Big Lake Elementary Newsletter
AUGUST 12, 2020
WELCOME TO THE 2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR
SCHOOL STARTS AUG 19
NEW PROCEDURES THIS YEAR
DROP OFF: The same: Pull up to the curb to let your student out. The different: Parents will not be allowed to walk students to class at this time.
PICK UPS: Different: Wait at the curb in your vehicle, staff will take your name and we will send your student out to you.
MASKS: Students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th are required to wear masks. Students in preschool, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd masks are not required, but are recommended. If they visit the nurse, they must wear a mask. See the NURSE RX below.
WATER BOTTLES: The water fountains won't be used, please send a refillable water bottle with your student to keep at school.
BREAKFAST/LUNCHES: Students will eat breakfast and lunch in their classroom. No microwave or refrigerator will be available for student use this year. School breakfast and lunch is provided free of charge to students.
WHO'S MY TEACHER: Teachers will be calling the students in their class on Friday, Aug. 14.
GYM CLASS: Bring your own shoes, we won't be able to share shoes (more info from Mr. Barrett below).
BIRTHDAY PARTY/CLASSROOM SNACKS: All food must be in store purchased unopened packaging. Sorry no homemade goodies at this time.
REGISTER FOR SCHOOL
We hope to see you in person at Big Lake Elementary but you also have the option to select at-home learning which gives you access to a Big Lake Elementary teacher.
Below is information on the benefits of selecting at-home learning vs correspondence school:
- Students who select at-home learning will have access to a brick and mortar MSBSD teacher who can provide support and direct instruction in-person, over the phone, and/or Zoom meetings.
- At-home learning students still have access to our electives and enrichment classes in a brick and mortar environment. For example, they may take their core classes at-home via Apex, but they could also attend school for music or welding. We have had many parents ask: if they choose at-home learning, can they still participate in sports or our elective classes. The short answer is—yes.
- Families who register for at-home learning can also shift to at-school learning or, conversely, can shift from at-school learning to at-home learning.
We hope to see you on August 19th.
GYM CLASS WITH MR. BARRETT
Please bring a pair of gym shoes to be left at school for PE. They should be rubber soled and closed toed. No flip flops, sandals, or snow boots should be worn in gym class. I'm sorry I won't have shoes to borrow this year.
Enjoy your last week, see you soon.
Mr. Barrett
COUNSELOR IN THE SCHOOL
NURSE RX
A NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Big Lake families:
I have had a lot of great questions from families. I thought I would share a few FAQ:
- In Preschool to 2nd grades will the student be required to wear a mask when visiting the nurse? Yes
Explain: Students will not be required to wear a mask during the school day, however any visit to the nurse will require a mask.
- What if my child has Asthma/ Allergies? Will they be sent home for Covid like symptoms, for example a runny nose or cough? Maybe
Explain: This is a great question and the answer is not straight forward. Each student will be assessed on an individual basis. If I have questions I will try to call or email the parent/legal guardian. Please update the phone number and email information for you and emergency contacts.
Please contact me, Nurse Lund, anytime with questions or concerns. Email is preferred at rachel.lund@matsuk12.us or call at 907-892-9705. If I don’t answer please leave a message.
All the best,
Rachel Lund, BSN, RN
MSBSD School Nurse, Big Lake Elementary
IMMUNIZATIONS
It’s that time of year again. It’s time to send a copy of your students immunization record. Please choose one of the following options:
- Have your doctor office fax a copy to 907-892-9780 (Fax)
- Take a picture and email immunizations to rachel.lund@matsuk12.us
- Drop off a copy in the parking lot with your student
- Call me and we can make another plan
Religious Exempt Remember that religious exempt forms have to be done every year and must be notarized. We have an amazing Administrative Secretary, Chris Sawyer, who is willing to notarize this form for you at Big Lake Elementary. If you would like notary at Big Lake please call 892-9705. Then we will have a table set up outside. We will have a copy of the form and the notary. You will need to bring a picture ID. This is a link to the religious exempt form https://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/shared/msbsd_forms/education%20and%20instruction/Immunization%20Religious%20Exemption%20Form.pdf.
Thank you, Nurse Lund
MEDICAL FORMS FOR MEDICATIONS, ALLERGIES, ASTHMA, DIABETES, ETC.
Please click on the following links for the forms you may need:
Allergies If you student has allergies please have doctor office complete the following form and fax to the school. https://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/shared/msbsd_forms/student%20support%20services/Health%20Form%20102-Allergy%20action%20plan.pdf
Asthma If your student has asthma please have doctor office complete the following form and have the doctor office fax to the school https://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/shared/msbsd_forms/student%20support%20services/Health%20Form%20101-Asthma%20Action%20Plan.pdf
Diabetes If your student has diabetes please have doctor office complete the following form and have the doctor office fax to the school https://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/shared/msbsd_forms/student%20support%20services/Health%20form%20104-105%20diabetic%20care%20plan.pdf
Seizures If your student has seizures please have doctor office complete the following form and have the doctor office fax to the school https://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/shared/msbsd_forms/student%20support%20services/HEALTH%20FORM%20607-608%20SEIZURE%20care%20plan.pdf
Medication If your student will be taking medication at school please have the doctor complete the following form and fax to school from the doctor office https://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/shared/msbsd_forms/student%20support%20services/HEALTH%20FORM%20106-%20Meds.pdf
YEARBOOKS HAVE ARRIVED!
We still have yearbooks available for purchase for $15 each, so if you would like to purchase a yearbook from last year please call us to make arrangements to pay for and pick up the yearbook. You can pay with cash or check.
LIBRARY PAGES
OTHER ITEMS
Supply List
School Calendar
First day of school for kindergarten is August 26.
About Us
Leigh Magnan, Principal
Chris Sawyer, Admin. Secretary
Shari Mason, Office Secretary
Mandy Trelfa, Records Specialist
Rachel Lund, Nurse
Email: ble@matsuk12.us
Website: matsuk12.us/ble
Location: 3808 S. Big Lake Road, Big Lake, AK
Phone: 907.892.9700