Hollymead Buzz
A Newsletter for Parents
September 18, 2020
A Great Start
Dear Hollymead Families,
If this year was any year other than 2020, I'd be writing about what a wonderful beginning we've had with happy children in the hallways and cafeterias. As well as, the great community building, and the joyful friendships that have been created.
Well it is 2020, and I can say that a good majority of that message is still true. We may be missing the noise in the hallways and cafeteria, but I have heard joy, wonder, and excitement in Zoom meetings and in students' assignments on SeeSaw. I've signed in to one, and gotten direct feedback from a student about something they'd noticed. I've heard students talk about the things they love to do, come up with story ideas, do science experiments, and settle into new routines.
Being that this is 2020, and we are in the midst of a pandemic, these routines feel strange, but are still comforting. I appreciate all of the students, teachers, and parents of Hollymead for a strong start. I've been particularly touched by feeling from the students how much they have missed school. We've missed them too.
Please contact me if for any questions or concerns. You can reach me by phone, 434 973-8301; by email at cdommer@k12albemarle.org; or in person at school.
Craig Dommer
Principal, Hollymead Elementary School
Back to School Night
1st and 2nd Grade IPAD distribution
Supplies for Learning
Library Checkout
We are very excited about starting library circulation next week. Checking out books from the library will be different this year. The Hollymead library will be using a system of picking up and dropping off books on Fridays from 10:30 to 2:30 at the front of school. This system is similar to one used by the public library.
How many books may students check out and how long may they check them out for?
Each student will be allowed to check out five books at a time and the books will be checked out for one month. Please be considerate and return your old library books so that other students may read them.
How will the students select books?
Students will select books by using our library catalog. You can find it by going to the Hollymead library webpage and clicking on the Follett Destiny Library System icon. Once you are in the catalog, you will need to log in using your school username and password. After that you can search for the books that you want to check out. You will notice a hold symbol in the corner of the book cover icons. When you click on that hold symbol, the book will automatically be placed on hold for you and a notification will be sent to the librarian. The hold message may include a date that you should ignore.
You may also email the titles of the books that you want to the librarian to check out for you. It is important to place your books on hold or email the librarian before Thursday at 2:30.
How will the students know if their selections were available and checked out to them?
The librarian will check out your selected library books and place them in a bag with your name on it. She will email you to confirm that your book selections were available and checked out to you. She will also tell you the date of when the books may be picked up. Library book pick-up and drop-off will be held every Friday from 10:30 to 2:30 in the front of school.
How will we return the library books?
We will also be collecting those on Fridays from 10:30 to 2:30. Remember to return your old library books so you may check out new ones.
Will the library circulation system always work this way?
In the future, we may need to make adjustments to this library circulation system depending on the demand for library books and other factors like the weather. We will send out updates as appropriate.
What if I need help or have questions?
If you have questions or need help, you may email me at jcrone@k12albemarle.org. You may also come to the Library Help Time Zoom sessions. They are held Monday through Thursday from 11:00 to 11:30 and from 2:30 to 3:00. Check Seesaw for the links.
Playground Usage
I appreciate your understanding.
Art Fundraiser
Hollymead Virtual Student Learning Handbook
Seesaw and Zoom
Zoom for Computers (school laptops in particular)
If there are technology hardware or software issues with your device, please call the school, or ACPS technology support directly at 434-975-9444 and we can work to get a repair ticket started for you.
In-person attendance in Stage 2
Student Meals - 2020-21
To register, please follow this link:
https://survey.k12insight.com/survey.aspx?k=SsUTPVsQQTXsPsPsP&lang=0&data=