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FROM THE PRINCIPAL
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
SHIFT TO REMOTE LEARNING
SHIFT TO REMOTE LEARNING
As you know, the next 3 weeks will be a shift to remote learning for our K-5th grades. We've worked hard to make this transition as smooth as possible for families, and we are thrilled we had the gift of time to plan and send things home with students. Please refer to this letter I sent on November 10 regarding the Moving to Remote learning expectations. Day 1 referred to in this letter was Friday, November 20, a planning day for teachers. Tomorrow, Monday, November 30th, starts Day 2 and beyond, through Friday, December 18th.
In order to make your day easier if you have students in multiple grades, we were committed to developing plans that were consistent across K-5. All grades start their morning class meeting at 9:15, and move through the contents Reading, Writing, and Math in that order. AMP times are scheduled for every grade at certain 30 minute daily blocks. Mondays and Wednesdays will be AMP synchronous Zoom meetings with your AMP teacher, and Tuesdays and Thursdays will be time to complete AMP assignments asynchronously, or work on other things. All grades will have lunch at the same time, 11:30-12:15, so you can hopefully take a break as a family. All grades will end their day with a class meeting at 1:30, and finally teachers will have office hours from 2:00-2:30 where you or students may reach out for support.
Teachers will send their WAAG (Week at a Glance document) by 4pm each Friday. You should have already received the one for this week. In addition, each Friday will be an asynchronous learning day to allow for teacher planning and professional development. Teachers have created similar documents for the tasks expected to be completed on these days and you should already have access to this Friday's, Dec. 4th.
We recognize that these next few weeks will be challenging for so many who struggle with the difficulties related to remote learning, and we encourage you to stay connected with us and to the fun things we have planned. Please reach out to the so many of us who are here to help and support:
Instructional Support: Jamie Kelly, Instructional Support
Tech Support: Lisa Pepper, Digital Teacher Librarian
Office Support: Leah Lefevre, Attendance Secretary
Financial Support: Margarita Russell, Financial Secretary
Mental Health Support: Jennifer Magri, Social Worker
or Katie Weaver, Social Emotional Learning Specialist
All of the above or anything else: Martha Shehan, Principal
REGISTRATION:
REGISTRATION:
Registration for the 2021-2022 school year begins this month. There's more information on the "From the School & Office" page of this newsletter. Please be sure you are aware of procedures and deadlines.
Whether you are new to Leawood, or plan to return, all current and new families MUST go through this Jeffco Enroll process to indicate your intentions for the 2021-22 school year.
We will be holding an interest night on Tuesday, December 8th for any incoming preschool or Kindergarten Families. Please RSVP by completing this form: 2021-22 New Families Interest Night
Things to Know:
1. The Round 1 enrollment window opens December 8th and will close January 15th. Choice enrollment offers will be sent to families around January 26th.
2. At this time, you are only choosing your school, NOT a learning environment for next year.
3. Families will not choose their learning environment (Remote, Hybrid, In Person) until closer to the start of school for 2021-22.
School Finder has been updated and communication will be sent to families about beginning their enrollment plans in this week's Community Update.
MODIFIED ATTENDANCE DAY FOR TESTING:
MODIFIED ATTENDANCE DAY FOR TESTING:
As another modified contact day is upon us, I wanted to take a moment to tell you about the purpose of these days. Jefferson County Schools allow for 4 modified contact days each school year giving teachers additional time and attention for assessing individual students. Leawood schedules two of these days in August to assess where students come into their learning at the start of the school year. We chose to do the other days one in December and one in May.
This Friday, December 4th, PreK-3rd grade students will follow the asynchronous learning day schedule that your teacher provided you on their Week at a Glance. Students who are asked to sign up for a testing time will also have time to complete their asynchronous tasks. If you have not been contacted to signup for a time, your student is not needed to assess this day. You should have already received more information and the signup coming from your child's teacher. If not, reach out directly to your teacher with any questions. Thank you for allowing us this time getting to know more about the learning of your student.
Teachers will be assessing reading levels or administering district assessments such as DIBELS and MAP or other assessments that they deem pertinent to guide the instruction for your child. Unfortunately, the MAP testing window is not yet open on December 4th, so K-3 students will take the MAP testing in January. Our 4th and 5th grade teachers will be moving their assessment day to the following Friday, December 11th, and Friday December 18th will be MAP for 3rd grade. Look for more information from your classroom teacher coming soon.
As we enter the holiday season, I would like to take a moment to say thank you. I am constantly amazed by what our community can do when we work together to support our children.
Thank you to our teachers and paraprofessionals for your dedication and honest love of children and this profession. Thank you to our support staff (cafeteria, office, and custodial staff) for the way you care for our kids and all you do to keep our school running smoothly. Thank you to our students for bringing your joy and love of learning with you every day. Thank you to our musicians and artists for sharing their gifts with us – the band and orchestra with Mr Whaylen, the love of music and performance with Mrs Turner, the art appreciation and love of creativity with Mrs Wheeler, and the love of movement and sportmanship with Mr Gonzales. Thank you for our healthy schools attitude and our staff and families committed to our new Garden and Wellness Initiatives. Thank you to our PTSA and volunteers for your boundless positive energy and “can-do” spirit. Thank you to our parents for instilling the value of a good education and entrusting your children to us. Thank you to our Jeffco community for trusting that our children are our greatest asset, and that we must invest our time, energy and resources for their future!
On behalf of the staff, we wish all of our Leawood Family a very restful, peaceful and joy filled holiday season. Try to find some time to spend with family and friends doing those simple and special activities that make memories. Baking, sledding, crafts, building a snowman, and reading seasonal stories are all moments that we hold dear to our hearts as we grow. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Joyous Kwanzaa to all of our families.
Be sure to check the bottom of this page for the many upcoming December events. For lots more information, be sure to check out our website at www.leawoodlions.us and like us on Facebook HERE
We sure hope to finally see you face to face in 2021!!! Stay warm and safe and be well!
Fondly,
Mrs. Martha Shehan
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 18th. Remote learning days for Kdg-5th grades.
Friday, December 4th: Assessment Day for Testing PreK-3
Saturady, December 5th: Holiday Workshop "Join us" in spirit to complete your workshop crafts! Video directions can be found here: Leawood Holiday Crafts
Tuesday, December 8th, 6:30-8pm: Incoming Preschool and Kindergarten Virtual Parent Night. This is for new, incoming Preschool and Kindergarten parents to find out more about Leawood's programs and the registration process for 2021-22. Please RSVP by completing this form: New Families Interest Night
Thursday, December 10th, Leawood Community Night at Bandimere Speedway, 5:30-10pm. Check out the From the PTSA page in this newsletter for more information and how to order tickets.
Friday, December 11: In-person MAP Assessment for 4th and 5th grades
Friday, December 18: In-person MAP Assessment for 3rd grade
Monday and Tuesday, December 21 and 22, Teacher Learning Days. Students will engage in asynchronous learning tasks on these days.
Winter Break: December 21st - January 5th
Wednesday, January 6th - Students Return
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