Park Elementary Back to School Community Letter from the Principals - Aug. 27th, 2020

We have a few new staff members at Park Elementary, as well as a few staff changes that we would like to share with you. Each new teacher comes highly regarded from previous positions, and we feel fortunate to add them to our team. You will have a chance to meet all of our teachers at our Meet the Teacher Crew on Thursday, August 27th or Friday August 28th. We have an outstanding team. 

  • Pre-K - Dalene Pope and Michelle Baker
  • K – Allison Handrick, Laurie Plante, Lynn Stevens, Hannah Hendry
  • 1st –  K’Lyn Meier, Kristin Godwin, Teri John
  • 2nd – Megan Feeney, Jamie Aupperle, Sarah Culhane
  • 3rd – Lauren Carroll, Karen Morris, James Gonzales
  • 4th – Amanda Cricco, Kathleen Holley, Chelsi Olson, Tillie Tredway
  • 5th – Hilary Preston, Tim Fry, Sarah Hallett/Tom Curmano, Sally Fochtman
  • Specials- Music: Jean Owens; Science/Social Studies (4th & 5th):  Tom Curmano; Library/Book Study (KG & 1st) Kerri Merkel; Art: Taylor Henzler; PE: Tom Poole
  • ELL - Sue Krichman
  • SPED-  Gretchen Willis, Sierra Foster, Courtney Ham
  • Admin - Principal: Marie Voss-Patterson, Assistant Principal: Laurel Pate
  • Social Emotional Team - Stephanie Trudeaux and Stefanie Johnson
  • Front Office -  Susie Lloyd, Debi Lorenz, Robin Harms (Nurse)

 

Park’s Operational Plan 2020-21

Please take the time to read Park’s Operational Plan. The plan has an abundance of information regarding how we are operating and keeping students and staff safe at Park during the pandemic. You will find detailed information on many of the items discussed below, in this plan. Operational Plan

Self Certification - The self-certification process involves parents recording their child’s temperature at home and reporting if they are experiencing symptoms.  All students and staff will be screened daily for a fever and COVID related symptoms through at home self-certification or on-site screening prior to entering the building. More info from the district to come on this process. 

 

Arrival– Park Elementary’s student arrival time is 7:45.  You may NOT drop your child off prior to 7:45, as there is no supervision before that time. If you are waiting with your child, your student(s) will need to remain outside school gates until 7:45.  Once students enter  campus at 7:45, they will immediately line up in their cohort (classroom) lines (see map at the end of this document) and teachers will take roll to see who has self-certified using the health screening form. 

 

Parking - Please observe the yellow curbs and do not park in those areas.  We have the Kiss and Go drop-off zone on the East (Preschool & kindergarten) and West (1-5th grade) side of Park.  This area is for a quick drop off, do not leave, or park your car, you will be towed! Preschool families will be given a parking pass, as they are permitted to park for a short period of time.  Parking is very tight around the school.  We highly recommend walking, biking, or parking in the neighborhood to avoid the chaos around the building during pickup and drop-off times.

 

Entering Campus - All individuals who walk onto campus will be required to wear a mask.  Please adhere to this policy. As another measure of student and staff safety, no parents, guardians nor volunteers will be permitted to enter any Durango 9R school building at any time.

 

 

Lunch & Recess – Students will receive a 40-minute lunch and a 35-minute recess during their lunch break with their grade level.  Students will eat in the classroom. Students will also receive one other grade level recess or walking break outdoors throughout the day.

 

Release of Students During the School Day – Please make certain that if your child is being picked up during the school day by anyone other than their parent/guardian that the office is notified by a parent/guardian with a written note or phone call in advance.  If you need to pick up your child, please ring the bell and/or call the school and we will make arrangements for your child to meet you outside.  After school plan changes - If your family has a change in their after school plans,please contact the front office by 1:30.  The front office will notify the student of the change in plans.  After 1:30 the office will not be answering the phone.

 

Dismissal – School will dismiss daily at 2:15  (Monday - Friday).  Students not picked up by 2:25 will report to the office and the parent/guardian will need to come to the front doors. Office staff will dismiss your child to you outside.  

 

 

What Should My Child Bring to School Each Day-

  • Mask (your child may want to bring 2 per day)
  • Water Bottle (water fountains will not be turned on- students can refill at sinks)
  • Easy to eat and open healthy snacks

Additional School Supply needed: 

Students will need a box with a lid to keep all their personal supplies. We recommend a box 10-14 quarts or (24 x15x10.25)

 

Birthdays - Students may not bring in birthday treats this year.  We will be celebrating students with special CREW activities. 

 

Outdoor Learning Spaces - Park has created outdoor classrooms for the 20-21 school year.  There will be shade structures available for students.  You may want your child to have a sunhat, only to be worn outside, and sunscreen.  We are asking families to bring outdoor seating, such as a yoga mat OR beach towel. Your child’s teacher will communicate with you if other seating items are needed.

 

Celebrating Good Things – Please follow our school on Facebook.  We also encourage you to check our school webpage on a regular  basis as well to stay informed about event dates/times, testing schedules, etc.

 

Building Community – Park Elementary engages in Crew on a daily basis. Crew is a school wide structure that uses common language to elevate and support achievement through character so our students can contribute to a better world.   Students learn about the five habits of a mindful learner:  Responsibility, Teamwork, Empathy, Wonder, and Perseverance during Crew time and throughout their learning at Park Elementary

 

Power of Positive Communication – Most importantly, please know that our doors are always open (figuratively) and we value the opportunity to partner with our families. Please, schedule time to visit with your child’s teacher via phone, zoom or socially distanced outside should you have any questions or concerns – we want your child’s educational experience with us to be top notch and that takes teamwork between home and school.  You are their first teacher and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with your family along this journey.  

 

Thank you for your support and involvement in our school community.  We are looking forward to working with your family this year as we continue to grow to greatness at Park Elementary School!

In Partnership, 

Marie Voss-Patterson and Laurel Pate

Park Administration