It’s hard to believe that the first day of school is just a couple of weeks away. This is when time

feels like it’s moving at super light speed but the to do list keeps on growing. This year, you will

continue to hear the words unprecedented and pivot as we continue to meet the needs of our

kids and navigate an ever-changing pandemic. I know things can seem overwhelming at times.

In my own house we’ve had restless nights trying to figure out what the school year will look

like for our Kindergartener. Today we experienced the first of many emotional rollercoasters

after learning that her Kindergarten teacher was changed due to shifting schedules to meet the

changes to enrollment choices. It was disappointing but in the end, my Charlotte will be ok.

Today’s pivot reminded me that the most important thing to remember for the upcoming year

is grace. There will be many ups and downs as we continue to support each other in our

community and it’s important to remember to offer each other grace. Especially now. I think

now more than ever we need to lock our arms together as we navigate unchartered waters.

Though we will not be able to kick off our school year in person, our BW teachers and staff are

busy working to create the best virtual experience possible. We miss your kids. We miss the

noise of hundreds of middle school feet, the laughter, the hugs and yes, even the unique smells

that live inside the walls of a middle school building. We can’t wait to get on the other side of

this and welcome kids back into the building and wrap our arms around each of them. Until

then, we will continue working to prepare and build a school that will honor their individual

needs and allow them to be seen.

With gratitude,

Grace

When are we getting our schedules? Our grade level principals and counselors are in a unique

position this year as they work to build schedules mostly by hand. They are working around the

clock to finish the schedules to get them to you. We appreciate your grace and patience and

schedules will be shared next week.

Hello Brittany Woods Middle School Families!

My name is Dena Bashiti and I will be your student’s new school nurse at Brittany Woods. I have been a school nurse for the past 12 years working with all ages and grade levels, but my favorite place has always been amongst middle school-aged children. They are rapidly growing and changing, and I understand the great challenges they are presented with emotionally and physically and how that can translate into the classroom. I will advocate for your student’s overall health and wellness, and assist them to understand the importance of the mind-body connection. University City is an amazing community and I am so excited to be a part of it! Please see the information below that is sent to all families in our District, with specific requirements for middle school-aged children:

The health care team of the School District of University City welcomes all new and returning families. We also would like to remind families of the importance of annual physicals and up-to-date immunization records. Vaccine preventable diseases have the potential to increase when the number of vaccinated children starts to decline. This puts our children at increased risk of catching these diseases. During a pandemic, it is best to be fully vaccinated to minimize the risk of becoming infected with preventable diseases.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Immunization, states requirements remain the same for 2020-2021 school year enrollments. All immunizations must be up-to-date before school enrollment. This also includes virtual enrollment because children who do not receive all of their vaccines are still at risk of being exposed to diseases.

Students entering 8th grade need a Tdap booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) and at least one dose of MCV4 (Meningococcal) to meet the requirements. You can scan the updated immunization record directly to my email or fax to Brittany Woods, the number is listed above.

The health team is also recommending an annual flu vaccine for all children 6 months and older. Pediatric offices and clinics are open for physicals and vaccinations. Please make your appointment as soon as possible. If you do not have a private doctor, North County Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road has a walk-in immunization clinic Monday-Friday. The phone number is 314-615-9700. A flyer is located on the district website or Peach Jar.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to meeting you and your students in the near future!

Stay Safe and Healthy,

Nurse Dena

Location: 8125 Groby Road, University City, MO, USA
Phone: 314-290-4280