6.1.2022

[text source: email from Heidi Brislin, Assistive Technology Specialist]

Just wanting to send a quick update on the plan for iPads over the summer:

1. All student assigned iPads can be sent home over the summer. Just like their Chromebooks.

2. All staff iPads need to sbe secured in your building over the summer. "

4.18.2022

SPED Party

[Original text in email from Melissa Petersen]

We have had a hard year in SPED in Edmonds, and some of your favorite party animals have decided that we need time to connect with each other across buildings and programs, to network, and to have some fun. We are having a kickoff party on May 19th at Diamond Knot in Mountlake Terrace!

EEA and the Edmonds Foundation are generously supporting the kickoff party with food and prizes. *All* SPED certificated and classified staff are invited. Teachers, please share this invite with your special ed paras!

RSVP using this google form by 4/22 if you are able to attend, AND if you want to be on our mailing list for future SPED events.

See you there!

3.28.22

To open our sub positions to a broader audience, I've requested that HR and the subsystem delete the requirement to be N95 Mask-fitted for jobs at AECC. This diminished level of protection does come with some risks, so we will need to take the following actions with substitute staff in the future.

Sub staff who have not been N95 fitted or do not know if they have been fitted should not be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Toileting students, changing diapers, or working with any students where contact with bodily fluids is likely (e.g., students who spit or drool consistently).

2. Restraining students or any other activity that would put them in very close contact (i.e., within 3 feet for 15 minutes, over 24 hours). while students exhibit challenging behavior (e.g., yelling, throwing objects, etc..)

3. Escorting students with Covid or cold/flu symptoms to office containment room.

Please assign permanent staff to these duties, who can don N95 masks and other PPE (e.g., gown, gloves, face shield, etc..)

We will discuss the practice of this new sub protocol at the next staff meeting. Please compile your questions in the Staff Meeting Notes document. In the meantime, if you are unsure if a sub staff member should be assigned specific duties, please give them to permanent staff, and if a non-N95-fitted sub is not workable in your classroom, don't hesitate to get in touch with the office or me directly for assistance.

3.21.22

AECC Staffing

Jenifer Venema has informed administration and HR that she will be leaving Edmonds school district and AECC to begin the next chapter of her life in Eastern Washington as soon as they sell their house in Mountlake Terrace. Jenifer has been at AECC for over 9 years working in several classrooms before finding a home in Heather's DPK classroom. The team in Room 18 was really something special and the chemistry and friendships in that classroom will never be replaced but we will do our best to continue the year without her. Jenifer is a talented educator, and a fierce defender of students in her class, her friends and colleagues as paraprofessionals. She will be missed. Her last day will be March 31st.

Jessica Copley is on medical leave for an injury and will be back on April 12th. Sarah Bressler will be returning to para duty in the PASS classroom, while maintaining some of her former office duties, namely Birth to 3 intake scheduling and meetings

There are three open positions at AECC currently: .5FTE Cert teacher and 2 full-day paras (pick up room).

There are also two ongoing "extra help" postings: one 1/2-day and one fullday. Dr. Etnier has also requested 2 1/2day paras from our partner contact agencies Maxim Health and Helping Hands.

3.14.2022

-----Information-----

-----Process Updates-----

Kindergarten Family Night Video is now on the ESD Youtube

-----Action Items-----

Unpacking Inclusion:

Universal Design for Learning, Friendship Skills, and the Pyramid Model

Join us for a fun and engaging, three-part series with Early Childhood Specialist, Tim Andrews. We will focus on integrating important practices, and strategies of Universal Design for Learning in PreK settings, along with an in-depth look at functional routine matrixes, and embedding friendship skills and opportunities in your daily activities. Participants will look at effective components of preschool inclusion (and UDL) and acquire practical strategies that can be implemented immediately. Classroom staff will leave with enhanced confidence, a deeper understanding of embedded instruction, and sure-fire ways to support the engagement of every child they serve.

April 12 | Zoom | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

April 16 | Zoom | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

April 26 | Zoom | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Register here for Unpacking Inclusion: Universal Design for Learning, Friendship Skills and the Pyramid Model

3.7.2022

-----Information-----

-----Process Updates-----

PK, DK, IS, ISES Fall Placements (Roll-Ups) [REPEAT FROM TEACHING PROGRAMS FROM PREVIOUS WEEK]

Fall Placements:

Now that we know more about EOA we can move forward with our Roll-up process- Thank you for your patience while we waited for the additional information.

We are rolling students up based on geographic feeder pattern schools and self-contained placement. The chart below shows our feeder patterns. We want to make sure that students have access to their neighborhood school first!

There are some exceptions to geographic feeder patterns. These are indicated with an asterisk on the chart. If you have any questions about what the exceptions mean please contact your manager to clarify.

To complete our Fall Placements:

If you have a student with needs that would require an exception to the assigned feeder pattern, the team has made a decision outside of the feeder pattern, or you want to confirm placement in their neighborhood school, please complete this form: 3.4.22 (Link to Form). We will use this as the reference to balance the roll-ups!

-----Action Items-----

2.28.22

-----Information-----

-----Process Updates-----

New Office Assistant/Secretary

I am very happy to announce on behalf of the interview committee (*CC'd here) that we have offered the position as Office Secretary to Juana Olivierre. Juana, or Joanna, as you may see it, is very qualified and comes with a variety of experiences, and comes very highly recommended by her peers and supervisors. We got ourselves another great member of the AECC community, so please join me in welcoming her. Here is an introduction to her in her own words:

My name is Joanna Ollivierre I am a former ESD EL, a student from Peru. I am very proud to have raised my 3 young adult children in this community. I have been working in the district for over 13 years, and I am very excited to work and collaborate with all of you. My goal is to keep serving new students, families and supporting you at AECC.

-----Action Items-----

Kindergarten and DK Family Information Night (DPK)

Family information night for families with students in developmental pre-K who are heading to Kindergarten next year (general education and developmental Kindergarten). There will be general information regarding the process, enrollment, transtion, etc.., as well as Q&A with K and DK teachers in attendance, as well as managers of Student Services' pre-K and Teaching Programs teams.

Teachers: you are invited FOR YOUR INFORMATION and are not required to attend unless you would like to learn more about the Pre-K to K rollup/transitions process. See Project management link for more info and timelines for communications with parents before and during the meeting (e.g. Fliers will be ready next week for you to send home in backpacks for students move to K next year)

Zoom link & Meeting ID: 895 0387 2430

Family Flier for K Information Night

1.14.2022

-----Information-----

Happy Valentine's Day

Please enjoy the donuts in the staff lounge. You may also receive a Val-O-Gram in your mailbox sometime on Feb. 14th. Your work at AECC is so important to so many and not just to the students and families, whose lives you touch each day, but through everyone who is impact positively when they interact with your students as they grow up. You are actively making a brighter future everytime you step on this campus and decide to put your heart into this work.

-----Process Updates-----

Avoid disruptive, confusing quarantines: play with Buddy Classes Outside!

