Garretson Elementary Parents and Guardians:
It's hard to believe that we've completed six weeks of distance learning already. I know that for some of you, it's feeling more like ten! We continue to be amazed by the support our parents have given their students and teachers during this time. We know it hasn't been easy and just like every other year, TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK is coming at a perfect time! You, as your child's current teacher, deserve to be recognized and given a break!
This Friday, May 1st, your child's packet will consist of materials put together by our guidance counselor, Ms. Janie Lundberg, and myself. The packet will focus on social-emotional lessons, revolving around Optimism Perseverance, Empathy, Friendship, and Gratitude. While the academic rigor might not be as visible in these lessons, the content is valuable, and something students receive regular instruction on while in school. A hard copy of the lessons and activities will be provided in the packet. A link with those same lessons and videos to compliment the activities, will be sent on Friday night. The activities will not take a lot of parent involvement or time, but will certainly be something parents can build on.
Next Friday, May 8th, will be the last week our teachers will have materials for you to pick up. Once again, the materials provided will need limited parent support and will not have to be returned to teachers. Independent reading tasks, activities focusing on creativity, exploratory lessons, and more social skill work will be the focus of the work. Enough will be given to stay true to our last day of school, Tuesday, May 19th, but we want families to do what works best for them.
While teachers have been correcting work and tracking what is coming back, a formal report card will not be coming home at the end of the year. Instead, 2nd-5th grade students and parents will receive a checklist of the standards covered in the fourth quarter and the number of assignments completed for each standard. Kindergarten and First grade teachers will provide more commentary feedback. A report of standards covered throughout the fourth quarter will be put in every elementary student's cumulative folder, as well as a report card from the first three quarters. We will not be retaining students based solely on fourth quarter completion and performance.
Information regarding a Kindergarten Round Up, ESY Services, and Reading Bridge will be coming as soon as we are able to make a plan for each. Like every summer, but with even more importance now, we encourage you to keep working on skills throughout the summer months, especially reading skills.
Please plan on returning all books and technology (if you checked out a school iPad) on the last pick up date, Friday, May 8th. Again, thank you for your support. We hope this letter continues to find your family safe and healthy.
Sincerely, Teresa Hulscher, Principal
