Rolling Hills Elementary
Weekly Newsletter - April 3, 2020
Hello RHE families!
For our first of week of distance learning, I felt things went smoothly. All of us are new to this type of learning, and there were bumps that we all encountered. The staff and I greatly appreciate the patience and flexibility from students and their families when we came across these bumps. Overall, the teachers and I feel that things went smoothly, and the feedback from the students and parents was quite similar.
I am so proud of the RHE staff who put in so much time, energy, and creativity to create fantastic activities for the children.
Please remain positive, find humor, find the opportunity in this situation and embrace the challenges and learning that lie ahead. We will collectively be better for it!
Sincerely,
Sam
Counselor's Corner - Dr. Sandberg
I am excited to be able to reconnect with students and parents now that distance learning is underway! I understand this time is full of uncertainty and a lot of “newness.” My goal is to continue to be a support and resource for my students and their families. Keep an eye out for activities that will reinforce skills we were addressing together at school, for your use at home.
By no means do I wish to add any pressure or more weight to anyone’s workload. These resources can be used during “boredom” moments and are being made available to help with student wellness. My own son has struggled to adjust to social distancing, the lack of activities out of the house, and getting used to his parents working from home. We take everything one step at a time and talk openly about the moments we are grateful for, and also the moments that are hard right now.
If you are looking to maintain some positive vibes over Spring break, check out this link for a daily activity: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12MhLAX_cOZj6v0vDaMvJJRRzrZQ6gId_l7GQRvxrlMI/edit?usp=sharing
Distance Learning Frequently Asked Questions
We have been contacted by many families this week with a myriad of questions. Unfortunately, we cannot answer questions involving when we will return to school. However, there were some common questions that we received, and we have answers to those below.
What will be different after Spring Break?
The activities for this week were all review in nature. After the break, the teachers will be facilitating activities that will provide instruction on new concepts and skills. The activities will vary from teacher to teacher, as some will be recorded videos and others will be virtual lessons through Zoom or Google Meet.
What do I do if my child is giving push back on completing schoolwork?
There are some areas in which parents may lower expectations (i.e. - screen time), but it's important to set expectations. Collaborate with your child on setting up a schedule and clearly define each time of the day. This all depends on the child and the home. Most children would benefit from having a set time in the morning in which they are dressed, brushed their teeth, had breakfast, and are ready to "go to school". During their day, establish when breaks will take place, how long they will last, and what the children may do during the breaks. Everyone needs brain breaks, and the children take them at school with their snack time and recess. Also, keep bedtimes the same as they would be on a typical school night. Children benefit so much from structure, and having clear expectations may avoid debates with parents about completing their schoolwork.
How do I address the complaining from my child about schoolwork?
Your child may not love all assigned activities from his/her teachers, but the complaints may not be entirely about the assignments. Like adults, many children may be feeling anxious about the pandemic and the stresses related to not seeing friends, not participating in sports, and being in the house so much. Right now, children could be feeling emotionally uncomfortable. One of the best strategies for a parent is to validate how their child is feeling. Like most concerns for children, this situation is temporary. Remind them that they will return to seeing their friends and playing sports and going to places around the area.
What if my child is having issues with a device and can't access the online classroom?
The most important thing to know in this situation is that all teachers will understand. We've all had a moment when technology failed, and we wanted someone to understand. Simply contact your child's teacher and explain the situation. The teacher may be able to resolve the issue or find an alternative way to complete an assignment. If the issue is with regard to a Council Rock Chromebook being broken or not working, please send an email to chromesupport@crsd.org.
When will parents have a chance to submit input for next year's class lists?
This is the time of the year when I typically send families a letter that allows them to provide input regarding the optimal learning environment for their child for the next school year. This will still happen - just not right now. The teachers and I will eventually be working on creating class lists, and we will seek input from parents before this happens.
When will children have an opportunity to get their belongings from school?
After Governor Wolf recently announced that all Pennsylvania schools would be closed until at least April 30th, the district provided strict guidelines that there would be no access to the school buildings. Like so many other areas of our lives, we will have to be patient and wait to see what changes in the coming weeks.
Tech Supoort
Free and Reduced Lunch
To apply for free lunch during the COVID-19 school closure, you may:
- Download the Free and Reduced Lunch Application, fill it out, and email back to Karen Moody kmoody@crsd.org. DO NOT send your application via US mail to the district office as there is no mail being delivered to our buildings during this time.
- Apply online by visiting: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome (website offers language options other than English)
You will only need to submit one application per household, even if your children attend more than one school in Council Rock School District. Eligibility determination is made using federal income eligibility guidelines and applicants will be informed of a decision within two business days of submission.
Throughout the duration of the COVID-19 school closure, Council Rock School District is offering a “grab and go” food service. If your family qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, you will be given instructions as to how to access these meals when you are notified your child is eligible.
For questions, please email kmoody@crsd.org
RHE Yearbook
2019 - 2020 Yearbooks are now available for purchase at our school store. Cost is $25 per book.
Yearbooks are distributed at the end of the year.
We encourage you to purchase your yearbooks at this time as we don't order extra books .
2020 CRSD Summer Academic and STEM Academy
The Council Rock School District will be holding summer school, offering a variety of academic programs for students entering grades K-8. Programs run between July 6th and July 23rd. Please click HERE to access registration paperwork and a clear description of all program offerings. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Robert Francis, Director of Summer Programs (rfrancis@crsd.org).
Camp Invention
The Summer 2020 Camp Invention sign-up just opened - secure a spot today! Camp Invention is for children entering grades K-6th.
The location will be at Maureen M. Welch Elementary School (750 New Road, Churchville, PA 18966) from July 6 - 10, 202. The times of the camp will be 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM and the cost is $270 (before discount).
Sam Smith - Principal
Email: ssmith@crsd.org
Website: https://www.crsd.org/Domain/1558
Location: 98 Upper Holland Road, Richboro, PA, USA
Phone: 215-944-2000
Twitter: @RollingHillsES