Omicron has really been handing us our behinds lately and we are not totally out of the woods yet. If you are currently sharing the gym or other indoor space you are risking exposure and cross-cohorting with the class with whom you share the gym. We had multiple cases where a classroom needed to quarantine or close, even though there were not confirmed cases because they came into contact with their buddy class, in the gym. This is not the case for outdoor spaces.

Students can share a location and even shared equipment, while getting fresh air and sunshine (albeit sometime "liquid sunshine). Students benefit from outdoor time in addition to the gross motor exercise they are getting access to nature, fresh air, and their peers in a more safe venue. Caring for Out Children recommends at least 15 minutes of outdoor gross motor play per day, and that children go outside everyday unless conditions are dangerous (for guidance you can reference the Child Care Weather Watch).

This is the Pacific Northwest; if you are not going outside anytime it is actively raining you are missing many opportunities in the fall, winter and spring. If you need special equipment for students who jump in puddles or roll in grass, such as Muddy Buddy's or Rain boots, please talk with West. I would endorse dedicating funds towards these materials. Invite me outside anytime you want; if it's too cold for me then you can go inside ;)

-----Action Items-----

DPK Classroom Staff please be on time for bus arrivals and departures

I know that classroom preparation time is precious and little but please strive to be out to busses right on time, or even a minute or two early (8:45, 11:15, 12:15 and 2:45). With bus driver shortages comes much tighter route schedule so bus drivers are acutely aware if they have to leave even a few minutes late. Preschoolers, of course, take time and care to be loaded on to busses safely and with sensitivity to their needs. If the bus arrival and departure times need to be adjusted then we can do that as a staff or in building leadership. The bus arrival window is 5 minutes on either side of the "bell times" which is half again shorter than elementary schools. We will discuss this at our next staff meeting.

1.31.2022

-----Information-----

PLC Book Study: Anti-bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves.

https://uweducation.learningcart.com/products/PLC-Book-Study-Anti-bias-Education-for-Young-Children-and-Ourselves.aspx

Free to register as you all AECC/WWC partners. Enter code HCcontract2022

People will have to buy their own book, but again the course is free as partners and they can get clock hours or stars credit.

-----Process Updates-----

Feb. 11 Building Directed Time: Teacher meeting for K Transitions; Creative Curriculum Focus Groups and TSG Individual Teacher Time

Feb. 11 is DB (district building time). While other schools are reviewing their i-Ready here is the proposed schedule for AECC:

• 12:30-1pm: Update, feedback and brainstorm for successful Pre-K to K/DK transtion process (all DPK teachers)

• 1-2pm: Creative Curriculum Focus Group: (only AECC Creative Curriclum Pilot teaches)

• 2-3:30: Individual teacher time

The new tabletop color copier is scheduled to be installed Feb 8.

Progress Notes:

Please have them completed in IEPOL no later than February 4th, 2022.

Progress Notes need to be delivered in agreed upon way to parent/guardian. If a family has asked for a physical copy that can go in your classrooms communiation system (e.g. backpacks and/or folders), or schools will print and mail. Case managers please email-send via email, IEPOLConnect-send.

-----Action Items-----

1.24.2022

-----Information-----

-----Process Updates-----

Recent Changes to Vaccination Status! IMPORTANT

With the most recent updates to DOH guidelines, all staff who are eligible for their booster needs to have received their booster to be considered fully vaccinated. HR has not announced any formal system for collecting this data at the district level.

Pre-K to DK Transition Planning Meetings

Originally the planning meetings were tentatively scheduled for February 18th and 25th. Those tentative dates will need to be rescheduled after consultation with SSLT members working elementary teaching programs (i.e. DK) in order to find a better suited time. More to come in Feb.

Paraeducator Chromebooks

Contact: Sarah Luczyk

New Chromebooks for all Paraeducators were ordered in November of last year. The most recent update we received is that they should arrive at the district by early March. We’ll do our best to get this equipment ready to issue to staff quickly, and anticipate we will be able to begin this work by mid to late March. As a reminder, these new Chromebooks will be better equipped to meet future needs and will be provided to all Paraeducators. The model being purchased, a Lenovo 500e, is a tier above what we typically purchase for students. This equipment was funded by the 2020 Technology Levy. The Technology project team will be in contact with schools to make a swap plan once we have the new Chromebooks. Thank you for your continued understanding.

-----Action Items-----

Learn Black history each day this February.

Subscribe to 28 Days of Black History: a free interactive, virtual exhibition that honors the legacy of Black culture in the U.S. Delivered daily via email in February 2022.

1.18.2022

-----Information-----

Instructional Tech Updates

With transitions to remote possible for individual classrooms and schools, we’ve prepared this resource document that covers topics related to using your LMS and Zoom for possible remote learning.

We have also rescheduled the optional refresher training sessions for next week. These sessions will cover very basic operations in the two LMS systems and Zoom. In the sessions, we will:

1. Create a Zoom meeting link for your classroom

2. Add the meeting link to your LMS (paste it on the homepage - Canvas; create a post and pin it - Seesaw)

3. Update the Zoom app on Windows

4. Add an alternative host to your Zoom meeting - we encourage you to make your music/PE/library specialists alternative hosts for your class Zoom so that your students only have one Zoom link to go to during what would likely be a short-term shift to remote learning (unless you have a different arrangement set up with your specialists).

5. Have time for questions about posting and organizing assignments/activities

Sessions will be held at the following times:

Seesaw (designed for teachers of Pre-K-2nd grade students)

• Tuesday, January 18 - 2:45-3:15

• Thursday, January 20 - 7:45-8:15, 8:20-8:50

Canvas (designed for teachers of 3rd-6th grade students)

• Thursday, January 20 - 2:45-3:15

• Friday, January 21 - 7:45-8:15, 8:20-8:50

For other individual questions, open office hours will be held at the following times:

• Tuesday, January 18 - 7:45-9:00, 3:20-4:00

• Wednesday, January 19 - 2:45-4:00

• Thursday, January 20 - 3:20-4:00

To join any of the sessions, use this Zoom link: https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/j/89271298933?pwd=OXhrQXdlYVgyemZRVjR4RHFLK3ZFUT09

For questions or concerns outside of those times, please email Jason Aillaud, and include your instructional technology coach on the same email

-----Process Updates-----

-----Action Items-----

1.10.22

-----Information-----

MLK Jr. Resources for young children

SCHOLASTIC: Kindergarten MLK Jr Scholastic Resources: English / Spanish (must sign in to Scholastic to access). If you want students to access Scholastic resources, you can set it up in Clever!

• Magazine

• Dr. King Video

  1. Dr. King: A Leader and Hero: This video explains who Dr. King was and why he is such an important figure in American history.

• Justice Video

  1. What Is Justice?: Using kid-friendly terms and examples, this videos explains the concept of justice and how kids can stand up for justice in their own lives.

