Thank you to the many of you (240!) who joined us for our Curriculum Night Teams LIve Event on Thursday. If you were unable to join, but would like to view it, this link should work (hopefully). I am aware that the presentation posted on our website currently requires permissions to view – I am working to fix that.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGQzYjRlOTktOWUxMy00ODBjLWJjNGUtNDMxYzJkNGJjYTJi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221fd4673f-df96-4621-8638-a1d88c4c85d7%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228e48b2d3-bb59-4551-9bfb-076c15d913ce%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d

 

The Questions and Answers are also attached to this email as a separate document; I have included links to the LWSD COVID Safety Plan as well.

 

If you are a parent of a Kindergarten or First Grader, please complete the survey sent last week by Dr. Holmen about your plans to attend in-person learning versus Remote Academy.

 

Finally, if you haven’t already, please come join PTSA! www.RedmondEl.ptsa.org

 

Have a wonderful week!

 

Kirsten

 

*********************************************************************

 

Gracias a los muchos de ustedes (240!) que se unieron a nosotros para nuestro Curriculum Night Teams LIve Event el jueves. Si no pudo unirse, pero le gustaría verlo, este enlace debería funcionar (esperemos). Soy consciente de que la presentación publicada en nuestro sitio web actualmente requiere permisos para ver – Estoy trabajando para solucionar eso.
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGQzYjRlOTktOWUxMy00ODBjLWJjNGUtNDMxYzJkNGJjYTJi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221fd4673f-df96-4621-8638-a1d88c4c85d7%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228e48b2d3-bb59-4551-9bfb-076c15d913ce%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d

Las preguntas y respuestas también se adjuntan a este correo electrónico como un documento separado; También he incluido enlaces al Plan de Seguridad LWSD COVID.

Si usted es padre de un kindergarten o estudiante de primer grado, complete la encuesta enviada la semana pasada por el Dr. Holmen sobre sus planes de asistir al aprendizaje en persona frente a la Academia Remota.

Por último, si aún no lo ha hecho, por favor venga unirse a PTSA! www.RedmondEl.ptsa.org

¡Que tengas una semana maravillosa!

Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

 

Happy Sunday! It was so wonderful to finally see the rain again and to be able to open the windows and get outside again – I hope you were able to enjoy some of our local beauty.

 

I also want to introduce you to our new Registrar, Adrian Herrera – Adrian is a former Redmond Elementary parent and is a member of our community – to email him for an absence or change in address, please contact him at aherrera@lwsd.org. Welcome Adrian!

 

Below is a link to our Principal and PTSA Information Session for Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 24. We will begin at 6:30. Closed captioning will be available as well as captioning in Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, or Chinese.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGQzYjRlOTktOWUxMy00ODBjLWJjNGUtNDMxYzJkNGJjYTJi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221fd4673f-df96-4621-8638-a1d88c4c85d7%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228e48b2d3-bb59-4551-9bfb-076c15d913ce%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d

 

You should be able to view this presentation on a laptop or a phone; it will also be recorded and posted on our Website for future viewing.

 

Teachers will be sending you links to their asynchronous presentations; they have prepared presentations for what you will need to know for your child’s year as well as responded to the most frequent questions they have received.

 

We look forward to connecting with you on Thursday – have a wonderful week!

 

Kirsten

*****************************************************************************

 

Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary,

¡Feliz domingo! Fue tan maravilloso ver finalmente la lluvia de nuevo y poder abrir las ventanas y salir de nuevo. Espero que hayan podido disfrutar de nuestra belleza local.

 

También quiero presentarles a nuestro nuevo Registrador, Adrian Herrera - Adrian es un ex padre de la escuela primaria Redmond y es miembro de nuestra comunidad - para enviarle un correo electrónico para una ausencia o cambio de dirección, por favor contáctelo en aherrera@lwsd.org. ¡Bienvenido Adrian!

 

Abajo hay un enlace a nuestra Sesión de Información del Director y PTSA para la Noche del Currículo el jueves 24 de septiembre. Comenzaremos a las 6:30. Los subtítulos cerrados estarán disponibles, así como los subtítulos en español, ruso, portugués, japonés o chino.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGQzYjRlOTktOWUxMy00ODBjLWJjNGUtNDMxYzJkNGJjYTJi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%221fd4673f-df96-4621-8638-a1d88c4c85d7%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228e48b2d3-bb59-4551-9bfb-076c15d913ce%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d

Debería poder ver esta presentación en una computadora portátil o un teléfono; también se grabará y publicará en nuestro sitio web para su futura visualización.

Los profesores le enviarán enlaces a sus presentaciones asincrónicas; han preparado presentaciones de lo que necesitará saber para el año de su hijo y han respondido a las preguntas más frecuentes que han recibido.

 

Esperamos conectarnos con usted el jueves. ¡Que tenga una semana maravillosa!

 

Kirsten

 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

 

I hope you have all been able to stay inside this weekend, safe form the air impacted by the forest fires in Oregon and California. These are strange times we are sharing, and I know you are working so hard to support your students; we appreciate your support and compassion as well as we navigate our new learning with you.

 

We realize that this is very hard, especially for younger kids and those who struggle with focus. Please know that we realize you know your child best:

• If they need to stand or move listening to instruction, that is okay! This is something we accommodate in the classroom and you can too – some students will listen and focus better if other parts of their body are engaged. If they need a movement break, support that.
• If your child listens better with something in their hands to fidget with, that is okay.
• We know that with school taking place in your living room or dining room that there will be days that are hard – if your student is struggling with being “camera-ready” or isn’t fully dressed – please know that it is okay to keep the camera OFF, and that they can still be learning.

We are in this together. If ever there were a time to offer one another patience and grace, we have found it. Thank you for being such a wonderful community to partner with on this journey.

 

~Kirsten

***********************************************************************************************************

Curriculum Night: We will be holding our Remote Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 24. This year, this will include a Teams Live Presentation with the Principal and PTSA President at 6:30 pm, and asynchronous presentations from your classroom teachers. Teachers will be sending you microsoft forms to complete, and will share answers to your most frequently asked questions in their presentations.

*********************************************************************************************************

Pantry Packs Drivers Needed: We are seeking one or two parents who can help pick up Pantry Packs and deliver them to Redmond Elementary School every Friday. Pantry Packs are bags of shelf-stable, kid-friendly foods that Lake Washington Schools Foundation puts together to go home each week. Last year, and throughout the Spring COVID closure, Redmond Elementary served more than 70 students each week through Pantry Packs. Corrinne Henderson, one of our past parent volunteers, will continue this year in getting the packs to us, but she will need more parents to help. If you can assist us, please email me at kgometz@lwsd.org. 

*****************************************************************************************************

LWSD Elementary Band News: 

We would like to share this information about the Redmond Region band and orchestra programs for this year. There is a pause on the 4th grade orchestra program at this time. We are currently only offering the program to new and returning 5th graders.

 

-Both new and returning orchestra members are welcome to join 5th Grade Orchestra this year.  

 

-Registration is open and will stay open through Oct 1, but it is preferable for students to register before Sept. 21st.  The link to register is https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/elementary-band-and-orchestra/elementary-band-and-orchestra-registration

Elementary Band and Orchestra Registration - Lake Washington School District Elementary Band and Orchestra Registration - Lake Washington School District www.lwsd.org

-The upcoming online parent information meetings for band and orchestra are on:   

Tuesday, Sept. 15th at 6:30pm for the 5th Grade Band Information Meeting (hosted by band teacher Mrs. Werth)          

                                                     

Thursday, Sept. 17th at 6:30 pm for the 5th Grade Orchestra Information Meeting (hosted by orchestra teacher Ms. Chen)

*links to these meetings are in the attached brochures and flyers

 

-Instruction starts the week of Sep. 21 - two asynchronous lessons a week, with some optional Wednesday live classes. If anyone has a delay in getting an instrument before the first week of lessons, that is no problem at all.  They can register first and pick up an instrument later as soon as they can.

*******************************************************************************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary,

Espero que todos hayan podido quedarse adentro este fin de semana, a salvo del aire afectado por los incendios forestales en Oregon y California. Estos son tiempos extraños los que estamos compartiendo, y sé que está trabajando muy duro para apoyar a sus estudiantes; Agradecemos su apoyo y compasión, así como a navegar nuestro nuevo aprendizaje con usted.

Nos damos cuenta de que esto es muy difícil, especialmente para los niños más pequeños y aquellos que luchan por concentrarse. Por favor sepa que sabemos que usted conoce mejor a su hijo:    

·        Si necesitan pararse o moverse escuchando instrucciones, ¡está bien! 

·        Esto es algo que acomodamos en el aula y usted también puede hacerlo: algunos estudiantes escucharán y se concentrarán mejor si otras partes de su cuerpo están involucradas. Si necesitan una pausa de movimiento, apóyela.    

·        Si su hijo escucha mejor con algo en la mano con lo que jugar, está bien.    Sabemos que si la escuela se lleva a cabo en su sala de estar o comedor, habrá días difíciles; si su estudiante está luchando para estar "listo para la cámara" o no está completamente vestido, sepa que está bien mantener la cámara apagada, y que aún pueden estar aprendiendo.

·         

Estamos en esto juntos. Si alguna vez hubo un momento para ofrecernos paciencia y gracia, lo hemos encontrado. Gracias por ser una comunidad tan maravillosa con la que asociarse en este viaje.

~Kirsten

****************************************************************

Noche de currículo: Celebraremos nuestra Noche de currículo remota el jueves 24 de septiembre. Este año, esto incluirá una presentación en vivo de los equipos con el director y el presidente de PTSA a las 6:30 pm y presentaciones asincrónicas de los maestros de su salón de clases. Los profesores le enviarán formularios de microsoft para completar y compartirán las respuestas a sus preguntas más frecuentes en sus presentaciones.

*************************************************************************

Se necesitan conductores de Pantry Packs: Estamos buscando uno o dos padres que puedan ayudar a recoger los Pantry Packs y llevarlos a la Escuela Primaria Redmond todos los viernes. Los paquetes de despensa son bolsas de alimentos aptos para niños, que se pueden almacenar en el estante, que la Fundación Escolar de Lake Washington reúne para llevar a casa cada semana. El año pasado, y durante el cierre de COVID de primavera, la Primaria Redmond atendió a más de 70 estudiantes cada semana a través de Pantry Packs. Corrinne Henderson, una de nuestras anteriores madres voluntarias, continuará este año entregándonos los paquetes, pero necesitará más padres para ayudar. Si puede ayudarnos, envíeme un correo electrónico a kgometz@lwsd.org.

**************************************************************************

Noticias de la banda de primaria de LWSD: Nos gustaría compartir esta información sobre los programas de banda y orquesta de la Región de Redmond para este año. Hay una pausa en el programa de la orquesta de cuarto grado en este momento. Actualmente solo ofrecemos el programa a estudiantes nuevos y que regresan al quinto grado.-Tanto los miembros nuevos como los antiguos de la orquesta son bienvenidos a unirse a la orquesta de quinto grado este año.-La inscripción está abierta y permanecerá abierta hasta el 1 de octubre, pero es preferible que los estudiantes se registren antes del 21 de septiembre. El enlace para registrarse es https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/elementary-band-and-orchestra/elementary-band-and-orchestra-registration

Registro de banda y orquesta de primaria - Distrito Escolar de Lake Washington

Registro de banda y orquesta de primaria - Distrito Escolar de Lake Washingtonwww.lwsd.org-Las próximas reuniones de información para padres en línea para banda y orquesta están en:

Martes, 15 de septiembre a las 6:30 pm para la reunión de información de la banda de quinto grado (organizada por la maestra de banda, la Sra. Werth)

Jueves 17 de septiembre a las 6:30 pm para la reunión de información de la orquesta de quinto grado (organizada por la maestra de orquesta Sra. Chen)* Los enlaces a estas reuniones se encuentran en los folletos y volantes adjuntos.

