Dragon News
Findley Elementary School
January 29, 2021
Message from the Principal
Greetings Findley Families,
Likely by now you have read the update from BSD about our return to school plan. Likely you are also trying to weigh the various pros and cons of your family’s particular context. I understand that for many, this decision won’t be easy. While there are many questions I am unable to answer at this time, I will do my best to provide information and support to you as we continue on the unprecedented journey together.
First, if you have not done so already, please be sure to watch the video BSD has created regarding hybrid. I’ve linked the videos here for your convenience:
Hybrid Explainer -English
Hybrid Explainer -Spanish
Second, BSD has put together a FAQ that includes several frequently asked questions: Return to School website. This is another great source of information.
I understand that one of the most prominent concerns is the potential that there will be a change with your child’s teacher. A couple of things to keep in mind here, all our teachers are experts at creating positive learning environments and meeting the needs of the students in their classrooms. At this time, they do not know if they will be teaching CDL or Hybrid, those decisions will be made after families make their selections. They are all dedicated professionals who will, as they have done since last March, rise to the challenge of yet another pivot. Although we hope we are able to minimize movement and maintain current teacher-student relationships, we will not know to what extent this will be possible until we know how many families will opt for either CDL or Hybrid. I know that whatever happens, our teachers will support one another in making sure your students feel safe, connected, and have their academic needs met.
Although the video does a good job of explaining what in-person learning will look like, I want to reiterate and provide additional information as I am able in an effort to support you in making your decision.
Here’s what we know right now:
Students will be in school 2 hours and 15 minutes 4 days a week, either in the AM or the PM. Families will not be able to select an attendance group. These will be determined by BSD after families make their selection.
Although we don’t have exact start and end times yet, it is realistic to assume that they would be similar to our typical start and end times; 8:30-3.
Students will enter and exit the building through different entry points in order to maintain grade level cohorts. In other words, students won’t all enter through our front and back doors as we have in the past.
Students will be a part of a cohort that is no bigger than 100 people. To minimize cohort mixing each grade will have a designated entry/exit points, restrooms and traffic patterns.
Students will maintain a 6 ft bubble at all times and will be required to wear a mask. This means they won’t work in close proximity with one another and collaborative tasks would remain on-line.
There will be no recess and no lunch will be served in the building. Students will have the opportunity to take breakfast and lunch home with them each day. In addition, there will be short movement breaks.
Students will not share materials and will have their own set of supplies. Desks, faucets, light switches, door handles and other high touch surface areas will be disinfected between cohorts.
Should a student arrive at school exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, they will be relocated to our Isolation Room. Per ODE and OHA guidelines, school buildings need to have a room that is designated specifically for students who have symptoms associated with COVID. This room will not be our health office. We have designated a larger space with direct access to the outside for the purpose of minimizing contact. As always, parents will be asked to keep students home who are sick.
Hopefully, you have found this information helpful as you make this decision. Although there are still many questions I won’t be able to answer, should you have additional questions, please submit them here. I will do my best to provide you with some clarity if I am able.
Early next week you will be getting an email from BSD with directions on making your selection via your ParentVue account. The deadline for making your decision is February 15. We are here to help you navigate if needed. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Findley has a community of staff and families that are strong, resilient and committed to doing what’s best for kids. I know we will continue to weather this storm and get through this together.
Sherry Marsh, Ed.D.
Principal
FIndley Elementary
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
OBOB UPDATE
Hello Findley Dragons…
I know many of you have questions about this year’s OBOB program. Here’s the initial plan.
We will do Zoom battles, and run a shortened battle season; including elimination rounds to declare Findley’s Winning Team 2020/2021 (remember there are no regional or state battles this year). There will be a few important changes, please read carefully.
Your team can be 4-6 players.
Eligible players are any Findley student in grades 3rd-5th, so if siblings want to
be on the same team or you have a neighborhood cohort group...you can complete together
There will be no stealing of questions throughout the entire tournament.
There will be no spectators in our Zoom battles until elimination battles begin.