• Dr. King mini-book PDF

You will need to login to view videos which you can do through Clever with your district credentials

SEESAW: Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Read Aloud and Seesaw Activity

Preschool Plan-it Preschool MLK Day activities

Learning for Justice: 5 Tips for Preschool

-----Process Updates-----

Gate Clips at AECC

It is the responsibility of the teacher and classroom team who is using the outside areas to assure that the clips are latched to prevent elopement depending on the need the group that is using the outside gross motor equipment at that time. If you walk through a playground area while a group is using, and the clips are latched, please make sure they are latched when you exit, or at least let the staff on the playground know verbally that you were not able to clip them.

-----Action Items-----

Boardmaker Editor 7 update

• Boardmaker 7 Editor will be deployed using the district Software Center.

• Remember to be on district wifi when using the software center. You cannot do the update from home.

• CLICK HERE for instructions for installing the update

• EVERYONE who uses Boardmaker needs to install this update.

1.3.22

Happy New Year 2022

-----Information-----

Snow make-up day: Tuesday, Feb. 22

School days lost due to a closure need to be made up. According to our calendar, the first snow make-up day is Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Please update your calendars!

-----Process Updates-----

-----Action Items-----

12.17.2021

Happy Holidays

As we reach the end of yet another challenging year, all of AECC and I send our warmest wishes for a restorative holiday time with family and friends, and a safe and healthy New Year. Thank you for all that you do - as teachers, therapists, office personnel, paraprofessionals and friends - to make AECC a caring, resilient, and dynamic learning community.

Looking back at all we have accomplished in 2021

To say that 2021 was a challenging year would be the understatement of the year. Nevertheless, this talented and passionate group of caring professionals at AECC manage to accomplish some feats that once seemed near impossible:

• Completed the initial training on Teaching Strategies GOLD and for pilot classrooms, the initial training of Creative Curriculum for Preschool

• Created, voted on, and passed a shared-decision making matrix (Draft 5) that among other things reformed the building leadership team to more accurately represent the professionals at AECC

• In March and April, AECC returned to in-person learning, serving over 100 of our most vulnerable students, and in September returned to full in-person learning for all families who wanted it, with an online option. To this day, we have not had a case of school transmission of COVID-19 (knock on wood)

• During a global health crisis, we launched the preschool additional supports and services (PASS) classroom, providing flexible services to children and families

• The AECC School Family has grown to include new members in our 2 ECEAP teachers, paras, and family support specialists, as well as a health assistant para, family resource advocate (FRA), and a new PASS teacher. We also welcomed back Diana Jackson at the front desk just in time for the holidays. Chelsea Hoffman will also be moving back to AECC in the new year, though possibly remaining on medical leave. Please keep Chelsea, Machelle and their family in your thoughts during this season of giving and miracles.

• AECC participated in various partnerships and endeavors to improve are practices including the networked improvement community (NIC), the preschool inclusion champions (NIC) grant, the integrated teacher coaching model (iTCM). There are sure to be more acronyms to come in 2022

• We drafted a new AECC Mission and Vision that represents our values and hopes for a high quality early learning program where all students are included, belong and learn as a community

If you are reading this now, this work and so much more could not have happened without your individual and team efforts. We washed and sanitized our hands countless times, we wore as many hats as we did face masks, and now we enter into 2022 where we will continue to grow, learn, and thrive together.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

West Keller

AECC has several staff with National Board Certification (NBCT):

National Board Certification is truly difficult process and we are so lucky to have so many NBCTs in Developmental Pre-K. Those teachers are Colleen Alderman, Erica Basil, Ceres Creswell, Lizbeth Kubilius and new NBCT this school 2021 year:Kat Webb

Current National Board Candidate: Mia Smith

12.6.2021

-----Information-----

Building Safety and security

EXTERIOR DOORS: Please remember to keep all exterior doors to the building shut except when using them, or while in your classroom, and assure that they are completely closed when leaving at night.

GATE CLIPS: For the safety of students, using the outside gross motor spaces, please make sure to latch gates, and hook the additional clip on each gate when you pass through each time. If you leave the gate unclipped before/after or between sessions, then it will likely still be insecure during the session when it is needed. The gates between the Office and Gym, and the Gym and Building A, are the clips that are most often left unsecured in my observation.

Recovery Services (DPK)

Recovery Services Training slides from 12/3/2021 1:30-3pm training

What about preschool students who were not in preschool yet during pandemic? (i.e. "A" year students at AECC now)

For students who are recently eligible or started school recently you can indicate this in the considerations/planning tab "Recovery Services are not needed for XX because they were not eligible for services during the timeframe Recovery Services are to created to address" Or "Recovery Services are not needed for XX because they started school after the timeframe Recovery Services are to created to address"

You do not need to do PWNs for these students.

More information about Pre-K Recovery Services is coming soon; after review from cabinet and EEA

-----Process Updates-----

Safety Care Training (DPK)

• Timesheets: please submit timesheets to me for any time outside of your regular contracted time, (e.g. all Friday for most paras,and test-taking time and if you session ran over the allotted time for teachers)

• There will also be additional Individual time on Feb. 11th from 1:50-3:50. The afternoon of Feb. 11 is designated at building directed time.

Kick-Off to Kindergarten & Registration for new families

Save the Date! February 2nd District Kindergarten Webinar (Calendar invite coming soon)

• Prospective K/DK Parent Information Night(s) on designated Elementary Nights (Feb. 17th, or in-March April, May)

-----Action Items-----

New Materials in Vertical Shed outdoor

There are new interlocking building blocks and gross motor materials in the new shed on the "boat" side of playgrounds. If you use the materials please make sure they are organized, stored, and locked in the shed. There is a code, which teachers have, if you need a reminder please call, or chat to Astrid or West.

Placement decisions LRE conversation for K (DPK)

As you begin to talk with families and IEP regarding students who will transition to Kindergarten next year, consider using this resource when thinking of how to maximize student participation in the general education environment. I've found the schedule gives something more tangible for families and teams to consider.

AECC is thankful for YOU!

Thank you to anyone who is reading this. You have been working very hard and deserve a long weekend to spend time with family and reflect on gratitude.

-----Information-----

AECC Emergency Line: x4966

If you ever have a concern about student health or safety please don't hesitate to to call the emergency line. The line "cascade" rings to all office staff starting with staff who are delegated to administer emergency response medications (i.e. Astrid and West currently, soon to include Donna). Astrid is currently making a sticker for all AECC phones with the emergency line extension as a reminder.

-----Process Updates-----

-----Action Items-----

-----Information-----

Recurring time when Admin is off-campus

As a manager part of the student service leadership team (SSLT) I have several in-person weekly meetings at ESC to meet with SSLT and improve our teamwork and practices. There will be recurring times during the week when I am not on campus; they are

• 3:15-4:15 on Mondays

• 11:45-1:45 on Wednesdays

• 10:45-12:45 on Fridays

I am always available by email or chat. If there is an urgent need, the office staff can call or text my cel phone number. If I am ever off campus for more than 2 hours I will let all staff know when, and who will be my covering administrator. I've asked office staff to do the same.

Our registrar substitute, Kathy Kriner, is not able to work on Fridays. She was able to work Fridays during the original timeframe for Diana's leave, but is not able now that the leave timeframe has been extended to December 17th.

