North Glendale Family Update
November 22, 2020
Good afternoon!
On Monday, a group of NG parents and staff put up our new flag....a really, really big flag.
How big you ask? 20' x 30'. That's big.
Our plan was to leave it up until a replacement (smaller) flag arrived.
Well, the reaction over the week was incredible. We've had neighbors call to compliment, community members schedule drive by's and other schools ask where we purchased it. We even made the Kirkwood Swap and Sell!
And the kids have noticed and paid attention. One Girl Scout troop told their leader that the flag was so big because Mrs. Sisul had it made for every kiddo at NG.
So, the flag stays. We will be working to determine what is appropriate for days when we need to lower it to half staff; please know that is very important to me. I want the kids to see the difference and talk about what it means when we lower a flag. (If anybody has any experience with this, please reach out! ) . Our former flag will be disposed of in an appropriate, respectful protocol.
A reminder that it really can be the little things (ok, super-big-little, in this case) that help us to see beyond the gloom of the past few months.
Please reach out anytime!
Jennifer
THANKFUL WEEK CONTINUES!
NG PTO General Fund THANKFUL WEEK
Although 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, we know there are still many things to be thankful for in our North Glendale community. The General Fund Committee is kicking off “Thankful Week” starting Wednesday, 11/18 – Tuesday, 11/24.
We know Mrs. Sisul, our NG teachers, and staff have been working overtime to support our students and keep everyone safe. We would like to create a bulletin board of thanks for our amazing teachers and staff. If your child/ren would like to complete the attached postcard by drawing a picture and writing about something they are thankful for at North Glendale, we will collect them and display them on the bulletin board next to the office. Please have your child return completed postcards to the office by Tuesday, 11/24. We will have a bin outside the office marked ‘Postcards of Thanks’.
The General Fund Campaign ends on Tuesday, December 1st. If you are able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our North Glendale Community. General Fund is always an important fundraiser, however this year it is one of our only fundraising initiatives since events like Trunk or Treat and the in-person Trivia/Auction are not possible.
We welcome donations in any amount and greatly appreciate your support. North Glendale Elementary PTO is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization #18599664. All donations are tax deductible. (Please remember to take advantage of any Matching Gift programs you may have through an employer as this can multiply the dollar amount that the school receives.)
You can make your tax deductable General Fund donation right now with your Venmo account. Make payments to @NorthGlendale-PTO, please make sure to specify General Fund. A paper form will be coming home with your student as well.
Thank you!
Covid Exposure and Testing
Important Message from Dr. Ulrich Regarding Space Concerns in KSD
FAMILY COMMITMENT for SECOND SEMESTER
Please be on the look out in your inbox for a second semester commitment letter. Kirkwood School District will be emailing you to make a determination for the learning program (in person or online) that you would like to enroll your child in for second semester.
Please take your time and have careful consideration before electing your program choice. Unlike this quarter, your commitment will take your child through the end of the year. Also, unlike this quarter, your commitment will not be able to be changed. Right now, we have allowed families to switch to online or in person if they changed their mind. This will not be able to happen during the second semester; what you elect now, will be your election for the remainder of the year.
Your choice will take effect on January 6, 2021 and end on May 27, 2021. We are planning to continue with our current schedule for the second semester. We will do our best to minimize disruptions to schedules; however, we have learned from past experiences that some changes are inevitable. We are continually evaluating both our in-person and virtual learning experiences and making adjustments as needed.
You will receive the email from the district today and we are asking that you make your selection by next Sunday at midnight. We will be calling families on Monday, November 30, and Tuesday, December 1st if you have not yet made your election. We need all elections finalized by December 2nd.
Please reach out to me with any questions regarding your options! Happy to talk anything through.
Virtual Art Fair ~ going on NOW!
Click HERE to be amazed!
KSDF CHILI CHALLENGE!
SPIRIT SHOP CLOSES DEC. 11
Early Check Outs: Progress ~ thanks so much!
Thanks for your consideration scheduling for your kids.
We have noticed fewer kids being checked out during the school day.
Each time we have to call into a classroom to notify a student they are leaving, we have disrupted the learning environment, the teacher inevitably has to scramble to pull things together for the student, and instructional time is lost. If a child is coming back to school, we are faced with another set of disruptions.
While it may be unavoidable at times, we ask that during the day check outs are few and far between.
Additionally, because all of our staff are involved in our dismissal routines, beginning in 3rd quarter (January) there will be no dismissals from the office after 3:00 pm.
STEAMFest is coming! STEAMFest is coming!
What is that you ask? It is the Kirkwood District-wide science fair. Here at North Glendale, any student can participate (K-5)!
Yes, it will look different this year using a virtual format. Details are still being ironed out, but the first step is getting your idea in place. The District STEAMFest link is here and gives great information on background and how to get started: https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/Page/5426 & https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/Page/8986.
Application for your project plan is due January 13, 2021. Virtual project submittal is due February 24, 2021. For questions or help with ideas, feel free to reach out to your North Glendale STEAM Team crew Tiffany McGinnis and Erin Jearls at ngsteamteam@gmail.com.
KSD At-Home Webside
Check out the Kirkwood At Home webpage whether you are opting for virtual OR in person learning.
Tech Chat ~ Real Time Tech Support
The Tech Help Chat online is open from 8a-4p.
A Favorite Author is Coming Soon!
Upcoming Dates: Please see our website calendar for up to date info
November 23
- KSDF Chili Challenge Continues
- SPIRIT WEEK: Tacky Day! Wear Orange and Black ~ the colors of our long time, Turkey Day rivals ~ Webster Groves!
November 24
- KSDF Chili Challenge Continues
- SPIRIT WEEK: Wear Kirkwood/NG red and white! there might not be a Turkey Day game but the spirit lives on!
NOVEMBER 25-26-27 NO SCHOOL FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK
November 30
- KSD Wellness Week
- ALL NG STUDENTS ARE VIRTUAL
- KSD Board of Ed Meeting
December 1
- ALL NG STUDENTS ARE VIRTUAL
December 2
- NG hosted packing party for KSD NOW @ Hough Learning Center
December 10
- Picture Day for ALL NG Students (virtual and in person)
December 22
- End of First Semester
December 23
- Winter Break begins