Hoot Owl
August 14, 2020 - Parent Edition
Dr. David Duckworth - Principal
Dr. Will Nunn - Assistant Principal
Zooming into a New Year - Dr. Duckworth and Dr. Nunn
It is with great pleasure I welcome you and your student to Craig Elementary. My name is Dr. David Duckworth, principal of Craig. Dr. Will Nunn is our assistant principal. Our enrollment for the current school year is 390 students and we have 70 staff members here to serve and educate our students.
At Craig, it is our privilege to teach, nurture, encourage, and enable your child to be a part of a community of life-long learners. We provide a safe environment where kids can take risks and feel valued, respected and encouraged. Craig is a diverse learning community where students, teachers, and families work together to support life-long learning.
This school year will begin unlike any other with Distant Learning. Our staff have done an amazing job over the summer preparing a rich and rigorous virtual school experience. Unlike our shift to eLearning last spring, Distance Learning will provide a defined schedule for students with more live instruction and interaction with teachers and classmates and a variety of learning experiences.
Distance Learning utilizes both synchronous and asynchronous learning. These terms are widely used in education but may be new for many students and parents.
When learning is synchronous, all students are learning together doing the same thing at the same time. Think synchronized swimming when the team is all together. This can include live video conferencing, chatting, and live streaming lessons. Live instruction from teachers will be recorded for students to view at a later time, but the class progresses as a group at a pace set by the teacher.
Asynchronous learning happens when teachers and students are doing work at different times. During asynchronous learning, teachers provide lessons, assignments, activities, etc., that students will be required to complete at their own pace on their own time. Asynchronous learning permits more independent learning at times most convenient for the student to complete assignments, homework, etc.
As you prepare for Distance Learning, here are 4 helpful hints to establish a successful school experience from home:
First Tip: Acknowledge you are not alone..Craig is here for you!!
Distance Learning is a change for everyone
Communication is key - Craig is here to support you and your child
Be flexible and find what works best for your family
Second Tip: Establish a learning space
Like a home office for parents, create a learning environment for your child
Include your child in the process - location, supplies, organization
Establish boundaries and expectations for learning
Keep it simple
Third Tip: Create a daily schedule
Routine and procedures are key
Schedule from your classroom teacher
Set a timer
Fourth Tip: Working toward independence
Scaffolding - Younger children will need more support in the beginning
Accessing technology
Establish stamina goals
Set timers - today you are going to read for 15 minutes…
Encourage your child to explore
Remember....Craig Cares - We are here to support you and your child!
Once again, welcome to Craig Elementary School!
Dr. Duckworth and Dr. Nunn
mduckworth@parkwayschools.net, (314) 602-0562
wnunn@parkwayschools.net, (314) 604-3703
Announcements
Placement Info
As a note, please understand that placement at this time is for virtual only. If we have an in person option later in the school year placement may change based on enrollment and staffing.
Virtual Meet the Teacher
Chromebook Pickup
Parkway accelerated technology initiatives this year in order to provide students with additional access to devices and internet connectivity. For the 2020-21 school year, every Parkway K-12 student will be provided a Chromebook to support learning. To make things go as smooth as possible, please put a sign in your car window with all your children’s names, grade levels and schools. Not having this information will slow down the distribution process because different grade levels get different model devices.
Craig families can pick up Chromebooks from:
North High:
Northeast Middle, Bellerive, Craig, McKelvey, and Ross can pick up at North High.
12860 Fee Fee Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Parents will ONLY be able to pick up Chromebooks from the high school in their area. Chromebook distribution will occur on the following dates and times:
- Elementary families can pick up Chromebooks on: August 15 from 10 am - 4 pm or August 17, 19 or 21 from Noon - 6 pm.
Important Information:
- If your child already has a Chromebook that is in need of repair, they may come to the appropriate distribution site to swap it for a new device.
- If you indicated that your child needed reliable access to the internet a hotspot will be provided during the distribution schedule above.
Tech Support
During the school year, Parkway’s Technology Help Desk will be available to support students, parents and teachers from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday. The Help Desk can be contacted at helpdesk@parkwayschools.net or (314) 415-8181.
Frequently Asked Tech Questions:
Q: My family will be in Florida (out of town) the week 8/15-8/21. What do we do?
