Discovery Update

Wow it has been 7 weeks since our school closed and life as we knew it changed. My greatest wish is that you are all well and safe. Yet, as I write this letter I am very aware of the very real struggles many of you are facing everyday. I know this will eventually change, but not fast enough. I cannot wait for school to get back is session with children in the building learning and making connections with other children and adults. It is simply impossible to replicate the connections and learning we have when teachers and children are together in a classroom.

I have heard some wonderful stories from teachers this week about the great connections they are making with students and families. They are trying to be responsive to your needs but if you feel you are getting communicated with too much or too little, please reach out to your child's teacher and let him/her know. We are required to take attendance as you will see in the message below so please be in contact with your child's teacher about this.

In the following messages in this newsletter there is information about a jumprope/book giveaway we are holding, class placement input, kindergarten registration and services Fife is offering. I truly thank you for partnering with us during these crazy times.

Best Wishes!

Julie Bartlett

When Addy Paris, Fife alumni class of 2016, (daughter of Cathy Paris, paraeducator at Discovery) heard about the school closures she felt compelled to help in some way. She researched jump ropes and found a company, Buyjumpropes.net that quoted Addy a drastic reduction in price for quality jump ropes. Addy then set up a Go Fund Me page and reached out over Facebook to get funds to buy 1000 jump ropes. She quickly received funds for her goal. Thank you Addy and her donors for this great gift.

Discovery has a large collection of gently used books that have been have been collected over the past few years by Mrs. Berg and ready for new homes. Mrs. Berg is donating them now because she is retiring on July 1 and getting books in the hands of children has always been a goal of hers. These books are yours to keep! Enjoy them, listen to someone read them to you, read them, do a Thumb Review or book report and then trade them with other kids! Reading is something you should do daily. The best way to become a good reader is to READ!

You can pick up jump ropes and books at Discovery in the student drop off/ pick up area on the south side of the building (student drop off/pick up area(. To observe social distancing please stay in your cars. As you drive up staff members in PPE will deliver the supplies to you.

Times for Jumprope and Book pick up:

Thursday, May 7 11:00 to 12:30 (Fife Feeds 11:30 to 12:00)

Tuesday, May 12 3:30 to 5:30

Wednesday, May 13 5:30-7:00

Friday May 15 11:00 to 1:00 (Fife Feeds 11:30 to 12:00)

OSPI (office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction) is requiring that we track student attendance.

Attendance for Continuous Learning means:

At minimum, at least once a week, a two-way participation on the part of the teacher, and the family/student. Our teachers will enter attendance on Fridays. Obviously we hope for much more than a two-way participation once a week, but we are very aware of the multitude of different family concerns and situations. As you know, our teachers will be providing continuous learning opportunities each day.

Two-way participation may occur via email, phone, zoom, google classroom, etc.

Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2020/2021 school year. If you know of a family who lives in our district and has a child who will be five years old by August 31 we would appreciate it if you would forward this information to them.

Vicky Franklin will be available to collect/handout packets and answer questions on April 27th and 28th from 9:00-1:00 at the District office (5602 20th Street, Fife, WA).

If you cannot make it during these times, are three options listed below. Please include your child's name and birthdate when requesting materials.

1. In Person

District Office 9:00 -1:00 Monday - Friday

5802 20th Street East

Fife WA 98424

2. Mail Registration Materials

Discovery Primary School

1205 19th Avenue

Milton, WA 98354

3. Electronically

Scan and email registration packet or request materials via email contact:

Attention: Vicky Franklin

vfranklin@fifeschools.com

Fax# 253-517-1205

*We will not be able to make copies at this time, due to social distancing regulations, but will be able to when we are allowed back in the building. If you do not have the ability to make a copy of the birth certificate or proof of residency just return the materials you are able to complete and we will get the copies made at a later date.

Email: jbartlett@fifeschools.com
Location: 1205 19th Avenue, Milton, WA, USA
Phone: 253-517-1200
Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoveryPrimary
Twitter: @amymitt1