Dear Families,
I hope the start to this new year is a happy, healthy one for you. As far as school goes, probably the biggest question on everyone's mind is when we will be able to start school back in person. Currently our in-person learning at Discovery has been limited to small group instruction of the youngest elementary students in our preschool program as well as prioritized students with special needs. We are using the Decision Tree published by the Health Department and Governor Inslee to evaluate and plan for the safe return of more students in small groups.
Our classrooms are prepared for returning to Hybrid Model. On Monday, January 4, you received and invitation to change your choice of hybrid or remote learning models for the remainder of the year. I will use information from this survey to develop class lists and assign staffing. I will make an effort to keep your child with the same teacher if possible, but there will need for some classroom changes. You will be notified of start dates and/or classroom changes as soon as possible. I'm sure there are many questions about what school will be like when students return. To help you make a fully informed decision some basic definitions of Hybrid and Remote Instructional Models are described in this document. More information with specific details will come out before returning to school in a Hybrid Model.
In addition to getting ready for return to in person learning we have been busy with many building and safety projects at Discovery. On February 13, 2018 voters approved a $176.3 million construction bond for new schools and major facility upgrades in the Fife School District. Plans for this work included building build two new schools, building a STEM center at Fife High School and making safety improvements to the other schools in the district. Work from this bond continues to move forward.
In the spring, 2020 we added fencing around the perimeter of the school. Ventilation and water filtration systems were upgraded over the summer. When you enter through the front doors you will notice we have had a complete remodel of the entry and the front office with security systems in place. All doors have new locks in place. Discovery now has a new roof and is getting a new paint job as I write this news letter. Later this month improved lighting on the building and in the parking areas is being installed. In addition our security cameras and internet infrastructure improvements have been made.More information regarding construction are included in this letter.
January is a time of the year when we often see "the lights come on" with our young students. Typically we see the growth that they are making with new reading, writing and math skills in a visible tangible way. They are able to articulate and use the new skills they have. I love this time of year because of that. Please celebrate the growth your child is making. Report cards will be coming out early next month. If you have any questions about your child's progress or expectations for your child please reach out to the teacher.
As always I hope this is a wonderful month at Discovery.
Stay safe!
Julie Bartlett, Principal