A: We are recommending that families who will be on vacation during the week of distribution make arrangements for pick up by a trusted friend, neighbor or extended family member. We will not distribute devices prior to 8/15. There will be opportunities to pick up devices starting on 8/24 by appointment.
Q: My family can’t make it to a distribution site due to transportation/work/equity issues? What do we do?
A: We would ask that our families who are unable to make it to distribution due to equity issues, not vacation conflicts, coordinate with building principals and counselors. Principals and counselors should contact Jason Rooks to coordinate the checkout and delivery of the needed devices. Similar to the spring we hope to be able to work with school based volunteers for delivery.
Q: I live in one area but have a child on special assignment/Mosaics Academy/other in another area?
A: The number of devices at each site will be based on enrollment numbers. In an ideal world, a parent would visit each site based on student enrollment. That being said, we do not expect a parent to visit multiple sites. We would ask that the parent visit the site that a majority of their children attend. Example: 2 kids at Mason and 1 kid at Central High = Pick up devices at West High. We will not turn away a parent no matter the site they visit. If a parent has a question about feeder patterns, please share this document.
Q:My child already has a chromebook but it is broken/damaged/other?
A: If a student has a device they checked out in the spring that is broken/damaged/other, they should come to the appropriate distribution day and swap out the device. They should bring the broken/damaged/other and all associated cables to exchange for a functioning grade level appropriate device.
Q: How do I get hardware support once school starts?
A: Starting on 8/24, we will accept appointments for repair through the Help Desk. The repair site will be based at the high school in the feeder pattern, once again this can be found here. The Help Desk can be reached between 7am and 5pm Monday through Friday at helpdesk@parkwayschools.net or 314-415-8181.
Q: I didn’t make it to distribution. How do I now get a chromebook?
A: Parents that did not make distribution can contact the Help Desk, helpdesk@parkwayschools.net or 314-415-8181, to schedule an appointment to pick up a device from the appropriate site.
Q: I requested a hotspot. How do I get it?
A: Parents that indicated their child needed a hotspot will receive it as part of the scheduled distribution process.
Q: My child already has a device. Do I have to use a Parkway device?
A: While we obviously can’t force a family to use a Parkway device, it is strongly encouraged. Parkway device’s are centrally managed and controlled. We push district software applications and tools to student devices. If a family chooses to use a personal device, we will not be able to guarantee their child will have equitable access to online resources or technical support.
School Supply Pick Up
- District Provided School supplies (this was the products that you have paid for, if you have not yet paid you can do so in Infinite Campus)
- Art Supplies
- Grade Level specific learning materials.
Supply Pick up will be for all Craig grade levels and will be curbside in the front of the building please just pull up to the front of the building in the bus line and Craig staff will place all of your materials in your car for you:
- Thursday August 20, 12:00pm - 6:30pm
- Friday August 21, 9:00am - 2:00pm
If you cannot pick up at either of these times please email Michelle Behrle at mbehrle@parkwayschools.net to make other arrangements.
Craig Elementary's Moonlight’s meals 2020 – 2021 School Year
Moonlight’s Meals is a once a week bag of food for our Craig families in need of meal assistance. If you are in need of assistance, please fill out this google form for Moonlight’s
Meals 2020-2021.
Food pick up will be on Thursday’s beginning Thursday, September 10. Additional information and details will be emailed to you after completing the Moonlight’s Meals request form.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Munroe at amunroe@parkwayschools.net
Fall Food Drive for Moonlight’s Meals
We will be offering Moonlight’s Meals again this school year starting September 10. Our pantry shelves are low on supplies. On August 20 and 21 when you pick up your school supplies, we will have food collection bins outside. If you are able to donate, we are in need of the following items:
Spaghetti noodles, pasta sauce, tuna, canned vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, jelly, rice, soup and toilet paper.
Thank you for supporting our pantry and Craig families.
If you have questions, contact Mrs. Munroe, amunroe@parkwayschools.net
Quick Notes
- During this time of virtual learning all playgrounds will remain closed to the public. The blacktop, track, and grassy areas may be used while practicing social distancing.