-La instrucción comienza la semana del 21 de septiembre: dos lecciones asincrónicas a la semana, con algunas clases en vivo opcionales los miércoles. Si alguien tiene un retraso en obtener un instrumento antes de la primera semana de lecciones, no hay problema en absoluto. Pueden registrarse primero y recoger un instrumento más tarde tan pronto como puedan.

 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

 

THANK YOU for an amazing first week! We know that the technology had some hiccups, but by the end of the week things settled in and we were so happy to see so many happy faces in our class meetings! We know that LWSD tech support has been slow to respond to some requests, so if you need help please call the school at 425-936-2660 and we will help.

 

Please see below for important notes. See you all on Tuesday!

Kirsten

 

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 7 (Labor Day)

 

LWSD is offering FREE meals for all children age 1-18. More info is available at www.lwsd.org/meals or call 425-936-1220.

 

Thank you to the many of you who sent First Day of School Photos to me for the yearbook this year! Please also share these with our district communications office at communications@lwsd.org, or share at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeWashingtonSchools

 

Attendance in Remote Learning

Attendance is important. Our students gain more than just knowledge when they participate in learning alongside their peers in rich and challenging environments; they gain the support and development that comes with being in community with peers.

 

We want to encourage and support your student in attending and participating in class each day. Participating in “live” lessons will be important to help students in their learning.

 

If a student misses a “live” learning class it is important that they continue to log into their Classroom Teams that day and engage in the learning activities that their teacher has created for them. Students may still be able to be marked as having attended if they engage in the daily learning in their Classroom Teams.

 

In order to ensure that student activity is accounted for, teachers are being asked to take attendance the day following a class period.

 

Evidence of student attendance includes:

• Student attendance during the majority of a synchronous class meeting on Microsoft Classroom Teams
• Student completion of an assignment for that particular class period/day in Microsoft Classroom Teams
• Student engagement with a file or activity assigned for that particular class period/day in Microsoft Classroom Teams
• Student engagement or completion of an assignment or engagement with an online platform (Dreambox, Lexia, etc.) as assigned by the teacher for that particular class period/day

There are additional COVID-19 related excused absences and all absences for the month of September are to be marked as “non-truancy remote learning absence.”

 

Please call or email your student’s teacher or principal if you have questions about attendance.

To report an excused absence from class please contact ­­­­­­­­­­­Ashley Elliott at aelliott@lwsd.org .

 

************************************************************************************************

 

Estimadas familias de la escuela primaria Redmond,

¡GRACIAS por una primera semana increíble! Sabemos que la tecnología tuvo algunos contratiempos, pero al final de la semana las cosas se asentaron y ¡estábamos muy felices de ver tantas caras felices en nuestras reuniones de clase! Sabemos que el soporte técnico de LWSD ha tardado en responder a algunas solicitudes, así que si necesita ayuda, llame a la escuela al 425-936-2660 y le ayudaremos.

Consulte a continuación las notas importantes. ¡Nos vemos el martes!

Kirsten

 

NO HAY ESCUELA el lunes 7 de septiembre (Día del Trabajo)

 

LWSD ofrece comidas GRATIS para todos los niños de 1 a 18 años. Más información está disponible en www.lwsd.org/meals o llame al 425-936-1220.

¡Gracias a todos los que me enviaron fotos del primer día de clases para el anuario de este año! Por favor, compártalos también con la oficina de comunicaciones del distrito en communications@lwsd.org, o compártelos en nuestra página de Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LakeWashingtonSchools

Asistencia al aprendizaje remote

La asistencia es importante. Nuestros estudiantes obtienen más que conocimientos cuando participan en el aprendizaje junto con sus compañeros en entornos ricos y desafiantes; obtienen el apoyo y el desarrollo que conlleva estar en comunidad con sus compañeros.

Queremos animar y apoyar a su estudiante para que asista y participe en clase todos los días. Participar en lecciones "en vivo" será importante para ayudar a los estudiantes en su aprendizaje.

 

Si un estudiante falta a una clase de aprendizaje "en vivo", es importante que continúe ingresando a sus Equipos de Aula ese día y participando en las actividades de aprendizaje que su maestro ha creado para él. Los estudiantes aún pueden ser marcados como asistidos si participan en el aprendizaje diario en sus equipos de aula.Para garantizar que se contabilice la actividad de los estudiantes, se les pide a los maestros que tomen la asistencia el día siguiente al período de clases.

 

La evidencia de asistencia del estudiante incluye:  

·       Asistencia de los estudiantes durante la mayor parte de una reunión de clase sincrónica en Microsoft Classroom Teams   

·       Finalización del estudiante de una tarea para ese período / día de clase en particular en Microsoft Classroom Teams   

·       Participación del estudiante con un archivo o actividad asignada para ese período / día de clase en particular en Microsoft Classroom Teams    

·       Participación del estudiante o finalización de una tarea o participación con una plataforma en línea (Dreambox, Lexia, etc.) según lo asignado por el maestro para ese período / día de clase en particular

 

Hay ausencias justificadas adicionales relacionadas con COVID-19 y todas las ausencias del mes de septiembre deben marcarse como "ausencia de aprendizaje remoto sin absentismo escolar".

Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al maestro o al director de su estudiante si tiene preguntas sobre la asistencia.Para informar una ausencia justificada de la clase, comuníquese con Ashley Elliott en aelliott@lwsd.org.

 

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

I know that the past few months have been very trying for you and your families as you work to prepare for the year ahead. Thank you for your patience as our district has worked closely with teachers to prepare for this season of change. I know many of you had questions about remote learning and how to plan, so my goal tonight is to help you prepare for this fall’s launch.

****************************************************************************

Daily and Weekly Schedules: Our Building Leadership Team met today and reviewed the model schedules you have already seen. We know many of you have child care and work considerations you are trying to plan around, and the plan below is our effort to make this as manageable for you and your children. This is an approximation of what you can expect Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesdays will consist of asynchronous learning in Science and Social Studies, as well as small group support, and family connection times.

Every student will begin their day with whole group Social Emotional Learning and Community Connections. These will start at 9:20 am.

Kindergarten, 1^st, and 2^nd grade will then receive live, synchronous instruction and learning time in Reading, Writing, and Math (not necessarily in this order). Students will receive whole group instruction and have time to work in small groups or on individual assigned tasks.

3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade, as well as students in 2/3 and 4/5 Quest classrooms, will follow their morning Community Connections meetings with a Writing mini-lesson, followed by independent practice and small group work. They will then receive asynchronous tasks to complete – Lexia (Literacy) and Dreambox (Math) choice menus to work from, as well as Specialist Instruction (Library, Music, and PE).

All students will break for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00.

Kindergarten, 1^st, and 2^nd grade will then receive asynchronous tasks in the afternoon – Lexia (Literacy) and Dreambox (Math) choice menus to work from, and Specialist Instruction (Library, Music, and PE) will occur. Students will then rejoin their whole class for the end of day checkout from approximately 3:30 to 3:50.

3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade, as well as students in 2/3 and 4/5 Quest classrooms, will receive live, synchronous instruction and learning time in Reading and Math. Students will receive whole group instruction and have time to work in small groups or on individual assigned tasks. Students will then rejoin their whole class for the end of day checkout from approximately 3:30 to 3:50.

********************************************************************************

Laptops and Student Materials: Every student will have a laptop provisioned for use in our Classroom Teams learning environment. Every student will also have needed supplies provided for them: math manipulatives, pencils, crayons, English/Language Arts textbooks, and Name Plates with learning supports. We have a limited number of wifi hotspots available – please email me at kgometz@lwsd.org with the subject line “Hotspot request” if you will need one.

Pickup Times are as Follows – please pull to the pick up/drop off lane and we will bring your items to you for a touchless pickup.

Wednesday, August 26:

9:00-10:00 Kindergarten Last Names A-M

10:00-11:00 Kindergarten Last Names N-Z

11:00-12:00 First Grade Last Names A-M

12:00-1:00 First Grade Last Names N-Z

2:00-3:00 Second Grade Last Names A-M

3:00-4:00 Second Grade Last Names N-Z

 

Thursday, August 27:

9:00-10:00 Third Grade Last Names A-M

10:00-11:00 Third Grade Last Names N-Z

11:00-12:00 Fourth Grade Last Names A-M

12:00-1:00 Fourth Grade Last Names N-Z

2:00-3:00 Fifth Grade Last Names A-M

3:00-4:00 Fifth Grade Last Names N-Z

 

Classroom Teacher Assignments:

Teachers will be emailing a letter home to each family on August 26, introducing themselves and sharing contact information.

 

First Week of School Plan:

The first week of school, September 1-4, teachers will be building classroom community and reaching out to families for individual connection times. We know relationships are more important than ever right now, and teachers will want to connect with you to learn about your family and your child. We will also be spending time setting expectations, making sure your child knows how to access instruction and how to participate, before starting content instruction. More information will come.

 

I know this is a tremendous amount of information. Thank you for reading, for your patience and kindness, and most of all for engaging with us in navigating this year in the interests of our children together. While we are all very busy, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to our Associate Principal Taylor Davis tdavis@lwsd.org if you have questions.

Gratefully,

Kirsten Gometz-David

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

 

The tragic events in our country in the past ten days have changed us. While the impact of racism has been a daily reality for people of color, many more citizens are now engaging in conversations about race than ever before. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery were important to their families and are important in their legacy. While the current national dialogue is specific to Black/African-American citizens, we know that other families of color experience racism, both nationally and locally.

 

Redmond Elementary is, and will continue to be, on a journey of Social Justice and Racial Equity. While we are committed to the success of EVERY child, we are also aware that we live and were raised in a racist society where skin color impacts experiences, opportunities, and physical and emotional safety. None of us wants this to be so, but the reality of ongoing danger to black and brown people is impossible to ignore. As a white woman, I know I am afforded privileges that my black friends are not, and developing my awareness of that privilege – and the privileges my white sons also receive – is part of my work as an educator and as a human.

 

We at Redmond Elementary are engaged in the work of anti-racism, and it is important that everyone know what that means:

"Anti-racism can be defined as some form of focused and sustained action, which includes inter-cultural, inter-faith, multi-lingual and inter-abled (i.e. differently abled) communities with the intent to change a system or an institutional policy, practice, or procedure which has racist effects." [1]

 

“Being antiracist is different for white people than it is for people of color. For white people, being antiracist evolves with their racial identity development. They must acknowledge and understand their privilege, work to change their internalized racism, and interrupt racism when they see it. For people of color, it means recognizing how race and racism have been internalized, and whether it has been applied to other people of color.” [2]

 

Our school Equity Team has engaged in learning with our staff for the past two years, including but not limited to examining our implicit biases and our own racial identities. This work will continue into the future, and we welcome your partnership.

 

With the Covid-19 School Closure, our Equity Parent Focus Group was cancelled – thank you to the many of you who were willing to be part of that. Whether or not school occurs on site in the fall, we will seek ways to engage you in these conversations so we can continue to identify ways in which we can be a better school for our students and families of color.