Team registration will be open on the Findley OBOB website for two weeks February 1st -15th
We will limit the competition to the first 20 teams who completely register all team members.
Battles will begin in March
So put together your team, think of an medieval themed name (remember we are the Findley dragons and OBOB Knights) and READ READ READ!!! The OBOB books are available at all our library curbside times and on the Book Bus. If you have any questions please contact me. Mrs. Vennes
Findley School Website > Academics > OBOB > Registration
What's happening in our classroom?
Community Resources
Findley PTO
Findley PTO: Supporting our students by connecting parents, staff, and the community!
Visit our website at www.findleypto.com or email president@findleypto.com.
PTO general meeting:
Please join us on February, 8th at 7pm for an overview of our current PTO projects, activities, and financials. We will also hear from Dr. Marsh and the new principal of Timberland Middle School. We look forward to seeing you there!
Findley PTO Meeting
Monday, Feb 8, 2021 7:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95342852283pwd=bzNQUjJsZ1Z2STJNSmpGQzRsNzcxQT09
Meeting ID: 953 4285 2283
Passcode: GoDragons!
Art Literacy
Findley Art Literacy is developing fun art lessons to add some creativity to your month! Check out our CDL page.
There is still time to submit your December "Overlapping Handprints" artwork to be included in our Virtual Gallery! Please see our website for further detailed information: https://sites.google.com/site/artlitfindley/home
Stay tuned for the NEW January lesson announced at the assembly.
Thank you for supporting Findley Art Literacy! artlitfindley@gmail.com
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tBHVQpTZFV96nzUzAJgljVC_vpxoYPA--A8MW8kKmQQ/edit?usp=sharing
Passport Club:
Dear Findley Passport Club members,
We are happy to announce Virtual Passport Club Special Itineraries for Findley 5th graders!
We have gotten many questions from Findley parents about when this would be available and want to thank everyone for their patience as this material has been created from scratch but we are now ready to start Special Itineraries!
Here is a summary of the steps to get in on the fun with more detailed instructions below:
1. Download this month's maps
2. Learn this month's maps
3. Take the quiz when you are ready
This is a whole new experience and we understand that there will be a lot of questions, learnings and changes as we navigate this new virtual Passport Club.
Please rest assured that we are dedicated to making this the best that we can under the circumstances and ask for your patience and understanding as we all go through this process together.
With that being said, let's have some fun and learn about the United States and their capitals!
In addition, here is a reminder in regards to Passport Club:
Passport Club is a volunteer-run geography enrichment program offered at Findley to 2nd – 5th grades. This is an optional program and is not mandatory.
● Please practice with your child for several minutes a day to help them get ready!
Grade Level Clarification:
● 5th grade students have the Special Itineraries program (SI) study maps.
Step #1 Download this month's maps
Maps (password = findleypassport)
Step #2 Learn the Map for this month
There are lots of fun ways to learn each month's maps!
● As always, the best way is to study with your parents
Step #3 Take the quiz
When you are ready, take the quiz. Here is the link:
Special Itineraries Quiz
Up Coming Events
LIBRARY BOOK PICKUP DAYS AND TIME
Mondays 11am - 12 noon & 2pm - 4pm
Fridays 10:30am - 12:30pm
Bus Stop Wednesdays.
1:32 - 2:02 Bannister & Hamel Dr.
2:07 - 2:37 Skycrest between Spuceridge & Eagleridge
2:42 - 3:13 - Blackcomb & Whistler
3:16 - 3:46 - Tunstin Ranch Dr. North of Yvonne Ln.
February
1st - 5th National Counselors Week
5th - Grading Day No Students
8th - Semester 2 starts
12th - Spirit Day - wear as many colors as possible or one for the whole class
12th - Progress Reports posted to ParentVue
15th - NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day
17th - CLD - Synchronous Learning Day
24th - NO Book Bus - NO SCHOOL
25th - Kindy Roundup Q & A 4-5pm Virtual
March
3/19 - Spirit Day - Dress up as your favorite Character
3/22 - 3/26 - NO SCHOOL Spring Break
3/24 - NO Book Bus Spring Break