Greenlodge Weekly Update 6/8/2020
#ReachForYourBest
Dear Families,
The 2019-20 school year will certainly be one for the history books! The entire world has taken a step back from the urgency of progress to pause and take care of the most fundamental need for all humans - our collective health. While traditional education had certainly experienced upheaval, it has given way prioritizing social-emotional well-being, re-evaluation of individual and shared values and emphasis on time spent with family. While we all walk a different path, we share the common thread of navigating a "new-normal" full of uncertainty.
We also must recognize the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests against inequities and racism that exist in our country. Personally, my beliefs have been challenged. I no longer feel that being "not racist" is enough. I am committed to speaking up on behalf of the black community and the importance of being anti-racist. If you did not get a chance to watch the KidLit Rally last week hosted by the Brown Bookshelf, here is a link to a recording. There were many black, white, Asian and Latino children, artists, authors, musicians, and activists who spoke beautifully about the need to stand up to racism in our country and around the world. The first hour was directed to students, while the 2nd hour was aimed at parents and educators.
This Thursday, Greenlodge teachers will host "Children's Voices" virtual community meetings at 9am, 11am or 4pm to provide an opportunity for students to learn about race and how they can use their voice to speak up against racism. If you would like to learn more about this event and to RSVP, please click on this link. We are looking forward to engaging in conversations about race with our students.
Here are some of the upcoming events to add to your calendar...
- Week of June 8th- 11th - Scholastic Book Fair Online ordering
- June 11th - PK-5 District Art Show (virtual)
- Week of June 15th - End of Year Spirit Week
- June 16th - Incoming Greenlodge 1st grade Parent/Guardian information sessions.
- June 16th - 1st grade end of year farewell 11:30am - Greenlodge front circle
- June 19th - 5th Grade Drive-In Promotion Parade. 1PM-3PM
- June 19th - Last Day of School for all students.
- June 22 and 23rd - Chromebook Return
Have a wonderful week!
~Ashley
Children’s Voices Greenlodge Community Meetings
Thursday June 11 @ 9am, 11am and 4pm
Click here for more information and to RSVP
Need to pick-up student belongings?
Chromebook Drop-Off and Exchange
We will be collecting all remaining borrowed chromebooks on Friday, June 19th and Monday, June 22nd. These devices will be cleaned, upgraded, relabeled and distributed back to students for summer use. This process will take 2-3 weeks.
More specific information will be coming with dates and times.
Check-out the Greenlodge Homepage!
- New! Quick links to Grade Level and Specialist Learning Plans
- Families Digital Support Page
- Morning video announcements with Mrs. Bodkins, and guest staff!
- Book Madness and Battle of the Books links, ballots and reading response forms
- Home learning link to grade level resources
- Information regarding meals for students
- Counseling resources
- Coronavirus Updates
Remote Learning Plans
- 1st Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 2nd Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 3rd Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 4th Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- 5th Grade Weekly Learning Plan
- Specialist Remote Learning Activity Log Please use this Google Form to share what you’ve done by Friday.
Other District Information...
Dedham Public Schools has translated resource pages:
Please click here for translated curriculum and resources.
Haga clic aquí para ver el currículo y los recursos traducidos.
Clique aqui para obter o currículo e os recursos traduzidos.
Пожалуйста, нажмите здесь для перевода учебной программы и ресурсов.
Ju lutemi klikoni këtu për kurrikulën dhe burimet e përkthyera.
الرجاء الضغط هنا للحصول على المناهج والمواد المترجمة.
There is also a Parent Support Group for Spanish speaking families.
Learn more here:Parent Support Group Flyer (Spanish)
Video Overview of Parent Support Group (Spanish)
Substance Abuse Support Group for Children: Please see this flyer for information about a virtual group to support children dealing with the impacts of a loved ones substance abuse.
Pictures of the Week...
What's New in the Library?