 

Our staff will continue our learning over the summer: reading, discussing, and reflecting upon our instruction and on ways in which we can be more culturally responsive.

 

Children as young as 6 months are aware of race, and it is our responsibility as parents and educators to talk with them about it. To whatever extent you may be sharing our country’s current events with your children, here are some resources you may wish to use – either for your own learning, or to guide your conversations with your children about race and racism:

 

Families of Color Seattle- https://www.focseattle.org/

http://www.raceconscious.org/

http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.pdf

https://educationwithanapron.com/2020/06/the-poc-families-guide-for-talking-about-racism/

https://educationwithanapron.com/2020/05/a-white-families-guide-for-talking-about-racism/

http://hereweeread.com/

 

TED Talks-"Talks to help you understand racism in America"

https://www.ted.com/playlists/250/talks_to_help_you_understand_r

https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?referrer=playlist-talks_to_help_you_understand_r

 

Finally, if your child would like to talk with our counselor, Mrs. Lapuente, she is a wonderful resource. Her email is clapuente@lwsd.org.

 

I wish I had words that could somehow help with how you may be feeling. There are no easy answers right now, but we are in it with you. Please let us know if there is support you or your child needs.

 

With deep respect and care for your family,

 

Kirsten Gometz

 

1. Anti-Racism Digital Library https://sacred.omeka.net

2. National Museum of African American History and Culture: https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary,

 

Los trágicos eventos en nuestro país en los últimos diez días nos han cambiado. Si bien el impacto del racismo ha sido una realidad cotidiana para las personas de color, muchos más ciudadanos ahora participan en conversaciones sobre raza que nunca antes. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor y Ahmaud Arbery fueron importantes para sus familias y son importantes en su legado. Si bien el diálogo nacional actual es específico para los ciudadanos negros / afroamericanos, sabemos que otras familias de color experimentan racismo, tanto a nivel nacional como local.

La Primaria Redmond está, y seguirá estando, en un viaje de Justicia Social y Equidad Racial. Si bien estamos comprometidos con el éxito de CADA niño, también somos conscientes de que vivimos y fuimos criados en una sociedad racista donde el color de la piel impacta las experiencias, las oportunidades y la seguridad física y emocional. Ninguno de nosotros quiere que esto sea así, pero la realidad del peligro continuo para las personas negras y marrones es imposible de ignorar. Como mujer blanca, sé que tengo privilegios que mis amigos negros no tienen, y desarrollar mi conciencia de ese privilegio, y los privilegios que también reciben mis hijos blancos, es parte de mi trabajo como educadora y como humana.

Nosotros en Redmond Elementary estamos comprometidos con el trabajo de lucha contra el racismo, y es importante que todos sepan lo que eso significa:

"El antirracismo puede definirse como alguna forma de acción enfocada y sostenida, que incluye comunidades interculturales, interreligiosas, multilingües e intercapacitadas (es decir, con capacidades diferentes) con la intención de cambiar un sistema o una política institucional , práctica o procedimiento que tiene efectos racistas ". [1]

 

“Ser antirracista es diferente para las personas blancas que para las personas de color. Para los blancos, ser antirracista evoluciona con su desarrollo de identidad racial. Deben reconocer y comprender su privilegio, trabajar para cambiar su racismo internalizado e interrumpirlo cuando lo vean. Para las personas de color, significa reconocer cómo se ha internalizado la raza y el racismo, y si se ha aplicado a otras personas de color ”. [2]

 

El equipo de equidad de nuestra escuela se ha dedicado a aprender con nuestro personal durante los últimos dos años, incluido, entre otros, el examen de nuestros prejuicios implícitos y nuestras propias identidades raciales. Este trabajo continuará en el futuro, y agradecemos su colaboración.

 

Con el cierre de la escuela Covid-19, nuestro grupo de enfoque de equidad para padres fue cancelado. Gracias a todos los que estaban dispuestos a ser parte de eso. Ya sea que la escuela ocurra o no en el sitio en el otoño, buscaremos formas de involucrarlo en estas conversaciones para que podamos continuar identificando formas en que podemos ser una mejor escuela para nuestros estudiantes y familias de color.

Nuestro personal continuará nuestro aprendizaje durante el verano: leyendo, discutiendo y reflexionando sobre nuestra instrucción y sobre las formas en que podemos ser más receptivos culturalmente.

 

Los niños de hasta 6 meses son conscientes de la raza, y es nuestra responsabilidad como padres y educadores hablar con ellos al respecto. En cualquier medida que esté compartiendo los eventos actuales de nuestro país con sus hijos, aquí hay algunos recursos que puede utilizar, ya sea para su propio aprendizaje o para guiar sus conversaciones con sus hijos sobre la raza y el racismo:

Familias de color Seattle-

https://www.focseattle.org/

http://www.raceconscious.org

http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.pdf

https://educationwithanapron.com/2020/06/the-poc-families-guide-for-talking-about-racism/https://educationwithanapron.com/2020/05/a-white-families-guide-for-talking-about-racism/http://hereweeread.com/

 

TED Talks- "Charlas para ayudarlo a comprender el racismo en Estados Unidos"

 

https://www.ted.com/playlists/250/talks_to_help_you_understand_r

https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?referrer=playlist-talks_to_help_you_understand_r

 

Finalmente, si a su hijo le gustaría hablar con nuestra consejera, la señora Lapuente, es un recurso maravilloso. Su correo electrónico es clapuente@lwsd.org.

 

Desearía tener palabras que de alguna manera pudieran ayudar con cómo te puedes sentir. No hay respuestas fáciles en este momento, pero estamos con usted. Háganos saber si hay apoyo que usted o su hijo necesitan.

 

Con profundo respeto y cuidado por su familia,

Kirsten Gometz

 

1. Biblioteca digital antirracismo https://sacred.omeka.net

2. Museo Nacional de Historia y Cultura Afroamericana: https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist

Dear Redmond El Families,

Amazingly, we have made it to June. These next few weeks will be even more bittersweet than usual. If you are a 5th grade parent, please see the email I sent earlier today about our plans to honor and celebrate your children as they finish their middle school careers.

Please see below information for laptop/technology return and medication pick-up. Stay safe this week, and enjoy the beautiful days when you are able.

Sending Health and Hope,

Kirsten

 

Laptop/Technology Return June 16 and 17:
If you signed out a laptop with cord, and/or a wifi hotspot, we are collecting these on Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17 between 12 pm and 3 pm.

Please bring all borrowed items, including power cord, to the pick-up/drop-off lane. You do not need to exit your car. We will greet you, receive your technology, and acknowledge return.

Those who will be walking can return at the main entrance, observing social distancing measures.

If you will require assistance in returning technology, please email me directly at kgometz@lwsd.org.

Medication Pick-up June 4:
As a reminder, parents will be able to pick up student medication this Thursday between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Please observe social distancing practices and make sure to bring photo ID with you if you are picking up medication for your student.

 

****************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond El,

 

Sorprendentemente, hemos llegado a junio. Estas próximas semanas serán aún más agridulces de lo habitual. Si usted es un padre de quinto grado, consulte el correo electrónico que envié hoy sobre nuestros planes de honrar y celebrar a sus hijos cuando terminen sus carreras en la escuela intermedia.

Consulte a continuación la información sobre devolución de computadoras portátiles / tecnología y recogida de medicamentos. Manténgase seguro esta semana y disfrute de los hermosos días cuando pueda.

Enviando Salud y Esperanza,

Kirsten

Laptop / Technology Return 16 y 17 de junio:

Si firmó una computadora portátil con cable y / o un punto de acceso wifi, los recogeremos el martes 16 de junio y el miércoles 17 de junio entre las 12 p.m. y las 3 p.m.

Traiga todos los artículos prestados, incluido el cable de alimentación, al carril de recogida / entrega. No necesita salir de su automóvil. Te saludaremos, recibiremos tu tecnología y confirmaremos la devolución.

Aquellos que caminarán pueden regresar a la entrada principal, observando medidas de distanciamiento social.

Si necesita ayuda para devolver la tecnología, envíeme un correo electrónico directamente a kgometz@lwsd.org.

Recogida de medicamentos 4 de junio:

Como recordatorio, los padres podrán recoger los medicamentos de los estudiantes este jueves entre las 10:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m. Observe las prácticas de distanciamiento social y asegúrese de traer una identificación con foto si está recogiendo medicamentos para su estudiante.

Dear Redmond El Parents,

I hope the Memorial Day weekend brought rest and time to honor those who we have lost.

An earlier message from me contained links to mental health supports that were not accessible; attached today you can find two documents containing support options for elementary students or parents. This is truly an unprecedented time and is hard on all of us; please do not hesitate to reach out for help if you or your child needs it.

 

I will keep this week’s message short and sweet.

We miss you.

This is hard.

You are all doing great, whether work is getting done or you need to take days away from the screens just to maintain your peace of mind.

 

While we will probably always think of life as before and after this period we are in, there WILL be an after, and we will be here, ready to prioritize your child’s safety, emotional well-being, and academic success – in that order. 

 

Keep hanging in there. There will be new principal read-alouds here tomorrow morning, as soon as the videos are done processing.

https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloud

And please, tell your children how very much we miss seeing them every day.

Kirsten

********************************************************************

Estimados padres de Redmond El,

Espero que el fin de semana del Día de los Caídos haya traído descanso y tiempo para honrar a los que hemos perdido.

Un mensaje anterior de mí contenía enlaces a apoyos de salud mental que no eran accesibles; adjunto hoy puede encontrar dos documentos que contienen opciones de apoyo para estudiantes de primaria o padres. Este es realmente un momento sin precedentes y es difícil para todos nosotros; no dude en pedir ayuda si usted o su hijo la necesitan.

 

Mantendré el mensaje de esta semana corto y dulce.

Te extrañamos.

Esto es duro.

Todos ustedes lo están haciendo bien, ya sea que se esté haciendo el trabajo o que necesiten tomarse días lejos de las pantallas solo para mantener su tranquilidad.

 

Si bien probablemente siempre pensaremos en la vida como antes y después de este período en el que estamos, habrá un después y estaremos aquí, listos para priorizar la seguridad, el bienestar emocional y el éxito académico de su hijo, en ese orden.

 

Sigue colgando ahí. Habrá nuevas lecturas principales aquí mañana por la mañana, tan pronto como se procesen los videos.

https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloud

Y por favor, cuénteles a sus hijos cuánto extrañamos verlos todos los días.

Kirsten

Hello Redmond El Parents,

Thank you to the many of you who returned library books and picked up student items last week. If you were unable to come, please email me directly or come to school any Tuesday between 1 and 3 to return Library Books and pick up the bag for your student.

This Friday was originally scheduled as a Teacher Development day with no school for kids – however, Friday will be another day of online learning, with teachers and administrators available for learning support.

Monday, May 25 there will be NO SCHOOL, online or otherwise, in observance of Memorial Day.

If you or your child is struggling with emotional or behavioral needs during this break, please reach out to Youth Eastside Services: LWSD YES Continues School Based Services During School Closure

With the stress and anxiety many families are experiencing during this closure, we encourage you to access community resources to help. :)

Tuesday, 1-3 Pantry Pack and Food Bag Pickup at our Main entrance!

Have a good week, stay safe, and know that we miss your children enormously.

