PinecrestElementary School

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1/8/2020

Good afternoon,

This year has been one full of changes and “first evers”!  We are excited to have students back in the classrooms, five days a week!  Our commitment to maintaining safety is strong as we shift to this learning model. 

As you read through the key elements listed below, you will likely notice some information is new and some was communicated before break.   

Key elements of our full in-person learning model based on current guidance:

• Please have your child bring school supplies back on the first in-person day, including school iPads, charger and all math manipulatives. Supplies will be kept as individualized as possible and stored in assigned desks or totes.
• Students will be on-site 5 days per week.
  • There may be situations where individuals, classrooms, or grade levels will need to be quarantined for up to two weeks. In the event that quarantine is needed, detailed plans will be communicated. Please think about what your backup plan would be in this situation.
• If your child has any COVID-19 symptoms (Daily Symptom Check) or they have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, keep them home and call the attendance line.
• Bus schedules may be modified to accommodate the change in learning plan. We anticipate updated bus routes being available to families on January 14 (through Infinite Campus Parent Portal).
• Specialists will be taught within the homeroom class (40 minutes per day).  Physical education will be taught in the gym or outside when possible.  Masks will need to be worn.
• Student desks/tables will be arranged to provide appropriate distancing within classrooms.
• Students will wear a mask throughout the day, including at physical education class and recess (exceptions are when eating or drinking). Teachers and staff will continue to wear masks and/or face shields.
• Access to the school building will continue to be limited
• Kindergarten and 1st grade students will eat with their classroom cohort in the cafeteria maintaining social distancing between students.
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students will eat meals in their classroom or cafeteria. Hot lunch meals will be served in take-out style containers for transportation back to classrooms. 
• Students eligible for pull-out services will receive them in small groups or through individual sessions. 

School day (same as our hybrid model):

• 9:20 students may begin arriving
• 9:40 start of the day
• 3:25 end of the day/dismissal

Key Dates:

• January 13 & 14 - No school for all elementary students (Transition Planning)
• January 15 - No school (District Workshop)
• January 18 - No school (District Staff Development)
• January 19 - K, 1st, & 2nd Grade begin in-person instruction (3rd and 4th Grade continue with distance learning)
• February 1 - 3rd and 4th Grade begin in-person instruction
• February 12 - No school (District Staff Development)
• February 15 - No school (Presidents’ day)
• March 3, 4, & 5 - Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences

HOA will continue to follow their learning schedule (please connect with your HOA teacher regarding specific questions).

Cold weather is here! When in person learning begins, please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for playing outside. Students spend twenty minutes outside for recess. Appropriate clothing includes hats, mittens/gloves, winter jacket, snow pants, and snow boots.

It is important that you have accurate phone numbers on file for your student with the school district. Although we are using a calling system to contact families in case of inclement weather, the district will still continue to post school delays or closings in the following ways:

Official school closing announcements will be made on Hastings KDWA Radio 1460, WCCO-Channel 4, KSTP-Channel 5, KMSP-Channel 9 and KARE-Channel 11 television and Hastings Public School Website.

Click HERE for instructions on how to update your contact information in Infinite Campus Parent Portal

Sincerely,

Paul Bakker                             

Pinecrest Elementary