Paola Middle School
Back to School Edition
Panther Family
School begins for all students on Wednesday, August 19th. We are excited to have everyone back. While we know these are unprecedented times, it will take everyone's cooperation to successfully keep our school safe for staff and students.
Operations Updates:
Masks are mandatory. The nose and chin must be covered. It is important that we all do our part to maintain everyone's safety. Please put your mask on as you approach the building.
All students should have access to their schedules. Please make sure you have reviewed it or have access to it to help you navigate through your school day. The first several days will be an orientation for us all, as we are navigating through change.
Remote Learners- All remote learners have been contacted. Students need to make sure to stay active in all their classes each day. Students please make sure you are checking your email and Google Classroom. Please call if you have questions. (913) 294-8030
Beginning of the Day:
We will open our doors at 7:30 every morning. Students will enter the building either from the bus side, or the drop off in front of the building. As students enter the building, their temperature will be checked using thermal energy cameras. Designated staff will receive a notification if an individual's body temperature is above 100.4 and these individuals will then be screened by a member of the USD 368 nursing staff to determine if they are exhibiting symptoms related to Covid-19 that would require further clearance from their family doctor. All students will then report immediately to their first hour class.
Breakfast will be served starting at 7:35. Once students are finished eating they will be directed to report to their first hour class.
During the Day
The classrooms will be cleaned after every class period. We will be asking the students to help with this cleaning. Students will sanitize their hands when entering each classroom.
Passing periods will be conducted by grade level to minimize the number of students in the halls at one time. Students will not be allowed to utilize the restrooms during passing period.
Lockers will not be assigned, so students will be able to carry a backpack with them to class. Think about what is essential to the day and only carry/bring those items with you to school. I would encourage students to bring in their school supplies over a period of time, instead of trying to bring everything on day one. (7th and 8th graders will need to bring their Chromebook) (6th grade Chromebooks will be handed out the first day).
Lunch times are as follows:
6th Grade- 11:29-11:54
8th Grade- 11:55-12:20
7th Grade- 12:22-12:47
Our commons area lunch tables will only accommodate 2 students per table. Overflow of students will eat in the 4-Plex across from the commons Men's Restroom. Desks have been placed so students will be socially distanced. Once finished eating students will be asked to put their masks back on.
End of the Day
Dismissal from school will be at 3:00 for both 6th and 7th graders. We will release the 8th grade at 3:02 to minimize the number of people in the halls. Bus riders will still have plenty of time to get on the bus to go home. Students being picked up or walking will be asked to exit the building and proceed to their home or car.
Visitors/Misc.
Parents will still be able to pick up their child from school for appointments. Upon arrival, we encourage parents to call and we can send your child out.
Visitors will not be allowed past the office.
Student meetings in regard to IDEA and 504's will be conducted remotely.
Information about activities has been shared and at this time we are moving forward accordingly.
Activities and Events may be subject to spectator sizes and limitations.
We look forward to having a great year at Paola Middle School! See you on the 19th!
Activities Corner
Fall Sports/Activities began August 19th!
Physicals: Reminder all signed physical paperwork is due before a student can practice.
All athletes must have a mask and a personal water bottle (the larger the better). There are black gaiters available to student athletes, provided through the coaches.
Football:
Parent meeting Monday (17th) at 6:00 p.m. by zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84573664679?pwd=K3NTcUo1dkJWN090MHBVQUhLSExN.
This meeting will be recorded and can be viewed if you are not able to log on.
All football players will do Concussion training/testing on Wednesday (Aug. 19th) during advisory.
Questions/Concerns: contact Coach Roth at: morgan_roth@usd368.org
Volleyball:
Parent meeting will be Monday Aug. 24th at 5:00 in the gym (masks and social distancing).
All volleyball athletes will do concussion training/testing on Thursday (Aug. 20th) during advisory.
Questions/concerns: contact Coach Armbruster at: dallas_armbruster@usd368.org
Cross Country:
Parent meeting will be Thursday Aug. 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium (masks and social distancing). All Cross Country athletes will do concussion training on Thursday (Aug. 20th) during advisory.
Questions/concerns: contact Coach Johnson at: katie_johnson@usd368.org
Cheer:
August 19th (Wed.) 3:05 - 3:40 - Informational Meeting for all interested in trying-out.
(must have a physical to try-out).
August 20th (Thurs) 3:05 - 4:00- Try-out clinic/practice.
August 21st (Fri) 3:05- 3:45 - Try-outs - squad decisions will communicated on Monday.
Questions/concerns: contact Coach Weatherbie at: robyn_weatherbie@usd368.org
MEET THE NEW PANTHERS!
(pictured from left to right)
Heather Simons (7th/8th Grade Math)
Meagan Roth (Ms. Michelle- Student Teacher)
Sonny Bourne (7th/8th Grade Social Studies)
Jessie Storey (7th Grade Special Education)
Not pictured:
Amber Coulter (Gifted Education)
Kathy Thompson (Nurse)
Paola Middle School
Email: amy_wright@usd368.org
Website: www.usd368.org
Location: 405 North Hospital Drive, Paola, KS, USA
Phone: 913-294-8030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paola-Middle-School
Twitter: @paolamiddle