Kirsten

***************************************************

 

Hola Redmond El Parents,

Gracias a muchos de ustedes que devolvieron libros de la biblioteca y recogieron artículos de estudiantes la semana pasada. Si no pudo venir, envíeme un correo electrónico directamente o venga a la escuela cualquier martes entre el 1 y el 3 para devolver los libros de la biblioteca y recoger la bolsa para su estudiante.

Este viernes se programó originalmente como un día de desarrollo docente sin escuela para niños; sin embargo, el viernes será otro día de aprendizaje en línea, con maestros y administradores disponibles para apoyo de aprendizaje.

El lunes 25 de mayo NO HABRÁ ESCUELA, en línea o de otro tipo, en cumplimiento del Día de los Caídos.

Si usted o su hijo tienen dificultades emocionales o de comportamiento durante este descanso, comuníquese con Youth Eastside Services: LWSD YES continúa con los servicios escolares durante el cierre de la escuela

Con el estrés y la ansiedad que muchas familias experimentan durante este cierre, lo alentamos a que acceda a los recursos de la comunidad para ayudar. :)

Martes, 1-3 Paquete de despensa y recogida de bolsas de comida en nuestra entrada principal.

Que tenga una buena semana, manténgase seguro y sepa que extrañamos enormemente a sus hijos.

Kirsten

Dear Redmond El Families,

I hope this weekend and the amazing sunshine found you well. To the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and mother figures in our community – thank you for loving and raising wonderful children, and for sharing your love with so many others as well. We wish you, and the many amazing mothers on our staff, a very Happy Mother’s Day!

This week, in addition to providing learning and connections to our students, teachers and staff will be preparing any students items/work left at school for pick-up. This may include personal items, student work, or artwork that students have made this year. We would also like to make our Lost and Found items easily accessibly so you can reclaim any lost jackets, sweatshirts, etc.

Our wonderful librarian, Mrs. Jones, also needs to reclaim library books from students, so that we may keep the shelves stocked for future years.

Dates and Times are below – please park or walk to the main entrance, observe social distance marking, and one of our staff will deliver your child’s items to you. Times are scheduled by last name – if your children have different last names, please pick the time most convenient for you. If you are unable to come at the appointed time, please come at any of the other times below. We will also collect library books for return.

Because of the great number of families we must serve, we ask that only one adult comes for pick-up – and no students – we want to help everyone get in and out as smoothly and safely as possible. No one will enter the building besides our staff.

 

We will communicate the process for returning laptops when we are closer to the end of the school year. Student medications will also have a separate pick-up during the week of June 1.

 

This week:

Tuesday 05/12: Food Support/Pantry Pack Pick-up 1-3

Thursday 05/14: Retrieve Items/Return Library Books

9-11 am: Last Names beginning with A, B, C, D

11 am-1 pm: Last Names beginning with E, F, G, H

1 pm-3 pm: Last Names beginning with I, J, K, L

Friday, 05/15: Retrieve Items/Return Library Books

9-11 am: Last Names beginning with M, N, O, P

11 am-1 pm: Last Names beginning with Q, R, S, T

1 pm-3 pm: Last Names beginning with U, V, W, X, Y, Z

 

Have a wonderful, safe, healthy week. We all miss you so very much.

Kirsten

*********************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond El,

Espero que este fin de semana y el increíble sol te hayan encontrado bien. A las madres, abuelas, tías y figuras de madres en nuestra comunidad: gracias por amar y criar hijos maravillosos, y por compartir su amor con tantas otras personas también. ¡Les deseamos a ustedes, y a las muchas madres increíbles de nuestro personal, un muy feliz Día de la Madre!

 

Esta semana, además de proporcionar aprendizaje y conexiones a nuestros estudiantes, los maestros y el personal prepararán los artículos / trabajos de los estudiantes que quedan en la escuela para que los recojan. Esto puede incluir artículos personales, trabajo de los alumnos u obras de arte que los alumnos hayan realizado este año. También nos gustaría hacer que nuestros artículos de objetos perdidos sean fácilmente accesibles para que pueda recuperar cualquier chamarra, sudadera, etc.

Nuestra maravillosa bibliotecaria, la Sra. Jones, también necesita recuperar libros de la biblioteca de los estudiantes, para que podamos mantener los estantes almacenados para los años futuros.

Las fechas y horarios se encuentran a continuación: estacione o camine hacia la entrada principal, observe las marcas de distancia social y uno de nuestro personal le entregará los artículos de su hijo. Las horas se programan por apellido: si sus hijos tienen apellidos diferentes, elija la hora más conveniente para usted. Si no puede venir a la hora señalada, venga en cualquiera de los otros momentos a continuación. También recogeremos libros de la biblioteca para devolverlos.

Debido a la gran cantidad de familias a las que debemos servir, pedimos que solo un adulto venga a recogerlos, y no estudiantes, queremos ayudar a todos a entrar y salir de la manera más fácil y segura posible. Nadie entrará al edificio además de nuestro personal.

 

Comunicaremos el proceso para devolver las computadoras portátiles cuando estemos más cerca del final del año escolar. Los medicamentos para estudiantes también se recogerán por separado durante la semana del 1 de junio.

 

Esta semana:

Martes 05/12: Apoyo alimenticio / Recolección del paquete de despensa 1-3

Jueves 05/14: Recuperar artículos / Devolver libros de la biblioteca

9-11 am: apellidos que comienzan con A, B, C, D

11 am-1 pm: apellidos que comienzan con E, F, G, H

1 pm-3 pm: apellidos que comienzan con I, J, K, L

Viernes, 15/05: Recuperar artículos / Devolver libros de la biblioteca

9-11 am: apellidos que comienzan con M, N, O, P

11 am-1 pm: apellidos que comienzan con Q, R, S, T

1 pm-3 pm: apellidos que comienzan con U, V, W, X, Y, Z

 

Que tengan una semana maravillosa, segura y saludable. Todos te extrañamos mucho.

Kirsten

 

Dear Redmond El Families,

Thank you for your patience and kindness as we continue to learn new systems and adapt to remote instruction and learning. This week held lots of learning for everyone, and we know that it was very stressful. We hope that as everyone adjusts, we will find success. Please expect that teachers will continue to monitor student needs and adjust as we move forward.

Please follow the link below to Mrs. Jones’ Powerschool page, and watch the AUP video with your child to ensure you are both prepared for continued online learning.

https://lms.lwsd.org/hjones/red-library-jones-2019-20/cms_page/view/51394938

While this week brought successes in our early use of Teams, we also found that some features worked differently than expected – including student chat features. While our district tech team works to repair these, we ask that you go through this video (4 minutes) to ensure you are both aware of our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Reminders: 

Pantry Packs/Food Box Pickup is EVERY TUESDAY between 1 and 3 at school.

FREE MEALS for students01-18 Available for pre-order or Grab and Go

https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/grab-go-student-meals

Take care, hang in there, and let us know how we can help.

Kirsten Gometz

*********************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond El,

Gracias por su paciencia y amabilidad mientras continuamos aprendiendo nuevos sistemas y nos adaptamos a la instrucción y el aprendizaje remotos. Esta semana tuvo mucho aprendizaje para todos, y sabemos que fue muy estresante. Esperamos que a medida que todos se adapten, encontremos el éxito. Espere que los maestros continúen monitoreando las necesidades de los estudiantes y se ajusten a medida que avanzamos.

Siga el siguiente enlace a la página de Powerschool de la Sra. Jones y mire el video de AUP con su hijo para asegurarse de que ambos estén preparados para continuar aprendiendo en línea.

https://lms.lwsd.org/hjones/red-library-jones-2019-20/cms_page/view/51394938

Si bien esta semana trajo éxitos en nuestro uso temprano de los equipos, también descubrimos que algunas funciones funcionaban de manera diferente a lo esperado, incluidas las funciones de chat de los estudiantes. Si bien nuestro equipo técnico del distrito trabaja para repararlos, le pedimos que lea este video (4 minutos) para asegurarse de que ambos conozcan nuestra Política de uso aceptable (AUP).

Recordatorios:

Los paquetes de despensa / recogida de cajas de alimentos son TODOS LOS MARTES entre 1 y 3 en la escuela.

COMIDAS GRATUITAS para estudiantes01-18 Disponible para pre-pedido o Grab and Go.

https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/grab-go-student-meals

Tenga cuidado, espere allí y díganos cómo podemos ayudarlo.

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond El Families,

 

Tomorrow, we begin the next chapter in our remote learning. Students will be learning NEW material from their teachers via technology. We are all excited, and nervous – please bring grace and patience as we learn this together. I am INCREDIBLY proud of the hard work and intense preparation our teachers have been doing in the last week.

 

Important Points:

• Learning will be made available through teacher videos, flipgrids, and online curriculum. Instruction will not be live and interactive with a teachers at this point, but is available when your family is able to access it.
• All material taught between now and June 19 will be included on student report cards. Students’ participation and work will also be noted on the report cards. In other words, now it “counts”.
• We still have laptops we can sign out if your student needs one to access his or her learning. Please email me at kgometz@lwsd.org if you need a laptop or a wifi hotspot.
• Everything we are doing is new! We know you are nervous, and we are too – we will get through this together.

There are new Principal Read Aloud books and BFG Chapters here:

https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloud

 

Have a wonderful week! We miss you every day.

 

Kirsten

**************

Estimadas familias de Redmond El,

 

Mañana comenzamos el próximo capítulo de nuestro aprendizaje remoto. Los estudiantes aprenderán material NUEVO de sus maestros a través de la tecnología. Todos estamos emocionados y nerviosos, por favor traigan gracia y paciencia mientras aprendemos esto juntos. Estoy INCREÍBLEMENTE orgulloso del trabajo arduo y la preparación intensa que nuestros maestros han estado haciendo en la última semana.

 

Puntos importantes:

 

El aprendizaje estará disponible a través de videos de maestros, flipgrids y currículo en línea. La instrucción no será en vivo e interactiva con un maestro en este momento, pero está disponible cuando su familia pueda acceder a ella.

Todo el material enseñado entre ahora y el 19 de junio se incluirá en las boletas de calificaciones de los estudiantes. La participación y el trabajo de los estudiantes también se anotarán en las boletas de calificaciones. En otras palabras, ahora "cuenta".

Todavía tenemos computadoras portátiles que podemos cerrar sesión si su estudiante necesita una para acceder a su aprendizaje. Por favor envíeme un correo electrónico a kgometz@lwsd.org si necesita una computadora portátil o un punto de acceso wifi.

¡Todo lo que estamos haciendo es nuevo! Sabemos que usted está nervioso, y nosotros también, lo superaremos juntos.

 

Aquí hay nuevos libros de Lea en voz alta y Capítulos de BFG aquí:

https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloud

 

¡Ten una maravillosa semana! Te extrañamos todos los días.

Kirsten

 

Dear Redmond El Families,

Welcome back – I cannot truly express how much all of us at Redmond El miss your children and your family. I have been thinking a lot about your children, and what a historical time we are experiencing.

Like you, we have experienced fear and stress at finding ourselves needing to rewrite how we do virtually everything. You may find that as parents you are experiencing many stressors: financial, worry about your child’s education and how to support them, concern for the health of your loved ones and yourself. This can lead to trouble sleeping, irritability, and sometimes simple sadness at what has changed or been lost. We want you to know that we are here for you, and that many resources are here to support. Please see the links below, and let me know if there are other questions not addressed here.

