Hello Custer,
I hope this finds you well enjoying beautiful weather and some down time. This summer message below has elements that are heavy and some that are informational. Let’s start with heavy:
Thoughts on Social Justice
First, as a middle-aged white woman, I recognize that I have potential to be clunky in this conversation – but I would rather be awkward than silent.
In May, I felt dismay and horror, as I know you all did, at the brutal murder of George Floyd. My only comfort is the resulting passion communities are showing to address systemic racism. We, at Custer, are committed to being bold in this conversation and creating an equitable and inclusive school for ALL of our students, staff, and families. As a staff, we are in the middle of a two-year training called “The Deep Equity Process.” In addition, we have a number of book studies in progress, are seeking additional training, and are being mindful of visual representation in our building (can our students see themselves on our walls?) and what is available in our library and curriculum materials (this is a District level project). We welcome the views of our community. If you have anything to contribute or share, have any questions or suggestions, I encourage you to contact me by email kweymill@cloverpark.k12.wa.us or phone. 253.583.5232.
This work is our top priority as both a building and in the district.
I truly love our students and want to do all I can to make sure the world we provide them is safe and full of open doors of opportunity.
Covd 19 Planning for fall
·The district has a task force that is working on developing our return to learning plan for this fall.
·The plan is being created in alignment with state and health department guidance for safety, health and instruction.
· School this fall will look different than in previous years.
·The task force has identified three possible instructional models for the 2020-21 school year:
1.Face-to-face learning - (100% capacity in schools)
2.Hybrid learning - alternating face-to-face instruction with at-home learning (50% capacity in schools)
· Schools would operate on an A/B schedule, with Wednesdays to be used for planning and providing support for identified students.
· A day: students with last names A-K with exceptions
· B day: students with last names L-Z with exceptions
3. At-home learning - learning at home with no on-site instruction (0% capacity in schools)
When we get closer to fall, we have more information on the logistics of how our school days will work and what kind of precautions we will be taking to minimize risk to students, staff and families. I keep reminding myself that whatever the inconveniences, this is temporary!
Online Enrollment is Open!
Do you know anyone who is ready for Kindergarten or just school aged and new to the neighborhood? Please encourage them to get registered for school. Registered students allow us to plan well for the number of teachers we will need when school opens in September. School facilities are closed to the public and registration is now online.
Families will need to provide their student’s birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residence to register.
Immunization requirements
The state has made some important changes to state immunization policies that may impact your child and their ability to start school this fall. These rules apply to all public and private schools and licensed childcare centers in Washington state.
The update to the law has three key changes:
- It now requires medically verified immunization records for school and child care entry.
- It clarifies conditional status* in regards to school and child care immunization requirements and implementation.
- It changes the Tdap immunization** requirement to 7th through 12th grades (previously it was 6th-12th grade).
*Conditional status: Students must receive all eligible vaccines before starting school. There is no longer a 30-day conditional/grace period. School nurses are notifying all families that are not currently compliant or may lapse in compliance before September. NOTE: If additional immunizations are needed after receiving all immunizations, they are eligible to receive before starting school, children may start school and remain until the next dose becomes due.
Best wishes for a good summer. I’ll be taking off some time at the end of July, but for the most part, I’m available if you need anything. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.
With warmest regards,
Kathy Weymiller