Principal’s message (4/2/2020)

I have been reflecting on the past few weeks at the same time that I am looking ahead as we define a new normal. I am filled with gratitude through the kindness, compassion, and generosity of our community. I am equally humbled by the experiences many of our families have faced – food insecurity, loss of income, support for basic needs, health fears. While I realize we are all anxious to support our children’s learning, we must first recognize the reality of many of our families. It is from this perspective that we are guiding our work moving forward. Our priorities have been, and will continue to be, care and connection. In addition, we are at a point where Distance Learning is on the horizon which means we are planning for how education will evolve this spring. Please read through the following information:

Learning Plan

As we look ahead at providing Distance Learning for our students, it is important to clarify our goals and process:

• This Week (March 30) – Teachers are reaching out and connecting with students and families. The purpose is to make personal connections and to better understand how to support the needs of students and families during this time.
• Next Week (April 6) – Provide students and families with supplemental learning resources. Supplemental resources are not to replace instruction; rather, they are educational tools that can be used at home for enrichment purposes.
• Beginning Monday, April 13 – We will move towards Distance Learning for All.  We will communicate learning plans and expectations to families by April 13.

Communication

We value the importance of communication and sharing information with you. Here’s what to expect for communication:

1. You will receive weekly updates and information from Garfield on Friday afternoons
2. Teachers will communicate with their students and families on a regular basis as we begin to define a “new normal” in connecting with each other.
3. The school district will continue to send out updates on an “as needed” basis.

iPads 

All Students should have their school iPads at home.  Even if you have a personal device at home, please plan to pick up your child’s device from school as it is already set up with student learning apps and resources.

iPad Pick Up Times: 

• Thursday, April 2: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 
• Friday, April 3: 8:00am – 4:00pm 
• If you are not able to pick-up an iPad during a designated time, please reply to this email.

iPad pick-up details:

• Come to Garfield at any time during the times listed above – you do not need to schedule a specific time within that block.
• Drive in to the entrance.  Pull up to the cafeteria doors and we will bring your child’s iPad to you.
• In order to ensure social distancing safety measures for everyone, please do not get out of your car.

We are here for you and we appreciate all the support, patience, and flexibility.,

Sincerely,

Principal Santy