Dear First Grade Parents,
Hi! I hope you are all enjoying your summer. It’s been beautiful weather! I’m sure you are all thinking about your child(ren) going back to school. We don’t have every detail worked out yet but I do have a little I can share that might help you.
In June, I sent you a supplies list. This list has changed because of our safety procedures. We would like all the kids to start with the same individual supplies that we purchase. If you have already started buying things, it is okay! You can use them for home supplies in case we need to go into a hybrid or remote schedule. I also might ask for things later in the year as we get settled into our new normal.
We would like kids to come to school with as little as possible. They will need a lunch box (for snack and lunch - if they bring their own), a water bottle (preferably one that doesn’t perspire), a backpack and three masks (one mask they will wear, the other two should be in individually, labeled Ziploc baggies.) If you do not have extra, that is fine. However, I would like your child to change his/her mask after lunch each day. The other mask is in case of mishaps. It would also be a good idea to put an extra change of clothes in a Ziploc, labeled bag for your child to change into if needed. (You can’t imagine how many mud puddles seem to jump on children in first grade, haha).
I am planning on communicating as much as possible electronically. If you would still like paper copies or if you want another email added to our class list, just let me know. Everything I send out to you in email, I will also put on our classroom blog, Fun in Grade One Blog. This way you can always go back to it if you need something. Your child(ren) will also be given a Chromebook to use at school. We will be using Google Classroom to stay organized. That will be another way for you to keep connected. (You will get more on Google Classroom at a later date.)
We will not be in the regular first grade room this year. Please, let your child know this so they can start getting used to the idea. I will send them a video of their new classroom as soon as I get moved in and set up. Details are still in the works. There will also be two classrooms very close to each other. This will allow the kids to be six feet apart and it will be better for contact tracing. Each grade will have two teachers that go back and forth. Both first grade “classrooms” will go outside together for all breaks. We will still be social distancing outside, of course. We have a brand new playground!! It’s AMAZING!! The good news is...we can use it!! The bad news is...we have to take turns so there will be days when we can’t use it. Please, let your child know this as well. It will help them be able to visualize their day some and maybe ease their minds.
We have a HUGE four classroom tent outside!! We get to have class outside sometimes. Drive by and check it out :)!
There are lots of new things happening...new rules and procedures, new classrooms, new technology and lots of safety habits to practice. We are going to go slow to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. Some have asked what they can do to help get their child(ren) ready.
Here’s what you can do:
Start having your child wear a mask for periods of time to get used to it. Remind them not to touch it and to use the elastics when putting it on and taking it off.
Practice hand washing for 20 seconds.
Practice using hand sanitizer. Putting it on by themselves and rubbing it in just like they wash their hands.
Practice shoe tying - velcro and slip ons are definitely okay!
Practice buttoning, snapping and zipping.
Practice opening and closing anything that might be in their lunch box. (Pre-cut and peeled fruit and veggies are awesome!)
Talk to your child about social distancing at school. It’s going to be hard to not run up to their friend to give a hug. It’s going to kill me not to greet them with one each morning. We will be practicing other ways to say hello and more from afar once school starts.
I will be in touch again once I know more. If any of you know or have heard about me, I’m sure you know it’s killing me not having every little detailed planned out. Mr. Cyr has had to tell me to deep breathe a lot, haha. It will all come together in the end and I’m truly looking forward to working with your kids! I loved getting to know them last year during wing activities, lunch and recess. It’s a great group!
I will be sending you a survey to fill out. It will help me get to know your child(ren) better. (It’s my first time trying this so I hope it works :)!) Please fill it out as soon as you have time. I appreciate it. I’m always looking for ways to better connect with the kids to make their school experience the best it can be!
Take care and tell your child(ren) I said hi and I can’t wait to see them!!
Laurie Kimball
