Dreamer News October 2nd
Findley Elementary School - 2020-2021
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From Mrs. Adams, Findley Principal
Thanks to support from the state-wide sales tax, Findley is safer for students both inside and outside the school.
Drive by the playground and you'll notice the old wood chips that were under the climbing equipment have been replaced with new, padded tiles. The new surface also includes a wheelchair ramp and a sidewalk connection between the two play areas.
A safe and inviting environment adds to the beauty of our school, but it's the wonderful students, families, and staff that bring our school to life.
Return to Learn Information
Hybrid and Virtual Offerings starting October 19th
DMPS is offering K-5 in-person classes in addition to virtual classes beginning Oct 19. Please check messages from Infinite Campus Messenger or School CNXT to make your selection for your child.
If you choose the 100% virtual model, your child will receive instruction 5 days a week from a Findley teacher, much like our current schedule. The other option, a hybrid learning model, involves face-to-face instruction at Findley rotated with learning-at-home days. Students will be assigned the "A group":(Monday, Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays) or the "B group" (alternating Wednesdays, Thursday, and Friday). It is important to know that students will not be in online classes during their learning-at-home days.
100% Virtual Class Details
- Students will receive virtual instruction in Math and English Language Arts, with integrated science and social studies standards 5 days a week.
- Students will receive instruction in Health.
- Students will receive virtual instruction in PE, Art, or Music at least two days a week.
- Students will be provided with opportunities for social and emotional learning and community-building.
- Students will have required, self-paced activities and assignments, reading, and/or practice to reinforce and complement experiences from the Learning-at-School Days.
- Student could receive support from Special Education services, ELL services and Gifted and Talented services if they are eligible.
- Students will have access to optional self-paced virtual learning: Spanish and Heritage Spanish.
- 5th grade students may receive virtual lessons in their band or orchestra instrument.
- The total length of virtual and independent learning:
- K-2 approximately 3-3.5 hours per day
- 3-5 approximately 3.5-4.5 hours per da
A/B Cohort Hybrid Days
- Students will receive face-to-face instruction in Math and English Language Arts, with integrated science and social studies standards each day they are in the building.
- Students will receive face-to face instruction in PE, Art, or Music each day they are in the building.
- Students will receive instruction in Health at least once a week.
- Students will be provided with opportunities for physical activities and “brain breaks” throughout the day.
- Students will receive support for unfinished learning, Special Education services and ELL services if they are eligible.
- Students will be provided with opportunities for social and emotional learning and community-building.
· Learning-at-Home Days
- Students will have required, self-paced activities and assignments, reading, and/or practice to reinforce and complement experiences from the Learning-at-School Days. Those activities may be a combination of paper-pencil and online formats.
- Students could receive support from Special Education services, ELL services and Gifted and Talented services, if they are eligible.
- Office hours and other support from school staff may be available to provide learning help.
- Students will have access to optional self-paced virtual learning: Spanish and Heritage Spanish.
- 5th grade students may receive virtual lessons in their band or orchestra instrument.
- The total length of at home learning and activities will align with age-appropriate guidelines for effective online learning:
- K-2 approximately 2 hours per day
- 3-5 approximately 3 hours per day
A Moment with Mr. Miller
Counselor's Corner: Creating Successful Online Scholars
Knowing that 3+ hours every morning is spent online learning, plus small groups and canvas assignments in the afternoon, please remember to pause for people! Here are a few ways to balance your time.
- Talk with family members and friends- safely!
- Get outside and move your body! Adults, and kids!
- Turn off screens at least 1 hour before bedtime to allow brains to slow and quiet down, getting ready for a restful sleep. Children should be getting 10 hours of sleep each night to be rested for the day.
Health Update with Nurse Lori
Tips to Help Your Child Wear a Mask
Be Consistent- remind your child to wear their masks, just like you. Encourage them to avoid touching the mask and keep it over their nose and mouth.
Personalize- try masks with characters or cool designs. Encourage kids to decorate their own with tie-dye or fabric markers.
Practice at Home- as a family, practice wearing your masks for a few hours at home to get the hang of it.
Use masks to play- for younger kids, put masks on stuffed animals or dolls during play time.
Explain Why- tell your kids that masks help keep all of us safe and healthy.
Take a Picture: a photo of you child in a mask and reinforce how awesome they look. Drawing a self-portrait also works.
Identify Good Behavior- point out others who are doing a good job wearing masks.
If you have any questions, please let me know. I am happy to help!
Lori Griffith BSN, RN
Findley Elementary
515-242-8407
Family Resources
Bidwell Riverside Center
Food & Clothing Pantry/Various family services
1203 Hartford Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
(515) 244-6251
https://www.bidwellriverside.org/
POLK COUNTY NORTHSIDE FOOD PANTRY
3010 Sixth Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 286-2220
Open M,W,F 8:00am-10:00am
Open T, Th, 11:00am-1:00pm
POLK COUNTY RIVER PLACE FOOD PANTRY
2309 Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-286-3695
Open M-F 8:00am-5:00pm
PTO Supports Findley Staff
See you Online!
Findley Elementary
Website: findley.dmschools.org/
Location: 3025 Oxford Street, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: (515) 242-8407
Facebook: facebook.com/findleydmps