Roles of Office Staff

[repeat from staff meeting agenda, where staff meeting was cancelled, please review notes if you have not]

Request for clarification of roles among office staff so that we all know whom to contact with a question or concern:

Health Para Assistant (Donna): illness logging; containment room; testing; contact tracing; occasional classroom support; Updating the Med/Health List so teachers & staff know why a child cannot attend yet.making calls to close contact Covid preschooler's family to check for +/- test results.

Parent engagement and support (Sarah B): B-3/CF intake and transitions meetings, evaluation scheduling; data input: family online registration support; bus tags; health room (non covid related); cover front desk; occasionally other office related tasks; curative test input; Laminator repair

Registrar/Assistant (Kathy):

Transportation requests; registration, classified sub and absence management, answering phone/attendance calls, managing front door traffic/visitors/deliveries; late arrivals

Office Manager (Astrid):

Skyward & IEPOL contact; purchasing/budgeting management; certificated subbing and absence, CF intakes,

-----Process Updates-----

Family Referral for additional services

Family Referral Form for all teachers and staff at AECC to use when they have families that need extra support or services outside of the classroom. FRA Emma Yuh Coleman will get a notification once a form has been completed, and will aim to reach out to families within 24-48 hours depending on how urgent the need is. Save or bookmark this form.

-----Action Items-----

11.8.2021

-----Information-----

November 12th and PD Pause

The November 12th building-directed PD will be the second of two trainings for Creative Curriculum pilot classroom teachers. If you are not piloting the program then the 12th in the AM is collaboration time. The superintendant has put a "pause" on all district-wide PD, but the message in DLT is that any building PD already in progress should continue. Unless an urgent need arises BD time on Dec. 3rd will be collaboration time as well, including protected time for CORP groups to meet to discuss student growth goals, and progress.

Move 60! Early Learning 2021-2022 school year: Virtual classes for PreK students (ages 4-5)

A fun, free, virtual program for all early learners that live in the Edmonds School District. Students will Zoom for 20 minutes with an instructor. Participants will exercise, meet other students their age, develop foundational skills like balance and coordination using the at-home equipment together, move their bodies to music, and discover the importance of having fun with movement.

Move 60! Early Learning Flier (Eng/Span)

-----Process Updates-----

Welcome new PASS teacher

The hiring and interview committee is very happy to announce that we have made an offer to Karina Mirchandani and she has accepted. Her start date will be Dec. 1. Here is a short bio of Karina, written by her:

My name is Karina Mirchandani. This is my 6^th year teaching special education! Prior to teaching (and a little simultaneously), I worked as an ABA behavior technician. I went to school in India and Illinois before moving to Washington after graduating in 2014. I'm working on my masters currently and hope to finish that sometime next year. About me: I am a newlywed, we got married Memorial Day weekend this year in a small backyard wedding with close family and friends. We are going on our dream honeymoon in December to the Maldives and we couldn’t be more excited! I have a younger sister who is getting married next Memorial Day weekend! In my spare time, I love hanging out with friends and family, watching movies and shows (sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, action, thriller), trying to get back into doing yoga regularly, DIY projects like refurbishing furniture or making mini rooms (covid hobby) and going out and exploring Washington’s nature, restaurants and other fun places. I am very excited to join the Edmonds school District and AECC!

Color copier update

A new Kyocera Printer has been purchased and is in route. ESC has contacted Kyocera for an update but the company did not respond in time to be included here.

-----Action Items-----

11/1/2021

-----Information-----

Earthquake Preparedness Drill

Thank you to all staff for your participation and care during the "Great Shakeout" district-wide drill. I was very happy with our response time. There were two major takeaways from the drill where we can fine-tune our practice:

10/25/2021

-----Information-----

Strategies for Shifting to Inclusive Service Models

Actionable Steps Towards Inclusive Service Models

Tue, November 2 2021 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM via Zoom

In this workshop, participants will explore actionable steps for shifting to inclusive service models.

Different inclusive service models will be identified and defined. The group will engage in discussion around current practices and common steps for implementing different inclusive service models successfully. These steps include action planning, strategizing around implementation logistics, supporting professional learning needs, monitoring and measuring implementation, and communicating with families/caregivers about changes in service. We'll talk about scheduling for students' needs first, ensuring appropriate levels of support across settings, staff roles and responsibilities, and IEP development and documentation.

Event # 135970 Link: https://www.pdenroller.org/catalog/event/135970

Parents can sign up to be para substitutes

A question that has come up several times since the start of school has been about when we will allow parents to volunteer in our schools. While we do not have a definite date yet for when we will allow this, we do have a possible way to help you address your needs. If you have parents who want to volunteer, please encourage them to apply to the district as a para sub. This will allow you to use these volunteers at your site as you have para positions that are unfilled and we expect there may be some additional impacts when the vaccine mandate takes effect next week. Encouragement for parents to be para subs and bus drivers have also gone to AECC Families in our newsletter.

-----Process Updates-----

Welcome new family resource advocate (FRA) to DPK!

Emma Yuh Coleman will be joining the Edmonds early learning team sometime close to Nov. 8th. Here is a little bio, written by Emma herself:

Hi, my name is Emma and I was born and raised in the Seattle area. I have been fortunate to have many experiences working with children and families locally in Seattle, and globally in Zambia and South Africa. I first started working in a school setting in 2015 in a Head Start classroom with the Opportunity Council in Bellingham, while I was attending WWU. After I graduated, I moved back home to Seattle and began working at Neighborhood House in an ECEAP classroom as a family educator. After that, I returned to school and graduated from UW with my MSW this past June, where I began working at Refugee Women’s Alliance. I spent time focusing on housing and employment services for refugee women and their families and assisted them in navigating their new surroundings. Currently, I’m still residing in Seattle with my 6-year-old cat, Kekoa. I’m very close with my family and I love relaxing on the weekends, cooking with my friends, and spending time with my godson. I am really excited to work in a school setting again and grateful to become part of the Edmonds School District team.

Illness Logging, COVID Testing, and Student Return to School

Please include health para assistant, Donna Morin on any and all communications about students missing school due to, or any report of students who are ill/showing any symptoms of cold/flu or other health concerns.

Currently, 3 certificated and 1 classified nurse are covering AECC's health information load. Manager of health services, Mara Marano-Bianco is currently looking for a short-term replacement for our nurse. The AECC nurse's leave extends through the end of the calendar year, and may continue beyond that.

Safety Care by QBS training

Safety Care is the new training program to replace Right Response. All classroom staff being trained will need to attend 5 hours of online training with a certified trainers. After the 5 hours are completed, there will be an additional 1.5 hour in person training to teach the physical safety and physical management portions of the curriculum. Any hours spent in training beyond your normal work hours will be paid via timesheet from our Safety Care budget.

In addition to the initial 5 and 1.5 hours of training, one of our certified trainers will be spending about 5 hours in person throughout the school year in your classrooms. This additional time is to help follow through with procedures taught, problem solve concerns with behavior issues as they arise, etc.

