River Birch Insider
August 28, 2020
Hello River Birch Familes! I hope this newsletter finds you and your family doing well. We have now been in school for one month with around 700 students attending each day. The news of our first student positive doesn't come as a surprise because this is what we've been preparing for. Thank you to the parents that were transparent with their communication and proactive by keeping the child home when they recognized symptoms. Thank you to the few families that were contacted and are adapting to the guidance from the health department by keeping their children at home in the coming days. Finally, thank you to our teachers that are doing an excellent job with mitigation measures in the classroom to minimize exposure and creating meaningful schoolwork at home to continue learning momentum.
Mask Guidance:
Is there a certain type of mask required? Any cloth face covering will be acceptable. Per Department of Health guidelines received this week, “gaiters” (the thin cloth face coverings worn around the neck and pulled up over the nose and mouth) are not recommended unless they are made of thicker or multi-layered material. Department of Health guidance is that you should not be able to feel your breath through the material on exhalation.
The link below from the CDC provides more guidance if needed about selecting, wearing, and washing masks. My home has established Friday night as our mask washing night to keep a routine. Have an amazing and safe weekend with your family!
Everyone Needs a Friend!
Everyone is included
Who can be a leader?
Caught being a leader!
Breakfast in the Bistro
Readers are Leaders
Making Learning Fun
Synergy at Work!
Working Together to Find the Answers
Ms. Kopke, Guidance Counselor
Supporting Your Kids At Home
Our students have learned about safety, Safe Adults, Red Flags that indicate danger, and safe versus unsafe situations. Students also learned about unsafe people, places, and actions like abuse to their bodies and abuse with words. River Birch student know that it is the adults job to keep them safe. They learned the MBF Child Safety Matters Safety Rules. These rules teach children to help adults keep them safe. Please ask your child about the 5 rules. Ask them about their safe adult.
If you have any questions about the state required body safety lessons, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Kopke kekopke@avon-schools.org.
Calendar of Events
September 9: One Hour Delay
September 25: End of First Grading Period
Vision
Educate. Excite. Excel.
The students of River Birch Elementary have access to the education every child needs along with the learning and life experiences they deserve, so they can succeed today and tomorrow.
Mission
River Birch Learning Leaders create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that provides opportunities for learning and leadership through interdisciplinary experiences supported by strong relationships with students, family, and community.
Beliefs
The River Birch Way promotes community, collaboration, and a safe and productive learning environment. The River Birch Way says that as leaders we are:
Safe: Students at River Birch Elementary keep their hands and feet to themselves, use materials and equipment as instructed, and follow emergency procedures led by their teachers.
Respectful: Students at River Birch Elementary show whole body listening, follow the River Birch Rules, and are kind to others.
Responsible: Students at River Birch Elementary take ownership of their actions.
Leaders: Students at River Birch Elementary find their voice by using the 7 Habits of Happy Kids to be their best selves in school, at home, and in our community.
River Birch Elementary
Principal
Mrs. Heather Gorgas, HMGorgas@avon-schools.org
Assistant Principal
Ms. Kyle Kopke, KEKopke@avon-schools.org
Counselor
Email: hmgorgas@avon-schools.org
Website: avon-schools.org/riverbirch
Location: 5456 East County Road 75 North, Avon, IN, USA
Phone: 317.544.6800
Facebook: facebook.com/RiverBirch.Elem
Twitter: @RiverBirch_Elem