Issue #12 March 19, 2021
A Message From Dr. Maxey
With each tic of the clock, we are closer to reopening our schools. April is right around the corner and I know that there are many teachers, students, staff, and administrators that are anxiously anticipating a return to a brick and mortar school environment.
In this issue we will be sharing the Return to Campus Family Guide, the Program Selection Form, strategies on transitioning back to school and so much more. We will highlight one of our stellar schools in the Reseda CoS, Lemay Elementary! Of course, no issue of Reseda CoS newsletter would be complete without talking about the amazing work of our special educators. For this issue we will be spotlighting Ms. Julie Brown, a Speech and Language Pathologist.
As always, the guideposts for our work will be to keep students, teachers, and staff safe. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to reopen schools.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
Lemay Elementary
Principal Long Nguyen
Principal Long Nguyen, teachers, paraprofessionals and families at Lemay Street Elementary are laying the learning foundations integral for student academic success.
Students are taught the importance of social relationships to build strong community ties, and develop moral and ethical awareness as 21st Century global citizens.
Lemay is Full STE2AM Ahead, with Science, Technology, Engineering/English,
Arts and Math. Click on the link below and join the 4th and 5tf graders as they begin a new exciting era of collaborative teaching to design innovative approaches to learning at The STE2AM Academy.
Lemay STEAM Team (1).mp4Lemay Banner.pdfLemay Brochure (1).pdf
EL Updates - Title III Coaches
National Women's History Museum
The National Women’s History Museum honors Vice President Kamala Harris changing the narrative of our nation and for all the changes to come as more glass ceilings are broken.
Women have played a key role in NASA operations since 1922. They have played important roles such as mathematicians, astronauts, engineers and supervisors. Their roles helped land a man on the moon. Click on the link to learn more about the amazing work they have accomplished and what they continue to contribute to NASA and the world.
I am From Poem Explore where you come from by filling in the blanks to create your own unique and beautiful “I am From” poem.
Parents, please refer to these prompt and response starters to engage in meaningful conversations summarizing or reflecting on the readings. https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/13108#spn-content
Source: Multilingual and Multicultural Education Department, LAUSD
poem.newsletter 3.19.21.pdfSystems of Support
Stacy Lieberman
As we plan to go back to school, many of us are feeling strong emotions. The uncertainty of what to expect can cause anxiety and discomfort. It is going to take resilience to navigate the uncertainty. A key factor in resilience is the ability to be calm. One way to cultivate the feeling of calm is through Mindfulness. Mindfulness is about learning to train your attention to the present moment without dwelling on what has happened in the past or worrying about the future. The benefits of Mindfulness include: Relieves anxiety, reduces stress, and enhances attention, mood, and memory. A great way to practice Mindfulness is to stop, check in with yourself, and ask yourself, “How am I feeling?” If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious, are you thinking about the past or worrying about the future? Take some deep breaths and gently bring your attention back to the present moment.
We can teach our children to do this as well. Talk to your child about how he/she is feeling. Reassure him/her that everything is okay. We can also help our children raise their resilience by giving them strategies to be calm. Here are a few breathing techniques that you can use with your children.
Smell the Flower and Blow Out the Candle - Have your child pretend that he/she has a flower in one hand and a candle in the other. The first step is smelling the flower, taking a deep breath in through the nose, and filling the lungs with air. Next, have your child exhale and blow out the candle in the other hand.
2. Deep Belly Breathing - Have your child place one hand on their belly and one hand on their chest. Let them take a deep breath in for four counts and then exhale slowly (through their nose) for four counts. Remind them to pay attention to the rise and fall of their chest and belly as they complete the exercise.
3. Square Breathing - Have your child draw a pretend square in the air. As he/she draws the first side, breathe in for a count of four, then draw the second side and hold for a count of four. Draw the third side and breathe in for a count of four, and then draw the last side and hold for a count of four.