These are days/times that we have slots available to train your teams. We are limited to teaching 10 staff at a time and ask that you pair up with your classrooms being in the same training sessions as much as possible in order to address concerns specific to your room(s). Please note that the online portion needs to be completed before the in person.

ONLINE

Friday (10/29) 8-12:30 (this is not the full 5 hours, but we can finish the .5 hours in the in person if needed for this group) - we can train 2 separate groups of 10/each this day

Friday (11/5) 8-1:00 - can only train 1 group of 10

Friday (11/19) 8-1:00 - can train 2 separate groups of 10/each

IN PERSON

Friday (11/5) 1:30-3:00 - can only train 1 group of 10

Friday (11/19) 1:30-3:00 - can train 2 separate groups of 10/each

Could train some teams in the 1.5 hour sessions after school one day. What days other than Fridays would work for this?

-----Action Items-----

Comprehensive Literacy For All:

Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write

[this item may be a repetition from AAC department page]

This book study for preschool, developmental kindergarten, and elementary staff will cover Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver’s new book Comprehensive Literacy for All:Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write. Join us on select Wednesdays during the contract day to review and discuss sections from this book and learn how to implement research based strategies for comprehensive literacy instruction (emergent and conventional) for your most significantly impacted students.

Email Heidi Brislin or Melissa Petersen to get a copy of the book sent to your work location.

Time: 8:15am, 2:40pm, or 3:10pm (identical sessions, 45min). Pick the time that works best for you.

Dates & reading list:

• November 10th: Chapters 1-2 - Core Understandings

• December 8th: Chapter 3 -Alphabetic Knowledge and Phonological Awareness

• January 12th: Chapter 4 - Emergent Reading

• January 26th: Chapter 5-Emergent Writing

• February 16th: Chapter 6 - Comprehensive Literacy: A Research-Based Framework

• March 2nd: Chapter 7 - Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Instruction

• March 30th: Chapter 8 - Self-Directed Reading: Supporting Motivation and Fluency

• April 13th: Chapter 9 - Writing

• May 4th: Chapter 10 - Decoding, Word Identification, and Spelling

• May 18th: Chapter 11-12 - Implementation

• June 8th: review and final session

Zoom links:

• Cohort A: 8:15-9:00am

  • Meeting ID: 891 8376 1206

  • Passcode: 419507

• Cohort B: 2:40-3:25pm

  • Meeting ID: 881 1136 9086

  • Passcode: 446390

• Cohort C: 3:10-3:55pm

  • Meeting ID: 896 6888 0584

  • Passcode: 323366

Clock hours:

• 18.25 hours available (8.25 hours for zoom meetings, 10 hours for doing the reading).

• Register for PD course 4530 - Comprehensive Literacy For All: 2021-22

• Attendance: complete the attendance form each time you attend a zoom meeting.

10/18/21

-----Information-----

Clearly identifiable egress (i.e. exit) in classroom and any instructional spaces

The fire marshal noted that at least one classroom had partially covered their door with decorations. In the case of a power outage where evacuation is necessary, please make sure that your doors are easily locatable as exits when decorating. If you have questions please let West know.

Congratulations to Kat Webb: Volunteer of the year, Outdoors for All

Hurray for Kat who was named "Volunteer of the year" for the organization Outdoors for All. Some of you may know that Kat teaches skiing and other outdoor activities to children with varying levels of ability and need. We are all very proud of her.

Chromebook for Online class

Teacher Melodi's class is looking for any classrooms or paras who may have been issued a newer Chromebook for Room 9 to use for the online DPK. The Chromebooks that they have are now too old to be updated. If you have one that you are not using please see Melodi, Jessica or Machelle.

What is the iTCM project happening in DPKs this year?

You may remember filling out a survey last year on your interest in participating in a coaching project through the University of Washington. The Integrated Tiered Coaching Model (iTCM) is a project under Dr. Kathleen Artman Meeker. Our point person is Beth Kelly. An introductory video on the iTCM for teachers is now available online. I've attached a link that you can share with teachers below.

https://uweducation.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e9f65GdJ8nJIY4u

The UW team has been conducting training with coaches both from AECC and WWC. The DPK coaches are Beth Younger (WWC), Erica Basile and Mai Smith (AECC). Please let me know what questions you have or how I can support you with sharing this information with teachers that receive coaching at AECC & Woodway. If you are unsure how you answered the questionnaire last year on getting coached you can review, edit or submit a response here:

https://forms.gle/K694ahTXHPsrgLRu6

-----Process Updates-----

Keep gate latches and clips on during school hours

Remember that as we teach students about boundaries and safety, there are students who need extra environmental arrangements to keep them safe, such as a gate. Please remember to shut the latch on the gate, and clip the extra mechanism on all gates during student hours, 8:30-3pm. I know it is sometimes tough to get that done if you have a handful or a child with challenging behavior, so when your class enters the play areas, remember to check latches and clips to make sure they are secured. Also remember to leave space in front of gates for them to open when congregating at the front for arrival and departure.

-----Action Items-----

Keep our laminators running smoothly

The laminators in both buildings have jammed several times this year alone. Whether you have been using the laminators for 1 month, or many years please read and adhere to the following guidelines

1 - Always pay attention to the machine; do not walk away to attend to other tasks

2 - Make sure that binder clips are attached.

3 - Always run slowly, turn speed to 1 or 2.

4 - Check that the film is coming out of the back.

5 - Stop the machine when inserting new items, Don't add things while it is running.

6 - Don't use the cutters on the back. USE scissors leaving a little extra laminate hanging out of the machine.

7 - Shut down immediately if you are having any problems and get help from the office or a neighboring classroom

Laminators are essential in the ECSE classroom. Jamming the machine is costly not just in materials but also time, maintenance and the life of the machine. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

10/11/2021

-----Information-----

New Health Para to begin Oct. 15th

Welcome new AECC staff member, Donna Morin, who will step into the role of health assistant paraprofessional. Donna will be in charge of replenishing PPE, assisting in contact tracing, and staffing the health and containment rooms. Donna is a long-time sub, both in para and certificated positions, and she holds many years of experience in preschools.

-----Process Updates-----

-----Action Items-----

NWESD Early Learning Community of Practice

We know you’re busy, but don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect with colleagues, there’s still space available!

Early Learning Community of Practice!

• October 13 | Zoom | 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• October 26 | Zoom | 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• November 10 | Zoom | 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• November 23 | Zoom | 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Register now >> https://www.pdenroller.org/nwesd/catalog/136535

Contacts: Kristine Juhl, Sarah Southard, & Raewyn Allen

Transitional Kindergarten Think Tank Meeting:

• Early Learning Coordinators around the state have been asked by districts to create space for sharing ideas, networking, and asking questions about Transitional Kindergarten.

• While ESD Coordinators will be present to facilitate conversation and take notes for the benefit of the group, this is a participant-driven meeting.

• All districts with an interest in Transitional Kindergarten planning and implementation are welcome and encouraged to come together for the Transitional Kindergarten Think Tank Meeting.

• More information can be found at: https://www.pdenroller.org/catalog/event/136913

10/4/2021

-----Information-----

New P-3 Early Learning Community of Practice This Fall!

