Next week we will mail out postcards with students' teacher and cohort assignments — please be on the lookout for them! When you receive your postcard, use your phone's camera to scan the QR code to find out who your child's teacher will be this year. If you have any trouble, please text (971) 220-6205. Click here to see all teacher introduction videos.

Please note that cohorts (A or B) were initially assigned based on last name; however, to balance out cohort numbers and accommodate special services, some students were moved to a different cohort. If a student was moved to a different cohort, her/his siblings who attend Carus were moved as well. The middle and high school are currently working to move older siblings to the same cohort as elementary students.

If we are able to bring students back into the building later this year, Cohort A will attend school on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Cohort B will attend schools on Wednesdays and Fridays. At this time there is little difference between the schedules for Cohort A and Cohort B.

iPads: Every student will receive an iPad to use for distance learning. Please come pick up your iPad on Wednesday, September 2 between 4:00 and 6:00pm in the back parking lot (K-2) or front parking lot (3-6). When you arrive, drive to your grade level table, and a staff member will issue you your device.

Hotspots: If your family does not have internet access at home, or if your current internet service does not meet the requirements for accessing online learning, please stop by the Hotspots table in the front parking lot after picking up your iPad. A technology department staff member will ask you a few questions about your current internet options and provide you with a hotspot if needed. If you received a hotspot in the spring, you can retain it for use in the fall.

Our staff is here to support all students and families with the distance learning process. Click here for up-to-date staff contact information.

Our instructional assistants will be providing group and individual tutoring support to students who need it, in addition to providing opportunities for social emotional learning and school community involvement. We're working to set up multiple windows of tutor availability throughout the day, including in the evening, to accommodate families' varying schedules. As soon as details are finalized we'll share this schedule with you.

The first day of school for all students is Tuesday, September 8. Click here for the 2020-21 school year calendar.

Your child's teacher will provide you with a detailed, cohort-specific daily schedule before the first day of school. Below are sample Connected At Home Learning schedules that will give you an idea of what to expect. On the Monday section of the sample schedules you'll see a list of online learning platforms that we'll be using this year. Click on the platform name to view an introductory video about that particular program.

• Kindergarten-2nd Grade

• 3rd-5th Grade

• 6th Grade

Every student will receive a small set of school supplies that they will need, in addition to their iPad, for distance learning. Please pick up your supply pack at the same time as you pick up your iPad on Wednesday, September 2, between 4:00 and 6:00pm. There is no need for families to purchase any additional supplies at this time.

We will host a virtual Meet and Greet on Thursday, September 3 from 6:00-7:30pm. Click here for details.

Successful online learning depends on an effective partnership between school and family. To maintain an open line of communication with families, I'll be hosting a virtual "Community Cafe" every Friday at 8:00am OR 3:00pm. You can find details on our school calendar (Zoom meeting links to be added soon).