We now know that all Washington Schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, news which is hard for many of us.  While children are often more resilient in the face of change than adults are, there are many rituals and transitions that hold meaning in a school year. We will be working as a district and as a building to determine how we will mark passages – promotions to middle school, or those going to different schools. Your students matter so much to us. We will honor the close of this year, solemnly and also with joy and hope for the future.

Teachers will spend this week preparing to launch distance learning on Monday, 04/20. More information will be coming. If your student needs a laptop or wifi hotspot, please reply to this email and let me know. Our next tech pick-up time will be on Tuesday, 04/14, but we will need time to check out laptops prior to pick-up.

Pantry Pack/Food Box Pick-up will be Tuesday, 04/14, between 1 and 3 at Redmond Elementary. To request to be added to this list, please email me at kgometz@lwsd.org 

Free Meals for Kids 0-18: https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/grab-go-student-meals

Community Resources Available: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/health-services/coronavirus-information/community-resources

Yours in health and hope,

Kirsten Gometz

******************************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond El,

Bienvenido de nuevo: no puedo expresar realmente cuánto todos en Redmond El extrañamos a sus hijos y a su familia. He estado pensando mucho en sus hijos y en el momento histórico que estamos viviendo.

Al igual que usted, hemos experimentado miedo y estrés al encontrarnos con la necesidad de reescribir cómo hacemos prácticamente todo. Como padres, es posible que experimente muchos factores estresantes: financieros, preocupación por la educación de sus hijos y cómo apoyarlos, preocupación por la salud de sus seres queridos y de usted mismo. Esto puede provocar problemas para dormir, irritabilidad y, a veces, tristeza por lo que ha cambiado o se ha perdido. Queremos que sepa que estamos aquí para ayudarlo y que hay muchos recursos para apoyarlo. Consulte los enlaces a continuación y avíseme si hay otras preguntas que no se abordan aquí.

Ahora sabemos que todas las escuelas de Washington permanecerán cerradas durante el resto del año escolar 2019-2020, noticia que es difícil para muchos de nosotros. Si bien los niños a menudo son más resistentes frente al cambio que los adultos, hay muchos rituales y transiciones que tienen sentido en un año escolar. Trabajaremos como un distrito y como un edificio para determinar cómo marcaremos los pasajes: promociones a la escuela intermedia o aquellos que van a diferentes escuelas. Tus alumnos nos importan mucho. Honraremos el cierre de este año, solemnemente y también con alegría y esperanza para el futuro.

Los maestros pasarán esta semana preparándose para lanzar la educación a distancia el lunes, 20/04. Más información vendrá. Si su estudiante necesita una computadora portátil o un punto de acceso wifi, responda a este correo electrónico y hágamelo saber. Nuestra próxima hora de recogida de tecnología será el martes, 14/04, pero necesitaremos tiempo para revisar las computadoras portátiles antes de la recogida.

La recogida del paquete de despensa / caja de comida será el martes, 04/14, entre 1 y 3 en Redmond Elementary. Para solicitar ser agregado a esta lista, envíeme un correo electrónico a kgometz@lwsd.orgComidas gratis para niños de 0 a 18 años: https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/grab-go-student-mealsRecursos comunitarios disponibles: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/health-services/coronavirus-information/community-resourcesTuyo

en salud y esperanza,

Kirsten Gometz 

Dear Redmond El Families,

This week, we want to have a little fun together from our own homes – please join us for Redmond El’s Virtual Spirit Week! Students can access the Library Powerschool page and enter their photos of themselves with each day’s theme. Directions are below:

Monday: Pet Day – Take a selfie with your pet or favorite stuffed friend!

Tuesday: Fun Sock Day – Take a selfie in your brightest, craziest socks!

Wednesday: Creativity Day – Take a selfie doing art, cooking, Lego building, or anything else creative!

Thursday: I MISS RECESS Day – Take a selfie outside doing a fun exercise or activity!

Friday: School Spirit Day – Take a selfie in School Spirit Gear or colors (Red and Black)

 

To participate, take a selfie that matches the theme of the day. Submit your photo to the "assignment" dropbox on the right before 8:00PM each day. The next morning after 10:00AM, come back to check the photo gallery for your picture.

Please note that ONLY students have the ability to submit files to the dropbox. Parents only have viewing privileges. Please submit photos in .jpg format. If you need help with this, ask a sibling or grown-up. Most phones automatically save picture files as a JPEG.

Email Mrs. Jones if you have any questions at hjones@lwsd.org.

******************************************************************

Computers and Distance Learning We will continue learning this week and the week after break in preparation to launch a new version of distance learning. If you still require a computer for your child, email me directly and cc your child’s teachers.

New Principal read-alouds are available here: https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloud

There is no schoo and no new online learning April 6-10 for Spring Break. 

Families on our Tuesday Food Box and Pantry Pack List: Boxes will be available for pick-up at school on Tuesday, 03/31 between 1 and 3 pm. This will be a larger box to last through Spring Break. If you have already requested a drop-off, we can do so. If you cannot get to school and require a drop-off, please email me directly. A big thank you to Mr. Alagenchev for offering a van to transport food to school for pick-up each week, and to our teachers and staff helping assemble food boxes! Thank you also to all of you who have offered to donate!

Have a wonderful, safe, healthy week!

Kirsten Gometz

********************************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond El,

Esta semana, queremos divertirnos juntos desde nuestras propias casas.¡Únase a nosotros para la Semana Virtual de Espíritu de Redmond El! Los estudiantes pueden acceder a la página Library Powerschool e ingresar sus fotos con el tema de cada día. Las instrucciones están abajo:

Lunes: Día de mascotas - ¡Tómate una selfie con tu mascota o amigo relleno favorito!

 

Martes: Día divertido del calcetín - ¡Tómate una selfie con tus calcetines más brillantes y locos!

Miércoles: Día de la Creatividad - ¡Tómate una selfie haciendo arte, cocinando, construyendo Lego o cualquier otra cosa creativa!

Jueves: me pierdo el día de RECESS - ¡Tómate una selfie afuera haciendo un ejercicio o actividad divertida!

Viernes: Día del Espíritu Escolar - Tómate una selfie en School Spirit Gear o colores (rojo y negro)

Para participar, tome una selfie que coincida con el tema del día. Envíe su foto al buzón de "asignación" a la derecha antes de las 8:00 PM cada día. A la mañana siguiente después de las 10:00 a.m., regrese a ver la galería de fotos para ver su foto.

Tenga en cuenta que SOLO los estudiantes tienen la capacidad de enviar archivos a Dropbox. Los padres solo tienen privilegios de visualización. Por favor envíe fotos en formato .jpg. Si necesita ayuda con esto, pregúntele a un hermano o adulto. La mayoría de los teléfonos guardan automáticamente archivos de imagen como JPEG.

Envíe un correo electrónico a la Sra. Jones si tiene alguna pregunta a hjones@lwsd.org.

********************************************************************

Computadoras y aprendizaje a distancia Continuaremos aprendiendo esta semana y la semana después del descanso en preparación para lanzar una nueva versión del aprendizaje a distancia. Si aún necesita una computadora para su hijo, envíeme un correo electrónico directamente y envíe un correo electrónico a los maestros de su hijo.

Las nuevas lecturas en voz alta del director están disponibles aquí: https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloudNo hay escuela ni nuevo aprendizaje en línea del 6 al 10 de abril para las vacaciones de primavera.

Familias en nuestra Lista de paquetes de comida y despensa los martes: Las cajas estarán disponibles para que las recojan en la escuela el martes, 31 de marzo, entre la 1 y las 3 pm. Esta será una caja más grande para durar hasta las vacaciones de primavera. Si ya ha solicitado una devolución, podemos hacerlo. Si no puede ir a la escuela y requiere una bajada, envíeme un correo electrónico directamente. ¡Muchas gracias al Sr. Alagenchev por ofrecer una camioneta para transportar alimentos a la escuela para que los recojan cada semana, y a nuestros maestros y personal que ayudan a armar cajas de comida! ¡Gracias también a todos los que han ofrecido donar!¡Que tengan una semana maravillosa, segura y saludable!

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

I know that the past few weeks have been challenging for everyone, and I hope that you are well. We miss you and your children terribly.

There are some new chapters of the BFG up at the readaloud link for your kids, and a new book,

I Want My Hat Back, for younger readers. https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloud

At this time each school year, we ask for our elementary families to complete an “Elementary Student Verification” form. This is a simple form that lets us know whether or not your student will return to our school next fall. By completing this form, you are helping us with our enrollment projections for the coming year. Having accurate enrollment projections allows us to hire the necessary staff to support our students in the next school year.

We need this information as soon as possible. We hope to have all forms returned by Monday, March 30 at the latest.

You can provide us with this important information by using either of the two methods below:

METHOD 1: Complete the online form available here:

https://www.lwsd.org/schools/elementary/elementary-student-return-verification.

OR

METHOD 2: Print the attached form, complete it, and return the form to school by either scanning it in and emailing an electronic copy to our registrar here: aelliott@lwsd.org OR by mailing the form to Redmond Elementary School at 16800 NE 80^th Street, Redmond WA, 98052

 

If you have any questions about this form, please let me know.

********************************************************************

Laptops: We distributed about 60 laptops Friday morning for students needing tech access at home, and will be doing our second round tomorrow. If you received a laptop and are having trouble logging in, please come to school for tech support Monday, 03/23, between 9 and 11 am.

If your student needs a laptop to access digital learning opportunities from home, please use this link to request one: Elementary (K-5) School Technology Request Form

 

Tuesday Food bags and Friday Pantry Packs:

With our school closure predicted to go more than another month, I am asking that those families who receive pantry packs (or are requesting to be added to the list) reply to this email and let me know if:

a) You can pick up at school between 12:00 and 2:30 on Tuesdays and Fridays, or

b) You require delivery because you are unable to get to school. If you require delivery, please email me your complete address, including apartment number if applicable.

Whichever option you select, we will maintain social distancing as we get food to you.

Thank you!

 

Kirsten Gometz

Principal

********************************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary:

Sé que las últimas semanas han sido un desafío para todos, y espero que estés bien. Los extrañamos terriblemente a usted y a sus hijos.

Hay algunos capítulos nuevos de BFG en el enlace de lectura para sus hijos, y un nuevo libro,Quiero mi sombrero de vuelta, para lectores más jóvenes. https://redmond.lwsd.org/activities/read-aloud

En este momento de cada año escolar, pedimos a nuestras familias de primaria que completen un formulario de "Verificación de Estudiantes Elementales". Esta es una forma simple que nos permite saber si su estudiante regresará a nuestra escuela el próximo otoño. Al completar este formulario, nos está ayudando con nuestras proyecciones de inscripción para el próximo año. Tener proyecciones precisas de inscripción nos permite contratar al personal necesario para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes en el próximo año escolar.

Necesitamos esta información lo antes posible. Esperamos que todos los formularios sean devueltos para el lunes 30 de marzo a más tardar.

Puede proporcionarnos esta información importante utilizando cualquiera de los dos métodos a continuación:

MÉTODO 1: Complete el formulario en línea disponible aquí:https://www.lwsd.org/schools/elementary/elementary-student-return-verification.

OMÉTODO 2: Imprima el formulario adjunto, complételo y devuélvalo a la escuela escaneándolo y enviando una copia electrónica a nuestro registrador aquí: aelliott@lwsd.org O enviando el formulario a Redmond Elementary School en 16800 NE 80th Calle, Redmond WA, 98052

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este formulario, hágamelo saber.

