DECEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER
NOTES FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
Happy December McLane Families,
Usually I would say something about how this year “Flew By” however, 2020 has been a loooong year! With that being said, I appreciate how things have changed over this year. We have had the opportunity to work closer with families and I am truly grateful how each and everyone of you is supporting your student, your teacher, and our community, we could not do this without you,
THANK YOU!
Over the next few weeks, I will be meeting with families by grade level. On Tuesday, December 1st it is 5th grade families and Thursday, December 3rd it is 4th grade families. The hope for this meeting is for us to gather as a grade level community, share about planning for in person learning, hear about things that are going well and areas for improvement. I hope that most of these meetings will be a collaborative discussion and that I can answer any questions or concerns you may have about school as we continue to navigate this school year. The meetings take place between 4:00-5:00pm and here is the zoom link:https://osd111.zoom.us/j/81495361027 I hope to see you all there.
I also believe that we are one big family here at McLane, which means we take care of each other, this is one of the most important lessons we work to instill in our students. If your immediate family is ever in need of support please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 360-596-6605 or [email protected] We are able to support families with necessity such as groceries or gas, help out with past due bills and during this time of year we even help out with gifts during the holiday season. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need anything.
The McLane Library has been a highlight for many this year. We are gearing up for a battle of the books for 4th and 5th grade students and we also have winter break that is fastly approaching. With that being said, we are hitting pause on checking out new library books until January. This will allow us to gather books that are out and ensure we are ready to send them all back out once school resumes after the new year. Additionally I wanted to say thank you to your phenomenal PTSO. The PTSO donated over 150 books to diversify our Library, and several more hundred books straight to classrooms. These books include student favorites and class sets of certain novels. Thank you PTSO our teachers will continue to use these books to enrich the learning experience of our students.
Take Care,
Principal Brock
GIVING TREE
Our Giving Tree donation is up and running! At this time of year, we have families that need a bit of help for the holidays. We help a number of families within our McLane Community during this holiday season. We are using only Safeway and Target due to both stores being closer to our family neighborhoods.
Please donate by December 11th. This allows time for receiving families to pick up before school is released for winter break. You can either bring in cash donations or gift cards in $25 or $50 marked amounts to the front office or directly to the PTSO. Any donation is welcome!
We hope to have either money donations directly to PTSO through their website https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9BTXRZDTLSXNE, or actual gift cards for either Safeway or Target that can be dropped off at the school office. Your generosity is much appreciated!
Feelings! Who’s got feelings? YOU DO, I DO, WE ALL DO!
Join Ms.Corrine any Tuesday/Thursday at 3pm to work on expressing our feelings through art, music, and games. It’s going to be fun!
Please use this link starting next Tuesday, December 8th.
https://osd111.zoom.us/j/84146207673?pwd=blhRV21UUG5Zc2U0U2luMUVNUC9hUT09
Packet Pick Up:
We will continue doing packet pick up. Students in Grades Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade have a packet to pick up each time. Students in grades 3/4/5 only need to come if they are directed by their teachers. Mark your calendars for upcoming packet pick up
December 10th Thursday 8:00-9:00am and 11:30-1:00
December 11th Friday 8:00-9:00am and 11:30-1:00
December 18th Friday 11:30-1:00 This will be a fun celebration type event for
all students, more info to come.
January 7th Thursday 8:00-9:00am and 11:30-1:00
January 8th Friday 8:00-9:00am and 11:30-1:00
Family Meetings:
Over the next few weeks, I would like to hold informal meetings with families by grade level. My hope is to bring our community together and have a time for us to connect. I also would love to facilitate a conversation where we can share what is going well with school this year and what are some challenges that we have had to overcome. These conversations will be tailored to your student’s specific grade level. Teachers will also be invited to attend and join the conversation. The times are as follows and here is the link for the Zoom meetings:
https://osd111.zoom.us/j/81495361027
Meetings will take place 4:00-5:00pm
5th grade- Tuesday, December 1st
4th grade- Thursday, December 3rd
3rd grade- Tuesday, December 8th
2nd grade- Thursday, December 10th
1st grade- Tuesday, December 15
Kindergarten- Thursday, December 17th
Hybrid Survey, 1st-5th Grade:
Recently, 1st-5th grade families were asked to complete a survey about switching to a hybrid learning model. Our kindergarten families indicated their choice on this survey in October. Now families with students in grades 1-5 will have the chance to decide. Even though OSD will not begin hybrid learning until January at the earliest, we are collecting information from families and staff so schedules and plans can be created.
