Renner Report for Families
April 17, 2020
Renner Elementary School
School Phone: 816-359-4350
Principal: Sasha Kalis
Assistant Principal: Allison Page
Counselor: Kevin Bland
Social Worker: Tara Davis
FROM MRS. KALIS
Hello Families,
I’ve heard from several parents over the last couple of days who have shared with me the frustrations they are feeling. In case many of you are experiencing similar emotions, I thought I would provide a few reminders about our goals of Distance Learning.
Like I’ve said before, the current challenge presented by COVID-19 is a new one for all of us. I know that our approach to Distance Learning is not perfect and we continue to alter the lessons in an effort to make improvements. I am so proud of how Renner teachers have embraced distance learning with dedication and a positive attitude.
Currently, the district is working on a survey for elementary parents in which you will be invited to share your feedback. Until that time, I encourage you to keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher and let them know when you have questions or concerns. They are here to help!
Please keep in mind the thoughts below during those moments when you are feeling stressed or frustrated:
- What kids need most right now is to feel safe and loved. Take time to go with them on walks, play board games, watch movies and enjoy this unexpected time we’ve been given to be with our family. Kids will remember this moment in their lives for how they felt during this time and not how many opportunities to learn they completed in a day.
- Don’t worry too much about any regression in school as students everywhere are experiencing the same shift in learning. When we are able to return to school our staff will determine how best to meet your child’s needs.
- Our goal during this time is to keep students ENGAGED in learning. Our goal is NOT for them to master every single topic that they would have mastered had we physically been able to attend school during the 4th quarter. Be flexible with yourself and your child. If you find that your family is having a bad day or the expectations presented for that particular lesson are confusing, too hard, or simply unrealistic at that moment, please take a break and communicate with your child's teacher. They will work with you to identify the most important learning goal for the day.
Thank you for all that you are doing. We recognize that this is not easy for anyone, and appreciate your support and encouragement. We miss your children! Please let us know how we can support you on those rough days. We want to help!
Sincerely,
Sasha Kalis
GENERAL INFORMATION
Building Hours, Packets and Laptops
Renner will be closed at least until May 22. You can reach us by calling the main number or through email. If you are still in need of a laptop for your K-2 student, please contact the Technology Help Desk at 359-5000. If you need a packet for your child (those not using a laptop), it can be picked up between 11:00 to 1:00 at a food distribution site. Congress is the closest food site to Renner.
Distance Learning Information
Distance Learning Packets - Phase 3
Please call the office or email Mrs. Kalis or Mrs. Page to schedule your appointment to pick up a packet.
- Mrs. Kalis: KalisS@parkhill.k12.mo.us
- Mrs. Page: PageA@parkhill.k12.mo.us
- Office: 359-4350
Starting on Monday, packets will only be available at a food site location from 11:00-1:00. Renner is not a food site. Congress Middle School is the closest food site location to Renner.
Food Give-Away: April 18
Fourth Quarter Report Cards
Fourth Quarter Report Cards will look different based on the COVID 19 school closure.
Here are a few beliefs as we work through this grading process:
- Teachers will report on standards when appropriate to honor the student’s work and provide feedback.
- Distance learning, lack of access to technology, and other barriers to learning should not be reasons for an elementary student's grade to lower in a standard.
- Students should always be extended the benefit of the doubt and given latitude to show evidence of learning and work completion.
- Teachers have permission to provide feedback with flexibility and reasonableness.
Fun Optional Activities
Mrs. Taylor's Draw Along Activity
Read Aloud with Mrs. Mecklenburg:
- "The Book with No Pictures" by Dave Edgren
- "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak
Follow the Renner LIbrary Media Center on Facebook
- Mrs. Bryant-Curry is reading "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by JK Rowling
Yoga Videos with Niki (our Renner Yogi)
- Intro Video
- Week 1: Mula Moves
- Week 1: Yoga Activities
- Week 1: Breathing and Relaxation
- Week 2: Mula Moves
Week 2: Yoga Activities
Week 2: Breathing and Relaxation
Video from Packer, our Reading Dog
Last Days of School
Park Hill schools have a schedule for the end of the school year:
- The last day of school for students will be May 22.
- The last day of school for seniors will be May 13.
- The last day of school for teachers will be May 29.
- Our buildings will remain closed, at least through May 22.
Parent Input Regarding Student Placement
Residency Verification and Enrollment for 2020-2021 is Open!
Residency verification is now open! Log into your parent portal to verify your students and upload your residency documents. This also enrolls your child for next school year! Click HERE for more details. Children who turn five on or before July 31 are eligible for kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year and can be enrolled now, too.
Retirements
Renner Elementary
7401 NW Barry Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64153
Sophie's Virtual Run
Give a child a voice by participating in Sophie's Run! The run benefits children in surrounding communities, including Park Hill, to assist them in obtaining technology that will help them in school and in life.
Run Dates: May 24-May 30
Register: http://www.runsophies5k.com/register
Staffing Updates for 2020-2021
Star Nominee
Autism Teacher, Deanna Fisher, is a (virtual) Park Hill Star Nominee! Congratulations, Ms. Fisher! Nominate a Renner employee for a Star Award HERE.
Virtual Talent Show: May 15
Roadrunners, we want to see your talent and we would love for you to be part of our Virtual Talent Show! Videos submissions are due May 1 and the Talent Show compilation video will be shared on May 15. The guidelines are below.
SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Your school counselor and social worker are here to meet your needs! We have a couple of bits of information for you as we all begin this period of distance learning:
- If your student visited with either the school counselor or school social worker regularly (individually or in a group), we will be reaching out via email to check-in.
- There are documents on your child's lesson slides under the Specials Choice Board that will supplement the counselor lessons we have delivered all year. These will be a great way to practice and reinforce some of the skills we have discussed in our Social-Emotional Learning.
- School Social Workers across the district are working to collect the most up-to-date resources that are available across our community. If you have any concerns about food, utilities, or housing, contact Tara Davis (davist@parkhill.k12.mo.us).
- As a reminder, lunch pickup is available in certain buildings, Monday through Friday, 11am-1pm. Backsnacks (weekend food packs) are also available at these locations and times on Fridays. Click this link to see a list of locations. Congress Middle School is the location closest to Renner.
- If your child is experiencing any emotional distress due to distance learning, social distancing, or COVID-19, any student or parent is able to contact us via the contact information listed below.
Kevin Bland
School Counselor
blandk@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Tara Davis
School Social Worker
Renner Elementary School
Website: https://renner.parkhill.k12.mo.us
Location: 7401 Northwest Barry Road, Kansas City, MO, USA
Phone: 816-359-4350
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RennerElementary
Twitter: @parkhillrenner