Mondays From The Mesa # 25
Alta Mesa Parent Newsletter (1/11/21)
WELCOME TO 2021!!!
The day has finally arrived! We are back in physical instruction and are able to welcome students back on campus! I am so very happy to see students back on campus. I want to thank parents and families for their patience through our second stint in distance learning this year. Your support of Alta Mesa and your children has made a big difference.
As we start back into physical instruction, it is crucial for us to continue partnering in our efforts to keep students safe. If your child is sick, please keep them home and call our school office. Please make sure to provide a mask for your child for school regardless of grade level. All students must wear a mask when entering and exiting campus. Remember our drop-off and pick-up procedures (they are listed below as well). Even though we are not in distance learning as a school site, we may have classes that need to go into distance learning for a short period due to staffing shortage or quarantine, so please be prepared for the possibility that you may need to do distance learning again.
Again, thank you for your continued support and patience. There is light at the end of the tunnel and your perseverance will pay off!
Ryan Miller
Principal
Alta Mesa Has a New Podcast!!!
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Booster Club Meeting Jan. 12th
Short Term Absence (Sickness, Isolation, or Quarantine)
Meal Distribution
Arrival
1st-3rd Grades and SDC (Gate 1 opens at 8:10 with an aide supervising student entry)- The traditional morning entrance gate at the West side of the school near Wing 1 will be the entry point for 1st-3rd grades. Students are encouraged to maintain social distancing when entering and will proceed directly to their classroom.
4th/5th Grade (Gate 4 Opens at 8:00 with an aide supervising student entry)- Students in 4th and 5th grade will enter on the East side of campus between Wing 3 and the portables. Students will be required to maintain social distancing and report directly to their classrooms. The aide will be verifying that students arriving have the required PPE to enter school.
All students will be required to wear masks upon entry to school. Students in K-2 can remove their mask once in a classroom. Students in 3rd-5th grade must keep their mask on.
Dismissal
Kindergarten- Will be dismissed at 1:05 from the Kindergarten playground. Parents will be asked to stay outside the fence. Mrs. Schmitt's class will dismiss from Gate 2, the nearest her room. Mrs. Sturgeon's class will dismiss from Gate 3, near Wing 3.
1st Grade- Will be dismissed at 1:15 from the Kindergarten playground. Parents will be asked to stay behind the fence. Mrs. Haag's class will dismiss from Gate 2, the gate nearest to the office. Mrs. Ackernecht's class will dismiss Gate 3, nearest to wing 3.
2nd/3rd Grade - Will be dismissed at 1:15 from Gate 4 near wing 3. Parents will be asked to stay outside of the fence.
2nd Grade and 3rd Grade- Will be dismissed at 1:15 Mrs. Brewers and Mrs. Dukes class will dismiss from Gate 1 on the West side of campus. Parents will be asked to stay outside the gate.
4th/5th Grade- Will be dismissed at 1:25
Mrs. Joscelyn- Will be dismissed from Gate 4, between Wing 3 and the portables on the East side of campus.
McNeely- Will be released from Gate 2 on the Kindergarten playground (Gate nearest to the office)
Nunn- Will be released from Gate 3 on the kindergarten playground (Gate nearest to wing 3)
Important Notes
- Students will remain with their cohort/class all day.
- All students required to wear masks for arrival and dismissal.
- Students in 3rd-5th grade will be required to wear masks.
- Students in K-2nd are not required to wear masks but are encouraged to do so.
- We ask all parents to drop their students off as close to their start time as possible. Do not leave your child prior to our aide staff opening the gate.
- If you have children in K-3rd grade and another child in 4th/5th grade please drop off at the 4th/5th grade start time of 8:25. Tardies will not be given to any student until 8:40
- At dismissal, for parents of children in multiple grade levels, your children will be dismissed at the youngest child's dismissal time.
- ALL parents on campus will be required to wear a mask
- Volunteers will no longer be utilized in classrooms
- Breakfast will be given to students at the end of the day. It will be shelf-stable and eaten at home the following day. (BREAKFAST WILL NOT BE SERVED IN THE MORNING ON CAMPUS)
Counseling Corner
Dear Alta Mesa Families!
Just when we share our wishes and hopes for this new year and after experiencing the challenges of 2020 we realize that our lives do not “run smoothly”. No matter how much we attempt to shelter children from distressing stories or images they will likely experience other traumatic events. Most children know when we are feeling stressed, and they are picking up on cues in our body language and behavior. The American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that instead of increasing efforts to shield children from negative or bad images parents should talk with them about their experiences. Parents might want to think ahead about a good time and place to have a calm conversation with your child. Perhaps you might practice in advance in how to gently approach them with questions about what they know. It is important to place your emphasis on active listening. This includes listening to what your child is saying and in turn expressing in your own words your understanding of what they said. This can drive and promote a deeper conversation and help your child express their emotions by strengthening your parent-child relationship. The APA is suggesting that you share your feelings with your child. However, you will have to take the age of your child into consideration! The following article provides suggestions for parents as to how to have this conversation by differentiating between age groups: https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-traumatic-event/
Most importantly, children will need continued reassurance that you will do everything to watch out for them and keep them safe.
I am looking forward to our students returning to in-person-school next week!
Stay safe!
Marina Mix
School Counselor
Alta Mesa Elementary School
Email: rmiller@eesd.net
Website: altamesa.eesd.net
Location: 2301 Saturn Skyway, Redding, CA, USA
Phone: 530-224-4130
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altamesaschool/