The survey is quite self-explanatory I think, with one exception. The hybrid model is structured in such a way that a child will attend school 2 days per week, and have remote learning on the other 3 days. The three days of ‘remote learning’ will involve a combination of independent work and other assignments and learning opportunities. However, if you select the hybrid option, during a day when your child is at home, the teacher will be actively teaching the other cohort of students on campus (and your child will have very little or no contact with the teacher). It is important to understand the ‘remote learning’ in a hybrid model will not be the same as the distance learning all children are now experiencing. It could be that everyone understands this nuance – but I wanted to make sure it was clear. If you have any questions about this survey, please do not hesitate to contact me, and I will do my very best to serve as a guide through this decision.
OSD MEAL BOXES
Request free meal boxes for winter break by December 7
Families may request a free five-day supply of breakfast and lunch for each of their students during winter break by completing a form at a current school/community meal distribution site or emailing the Child Nutrition Services department by Monday, December 7.
Five-day meal boxes will be distributed between 10 a.m. and 12 noon on Monday, December 21 and Monday, December 28. Families from schools throughout the district may choose one of the following six school locations to pick up the meal boxes: Hansen, Pioneer, Centennial, Garfield, McKenny or Roosevelt elementary schools.
All students and youth up to age 21 are eligible to order the free meal boxes.
To reserve a five-day box of meals for the week of December 21 and/or December 28, please obtain a request form from any of the current school and community meal distribution sites, open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Return the form to any meal site by Monday, December 7. An interactive map showing the locations and driving directions to the current meal distribution sites is posted on the district website.
Families may also email the district’s Child Nutrition Services department at [email protected]. Be sure to include in your email:
How many students/youth in your family need a five-day box of meals.
Where you will pick up the five-day supply of meals (Hansen, Pioneer, Centennial, Garfield, McKenny or Roosevelt elementary school).
Whether you will pick up meal boxes on Monday, December 21, Monday, December 28 or on both dates.
***VERY IMPORTANT***
2020-21 Student Information Update & Handbook Acknowledgment
MUST BE COMPLETED BY EVERY FAMILY ASAP
Every year we send home a paper print out of your student’s Skyward registration. This allows us to verify student information and ensure that your student’s information is accurate and up to date.
This year the process will be done online in Skyward. Attached are the directions. You can also access a video by clicking on the link. The 60-second video walks you through what the application looks like.
https://www.skyward.com/parents-and-students/family-access-toolkit/parents/video/online-enrollment
OSD PORTAL:
Please make sure students are signing into the portal on a daily basis. This is the student’s individual attendance. Students can check into the portal at any time during the day, for Elementary students this is not related to the Zoom meetings. If your child does not sign into the portal they will receive an automated call requesting that you notify the attendance line at McLane. If you do not notify the attendance line with a reason for your child not signing into the portal your student will receive an unexcused absence for that day. The attendance line can be called directly at 360 596-6603 or you can be directed to the attendance line by calling 360 596-6600. Please keep your students' attendance up to date.
PTSO MEETING:
Monday, December 14th 6:30pm - 7:30pm
https://zoom.us/j/98121783626?pwd=aGhuK0FXd29keVdabFRKR1BtUnpQdz09
LIBRARY NEWS:
-
Curbside book pick up has been running smoothly thus far this year. Students are putting books on hold through the Destiny Discover site and we are getting books to families in a COVID safe manner. When books are returned, they are put into a 4 day quarantine prior to entering back into circulation. It’s working very well.
- 4th & 5th Grade are gearing up for Battle of the Books which will be introduced the first week in December and finish in April. This year Battle is an optional activity and I’m excited to say there are 37 students interested in participating. We will only have 6 titles to read instead of 12. We will meet via zoom once a week for 30-45 minutes to book talk and practice battle. The teams will be intermingled containing both 4th & 5th graders and EVERY team will be in the final battle.
- Book Clubs are still meeting weekly on Mondays (Kinders-2nd grade 11:30-12:00 and 3rd-5th 3:00-3:30). If you would like to join, just check out the books and chapters we’ve read in the “Book Club” on your Library Schoology page and come spend time with friends talking about books.