Like so many of you, my heart has been heavy over the past week of seeing the racial injustice that is always present in society rise more visibly, and I am reminded yet again why it is so important to say Black lives matter. I often seek out books to help me learn more, and books are a great resource and support for having these conversations with others. Below are some resources that may be helpful. Please note that these are specifically for talking about race with children. It is important that all kids have these discussions, but it is also important for all kids to hear and read positive stories about people of all races. If you would like additional book lists, books about specific topics, or want to talk more about any of this, please reach out to Ms. Bickel at sbickel@dedham.k12.ma.us
Booklists for Kids about Race:
31 Children’s Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance
Books to Teach White Children and Teens How to Undo Racism and White Supremacy
These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids
Resources for Talking about Race with Kids:
Resources for Adults to Learn More Themselves:
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race
What if I Say the Wrong Thing?: 25 Habits for Culturally Effective People
Virtual Book Fair
Looking for some new books to read? Wish you could shop at the Greenlodge Book Fair for summer books? This year we have a Virtual Book Fair! Shop at the Scholastic Virtual Book Fair from June 1-12. Proceeds benefit the school library, and all of your books will be shipped directly to you, with free shipping on book-only orders over $25. Any questions, reach out to Ms. Bickel at sbickel@dedham.k12.ma.us
Virtual STEAM Club
Do you miss the STEAM challenges we've done in library? Try out the Virtual STEAM Club! Each week, I'll post a recording of a book to the library website, as well as a STEAM challenge based on the book! On Friday we'll have a STEAM Sharing GoogleMeet where you can show off what you made! You can still participate in the club if you can't make the GoogleMeet -- just send me a picture or video of your creation! And if you want to join just for one week, that's fine too. This is open to students in all grades, and is not part of your weekly classroom requirements - just something fun if you're looking for an extra challenge! This week's book is Whoosh: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton. Click here to learn more and watch the video!
If you're interested, use the form to sign-up for the GoogleMeet by Wednesday June 10th. I'll send out an agenda with the GoogleMeet details and code by Thursday for our GoogleMeet on Friday!
I can't wait to see your creations!
The Buzz from Ms. Blais ... Counselor's Corner
Dear Families, I hope this week’s check in finds you and your family well and coping with the challenges and uncertainties of the past couple of months. We are in the home stretch with just over three weeks of school left in the 2020-2021 school year. The following social-emotional activity ideas to do at home were inspired by a newsletter from Effective School Solutions: Build a Calming Kit. A coping skills kit is a box filled with objects that can help your student to regulate his or her mood, increase focus, and/or self-soothe as needed. Your student can create his or her own Calming Kit by using markers to decorate a cardboard or shoe box you may have laying around. Your student can write a list of his or her favorite coping skills on the outside, and fill the inside with things like Play-Doh, small puzzles, pictures of people or places they love, visuals that prompt stretching/yoga poses, art supplies, scented lotion, and so much more. Be creative and try to engage multiple senses with the things you choose! Create a Someday Soon Jar. Just because we are currently limited in what we can do, and where we can go, does not mean that things will be this way forever. Create a list of things that your student would like to do, places your student would like to go, things your student would like to learn, etc. You and your family can add to your list of things that you will do when the social distancing is over. Write each one on a piece of paper and put it into the jar. As social restrictions are lifted, go back to the papers and read what you have listed… you may be surprised and be able to complete some of them. Turn your student's frustration into anticipation! As always, if you have any questions, or would like additional support, please reach out! My virtual office hours are weekdays from 10am - 12pm. Be well!
Too much technology? We get it!
Taken alone, each one of these aspects of technology is positive, however when stacked back to back can become overwhelming to families and unhealthy for children. Our intent in making these resources available is to give parents and guardians materials needed. While we set expectations and suggested guidelines, we respect and encourage your parental judgement to make modifications or adjustments to provide alternative, meaningful learning experiences. Give yourself and your family permission to unplug from time to time!
Notes from the Nurse...
The CDC recommends all people over the age of two wear a cloth face covering when unable to socially distance from one another. Here is a helpful booklet called “I Can Wear a Mask” from Boston Medical Center to read to children about wearing a face covering.
It’s going to be warm this week! Let’s make a healthy smoothie!
INGREDIENTS (makes 2)
- 1 1⁄2 cups frozen unsweetened strawberries
- 1 banana, peeled and cut up
- 1⁄2 cup orange juice
- 1⁄2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
- 1⁄2 cup small ice cube
- Blend and enjoy!
NEW INFORMATION All residents 21 and under can get meals for FREE. Your child does not need to be present to pick up the meals.
Newsletter Translations
About Us
Email: abodkins@dedham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.dedham.k12.ma.us/greenlodge
Location: 191 Greenlodge Street, Dedham, MA, USA
Phone: 781-310-4000
Facebook: facebook.com/GreenlodgeDedham
Twitter: @GLDGESchool