NWESD 189 is excited to announce a new opportunity for early care and learning professionals serving in preschool through third grade to engage with one another in an Early Learning Community of Practice this fall. Rae Allen and Sarah Southard are creating a virtual space for connection and collaboration where you can bring your current problems of practice to your community and share ideas and resources with one another. The opportunity will offer both clock hours and STARS hours. More information can be found at:

https://www.nwesd.org/news/early-learning-community-of-practice/

-----Process Updates-----

Gym cleaning

On Thursday a sign was posted on the "ball gym" door saying "STOP; Space is in use/In Need of Cleaning". If there is a contamination (e.g. vomit or other bodily fluid) please notify the office who will page the custodian to clean and disinfect the area. The signs are holdover from when we were using those spaces and alternative Zoom office locations. The gross motor materials do not need to be cleaned between uses. Any items that are soiled (e.g. a student licks should be cleaned by classroom staff; if there is a contamination i.e. vomit or other bodily fluid please notify the office)

-----Action Items-----

Custodial Services Cleaning Desks Nightly: Keep them clear

This week we started a new process of cleaning student desk tops. Due to time considerations we are requesting that all student desks be cleared of all materials at the end of each day in preparation for cleaning. If the student desks are not clear they will be skipped on that night's cleaning schedule.

To accomplish this task all non-essential vacuuming will be discontinued. Daily vacuuming of kindergarten rooms and other special needs spaces will continue. All other vacuuming will occur once per week, as it can be scheduled (possibly on weekends).

This is a large undertaking for custodial services. We appreciate your support and cooperation. Extra custodial time and work shift adjustments are needed to complete this task. The level of service provided will look different moving forward. Custodial support for non-cleaning or building operational duties will have to be vetted and addressed on a priority basis.

9/27/2021

Welcome ECEAP

We are so excited to welcome our new friends in ECEAP AECC this week. As a reminder:

• ECEAP is Monday-Thursday, 8:30-11:15AM and 12:15-3:00

• Parents should pull into the parent parking lot at the top of the driveway when pulling into lot on 199th Pl SW. There is very limited parking when entering through 200th SW.

• NOTE TO ALL: Please dissuade parents from walking across the bus loading area during bus arrival and departure time; it is quite crowded when students are exiting busses

A very special thanks to...

...Anna Olson and Josephine Anis (ECEAP Paras, room 1) who helped with arrival and departure all week: directing traffic, walking students to classes and otherwise being welcoming, smiling faces for students during the first week.

...Machelle Hoffman, (DPK Para, room 9) who took on a job for the ECEAP classroom and completed a tricky project on her own time. It turned out amazing and our team is so grateful for her support.

If you have a very special thanks to say and would like that person's deeds or accomplishments acknowledged in the bulletin, please send a note to Dr. Keller.

-----Information-----

Staffing updates

Teacher Colleen, room 10, will be taking health care leave to spend time and care for family. She has familiar faces Donna and Deirdre subbing for her during her leave: Oct. 4 to oct. 29

A candidate has interviewed and been offered the position of Health Assistant Paraprofessional at the point that this was written, they have not accepted

Face Mask Usage

Surgical masks should be the lowest level of Mask/PPE for work in the classroom, and are acceptable when not working in close proximity (within 3 feet) of students. N95s should be worn when in close contact with students or in the case where fluids may be present (e.g. diaper-changing).

Mask wearing is not a exact science and which mask to use for which task will depend on the students in the class, personal comfort, and the larger situation (e.g. Are you outside?; Are the students proficient mask wearers? ; etc...). In general: Err on the side of more protective mask (i.e. N95) when in doubt

Continue to ask questions of your colleagues, our nurse and administrator.

ONLINE OPTION TO VERIFY VACCINATION STATUS

Staff who are not able to verify their vaccination status at their school or worksite location can send a copy of their vaccination documentation to this email address: vaccineverification@edmonds.wednet.edu

Tech Support and Chromebook Distribution for New Students

Hotspot Request Form is available to Admins so request through West, or other supervisor.

For students in quarantine and needing a Chromebook:

• Have the family call our 425-431-1211 line

• Our Tech will set them up with the Amazon Lockers (at the back of the ESC)

• We will then send a code to the family for contactless pickup

Who’s My Tech?

Who was that nice person who just changed the projector bulb and helped you display from your doc cam? Who do you call with questions about how to work with educational software and tools like Seesaw? Who can help with Chromebooks?

Technology Department Field Techs provide on-site technical support. If hardware is malfunctioning or you can’t access software that you need, your field tech can help.

Para Techs are available to help specifically with student Chromebooks. (Field techs handle employee Chromebook issues.)

If you need help understanding and effectively integrating technology into your teaching practice, your Instructional Technology Coach will assist you.

If you need assistance from your field tech or Chromebook Para Tech, please open a ticket in the Help Desk system (http://helpdesk.edmonds.wednet.edu/). You may phone or email your LIT Coach directly.

Field Tech (i.e. Staff support for docking stations,)

Richard DeBardi

Para Tech (i.e. student/family support, Chromebooks, hotspots

Tanner Berndahl

Instructional Technology Coach

ext7287 Brian Fulmer

Assistive Technology Coach

[hiring para tech now] for now can contact Heidi Brislin x1933

-----Process Updates-----

Health Care Plan Updates

This is a repeat of information from an email sent by Nurse Julie Keating.

Astrid has very nicely set up a new emergency phone number that rings to the health para, Diana, Astrid, West and Nurse Julie. This new extension is:

x4966 Please cross out x4901 on all of your printed health plans and replace it with this number

As for the medication storage:

Apologies for any confusion regarding the medications this year. I was trying to transition us slowly to this system. Legally, for students to carry medication, a doctor must sign off. Doctor's will not do this unless they are comfortable with the student being able to self administer medication. With their age and developmental level, almost none of our students should be self carrying their meds. This is why we moved from ziplock bags, to childproof bags, and now locked in the office. Additionally, we had controlled medications that are required to be locked up in student backpacks. This puts my license at risk.

The medications are now locked in a file cabinet in my office. Each student has a file in the cabinet that holds a bag with their medication. It is alphabetized by last name. Whoever receives the call from x4966 can quickly unlock the cabinet, grab the medication, and run to the classroom.

-----Action Items-----

PASS Teacher posting is now live!