- Our Fall Scholastic on-line book fair was enjoyed by many. Thank you for your support. Books will be sent to your homes and proceeds will support McLane.
WINTER BREAK:
No school Monday, December 21st through to Friday, January 1st
Monday, January 4th School Resumes
SEASONAL ASSISTANCE 2020:
GIFTS & TOYS:
TOYS FOR TOTS
Keep checking this website for the phone number to call: https://olympia-wa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=100&nPreviewInd=200
DO NOT go to DSHS in person. DO NOT CALL DSHS until we provide the exact numbers to call starting on 16 November. Due to the current situation with COVID, we will be registering families with children requesting toys by phone this year. We will post the phone numbers for you to call in for registration of your children to receive toys starting on November 16th and concluding on 17 December 2020. Only call during normal daily working hours please 9am-3pm. We will have our distribution site for pick up of toys starting at 9am until 6pm from December 19th-23rd. Distribution Point has not been secured at this time. We will post the location once we know it.
SALVATION ARMY
360-352-8596 x1100
All Applications are to be completed online. https://saangeltree.org/
FOOD AND MEALS:
BARB’S FAMILY AND FRIENDS
*Thanksgiving Dinner,
Wednesday, November 25th
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbia Hall
6794 Martin Way E. Lacey, WA 98516
*Community Christmas Meal (12/19) - Hot meals for takeout due to Covid19, clothing, toys, and gifts (children's gift boutique allows children to shop for parents, caregivers, and siblings)
THURSTON COUNTY FOOD BANK
220 Thurston Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98501 | (360) 352-8597
We will be distributing pre-built holiday food boxes and a meat option* — IN ADDITION to our regular distribution of pre-build boxes/bags — on Monday (11/23) and Wednesday (11/25) at our Downtown, CSC, location (220 Thurston Ave. NE, 98516).
This will be drive-up as well as walk-up distribution. We will be distributing food from 11am – 3pm (last in line) on those two days from the Downtown location.
UNION GOSPEL MISSION
413 Franklin Street NE, Olympia, WA 98501 | 360-709-9725 Thanksgiving/Christmas Hot Meals THURSDAY November 26, 2:00 p.m. FRIDAY December 25, 2:00 p.m. General Hot Meals MONDAY – FRIDAY 6:30 a.m., Noon and 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY Brunch 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY 7:30 a.m. and Noon
SNOW AND SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS:
The Olympia School District will inform you as soon as possible when school schedules change through our phone/email messaging system, our district website and district social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
The school district will make every effort to operate normally, despite the weather. On rare occasions, however, weather conditions may make it necessary to modify bus routes, and when that occurs, media outlets will be asked to announce the use of "snow routes" or "emergency routes."
IMPORTANT LINKS:
McLane website
https://mclane.osd.wednet.edu/
Skyward/Family Access
https://www2.crdc.wa-k12.net/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wolympis71/seplog01.w
Volunteer Application form. Forms can be found on the OSD website. This must be renewed every year.
https://osd.wednet.edu/community/volunteer
OSD Transportation 360 596-7700
http://osd.wednet.edu/departments/transportation
Emergency Information
https://osd.wednet.edu/families/emergency_information
Alternate Bus Routes & Snow Bulletin
https://osd.wednet.edu/departments/transportation/emergency_snow_routes_west/
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The Olympia School District will provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
The Olympia School District offers many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs/courses in the following areas: Skilled and Technical Sciences/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); Agriculture/Natural Resources; Business/Marketing; Family and Consumer Sciences; and Health Sciences. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact Pat Cusack, Director of College and Career Readiness, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 985016, (360) 596-6102. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in CTE programs.
The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, reports of alleged sexual harassment, concerns about compliance, and/or grievance procedures:
Scott Niemann, Title IX RCW 28A.640 Officer
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 596-6185; [email protected]
Autumn Lara, Executive Director of Elementary Education
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506
360-596-8534; [email protected]
Ken Turcotte, Section 504 and ADA Coordinator
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506
360-596-7530; [email protected]
Scott Niemann, Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506
360-596-6185; [email protected]
Pat Cusack, Director of College and Career Readiness
Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 596-6102; [email protected]