NOTES FROM the OFFICE
9/8/20
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All previous Notes From the Office are available by using this LINK.
Dear Dunning Families,
Welcome to the 2020/2021 School Year! We hope you had a wonderful summer with your children. We are excited to see all the students back to school and recognize that our “virtual” start to school will look different than other years. As we embark upon this new journey, the Dunning Staff is ready to get back to what they love best...educating students.
The Framingham Schools will begin remote instruction for students on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Remote live learning is new for all of us, however we are working tirelessly to provide our students with a warm, inclusive learning environment where students can learn and grow with their classmates and teachers. Your child's teacher will be sharing the remote learning schedule with you so you can begin to think about the specifics for your child and your family...we know that this is an incredibly difficult situation for families to manage.
We all have one goal: We are working to ensure equitable access to high-quality instruction for all of our students in a safe and secure learning environment.
We are pleased to write with further clarity on the remote learning experience for your children. Educators have worked tirelessly over the last 5 DESE days to grow their "educator toolbox", engaging in workshops and collaborative discussions on social-emotional wellness, instructional design, equity, and technology tools.
Priorities this week will expand to include a focus on family outreach for every educator. You can expect your child's teacher to reach out to you via phone or video conference (using google meet) to allow for introductions and engage in conversations about the beginning of the school year, if they have not already done so.
Please note: The district has created this "Return to Learn" page that includes timely planning updates and resources for families.
In this update you will find:
a mock student schedule for remote learning...please note that your child's teacher will be sharig their actual schedule with you this week
a list of the technology tools being used with elementary students this year
upcoming dates to remember
As always, our virtual door is always open. Please use the link below to access our Dunning Virtual Door.
Regards,
Michele & Kathie
Chromebook & Learning Materials Distribution Tomorrow, Wednesday 9/9
As a reminder, we will be having our student Chromebook and learning materials distribution day tomorrow, September 9th. Unfortunately, the student supplies (notebook, crayons, glue stick, pencils, pens, etc.) have not yet arrived and will not be available for pick-up tomorrow. Additional arrangements will be made when we receive them.
Even if you currently have a Chromebook, it is still important that you come to Dunning to pick up materials. There will be an art bag, drumsticks for Drums & Movement, school supplies (if you ordered them and have indicated that you want to pick them) up, and any student belongings that were not picked up last spring.
If your child's Chromebook does not work please bring it with you to turn it in and you will be given another one. If you need a hotspot we will have them available as well.
The district STRONGLY encourages that all students use a FPS issued Chromebook which will be much easier for your child to access district programs and will be compatible with the software and programs that teachers are using.
Kindergarten, Grade 1 & Grade 2:
8 AM - 11:30 AM
Grade 3, Grade 4 & Grade 5:
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Evening pick up: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
If you have children at multiple grade levels, please come during any of the time slots.
If you have any Dunning library books or classroom library books and/or book bags from your child's classroom last year, you can drop them off when you pick up the learning bag. Please place the books in a bag labeled with your child's name and the name of last year's teacher and/or room number in your truck or back of your car.
The details of the pick up are as follows:
- When you pull into the main driveway entrance, you will be directed by staff.
- In preparation for the pick up, please write the name of your student/students (last name first) and current grade level(s) large enough for staff to see and hold it up in your window upon arrival.
- You will be directed to stations around the building to pick up various items/materials/supplies .
- You will be asked to open trunks, hatchbacks, or back doors to allow staff to put student items/materials/supplies in your car at each applicable station.
- Once you have opened your trunks, hatchbacks, or back doors, please return to your car.
- Staff will place items in cars.
- Once items are placed in cars, you will proceed to the next applicable station.
- Please be patient and drive slowly.
We respectfully request that no one leave their vehicle as we are working to maintain social distancing to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
We are doing our best to make this as efficient as possible, however we askfor your patience if there is some wait time.
Also, the playground will be closed to ensure the safety of everyone.
Mock Student Schedule
You can expect your child's school day to be scheduled in a similar way to in-person learning. The school day will begin at 9:15am and end at 3:30pm. Your child's homeroom teacher will share your child's specific schedule (including more specifics re: mask/screen breaks, recess, lunch and specials) in their communications over the next few days.
Lunch and Recess Schedule By Grade
Technology and Learning Platforms for Remote Learning
Google Classroom: Students and educators will be using Google Classroom in all grade levels as their "remote classroom". Educators are busy creating these virtual classrooms now and will share classroom codes with families shortly.
Google Meets: Students and educators will be using Google Meets for video conferences throughout the school day.
In addition, there are consistent instructional programs being used by our students and educators this year. Here is a complete list for your reference.
We Can't Wait to See You!!
Our Classrooms Are Ready!!
Dates to Remember
September
- 9th - Distribution Day for Students (Chromebooks, backpacks, learning bags)
- 16th - First Day of School (remotely for all students)
- 17th - Welcome PTO Meeting for Incoming K Families or Families New to Dunning
- 18th - Early Release: 1:05pm, Rosh Hashanah
- 28th - No School: Yom Kippur
October
- 7th - PTO Meeting
- 9th - No School: (PD)
- 12th - No School: Indigenous Peoples' Day
- 21st - Curriculum Night/Open House 6:30-8:00pm
Transportation
The online transportation request form for the 2020 - 2021 school year is now open.
If you need illustrated instructions on how to complete your Transportation Request in English, please visit THIS LINK. Here are the Portuguese and Spanish versions as well.
Community Resources
City of Framingham Food & Donation Resources
Helpful Info, Resources, and How to Talk to Children
Please use THIS LINK to access resources, preventative measures, and guidance on how to talk with children.
Visit the Dunning Website
Join the Dunning PTO FB Page
If you are not already a member, please join the PTO FB page. It is a great way to stay connected with the Dunning Community! www.facebook.com/groups/228212977304928/?ref=bookmarks