1.0 FTE Preschool Special Education Teacher position JobID #1663 is open and will close at 11 PM on 10/04/2021. If you know any newly certificated or other teachers with experience providing intensive supports to young students please share this posting wide and far!

https://www.applitrack.com/edmonds/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Certificated+Teacher+-+Elem.&AppliTrackJobId=1663&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1

9/20/2021

Welcome Back Developmental Preschool

We are so excited to welcome DPK students back to campus this week. As a reminder:

• DPK is Monday-Thursday, 8:45-11:15AM and 12:15-2:45

• Parents should pull into the parent parking lot at the top of the driveway when pulling into lot on 199th Pl SW. There is limited parking when entering through 200th SW. Parents and staff should not pull through the bus loading area during bus arrival and departure time

Staff Changes

Office Assistant, Diana Jackson, will be taking a health leave of absence beginning September 24th, and Ending December 17th. Kathy Kriner has agreed to be the substitute during that time. We all wish a speedy and restful recovery to beloved Diana and look forward to seeing her in the New Year with her new fully functioning bionic foot ;)

Health Assistant Para, Caitlin Schafte, has accepted a role as instructional assistant in Greenwood Elementary in the Seattle Schools. Her last day will be Sept. 21st. She is very sorry to be leaving so soon, and regrets the timing but she has made a big impact in the short time with AECC, and we are happy for the classroom and Greenwood Community who will receive her.

Para attendance at Staff Meetings

As staff meetings occur outside of para work times they are not obligated to come para representatives are welcome to join staff meetings and can use enhancement hours to cover that time. Paras should contact and discuss with their building representative and AECC Admin about creating a schedule representative voluntary attendance and representation at staff meetings. Staff meeting notes are available to all staff at any time.

9/13/2021

-----Information-----

Hand Hygiene

Handwashing is now more important than ever but it is easy to fall into complacency. There are so many videos at your fingertips. I find this one from the Canadian Government to be short, engaging and showing good practice. Use mixed modalities to teach handwashing, using picture or video visuals, modeling, practice and anything you can think of to encourage and affirm good handwashing technique. Remember to wash hands upon entering or reentering the classroom, before snacks, and before and after messy activities. Hand sanitizer is a good option when in a pinch.

Handwashing is a complex routine, and doing it right takes practice so remember to use the different teaching tools in your toolbox.

• Check out the PD section for information about ongoing professional development offered through the Special Education Technology Center.

-----Process Updates-----

New Para Roles

You might have noticed that Sarah Bressler is working in the office more often. In addition to her work as a paraprofessional, Sarah has worked in the role of family intake specialist for our families and children transitioning from the Birth to 3, or ESIT systems (B-3, Early Support for Infants and Toddlers, or Part C of IDEA). In keeping with that work, her role has been expanded to include parent engagement and support while we onboard the new online registration and enrollment system. This role will likely change over the course of this year as circumstances related to the online registration and the COVID-19 virus evolve. If you have questions about this change, or are interested in supporting AECC families in additional roles, please talk to West.

Creative Curriculum Training (DPK)

Training for Pilot classroom will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 14th. Training will include only pilot classroom teachers at this time due to teacher request and information provided from Creative Curriculum trainer. Training and materials for all AECC teachers and necessary staff will be formulated based on student and focus group data at the conclusion of the pilot period of 2-3 months.

-----Action Items-----

Preparing for Preschool: Family information Zoom! Help spread the word

In order to welcome our new families and continuing families back, West will host an information Zoom for all AECC families. Spanish interpretation is currently scheduled. If you have families with interpretation needs in additional languages, please communicate those to Astrid ASAP.

Please include the following text from all-school newsletter in classroom communications:

Do you have questions about preschool at AECC this year? Join Principal West Keller on Thursday September 16th, from 6:00 PM to 7:00PM for a short presentation, followed by Q&A about all things AECC.

Topics covered:

• NEW COVID-19 Health and Safety procedures for students, families and staff

• “Who we are!”: Community and identity at a changing AECC

• Assessment and Curriculum

• Family questions

Zoom Meeting info

https://edmondsschools.zoom.us/j/84991654283?pwd=enIreks1UTYvakQ0cE95RmI3dGRldz09

Meeting ID: 849 9165 4283

Passcode: 231774

One tap mobile

+12532158782,,84991654283#,,,,*231774# US

9/7/2021

Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year at AECC!

-----Information-----

Quarantine and Learning Expectations

(This information is repetition from HR communication: email from Debby Carter

• There may be situations where the health department may order entire classrooms to quarantine if there is an outbreak. If that occurs, we need to be prepared to pivot from in-person to remote learning for those classrooms. In this instance, teachers will teach via Zoom, and students will access Zoom links and materials much like they did last year through a learning management system. To address this need, we are asking all teachers to have classroom learning management system pages ready to be accessed by students if and when a move to remote learning is required. The district time on Thursday will include an hour of LMS time for key reminders, updates and expectations related to your LMS setup. Templates are available and we have provided quick setup guide links below. There is not an expectation that teachers will use the LMS unless we need to make the move to remote instruction. If you have any questions or need support in setting up or updating your LMS, please contact your instructional tech coach.

• If the whole system moves back to remote learning, the District and EEA will provide information on next steps and minimum requirements for instruction and LMS use.

-----Process Updates-----

-----Action Items-----

Preparing for Preschool: AECC 21-22 Family Information Zoom

Please include information in any classroom communications,

Summer Special Edition

**the following is a repetition from summer email bulletins

8/19/2021

ECEAP Sessions at AECC

AM Session: 8:30am-11:15

PM Session: 12:15-3pm

ECEAP Para hours 8:15-3:15

2021-2022 Student Services Leadership Site Support

Student services has undergone a ambitious redesign in the past year. Some of you may know that our former Assistant Superintendent Dana Geaslen was the director for AECC last year. This year Director of Student Services, Jo Callaghan will be at that director level. Jo obviously has many connections to AECC as the supervisor of all staff in itinerant support services department (ISSD) being PT/OTs, SLPs, school psychs and more.

Care Solace: mental health support for families and staff

The truth is we're all suffering from learning loss!

That's why Care Solace could not be more excited to announce the launch of our new Care Loop Help Center, full of short how-to videos and tips and tricks to get the most out of our services. It's a perfect time to refresh and sharpen your Warm Handoff skills after summer break.

if you don't have an account click on "logging on for the first time" and use your Edmonds Schools email address to set password.

8/12/2021

PPE: N95 fitting for all AECC staff

Being fitted for an N95 mask is required for any staff in "close contact" with students (i.e. within 3 feet for any considerable time/15 minutes). It is safe to say that that encompasses 100% of all AECC teachers and paras. Any staff who have already been fitted DO NOT need to be fitted again. I have submitted the names of all developmental preschool teachers and paras who were in full remote last year. Victoria Alunni in HR will contact you about the fitting procedure. Here are some things to note:

• If you are a "fitting fail" for an N95, the KN95 is an acceptable alternative, the main difference being that KN95s do not protect against liquids. In the case you may come into contact with fluids (e.g. diapering or spitting), wear a plastic face shield.

• Any questions can likely be answered by keyword search [Ctrl + f] of the ESD COVID-19 Plan 21-22.

Classroom Team Assignments for OT PT SLP & Paras: AECC 21-22

Staffing Updates

Roxane Barber has accepted the position at AECC to continue teaching in her class, Room 7. I am so happy that Roxane will be able to continue her work and maintain relationships with several families and staff members.

Hyun Chung is the 3rd and last para that will be reassigned to Woodway Center campus.

Terri MacFarlane-Shreve has elected to retire this year in order to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She was a district para for coming up on 30 years and she will be dearly missed in this community. Terri had this to say about her decision to retire:

"This has been a difficult decision as I have loved working at AECC. I have seen so many children benefit from our program in the last 26 years and the people who work at our school are all amazing."