SPOTLIGHT ON SPECIAL EDUCATION
Meet Ms. Julie Brown, Speech-Language Pathologist. She began her career in education in 1999 as a secondary English teacher. Ms. Brown joined LAUSD in 2016 and is currently the Speech-Language Pathologist for the Academy for Enriched Sciences (AES) and Vista Middle School in the NE. This is her 5th year at AES, and that continuity has allowed her to collaborate with teachers and parents to help students develop their language and communication skills. The Reseda COS Sped Team had an opportunity to see her in action virtually last week and were excited to see her great energy and remarkable interactions with AES students as she worked on vocabulary development, sequencing and social language. Reseda COS is fortunate to have Ms. Brown encouraging her students to meet their fullest potential.
SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
The California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) is a cross agency network developed to support the understanding and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) across the state of California. This website includes links to free online positive behavior support training modules designed for parents.
Instructional Updates
Renee Cofield, Instructional Coordinator
Reopening School
The purpose of this questionnaire is to let Los Angeles Unified know how your child will participate in instruction when schools reopen. All families will need to complete this Program Selection Form by March 19 so that we can adequately prepare to provide an instructional program that meets your child’s needs. Please note that if no response is received for your child, the default will be for your child to continue learning online. You will also have the option to change how your child will participate in instruction every two weeks after schools reopen by contacting your school.
For more information, including on the health practices and protocols in place at our schools, please review the Return to Campus Family Guide here.
Return to Campus Family Guide
Los Angeles Unified has released its Return to Campus Family Guide, which includes information on health and safety preparations at schools, COVID-19 testing for students and staff, COVID safety protocols and detailed instructional schedules.
familyguide3.19.21.pdffamily guide_spanish3.19.21.pdfParent and Community Engagement
By: Morena Camp, Parent Educator Coach
Local District Northwest Parent Page: LDNW Parent Website
Schoology Group for Parents: https://bit.ly/2JqMzcW
Steps to Joining LDNW Parent Schoology Page: http://bit.ly/LDNWSchoologySteps1
2021
Transitioning Back to School Tips for Elementary Grades
Please join us on Tuesday, March 23, 2021@ 10:00 a.m. Parents, join us to learn how to plan for in-person classes, what actions to take and points to consider.
Link to Flyer: http://bit.ly/2P00Sbg
Zoom Link: http://bit.ly/Back-to-School-ES
Meeting ID: 813 4560 0378
Passcode: 386725
How To Help Your Child Cope With The Transitioning Back-to-School
Please join us on Thursday, March 25, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. Every year parents are tasked with managing back-to-school transitions. This time it is DIFFERENT. Join us to learn how to support your child transition back-to-school.
Link to Flyer: http://bit.ly/3rYN2UW
Zoom Link: http://bit.ly/Back-to-School-MS
Meeting ID: 813 4560 0378
Passcode: 386725
LA County Offering Laptop and Hotspot Loans
Do you know anyone without internet access or a computer at home who would benefit from borrowing them—to apply for jobs, access homeschooling resources, or simply stay connected to information? You can now check out a kit with a Chromebook and wireless hotspot to access the internet (plus chargers) inside a handy carrying case, from any of our 79 Sidewalk Service locations.
Please visit https://lacountylibrary.org/laptop/ for more information.
Los Angeles Public Library Resource:
Families Read Together Workshops
These workshops are for adults who are working to increase English literacy skills and who are also caregivers of children aged 0-8. The workshops develop literacy skills for both children and adults, and we have a lot of fun doing it. Participants receive books and materials to help them work through the workshop topics and build their personal libraries. English workshops are Saturdays, 10:00-11:15 am, 2/27-3/20. Spanish workshops are Saturdays, 2:00-3:15 pm, 2/27-3/20 with the
Culminating Celebration on Saturday, 4/10
Additional Library Resources for March 2021:
· Job Skills Workshop for Teens: March 24 at 3:00 p.m. Email teens@lapl.org to join
· Learn to Play the Guitar from Home: Tuesdays 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
· Book Bonanza for Women’s History Month: Join Mondays in March at 4:00 p.m.