- For the time being both our OASIS program and our Dog Therapy program have been put on hold until in person learning resumes. Any questions contact Cindy Poston cposton@parkwayschools.net
Strings Information 2020-2021
3rd Grade Strings
The 3rd Grade strings program, as it existed prior to COVID-19, will not be offered for the 2020-2021 school year. In its place, we will be offering enrichment opportunities for 3rd-grade students to help introduce them to the orchestra program and prepare them for fourth grade. These opportunities will include structured asynchronous modules for them to explore in Schoology and possible activities such as virtual after-school groups, summer camps, etc.
4th & 5th Grade Strings Registration
It is registration time for the Parkway 4th or 5th grade String Program. Our string classes are open to all students continuing in 4th and 5th grades. The weekly music instruction is free, provided by certified string teachers. We are pleased to provide this learning opportunity for your student.
Instruction on the viola, cello, and bass are new instrumental options in addition to the violin in 4th and 5th grades. Our 4th and 5th grade string curriculum builds on the previous year of instruction.
Students will advance in ability and technique as they progress in their string classes. Listening skills, improved tone production, posture, personal playing technique, and ensemble skills are expanded. Increased music reading skills are gained through challenging repertoire.
Educational research suggests increased learning ability results from playing a musical instrument over time, and the development of self-expression and positive self-esteem occur. Students become more confident and collaborative learners through these experiences.
Parkway School District’s elementary string students are given an excellent foundation for entry into our high achieving middle and high school orchestras. We are very proud of the musical education that we provide through the string program!
Review this brochure carefully for enrollment and instrument rental information. Please contact your school’s string teacher with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Jeff Lackey, Coordinator of Fine Arts
Parkway Elementary String Teachers
4th & 5th Grade Brochure (PDF)
English Language Services
If you are new to Craig you may be wondering what English language, or EL services will look like this year.
The EL team at Craig is all about student success. This is achieved many different ways.
What we do with you child depends upon their current stage of English language development (what they CAN DO) as well as priorities placed upon them in the classroom.
For example: your child may be scheduled to meet with one of us one on one to confer about reading or writing or they may be scheduled into a small strategy group to focus on a skill like phonics or grammar or fluency or math facts. At times you may see us working along side the classroom teacher with a mini lesson.
No matter what service delivery model we use with your child, we promise to advocate for you and your child to help the whole family feel successful at Craig. So, please reach out to us if you need any help!
Deborah Cochran and Lisa Peterson
Craig EL Teachers
Notes from the Library
Hello Craig Owls! I hope you all had a great summer! If your child has any library books at home still, please bring them with you to supply pickup at Craig. If you'd like me to check your child's account to see what books are still out, please email me. Stay tuned... we'll be sharing information soon about the Craig Library Curbside Pickup Service that we'll be doing during Virtual Learning.
In the meantime, checkout the St. Louis County Library’s curbside service:
https://www.slcl.org/reopening/curbside
Ms. Jorel
Nurse's Notes
Incoming kindergarten and new families to Craig- please make sure to get immunization records to the nurse if you have not done so already. I have been in contact with the parents of those students by email. The state has not made any changes to immunization requirements for school while attending through a virtual option so all students need to have compliant records on file.
Please also update the nurse about any new health conditions or medications. You can do this by email, at agunn@parkwayschools.net.
Health Forms including Asthma and Allergy Action Plans and Medication Authorizations for future use can be found here https://www.parkwayschools.net/Page/1384
Just for fun, check out this great handwashing video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQv1jF99Qzg
Thanks,
Ashley Gunn, BSN, RN, NCSN
Nationally Certified School Nurse
Craig Elementary School
P- 314-415-6210
F- 314-415-6211
Character Update
For Character this year we are working on many different and exciting things. First, we are working on reapplying for National School of Character. It has been five years since we received this honor and are very excited to share all of the great things we have accomplished since then. We will keep you updated on this progress throughout the school year.
One of our major focuses for this year is to reinforce the Craig Core Values. Those values are respect, responsible, caring, empathetic, and integrity. It is important that the students know what they are and how they apply to many different situations in and out of school. We are taking this opportunity to add virtual learning to our matrix and will take the time to discuss how the Craig Core Values apply in that situation.
The following are programs that we are continuing to do this school year to highlight those students who are showing great character.