 

Computadoras portátiles: distribuimos alrededor de 60 computadoras portátiles el viernes por la mañana para los estudiantes que necesitan acceso a tecnología en casa, y haremos nuestra segunda ronda mañana. Si recibió una computadora portátil y tiene problemas para iniciar sesión, venga a la escuela para recibir asistencia técnica el lunes 03/23, entre las 9 y las 11 a.m.

Si su estudiante necesita una computadora portátil para acceder a las oportunidades de aprendizaje digital desde su hogar, utilice este enlace para solicitar uno: Formulario de solicitud de tecnología escolar para escuelas primarias (K-5)

Bolsas de comida los martes y paquetes de despensa los viernes:

Con el cierre de nuestra escuela previsto para más de otro mes, solicito que las familias que reciben paquetes de despensa (o soliciten ser agregados a la lista) respondan a este correo electrónico y me avisen si:

a) Puede recoger en la escuela entre las 12:00 y las 2:30 los martes y viernes, o

b) Requiere entrega porque no puede llegar a la escuela. Si necesita la entrega, envíeme un correo electrónico con su dirección completa, incluido el número de apartamento, si corresponde.

 Cualquiera que sea la opción que seleccione, mantendremos el distanciamiento social a medida que le enviemos comida.

¡Gracias!

Kirsten Gometz

Principal

Dear Redmond Elementary families,

 

What a strange time this is! We miss your students, and you, too – thank you to the many of you who have reached out following my last email asking how you can help ensure all of our students are fed over the extended closure. More information for everyone is included below.

 

Your teachers are working hard and are excited to share learning materials with you this Wednesday – some of you will have seen previews already. You can expect to see materials uploaded at least once a week. Please remember that this is not intended to be new learning, but an opportunity to pause and deepen learning while we wait for school to reopen. Wednesday, we will share opportunities as well as videos showing how to log in to Powerschool learning if you or your student have never done so from home before.

*******************************************************************

Grab & Go Student Meals- Now available

 

Lake Washington School District is committed to providing healthy and nutritious meals to students during the duration of the current school closure. The district will be offering meals for pick up at six middle schools: Finn Hill, Inglewood, Kamiakin, Redmond, Rose Hill and Timberline.

The district is currently working on an option for delivering student meals. More information will be provided soon.

How to order "Grab & Go" Student Meals

• Preorder is required each day
• Meals must be ordered between 2:00 p.m. the previous day and 8:00 a.m. the day of the pick up
• Meals available for pick up at six locations:
  • Finn Hill Middle School – 8040 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland 98034
  • Inglewood Middle School – 24120 NE 8th Street, Samammish 98074
  • Kamiakin Middle School – 14111 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland 98034
  • Redmond Middle School – 10055 166th Avenue NE, Redmond 98052
  • Rose Hill Middle School – 13505 NE 75th Street, Redmond 98052
  • Timberline Middle School – 9900 Redmond Ridge Drive NE, Redmond 98053
• Meals must be picked up between 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Student meal accounts will be charged according to student’s eligibility status
• Students must be present to claim their meal

The information above can be found on the LWSD Grab & Go Student Meals Website

*******************************************************************

Pantry Packs and Food Support

Pantry Packs will be available for Pick-up at Redmond Elementary in the main entrance every Friday between 3:00 and 5:00. If you have not previously received Pantry Packs but would like to add your name to the list, please email me directly and we will add you to the list. Pantry Packs contain shelf-stable, kid-friendly foods to get through the weekend, like ramen noodles, fruit cocktail, canned soups, etc. We will have delivery available between 3:00 and 5:00 for families who are unable to pick-up.

 

Supplemental Food Support

During our extended closure, we are also soliciting food donations from the community and packaging these for families who may need food resources for the week. These may contain cereals, shelf-stable milk, canned goods, pasta, snack foods like crackers or goldfish, fruit, or sandwiches. We are going to have these available at Redmond Elementary for Pick-up every Tuesday, from 3:00 to 5:00. We also will have delivery available between 3:00 and 5:00 for families who are unable to pick up.

 

Please email me if you would like to order a Tuesday Food Bag. Indicate whether you can pick up or if you need delivery, and what address to deliver to.

Please also let me know if you will need a Friday Pantry Pack, and whether you can pick up or require delivery.

If you are interested in donating to our community nutrition efforts, please email me.

 

In this strange time, our strength is in how we care for one another. If you need anything, please let us know. We miss you, and you will be in our hearts until we have you in our seats once again.

 

Sincerely,

Kirsten Gometz, and the Redmond El Staff

 

*******************************************************************

 

Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary:

¡Qué momento tan extraño es este! Echamos de menos a sus estudiantes, y a usted también. Gracias a todos los que se han comunicado después de mi último correo electrónico preguntando cómo pueden ayudar a garantizar que todos nuestros estudiantes estén informados sobre el cierre prolongado. Más información para todos se incluye a continuación.Sus maestros están trabajando duro y están entusiasmados de compartir materiales de aprendizaje con ustedes este miércoles; algunos de ustedes ya habrán visto avances. Puede esperar ver los materiales cargados al menos una vez por semana. Recuerde que esto no pretende ser un nuevo aprendizaje, sino una oportunidad para pausar y profundizar el aprendizaje mientras esperamos que la escuela vuelva a abrir. El miércoles, compartiremos oportunidades, así como videos en inglés y español, que muestran cómo iniciar sesión en Powerschool learning si usted o su estudiante nunca lo han hecho desde casa antes.

********************************************************************

Comida para estudiantes Grab & Go: ahora disponibleEl Distrito Escolar de Lake Washington se compromete a proporcionar comidas saludables y nutritivas a los estudiantes durante la duración del cierre actual de la escuela. El distrito ofrecerá comidas para recoger en seis escuelas intermedias: Finn Hill, Inglewood, Kamiakin, Redmond, Rose Hill y Timberline.El distrito está trabajando actualmente en una opción para entregar comidas a los estudiantes. Se proporcionará más información pronto.Cómo pedir comidas para estudiantes "Grab & Go"    Se requiere preordenar cada día    Las comidas deben ordenarse entre las 2:00 p.m. el día anterior y las 8:00 a.m. del día de la recogida Comidas disponibles para recoger en seis ubicaciones: Escuela Intermedia Finn Hill - 8040 NE 132nd Street, Kirkland 98034 Escuela Intermedia Inglewood - 24120 NE 8th Street, Samammish 98074 Escuela Intermedia Kamiakin - 14111 132nd Avenue NE, Kirkland 98034 Redmond Middle School - 10055 166th Avenue NE, Redmond 98052 Escuela Secundaria Rose Hill - 13505 NE 75th Street, Redmond 98052 Escuela Intermedia Timberline - 9900 Redmond Ridge Drive NE, Redmond 98053    Las comidas deben recogerse entre las 10:30 a.m. y las 12:00 p.m.    Las cuentas de comidas de los estudiantes se cobrarán de acuerdo con el estado de elegibilidad del estudiante    Los estudiantes deben estar presentes para reclamar su comidaLa información anterior se puede encontrar en el sitio web de comidas para estudiantes LWSD Grab & Go

********************************************************************

Apoyo alimenticio suplementarioDurante nuestro cierre prolongado, también estamos solicitando donaciones de alimentos de la comunidad y empacando estos para las familias que puedan necesitar recursos alimenticios para la semana. Estos pueden contener cereales, leche estable, productos enlatados, pastas, bocadillos como galletas saladas o peces dorados, frutas o sándwiches. Vamos a tener estos disponibles en Redmond Elementary para que los recojan todos los martes, de 3:00 a 5:00. También tendremos entregas disponibles entre las 3:00 y las 5:00 para familias que no pueden recoger.Por favor envíeme un correo electrónico si desea pedir una bolsa de comida los martes. Indique si puede recoger o si necesita entrega, y a qué dirección debe entregar.Por favor, avíseme si necesitará un paquete de despensa del viernes y si puede recogerlo o solicitar la entrega.Si está interesado en donar a nuestros esfuerzos de nutrición de la comunidad, envíeme un correo electrónico.En este extraño momento, nuestra fuerza está en cómo nos cuidamos unos a otros. Si necesitas algo, por favor háganoslo saber. Te extrañamos y estarás en nuestros corazones hasta que te tengamos en nuestros asientos una vez más.

Sinceramente,Kirsten Gometz y Redmond El Staff

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

I want to thank you all for your questions, your understanding, and your communication this past week. This week has brought challenges that are very new to all of us. While unfamiliar situations can often be frightening for many people, bringing strong emotions, we have very much appreciated your openness with us in sharing your concerns and your reasoning for how your families are navigating the current situation in our area. 

LWSD schools will be open tomorrow, March 8, 2020. We will be here, providing a warm and welcoming environment, a clean school, rigorous instruction and practice in healthy procedures. Again, I encourage anyone with questions, concerns, or suggestions to use the “Let’s Talk” option on the front page of the lwsd.org website and selecting the “coronoavirus” tab. Your comments are being read, and your voice matters.

As a reminder, this week’s Science Fair is postponed indefinitely, and there will be NO SCHOOL for students on Friday, March 13. Teachers will be spending time that day making some of our content digitally available. More information on that will be forthcoming. In the meantime, if your student is home, please support them in ongoing reading every day, as well as accessing our digital learning tools Lexia and Dreambox. If you do not know your child’s usernames or passwords to these programs, please email their teacher directly. If your family does not have access to a computer or laptop, please email me and I will determine what options may be available to support digital technologies from home. 

Finally, if your child will be missing school, please remember to call our Safe Arrival line at 425-936-2661 or email Ashley Elliott aelliott@lwsd.org and state the reason for their absence. It is important for us to know which students are home sick, and which are being kept home for precautionary reasons. These absences are excused.

Please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We appreciate your partnership.

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,
I hope this email finds you well. Our school team has received many emails regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We appreciate how proactive you are and what amazing advocates you are for your children. I understand your concern and want you to know that our job is to keep students safe, happy and learning.

1. Your voice matters. If you have feedback, questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 and our district response, please visit the LWSD website for the most up-to-date information. I encourage you to direct suggestions to the "Let's Talk" and select "coronavirus."

2. Redmond Elementary is a part of the Lake Washington School District and we will continue to follow the direction given to us by our Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

3. Our staff is incredibly responsive and is following all safety measures given to us by the LWSD  EOC. For instance, we are reteaching and increasing messaging about hand-washing, examining practices to reduce student-to-student contact and are using additional cleaning measures school-wide.

4. Parents have asked teachers to send home work for absent students. At this time, we are treating absences as usual. Since we are unable to replicate what happens in the classroom, students missing school will be able to get materials upon their return. In the meantime, students can use online tools such as DreamBox, Lexia, and other tools such as reading logs, to continue practicing skills. At this time, teachers are not expected to send home student work.

5. Parents have asked me if we are going to have online classes/remote sessions. Redmond Elementary will continue to follow LWSD direction on this. Currently, school is in session and we are operating as usual. LWSD is monitoring absenteeism and will communicate if these plans change.

6. If your child is going to be absent, please continue to follow normal procedures and email Ashley Elliott at aelliott@lwsd.org with the reason for the absence, and inform your child's teacher.

As always, please make the decisions you need to as a parent, and know that we understand the worry you may be facing. We value your children and we value you.