Sincerely,

Terri Macfarlane-Shreve

Administrator Schedule

West will be on vacation the week of Aug. 23-27th, and working remotely with limited access to email from Aug. 16th-20. I will be back on campus starting Aug. 30. If you have a pressing concern, I will be checking email periodically but may not be able to reply within 24 hours. If you have an urgent matter please contact Astrid who will know how to reach me.

Developmental Preschool Remote Learning

An option for remote students would be to have one teacher, have an "AM remote" session and "PM in-person" session. However with the Delta Variant the number of remote requests will likely go up and might necessitate an "AM/PM remote" or two teachers sharing (e.g. AM remote/PM in-person and AM in-person/PM remote). I've talked about this option with some teachers. If you are interested in the possibility of teaching remotely let me know. I am currently checking Dana and Andi about the contractual implications for pre-K remote services.

Foundation for Edmonds School District

ESD educators may apply for grants online. Due to COVID-19, the grant application deadline has been extended to October 29th, 2021. I have worked with 6 staff members who have submitted grant applications and they have all been approved. Please contact West if you have a project in mind and are ready for some funding.

Early Learning Fellows

EL Fellows is an exciting opportunity to engage in some high order thinking around topics in early childhood with peers from AECC, ESD and in other districts and systems. West will be joining the fellows this year as well as district co-facilitator. If you are interested in what EL Fellows looks like from the teacher perspective, chat with either Erica Basile or Mai Smith.

NWESD is still accepting applications for Early Learning Fellows! Although the OSPI website indicates a June 30^th deadline, we’re accepting applications through September 15^th so it’s not too late to apply. Here is more information about the opportunity and everything that you’ll need to apply.

Jump Start support

If you are interested in providing consultation, or modeling effective interventions for students for students with challenging behaviors, please contact Darcy. There is a webpage on the district site that lists each building’s Jump Start week.

At times, schools need support with behavior challenges during Jump Start. This year, we encourage buildings to use their building’s resources to support students before requesting additional support. If this support is not enough, we can provide consultation and modeling of interventions for students with challenging behaviors. This support is not intended to be one to one support for students. If you find you need additional support during Jump Start, please contact me @ 425-770-1375 or Rob Baumgartner @ 425-431-7350 so we can determine the appropriate support and deploy the appropriate resources to you.

8/6/2021

Welcome New ECEAP staff to the AECC Family

I am very happy to welcome the ECEAP staff joining the AECC learning family in the 2021-22 school year. There are some new and familiar faces alike. Please take the time to say "Hello!" and make them feel welcome, via email, or at the beginning of next year.

Teachers:

Bonnie Light (Room 1)

Holly Mesta (Room 14; see message from Holly below)

Family Support Specialists:

Tiffany Brown

Angelica Hernandez

Early Learning Specialist: Nhi Tuyet Pham

Paras:

Haydy Ebed (Room 14)

Jennifer Sjodin (14)

Teva Sakima

Josephine Anis

Lizbeth Kubilius, itinerant pre-k teacher, to move to Woodway Center

Lizbeth has requested that her main office space be located at Woodway Center. After much deliberation regarding space and goodness-of-fit, both Darcy and I endorse the move. Lizbeth will still, of course, provide services to the Parents Coop and ECEAP classrooms at AECC but her main office space will be at Woodway Center for 2021-22. Again, this was at her request; Darcy and I fully support the decision and think that it will be an exciting opportunity for her to participate in building a new early learning community. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Lizbeth directly.

Other leaves, departures and new team members

Katie Gjonaj will be moving to Woodway Center. Teacher Beth will be joined by new hire Jade Mitchell, who will also be completing her student teaching in her last year in the UW ECSE program

Chelsea Hoffman has requested medical leave for her cancer treatments. The Sunshine Committee will be planning some supportive acts where you can show your support for Chelsea, Machelle and their family.

Roxane Barber has accepted the position to continue teaching in her class, Room 7. I am so happy that Roxane will be able to continue her work and maintain relationships with several families and staff members.

Tentative* Schedule for 2021-2022

As you maybe have seen in the MOU approved by the School board, instructional time will remain the same for AECC, that is 2.5 hour sessions, and will mimic the start/end times of the 2019-2020 school year:

AM Session: 8:45-11:15am *

PM Session: 12:15- 2:45pm*

Developmental Preschool classes will begin on Monday, September 20th in order for The Creative Curriculum for Preschool training to occur the week before

ECEAP will begin on Sept. 27th.

Para Schedule change and start date

The first day of work for paraprofessionals will be Tuesday, September 7th, 2021.

Para schedules will be lengthened to include prep/clean-up time before and after sessions:

Start- 8:30-11:30am* (Lunch)

PM: 12-3*pm

Total 6* hours

Note: Para times are approximate and can be adjusted individually as long as classroom supports are met, to meet individual needs, i.e. childcare, other employment etc...; must also include 10 minute rest/break period)

*Tentative: These are the current times given conditions; may be subject to change.

Masks are Back (please bookmark and be familiar with the COVID Handbook)

All employees, students, and building visitors shall properly wear a mask that covers the chin, mouth, and nose, while at any district facility, in any district vehicles or attending any indoor district event. For staff, masks must be worn AT ALL TIMES by every individual not working alone. Someone is considered to be working alone when they’re isolated from interaction with other people and have little or no expectation of in-person interruption. How often an employee is able to work alone throughout the day may vary.

Per the WA Dept. of Labor & Industries, examples of working alone include:

• A lone employee inside a vehicle.

• A person by themselves inside an office or classroom with 4 walls and a door.

• A lone employee inside of a cubicle with 4 walls (one with an opening for an entryway) that are high enough to block the breathing zone of anyone walking by (generally understood to be at least 6 feet high), and whose work activity will not require anyone to come inside of the cubicle.

Even if an employee is in an area listed above, they must put on a mask and maintain reasonable social distancing if another person enters that area at the same time. Also, when an employee leaves their office, classroom, or cubicle, they need to put their mask on. This includes when walking in hallways or within other common areas as libraries, gyms, cafeterias, and staff lounges (other than when eating or drinking).

On the plus side, the daily attestations are gone and no longer a requirement. If you need to enter the building this summer you may let me know but it is not necessary as long as you wear a mask

Pyramid/MTSS training through NWESD

Tim Andrews will be teaching an Early Childhood Pyramid Model Tier 1 & Tier 2 Inclusionary Practices for the NWESD. This class is an excellent opportunity for PreK teams to come together and strengthen their teaching practices in the areas of inclusion, multi-tiered systems of support, embedded instruction, student engagement and social emotional support for our youngest learners. The class will be over zoom from 4 to 6 PM on Wednesday evenings for the month of October. We will come back together in January for two classes that will focus on coaching support, questions, and reflections from our October learning. It will be an excellent opportunity to put learning into practice!

The pdEnoller link is: https://www.pdenroller.org/nwesd/catalog/event/116602