Moonlight's Spotlight
This when teachers and as well as parents will have the opportunity to recognize students who are always doing the right thing and following the Craig Core Values. Every month each staff member or parents will nominate a student who deserves a “spotlight”. Each month the parent Hoot Owl will have a form for parents to fill out. Each day one or two student nominations will be shared during morning announcements. Don't worry if we don't get to your student's right away we will share them all over the course of the year! Students are doing amazing things everyday at Craig and we can’t wait to share them with everyone! Please use this link to nominate your student for a Moonlight:
https://forms.gle/4529qwwBjkqyQGHS8
Core Value Connections
Core Value Connections are a way for students and teachers to recognize those that are showing and demonstrating the Craig Core Values (respectful, responsible, caring, integrity, empathic) during our school day. Each week the teachers will report the amount of chains given out and it will be announced during the announcements. We will create the chain and see if we can get it to go around the track at the end of the year. Last year before we went virtual, Craig collected 2,249 chain links!! 2,249 amazing acts of kindness and great character! Here is a video of how some of our students got chains last year.
Social Emotional Learning
Equity In Action Committee
The Equity In Action Committee, formerly known as the Diversity in Action Committee is looking forward to this upcoming school year. Although we will begin the school year virtually, we will continue to examine ways we can make the learning environment at Craig equitable for ALL students. Our committee meets once a month during the school year. We will begin the year focusing on 4 goals: Bias, anti-racism and equity training/book study for staff members, make our libraries more diverse (all students and groups need to see themselves represented in the literature on the shelves in our school and class libraries), equity questionnaire (we want to hear from you, what more could we be doing to help all students be more successful in the classroom?), and conversations about race and social justice issues in class (we will provide each grade level with a bank of lessons and books that they can use to help guide conversations in the classroom). I am excited about this school year and our work around equity.
Special Education Team
We cannot wait to see our students' faces, even if it's through a screen! Your Special Education team is working hard to create meaningful schedules to support your children. We are collaborating with our general education colleagues to ensure we are providing the richest opportunities we can for our students as we service their IEPs.
Academic, social, and therapies will all be virtual. This will be a combination of live lessons, support for asynchronous time, and asynchronous activities. Rest assured that your child will continue to receive his/her services and your Special Education team is working diligently towards what that will look like. You will hear from your child's case manager before the start of school, this person will be your key contact.
As you navigate what this looks like for your child, you are welcome to reach out to me for support by emailing me at amccabe@parkwayschools.net or calling me at 314-730-5156. Enjoy this last week of summer with your littles, we'll see you soon!
Distance Learning
We will begin the school year on Monday, August 24 with Option 1, Plan C which is Distance Learning, full-time learning online with Parkway teachers.
While we are in Distance Learning, all Parkway schools will use the same schedule and expectations already in place for Parkway Virtual Campus. To see school schedules and learn more about how Distance Learning will differ from the emergency learning that was in place last spring, please visit our Parent Resources webpage.
Grading and Feedback
Teachers will communicate with students and families on a regular basis. Feedback will be timely and ongoing in the form of written or oral communication and will center around priority skills and standards. Assessments given will measure student progress toward the learning goals of the Parkway curriculum. Three formal academic progress reports will be completed and sent to parents during this 2020-2021 school year.
Schoology
All teachers and students have Schoology accounts and upon logging in can see all their courses once enrollment is set and courses are created. From their Schoology course, students will be able to access any materials and resources needed to complete work. Parents can access Schoology to see what work their child has been assigned.
Learn more.
Zoom Basics For Students
PTO Information
Hey Craig Owls and Owlettes-
Welcome to new Craig families and incoming Kindergarteners. We miss you all, but are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. As of now fundraising for the PTO will be placed on hold. Please keep in touch through our "Craig School PTO" Facebook page and our "CraigPTO" Instagram page. Please email us if you have any questions or ideas for this upcoming year or if you would like to volunteer and or be involved in the PTO at any point in the future at: craigelementarypto@gmail.com
Welcome to our new PTO Executive Board:
President: Erin Seltzer
Fundraising: Cassie Holt
Social: Jill Hooper
Secretary: Abbe Keen
Treasurer: Kiarla Taylor
Ambassador: Ripudhamn Pachauri