Kirsten Gometz

Principal

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Thank you for continuing to monitor current events and for those reaching out with concerns. As you know, we take the safety and health of all students and staff seriously, and more information will be coming to you tonight regarding our district’s ongoing monitoring of current updates from the CDC, Washington state DOH, and others. Please support our efforts by encouraging and reminding good hand-washing practices at home, and by keeping your students home if they are ill.

We are grateful for your concern, and for your support of our stewardship over all of our community members.

Please Note: Our new registrar is Ashley Elliott. If you need to reach her regarding absences, enrollments, or moves, her email is aelliott@lwsd.org.

Important Dates:

Wednesday, 03/04: Elementary Orchestra Concert (Redmond Middle School, 7 PM)

Friday, March 6: Author James Riley will visit our 4^th and 5^th grade students

Sunday, March 8: Daylight Saving Time

Thursday, March 12: PTSA Science Fair (6-8 PM)

 

Thank you – have a wonderful week!

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

As a reminder, there is no school tomorrow, Monday 02/17, for President’s Day.

Upcoming: This Thursday, 02/20 is Kindergarten Registration! If your family has a child who will turn 5 before August 31, 2020, or you know of a family who does, please share the word. Registration is from 1:00-7:00 in our Library. Please bring proof of Birthdate, Immunization Records, and two forms of Proof of Address.

Please see below for PTSA news and needs:

Science Fair Volunteers Needed:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a49adae28a5f49-scienc

BOOKS FOR BREAKFAST
Friday, February 28th 8:20-9:05am at the school library.

PTSA invites you to a before-school family reading event, where you get to enjoy books and tasty treats with your child.  There will only be 1 more Books For Breakfast events this school year after this one. If you are interested in helping out, please email donuts@redmondelptsa.org.
NOTE: Please help us by checking on and under the library tables for any garbage before leaving!  Our librarian, Ms. Jones, has graciously allowed this event, but if the library is left in a mess, we may not be able to continue. Thank you!
Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Parents,

Thank you for joining us last week, and in celebrating your students’ growth. Thank you, too, to the parents who completed the Equity Survey – if you missed it, please email me and I will forward you a link. The invitation is still out to parents who would like to participate in a parent focus group (I incorrectly used the term “Parent Pilot group” in the initial email) looking at issues of racial equity in our school and school system.

If you are interested or have questions, please email me or set a time with Mrs. Grammer to come talk with me. If you are a parent of color, or a parent of a student of color, we very much want to engage your voice in this dialogue.

Upcoming Dates:

Midwinter Break (No School) : February 13, 14, 17.

********************************************************************

Connecting Parents – From our PTSA:

What's going on at Red El? Sign up for the weekly HawkFlash newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events, Passport check dates, Math Challenge winners, and volunteer opportunities. You'll find the sign-up link at the bottom right corner of the PTSA page: http://redmondelptsa.org/Home.

We also have a Red El PTSA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RedmondElPTSA/ and a Red El Parent Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/173999403260095/.

These are three great ways to connect with school and other Red El parents. 

You do not need to be a PTSA member to receive these communications – you will receive a confirmation email once you sign up. If you do not, please check your junk mail folder as sometimes this is directed there.

********************************************************************

Thank you for your partnership and support,

Kirsten

Hello Redmond Elementary Families!
 
This week is our second round of student-led conferences. Students will bring home report cards on Monday afternoon, and teachers look forward to discussing your student’s goal progress and causes for celebration with you and your child at conferences this week. A few reminders:
•    Please be ON TIME (or a few minutes early) for your conference time. Teachers are only allotted 20 minutes for each conference. Please honor your end times as well; other families will be waiting and teachers will need to practice self-care in between conferences.
•    Bring your child with you! These are student-led conferences, and they are the stars of the show.
•    School dismisses at 12:20 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for conferences. Monday is a full day, 3:50 release, and Wednesday is a regular 2:20 release.
New this year: since we have been chosen to receive Title 1 funds to support student learning, there will be parent education materials at the front door. Teachers will also ask you and your student to sign our parent compact – our agreement between the school and your family stating how important the support of every one of us is in ensuring student growth and achievement.
 
Lake Washington School District received funds from the state to support student in need – because over 15% of our students receive Free or Reduced Lunch, our school is eligible to receive this support. We are excited and grateful for the additional resources to support our students and families, and continue to welcome your support!
*******************************************************************
Later this week, we will be sending out a Parent survey about Equity in our school. Please take the time to complete this brief survey; our building Equity team needs your help to identify which issues may impact your family, and how we can support you.
*******************************************************************
Used Book Fair:VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!Any parent can help – you do not need to be a PTSA member! Help our Library, and help get used books into the hands of our kids! 
 
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090b4aaba7229-used1
 
********************************************************************
Finally, our wonderful Student Records Secretary Mrs. Boykin experienced a change in her family and had to leave us to move to Kansas with her family. We will miss her very much – please be patient with our office staff as they fill in the gaps while we work to find a replacement.
 
Thank you – have a wonderful week!
 
Kirsten
 

Thank you to our amazing music teachers as well as our student musicians who performed on Friday at our MLK Day assembly – especially since most of the rehearsal time last week turned into snow days! We hope your family enjoyed today’s time together and that your students found ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy through acts of service, however great or small.
 
PTSA Afterschool Enrichment classes start this week – please make sure your child knows which day they have classes, and their pick-up plan!
 
This week, we will have our first Full Lockdown Drill using ALICE principles. These drills are completed each year to allow all of us to practice and prepare in the event of an emergency at school. Students and teachers will receive messages over the loudspeaker describing an individual in school – they will then need to listen and keep their eyes out for this individual and report sightings via the loudspeaker. We will try to balance the need to listen and pay close attention, and also not unduly frightening any of our students. Please ask your students about this Friday night and see what they have to share. 
 
Thank you all for your communication and care last week with our strange weather. We will keep you all posted as we learn how we will make up for those lost hours of instruction.
 
Have a wonderful week!
 
Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

I am sure many of you are keeping an eye on the weather forecasts, as are we. This is a good time to remind everyone to ensure your emergency contact information is current AND that you have at least one local person listed who could pick up your child in an emergency.

Also, an important reminder:

ALWAYS bring your photo identification when you come to pick up a child at school.

We cannot release any child to you if we cannot verify identity, and we cannot release any student to anyone who is not listed as an emergency contact for that child. If you have made friends in your child’s class this year, it is a good time to think about adding them to your contact list, so that you may be able to call upon one another for help in the event of an early closure, when traffic may prevent you from getting home or to school on time.

Please ensure students are dressed for cold and wet weather every day, and that their names are in any jackets. hoodies, etc. Thank you!

********************************************************************

For parents of students attending Redmond Middle School next year – this is a reminder that the 5^th grade parent night is this Tuesday, January 14, at 6:30 pm.

That’s all for this week – stay warm and dry!

Kirsten

Welcome back! We missed you, and especially your kids.

We hope the return to school finds you well-rested, and that your time with your children over break was rewarding. We are looking forward to getting everyone back into routines, which are necessary for kids but also sometimes challenging after breaks.

Please have your children at school on time every day – by 9:15. Late arrivals are difficult for both the student entering late and others in the classroom, as focus is broken from learning already happening. For most students, there is tremendous comfort in competing all of the morning routines with their teacher and classmates. We appreciate your support!

Also, we will be tightening up procedures on Think Papers – if a student is sent to the office and completes a Think Paper (reflection sheet with next steps) a parent or guardian must sign and return these the next day. If we do not receive the signed sheet from you on the next school day, students must stay in from recess until it comes back to school. Think papers are not always an indication of wrongdoing, but do capture that a student has had a conversation with an administrator about a choice made, perhaps involving safety or a lack of kindness with another. Thank you for checking your child’s backpack and folder every night for items that should be kept, or which must be signed and returned, like Think Papers of Permission slips.

Finally, this is the last call for Lost and Found – we have close to 100 jackets and coats by the front entrance. We hate to get rid of them and know many students need warm clothes. If your child is missing any items, please remind them to look and feel free to send your teacher a note about what they may be missing. At the end of this week, we will donate ALL UNCLAIMED ITEMS.

I wish you health and hope in the new year.

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Next week, we begin Winter Break. While not yet the halfway point of the year, it is a great time to stop, reflect in gratitude, and set goals for the new year.

It is also a great time to come look at the LOST AND FOUND, as we must donate all items over break. We have run out of room!

THANK YOU for your partnership, communication, and for sharing your children with us every day. They are amazing and we love being part of their lives.

I am so proud of the work we have done together this year, and am looking forward to the new year and new growth together. Redmond Elementary has recently qualified as a Title 1 School, which means we will be able to increase the targeted interventions and supports we offer to ensure all students are demonstrating growth. More information will be coming in 2020, as we develop our systems of supports.

We will continue to focus on Family Engagement, Math Concepts and Procedures, and Writing to Explain. More Family events will be coming in the New Year.

There will be NO SCHOOL between December 23 and January 3 – Have a wonderful rest, enjoy your time with your family, and let us know if you need anything. We will miss all of our students, but look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6 – well rested and a little bit taller than when they left.

Please join me in thanking your teachers for their amazing hard work so far this year. They, and your children, are truly gifts I appreciate every day.

Have a wonderful new year,

Kirsten

Dear Redmond El Families,

Thank you to all who joined us Friday night for the dance, and Saturday for the Lantern Festival!

This week is another busy one – the Elementary Orchestra concert for 1st and 2nd year students is this Wednesday, 12/11 at Redmond Middle School starting at 7:00.

Then Friday Night, 12/13, we have our Parent’s Night Out fundraiser, part of our school-wide effort to raise funds for Outdoor Education for all 5^th grade students – at amazing Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor. If you were hoping to have your children attend, but did not yet RSVP, please email Mrs. Herrick at kherrick@lwsd.org as soon as possible! Also, please remember that you must have photo ID when you come to pick up your children at the end of the night. :)

********************************************************************

Safety Note: Please remember that speed limits around schools must be carefully honored – and that ANY time a crossing guard or student is in a crosswalk, all vehicles must stop until the crosswalk is empty. We have asked Redmond Police to help us enforce safety laws to ensure that all students and staff are safe at all times. We appreciate your care and attention.

********************************************************************

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

Hello everyone! Welcome back – I hope your holiday weekend was warm and filled with time spent with those you love.

This week, we have lots going on: Our Winter Giving Campaign will be going every day. We are collecting:

• Gift Cards to local Grocery Stores, Target, or Fred Meyer (please drop these in the office)
• Movie Passes (please drop in the office)
• New and unwrapped toys and books – for children ages 6 mo – young adult
• Mittens, gloves, and warm socks for 6 mo – adult sizes

If your family is interested in “adopting one of our other families, please let me know and I will send you a wish list for kids involved. Thank you to those of you who have already said yes!

*******************************************************************************************************

The PTSA Family Dance Night is Friday December 6th. The theme this year is Superheroes!

Family Tickets are presale $10 and $12 at the door. Doors open at 6:00pm and DJ from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Pizza, and treats will be on sale! Light up souvenirs for $2. Preorder your choice of Costco pizza and two waters for $15. Look for the flyer or go online at redmondelptsa.org Reminder: No Drop offs – students must be with an adult!

*******************************************************************************************************

This Saturday, we invite you to join some of our staff for the first ever Family Festival of Lights!

