Meadow Pond Elementary School

November 20, 2020

Dear Meadow Pond Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday, as adults, we may be struggling with the current pandemic and what we are really thankful for. We would ask that you look through your child’s eyes and see all the good that we do have to be thankful for in the midst of some things we would probably like to forget.

We are very thankful for the support of our families throughout this pandemic and appreciate that at times, things may not be how you would prefer them to be, but you understand that we are trying to make the best of the situation for each of our students.

HYBRID LEARNING:   

We are happy to be welcoming our second graders to four days on-site this coming Monday, November 23^rd.  With that change, we will have all our K, 1 and 2 students in school four days each week. Our 3^rd through 5^th graders will continue to attend in Cohorts A and B.   

A reminder that although we may all be dealing with some pandemic and zoom fatigue, our students should be on-line on the days when they are not here in person.  Please make a special effort for your child to be in attendance and an active class participant on those days. 

Additionally, if you are planning to go away for the holidays, please remember there may be quarantine requirements when you return from traveling. 

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL:  

Thank you very much for your support and cooperation. Our students are becoming more independent when entering and exiting the car. Please remember to display the laminated sheet in your passenger side window – especially at pick-up. It is an important tool that helps to ensure a safe and efficient pick-up process.

SAFETY DRILLS:

We had our second Covid modified lock down drill this week.  Students remained seated and socially distanced while the teacher explained and demonstrated what they would do in a lockdown. 

We will continue to practice these drills so that our students are accustomed to the procedures that we need to follow in order to ensure everyone’s safety. We have also had seven fire/evacuation drills so far this year including practicing with blocking exits. 

COLDER WEATHER:  We are spending more time than ever outside for both movement and physical education.  To be sure our students stay warm, please remember the following guidelines below for outdoor breaks and/or play. 

If the temperature including the wind chill is below forty degrees, students should be prepared to play outside wearing the following:

• Warm coats
• Long pants

On snowy days, students will also need:

• Snow pants
• Boots
• Hats
• Gloves

Please be aware that if a student is not dressed appropriately, he or she will be unable to attend outdoor activities.  If the temperature including the wind chill falls below twenty degrees, the students will stay inside.  We consult with our School District Physician, Dr. Louis A. Corsaro, for guidance in these matters. Thank you for preparing your child for the colder weather.

CALENDAR: 

Please review and mark your calendar for these upcoming events.

Cohort A & 4 days on site                                     Monday, November 23^rd (Monday schedule)

Cohort B & 4 days on site                                     Tuesday, November 24^th (Thursday schedule)

Remote Learning                                                   Wednesday, November 25^th 

Thanksgiving Holiday                                           Thursday & Friday, November 26^th & 27^th 

Stay Safe. Enjoy the long weekend with your family!

Sincerely,

Carolann Castellano                        Dawn Pomeroy

Principal                                          Assistant Principal