SIGN UP
We are excited to invite our Watch DOGS (Dad of Great Students) back into the building this year! If you would like to volunteer for either a full day, or over our lunch times, please complete the Watch DOG sign up. You can email Debby Powell (dlpowell@mpsomaha.org) or Charlene Hale (cghale@mpsomaha.org) with any questions.
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK!
Abbott Yearbooks are available for purchase online for $12 through October 31st ($15 after this date). Reserve your copy today! http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09851076
MILLARD SCHOOL BOARD 2020
President - Linda Poole
Vice President - Dave Anderson
Secretary - Stacy Jolley
Treasurer - Amanda McGill Johnson
Board Member - Mike Kennedy
Board Member - Mike Pate