This year, we’ll not be present at school for one of our favorite fall traditions, Mask Parade. Typically, our students create masks and music about a topic they’ve been studying. Then, while the student body sits together in the Courtyard, one class after another tells about their projects and parades around, proudly showing their masks as peers cheer them on.

This year, we would like to offer a Mask Parade alternative, one that gives us all a chance to see and “hear” our Sycamore friends. It will focus on sharing encouraging words that show care and help students recognize feelings and look forward. To participate, each student will:

1. Take a picture of themselves with or without their face covering.

2. Add a positive message for their Sycamore friends. This can be a one-word, two-word, or three-word message they use as positive self-talk or words of encouragement to others. This message can be shared as a digital caption on their picture (see link to directions below) or a hand-made sign they hold in their picture.

3. Share the picture with Mrs. Stanger using this Google Form by October 26. https://forms.gle/i4ZdMfWodwvc1T71A (your child's CUSD Google Apps account will allow them to sign in)

These pictures will be assembled into a school-wide, digital “Mask Parade.” This will be shared online under private settings, visible only to those with a CUSD address (as our students use). Only submit your child’s picture if you want it included in the collection.

Guidelines: Our school’s mask parade is not connected to Halloween. We won’t be wearing Halloween masks but a face covering like those we wear for safety. That kind of mask is optional; it can be worn by students if they prefer or if their family would prefer participation with some anonymity. We will not include any pictures with student names, so please do not add your name or anyone else’s to the message in the picture.

Here are examples of possible positive messages:

· One word: smile, family, reading

· Two words: stay connected, keep practicing, Sycamore rocks!

· Three words: I love school, ”just keep swimming,” see you soon

Have fun!

Mrs. Stanger

Link for photo caption directions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WCR5XgfcOvFPvkl_x52SX7vV0sCKQL0_A7YH4Nrrs14/edit?usp=sharing

CUSD's Mental Health Team is encouraging the creation of a "Family Vision Board," a collection of words and pictures that represent you, what's important to you, what makes you happy and what you'd like to achieve. Boards like this can boost motivation and keep you connected to your goals.

Individuals and families can design boards using paper, poster board, magazine pictures, stickers and inspiring quotes. They can submit a picture of their board to have it included in a district-wide video collage. The video will be posted on the CUSD Wellness page and social media platforms as encouragement to be #CUSD STRONG! Submissions need to be sent to Megan Sorel, LCSW at: msorel@cusd.claremont.edu by Friday, October 23rd.

Here are additional directions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11PIpPsoUNF22DPGWwoHtV1cDEKY99K_p/view?ts=5f89d890

In addition to the synchronous learning times with classroom teachers, staff members are working together to support students in additional ways. Many students are participating in

"Response to Intervention" (RTI) groups to access additional academic instruction. Others are joining "WIN," "What I Need" time to access more informal tutoring help and access to an adult for completing class assignments. If you'd like to consider additional supports for your child, please contact your child's teacher or Mrs. Stanger directly.

Also this week, the following activities will be available for students.

12:30-1:00 Monday: Grade 2-3 Book Club

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83536951460?pwd=K0NkcVArUjFrUC8xWjBlazYvQXpBZz09

12:30-1:00 Tuesday: Grade 3 Math Club

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88556458879?pwd=aXNkdUszejRlbjZSU01ZUGpGY1AzZz09

12:30-1:00 Wednesday: Equity and Inclusion Group

https://zoom.us/j/94044035029?pwd=d1huMzNZVkJJS1Y0UFlnZk9lREdOdz09

12:30-1:00 Thursday: Grade 4-6 Book Club

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83536951460?pwd=K0NkcVArUjFrUC8xWjBlazYvQXpBZz09