The LA Dodgers - Celebrating Women's History Month
Event Name: “Careers in Technology & Finance”
Date & Time: Tuesday, 3/23 | 12pm – 1pm
Description: Dodgers present: “Careers in Technology & Finance” - In celebration of Women's History Month, the Dodgers invite students to participate in a Zoom Career Panel featuring front office leaders from the team’s Information Technology and Finance departments. Panelists will share their personal stories and journeys in the world of sports, focusing on their professional roles within the Dodger organization.
Registration Link: https://ladodgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jrpN-hJ4Qrmr5QTNe1KGHg
Event Name: “Latinas in Baseball: Past & Present”
Date & Time: Thursday, 3/25 | 12pm – 1pm
Description: In Celebration of Women's History Month, the Dodgers and SOMOS LA invite you to a celebration of Latinas in Baseball! Hear from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service as we pay tribute to Latinas who were instrumental in establishing baseball as America's pastime. Latina Dodger employees will also join to share their personal and professional journeys.
Registration Link: https://ladodgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4s7mTXJcQGaY6_l-FLs1uw
Multiple Dates
Please register or call for more information
Register via email literacy@lapl.org
or call 213-228-7540.
For all questions, please contact Marcia Melkonian, Young Adult Librarian III, at
mmelkonian@lapl.org
DISTANCE LEARNING IS AT THE Y
This program is for students in grades Kinder-5th. It is a full-day distance learning support program available Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Learn more at ymcaLA.org/DisatanceLearning or email @DistanceLearning@ymcala.org
Read Across America
You are invited to join Scott M. Schmerelson, LAUSD Board Member, Board District 3,
in celebrating Read Across America Week on YouTube.
Click on Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwmrSs7yhV0&feature=youtu.be
Pandemic EBT Benefits Have Been Extended
Children who received the P-EBT benefits over the summer of 2020 can get more P-EBT benefits if they are still a CA registered student, and can be assumed to be attending school via distance learning.
For more information please go to cdss.ca.gov/pandemic-ebt.
Unified Enrollment: 2021-2022 Choices Late Applications
The Late Choices Application opens February 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted until January 21, 2022.
Online applications may be completed at apply.lausd.net. Paper applications may be downloaded at GoTo.LAUSD.net.
LA Library's Student Zones: Homework Help (K-12)
Trained LA-Based Homework Helpers will assist K-12 students with school assignments and help navigate the library's online student resources.
Monday - Thursday: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Schedule free 25-minute appointment: https://lapl.org/student-zone
For more information: contact teenservices@lapl.org
Los Angeles Public Library Resource: Families Read Together Workshops
These workshops are for adults who are working on their English literacy skills and who are also caregivers to children aged 0-8. During the workshops, caregivers will be encouraged with the development of literacy skills in both children and adults, and we have a lot of fun doing it. The participants also receive books and other materials to help them work through the workshop topics and build their personal libraries. If interested to register, please email literacy@lapl.org or call 213-228-7540.
Dates for Workshops:
English: Saturdays 10:00 am-11:15 am, 2/27-3/20
Spanish: Saturdays 2:00 pm-3:15 pm, 2/27-3/20
Culminating Celebration: Saturday 4/10
Additional Library Resources for March 2021:
Job Skills Workshop for Teens: March 10, 17, and 24 at 3:00 p.m. Email teens@lapl.org to join
Learn to Play the Guitar from Home: Tuesdays 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
.Book Bonanza for Women’s History Month: Join Mondays in March at 4:00 p.m.
For all questions, please contact Marcia Melkonian, Young Adult Librarian III, at
mmelkonian@lapl.org
Student and Families Technology Support
Thank you Kennedy High School for sharing your technology support! If you need assistance with Schoology, zoom, Chromebook and hotspot connectivity problems, or email.
Please call (818) 271-2906, Ext. 1213 or join the live support on zoom: https://bit.ly/3aGVmB7. The tech support is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.