The Howler July 17th, 2020
Newsletter for the Shadow Hills Elementary School Community
Principal Point
Summer Update/July 2020
You students’ safety and security, including healthy practices is at the forefront of my mind. We want to be as prepared as possible so that we can start the school year off on a positive note knowing that it will be a very different experience for everyone. I, along with all of the teachers and staff, are excited about seeing your kids again in about a month! We have missed seeing them so much!
At Shadow Hills we will emphasize these basic practices:
wear masks, as expected (we will find opportunities for “mask breaks,” throughout the day when students are at a safe distance from one another)
wash hands
cover coughs/sneezes
maintain safe distances
If you have not yet, have your student practice wearing a mask so they can get used to the feeling. If you can provide a mask (or similar face covering such as a neck gaiter, during the school day, that will be great. We will have masks on hand for students too.
Class lists will be posted in August. Watch for an email from me with instructions for viewing class lists.
The first day of school will be exciting and different! Some new and different structures and organizational practices will be in place. A few days before the first day of school, I will share instructions about how families should approach the school on the first day of school. The instructions will include expectations for both the before and after school routines. Watch for an email from me.
We will not hold an in-person Sneak Peek Event prior to the first day of school. A virtual Sneak Peek is a likely substitute for the traditional in-person event. Watch for more details later in August.
The in-person Parent Orientation Night will not take place as it has traditionally. Instead, teachers will share their classroom information in an electronic format with families. More information from classroom teachers will be shared near the beginning of the school year.
If you checked out a Chromebook for your child in the spring plan on returning the Chromebook on the first day of school. If that plan should change, you will be notified.
We have specific and detailed plans for addressing the following school structures and routines:
Before School - organized arrival of bus riders, car/daycare van riders, bike riders and walkers
During School - students will stay with their classroom group (special services will continue, which includes movement to other locations in the building)
After School - organized dismissal of bus riders, car/daycare van riders, bike riders and walkers
Buses - because safe distancing will be impractical, masks will be expected
Parking Lot/Sloan Street - there will be an organized process that may include directions for drivers/passengers to stay in cars while students are directed to cars (much more information about this process will be provided in advance of the first day of school)
Cafeteria - one grade level at a time in the cafeteria, students spaced apart safely, very organized process throughout the cafeteria
Recess - stay with classroom group, play games that allow for students to maintain safe distances (and take a mask-break), rotate through three main areas (blacktop, grass/field, and playground equipment) on a daily/regular basis
Specials - students will go to Music, PE and the Library with safe distancing protocols in place
Visitors/Volunteers - more information at a later date, but, at minimum, visitors/volunteers will be required to follow the same safety procedures that all Shadow Hills staff and students are expected to follow
For your review - School Reopening Plans
Shadow Hills Elementary School Plan
Please review the Boise School District FAQ. It contains questions and answers about both the traditional school and the online school.
What if someone gets sick? See the following:
Boise School District Staff Procedures and Protocols For Addressing COVID-19
Boise School District Student Procedures and Protocols For Addressing COVID-19
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can reach me via email at gale.zickefoose@boiseschools.org or by phone at 208-854-6064.
Take care and we will see you soon!
Dr. Z.
P.S.
Remember to follow us on social media:
Facebook @ShadowHillsElementary School
Instagram @shadowhillswolves
Twitter @ShadowHillsElem
Shadow Hills Elementary School
We are a PK-6th Public Elementary School in Boise, Idaho! We serve the community of NW Boise and parts of Eagle and Garden City. We have excellent community support for our outstanding teachers and staff! Thank you!
Mission
Inspiring curiosity and building integrity to cultivate a positive learning community.
Vision
We believe the most promising strategy for achieving the mission of Shadow Hills Elementary School is to develop our capacity to function as a professional learning community. We envision a school in which staff:
Inspire curiosity
Build integrity
Cultivate a positive learning community
Unite to achieve a common purpose and clear goals
Work in collaborative teams
Seek and implement best practices that result in student growth and achievement
Monitor student progress
Demonstrate a personal commitment to the overall success and well-being of all students
(Vision based on P. 135 of the following book - Eaker, DuFour & DuFour. (2002). Getting Started: Reculturing Schools To Become Professional Learning Communities. Bloomington, Indiana: National Educational Service.)
Values
We live the values of: Respect - Dignity - Honesty - Responsibility - Teamwork
Purpose/Goals
SMART Goals updated annually
Email: gale.zickefoose@boiseschools.org
Website: https://shadowhills.boiseschools.org/
Location: 8301 West Sloan Street, Boise, ID, USA
Phone: 208-854-6060
Facebook: facebook.com/ShadowHillsWolves
Twitter: @ShadowHillsElem
IS YOUR STUDENT RETURNING TO SHADOW HILLS?
If you moved out of the Shadow Hills attendance area and you would like for your child to be considered for continuation at Shadow Hills, an Open Enrollment form needs to be completed. That form is on the District website. Kris Foss can assist with that process as well.
CHROMEBOOKS
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION!
If you have a child who will be attending Kindergarten at Shadow Hills next year, please register them online as soon as possible through your existing parent portal (username and password). If you are unsure of your username or have forgotten your password, please call the office for assistance (208-854-6060). Thank you!
PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS ABOUT KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION IF THEY LIVE IN OUR SHADOW HILLS BOUNDARY!!
IMMUNIZATION CLINIC AT WHITTIER ON AUGUST 13TH!
Please see the attached flyer for information.