Ohlone Family Connection
October 22, 2020
Traditions
This has always been my favorite time of the year. The warm and cozy thoughts and feelings of fall and winter have always put me in my happy place. Without a doubt, this year is different. This is a time of transition and change and hard decisions. We are worried and exhausted and apart from people we love. At the same time, I feel gratitude for many things. I am learning to shift my focus toward the things that matter most, the brightness that keeps me centered and whole. I hope that you have found that brightness to take care of you and your family during these challenging times.
All of the changes you are experiencing, the hard decisions you have to make, the heavy load you are carrying - I see you. I will soon be tasked with making a decision for my 8th grader regarding hybrid and distance learning. I understand.
You are all doing an amazing job. Holding up your families and yourselves. Thank you for managing all that you do while still giving your children the love and care they need more than anything right now. I am proud of our staff who are teaching and caring for your children both online and in person.
Take care. I am looking forward to adding some 2/3 friends to our campus soon!
Dawn
Ohlone Principal
Unity Day!
Our fabulous PTA has extended the deadline for Unity Day submissions! Students and families may still submit drawings, photos, or words to show what friendship and kindness mean to them. Send in your Unity Day submissions here by Friday, 10/23. Thank you, Jay and PTA! It will be put into a video format. Check out this cool teaser! Ohlone's 2020 Unity Day
Important Dates for 2/3 Families
10/23 - Principal's Kid Tea - Hybrid overview and Q&A for 2/3 students - 2:00-2:30pm
10/26 - First day of in-person instruction for Cohort A (Mon, Tues, Wed)
10/29 - First day of in-person instruction for Cohort B (Thurs, Fri)
Important Dates for 4/5 Families
10/26 - Learning Model Survey due by 5:00pm
11/2 - Class and cohort placements emailed by 5:00pm
11/5 - Principal's Tea - Q&A for 4/5 Hybrid Families, 3:30-4:30pm
11/6 - Principal's Kid Tea - Hybrid overview and Q&A for 4/5 students - 2:00-2:30pm
11/9 - First day of in-person instruction for Cohort A (Mon, Tues, Wed)
11/12 - First day of in-person instruction for Cohort B (Thurs, Fri)
I will email you information specific to the 4/5 cluster the week of November 2.
Thank you, PTA!
Supporting Kids Through Transition
Brittney Tabel
Brittney Tabel
Brittney has a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach. Her passion for mental health and serving the larger community has led her to focus her therapeutic work on supporting individuals with better understanding their emotions, building new coping skills, and developing positive self esteem. Prior to joining the CASSY Team, Brittney served as a therapist and case manager providing community-based services for adults with mental health disorders, provided case management services to children and their families to support their mental health goals, and led CBT/DBT groups at a hospital outpatient treatment program. She currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Flora Apalisok Free Children's Clinic, supporting the organization's larger mission to ensure children in need in the Philippines have access to medical care.
Brittney is a firm believer in creating a space of mental health support that meets each individual where they are, understanding each child's experience and journey is unique and tailoring interventions to best support their goals. She is excited to be working with youth in developing their social-emotional skills and supporting insight in their journey of understanding who they are and how they relate to others.
Parenting Webinar
HYBRID LEARNING FOR 2/3 FAMILIES IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ParentSquare - COVID-19 Daily Health Screener
Each morning, before you leave for school, you will need to complete the health screening survey for your child by 7:45am. It is important to complete the survey honestly and keep your child at home if you answer "Yes" to any of the questions. Students who are sick need to stay home. Click here to see a short video on completing the health screener.
Parents will access the screener on the Ohlone School website. Connect this to part of your morning routine!
In-Person Instruction
Below are some important things to review before your child comes to Ohlone next week. Please refer to the 2/3 Hybrid Learning Handbook below for additional details. I look forward to seeing your children next week!
Walk and Roll to School!
Arrivals and Departures at Ohlone
Arriving to School:
All 2/3 students will enter through the front entrance of the school alongside the multipurpose room (left of Ohlone marquee). There will be a clear indication of the entrance when you arrive. This will be the only entrance for 2/3 students. Please be sure to maintain social distancing and wear your mask while waiting in line to be checked in. You will see little painted feet on the ground for assistance.
Parents are not allowed to walk their children onto campus, so you may want to practice or visit during non-school hours if you think your child will have a hard time separating.
Bike Racks
If your child enjoys riding their bike to school, we will have a bike rack available on campus.
Late arrivals
If your child is tardy, please walk to the front of the school and call the school office, (650) 856-1726. Our staff will meet you near the flagpole to check your child in for school. As a reminder, parents are not allowed on campus for the health and safety of students and staff. Staff will escort your child to class.
Dismissal
Please be on time to pick up your child. Please note the earlier pick-up time on Wednesdays. While waiting, please wear your mask and be sure to maintain social distancing from other adults picking up children. We will use a walkie talkie system to call for students when parents and caregivers arrive. Pick-up is at the same place as drop-off. If you are driving, please be sure to place a large placard on your dash with your child’s first and last name and room number that we can see easily from afar.
Drivers
Students being picked up or dropped off must have their first name, last name and room number clearly and largely written on a piece of paper on your car's dashboard. It must be written large enough so that we can easily read it from afar. We absolutely need your child's name plate for a smooth arrival and dismissal.
Masks, Body Space, and Handwashing
Wearing a Mask
All students are required to wear a mask the entire school day with the exception of eating their snack or lunch. Students must wear a mask upon entering the campus. Please talk with your child about the importance of wearing a mask.
Body Space (Physical Distancing)
Even though students are in specific cohorts, practicing physical distancing is important. Please talk with your child about the importance of staying 6 feet away from other students and staff. We can wave and say, "Hello". We will keep our hands to ourselves. Airplane arms!
Handwashing
The best ways to stay healthy include wearing a mask, physical distancing, and handwashing. Please talk with your child about washing their hands with soap thoroughly for twenty seconds (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or ABC song). Students will be required to wash their hands several times a day: upon entering the classroom, before exiting the classroom and before and after snack recess, and lunch.
WATER, SNACKS, AND LUNCH
Water Bottle
Please have your child bring a water bottle. Due to Covid-19, drinking fountains are closed.
Snack
Please pack a hearty, healthy snack for your child. Reducing trash is always a plus. Please speak with your child about doing their part to clean up after themselves. Gil and Chau will be very busy with cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day.
Lunch
Due to Covid-19, all children are provided lunch at school. Your child does not have to eat the school lunch. Feel free to pack a lunch that your child would prefer eating. Please note that there will only be a vegetarian option. Click here for the October lunch menu.
Reopening Information Video
Videos for your Children
Dawn
Email: dyoshinaga@pausd.org
Website: www.ohlone.pausd.org
Location: 950 Amarillo Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, USA
Phone: 650-856-1726