Saturday, December 7, 2:30-4:00 (FREE)

• BRING: A dish or treat from your family’s culture to share (please list ingredients!)
• Donations of empty, clean 2 liter plastic bottles welcomed (these are needed for one type of lantern)
• Several options to make festival lanterns will be available
• All Ages Welcome

At 4:00, everyone is invited to walk to Redmond City Hall for the tree lighting – dress warmly!

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond El Families,

This week, because of the Thanksgiving Holiday, please note the following:

• Wednesday, 11/27: 12:20 STUDENT RELEASE
• Thursday, 11/28: NO SCHOOL – THANKSGIVING BREAK
• Friday, 11/29: NO SCHOOL – THANKSGIVING BREAK

*******************************************************************************************************

One of our goals as a school this year is to build stronger partnerships with our families. Many of our grade levels have welcomed you in to celebrations, and we will be continuing these, adding new traditions as well.

This year, again, we are starting our Winter Giving Campaign.

Between December 2 and December 6, we will be collecting the following, and would love your help!:

• Gift Cards to Fred Meyer, Target, or any local grocery stores
• New books, for toddlers up through teen readers
• Warm socks, mittens, gloves

If you or your family would like to “adopt” a family to help shop for, please contact me directly. We are collecting wish lists from families in need of extra support this year.

*Families’ identities will be kept confidential, both those who give and those who receive.

*******************************************************************************************************

On Saturday, December 7, we are opening up our Commons and Gym to all who would like to participate in the first Redmond El Family Festival of Lights!

• Bring a treat or dish from your family’s culture to share with others.
• Join us in making colorful paper lanterns (several options will be available).
• This event is FREE and simply an opportunity to celebrate our community together!

All ages are welcome – we will join to celebrate between 2:30 and 4:00. All who want to can then walk to Redmond City Hall for the 5:00 Tree Lighting, and/or to Redmond Town Center to join in fun winter activities there!

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Every year, we reach out to our community during the winter months to see how we can support one another. We will be collecting gift cards and new, unwrapped toys, books, and mittens gloves and hats between December 2 and December 6. Your generosity and support are appreciated.

If your family would benefit from assistance this winter, please let me know. We all have times when we can offer help, and times when we must ask. If help is needed, please email me at kgometz@lwsd.org or send a note in with your child. We are strongest together, and we love all of you who are part of our family.

*******************************************************************************************************

Estimadas familias de Redmond Elementary,Cada año, nos acercamos a nuestra
comunidad durante los meses de invierno para ver cómo podemos apoyarnos 
unos a otros. Recolectaremos tarjetas de regalo y juguetes, libros y guantes
nuevos y sin envolver, guantes y sombreros entre el 2 y el 6 de diciembre. 
Se agradece su generosidad y apoyo.Si su familia se beneficiaría de la 
asistencia este invierno, hágamelo saber. Todos tenemos momentos en los que
podemos ofrecer ayuda y momentos en los que debemos pedir. Si necesita ayuda,
envíeme un correo electrónico a kgometz@lwsd.org o envíe una nota con su hijo.
Somos más fuertes juntos y los amamos a todos los que forman parte de nuestra
familia.

Kirsten Gometz

Dear Redmond El Families,

Thank you to all who joined us Friday for the Veteran’s Day performances. We are so proud of our students and grateful to our Veterans for their service.

There is NO SCHOOL MONDAY November 11 to honor Veterans Day.

*******************************************************************************************************

Does your child have a costume you won’t be using again? We are collecting all gently used costumes to share with students needing costumes next year. If your child won’t use that Mermaid, Ghostbuster, or Black Panther costume again, please send it in to our Costume Shop collection box. It will be cleaned and made available to a lucky kid next year!

*******************************************************************************************************

Finally, we appreciate any support you can offer to our PTSA Hawk Fund – these funds support important programs at our school, as well as books for our Library and scholarships for special programs like Field Trips. Any little bit helps!

Donate today at http://redmondelptsa.org

Have a wonderful week,

Kirsten

Hello Families!

As a friendly reminder, the clocks were turned back last night – please make sure your clocks are adjusted so you don’t show up an hour early for school. Enjoy the extra sleep!

We appreciate everyone who has shared family Veteran information with Ms. Schoenen – there is still time to send her a photo if there is a Veteran in your family you’d like us to Honor. her email is mschoenen@lwsd.org.

Veteran’s Day Assemblies are this Friday. 2/3Q and 3 will be performing at both seatings:

1:50 for grades K, 1, 2

2:30 for grades 4, 4/5, 5

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, November 11, to honor the service of our Veterans.

Have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

Dear Redmond Elementary Families,

Harvest/Halloween celebrations are planned by grade levels to take place on Thursday, October 31. If you have questions about your child’s celebrations, please check with their teacher. If your child will need an alternate activity, please let both your teacher and myself know. If your child wishes to dress up, costume reminders are below:

• Students cannot travel to or from school in anything that covers their face. They must be easily identifiable by school staff and bus drivers, etc. They also must be able to see clearly at all times for safety reasons.
• Costumes must be school appropriate - which means if they are bloody, violent in nature, or revealing, they cannot be worn at school.
• No weapons (including fake weapons) at school.
• It will be up to school staff to determine if a costume is appropriate. Because of this, please either send the costume in a bag, or include a change of clothing in their backpack.

For our budding artists: The deadline for Reflections Arts entries has been extended to October 31 – all entries must be dropped off with completed entry forms in the main office by 3:50 pm, October 31. We hope to to see photographs, visual art, musical or dance entries reflections students’ interpretations of the “Looking Within” theme.

*******************************************************************************************************

I am writing to let you know about our upcoming Veterans’ Day Assemblies on Friday, November 8th.  The third grade and 2/3 Quest classes will be performing the program, “We Honor You” at 2:00 and again at 2:30.  Parents are welcome to attend.  We want to send a special invitation out to family members who are currently serving, or those who have served in the military in the past.  The program is to honor your service.

In addition, we are hoping that you may be able to help with a project for the occasion.  We are gathering photos of veterans to include in our slide show for the assemblies.  If you have a family member whose picture you would like to include, please email them to Mrs. Schoenen at mschoenen@lwsd.org.  Please include the name of the person who served (or is currently serving) and which Redmond El student they are related to.  

Thank you for you partnership – have a wonderful week!

Kirsten

Dear Redmond El Families,

Thank you all for joining us last week for conferences! We enjoyed spending time reflecting on your students’ accomplishments so far, and setting goals for the next few months.

Please look through this week’s announcements and reminders, and let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!

~ Kirsten

This week, on Wednesday, 10/23 Students across America recognize Unity Day – thinking about all the things that unite us, and how to end bullying. More information can be found here: 

https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/parents/definition-impact-roles.asp 

We invite students and staff to wear orange as a sign of unity, and we will engage in school activities promoting awareness and celebrating kindness, inclusion, and the connections between us. Students have also been working on a Community Painting which will hang in the office and which highlights our common experiences.

*******************************************************************************************************Picture Retakes are Wednesday, 10/23

Students who did not have photos taken or that you would like to have a retake done can have photos retaken on Wednesday, 10/23: You can order photos at www.lifetouch.com

*******************************************************************************************************

Reflections Art Contest Deadline Extended to October 31:

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.

The National PTA Reflections 2019-2020 theme is Look Within. Students may submit works of art in the categories Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts.
Rules and entry forms are now available in front of the main office and also in the  PTSA website.

Deadline for entry submission – October 31, 2019 
*******************************************************************************************************

For Parents or Guardians of First Grade Students:

In November, the Lake Washington School District will screen all first grade students in order to identify candidates for referral to Highly Capable Services.  Highly capable services provide accelerated learning and enrichment opportunities for eligible students.

We will be using the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Screening Form.  The assessment takes less than one hour and will be given by the first grade teachers at your child’s school on November 7, 2019, with make-up testing scheduled on November 14. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, teachers will follow the instructions on that plan regarding testing, including any modifications or accommodations.

Students do not need any special preparation for this screening.  To learn more about the CogAT Screening Form, visit https://www.riversideinsights.com/solutions/cogat?tab=0.

If you wish more information about Elementary Highly Capable Services, please visit our website at www.lwsd.org/hcp or contact us by email at Quest@lwsd.org. If you decide taking the CogAT screener is not right for your child, simply work with your child’s teacher to complete and submit an opt-out form.

Once all first grade students have completed the screening process, the Accelerated Programs Department will contact families whose student(s) who score at the 95^th Age Percentile Rank or higher. At that time, those families will be given the opportunity to complete an online application to participate in further assessment for highly capable services.

Please email the Accelerated Programs Office at Quest@lwsd.org with any questions you have about the CogAT screening or about highly capable programs.

Dear Redmond El Families,

We are excited to see you with your students for conferences! Please be on time for conferences as teachers have very tight schedules with little time between your conference and those before and after. Release times this week are:

Monday 10/14: 12:20

Tuesday 10/15: 12:20

Wednesday 10/16: Normal 2:20

Thursday 10/17: 12:20

Friday 10/18: NO SCHOOL

*****************************************************************************************************************

While you are at conferences, please come visit our Scholastic Book Fair in the library – Mrs. Jones has a wonderful event set up and money raised goes towards filling our own Library shelves with more amazing books to keep our students reading!

*****************************************************************************************************************

We are just about at the half way point for Walk to School Month. Keep up the good work! We are almost there.

One way that you can get your family motivated to start thinking about not driving is by walking or biking to other activities outside of school hours! Changing your mind set and giving up driving alone to a friend’s house or to the grocery store can really help establish great habits and create a new routine for the family!

For more helpful tips on incorporating walking, biking, or carpooling check out the SchoolPool blog here.

Email the Redmond SchoolPool staff at RedmondSchoolPool@redmond.gov if you have any questions!

Have a wonderful week!

~Kirsten

Dear Redmond Families,

 

It is that time of year when we turn the heat on and dress in sweaters and boots in the morning – and then the sun comes out and it becomes much warmer by the time kids go to recess. This is when our Lost and Found collection gets big quickly! Many times kids come to school dressed for cool morning weather, and come home without many of the coats or hoodies they were wearing when they left home.

Please put names in everything with permanent ink – jackets, sweaters, hoodies – and even lunchboxes. If we find an item with a first and last name it makes it MUCH easier to return to its owner – otherwise they can sit in Lost and Found for weeks, with kids forgetting all about them, until we eventually need to donate items to charity.

*********************************************************************************************************

Wow! Walk to School Day was a huge success.  Let’s keep the magic alive and keep Walking and Rolling through the rest of October!

 

Students remember to fill out all your walk, bike, carpool, or bus trips on your SchoolPool calendar. If you misplace your calendar, you can print a new one here.

 

Email the Redmond SchoolPool staff at RedmondSchoolPool@redmond.gov if you have any questions!

******************************************************************************************************

Thursday, October 10: LWSD - Elementary Highly Capable Info Night

6:00 PM

Lake Washington High School

Parent Information Night for parents of current students in grades 1 through 4. Note: Attendance is not required in order to apply.

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Lake Washington High School Performing Arts Center
12033 N.E. 80th St.
Kirkland, WA 98033

*****************************************************************************************************

October 11, 2019: Coffee with the Principals (9:30 in the Commons Cafe)

Any parents who would like to chat informally with Ms. Gometz and Ms. Davis are invited to come join us for coffee and light snacks at 9:30. Let us know how the start of the year has gone, ask us any questions you might have, and share your ideas! PTSA President Meg Katselis will also be with us!

 

Have a wonderful week!

 

Kirsten Gometz