We are off to a fantastic start this year! I just wanted share my gratitude for each of our staff members for working to create positive classroom communities this first few weeks of school. I have observed clear expectations, community-building circles, problem-solving strategies, and students having a lot of fun engaging in content related activities. Teachers and students are modeling compassion, patience and kindness toward one another, which is helping to create a wonderful climate and culture at Seward Elementary.
We are so fortunate to be able to open our doors again and receive students for in-person learning this year. The energy in the building has been a positive, electric vibe. The challenge for us will be to keep kids in school as much as possible. In the building, we are utilizing the tools we have at our disposal to limit the spread of Covid-19 and reduce the number of people who would have to be out when there is a positive case in our building. This includes actively encouraging all students and staff to wear masks indoors as well as employing cohort groups, sanitation protocols and practicing social distancing.
What can you do to help kids stay in school?
The simplest thing we can all do to keep students in school is have as many students as possible wear a mask. If BOTH an infected student and a close contact are wearing properly fitting masks, the close contact will likely NOT need to quarantine. Until September 10th, students and staff are required to wear masks to help level the spread of COVID-19. I am asking that we all do our part to help keep everyone safe during this trying time.
Please be sensitive if you or your family members experience any symptom of illness—including what you think might be allergies. The best action is to stay home if it is the start of the school or work day, avoid activities around other people, and get a COVID-19 test if you or a family member feels ill or loses a sense of smell or taste. If someone is already at school or work when symptoms of illness begin, KPBSD can do a free COVID-19 test (with parent permission for students). Remember that proper mask wearing is required up to September 10th, at which time we will reevaluate the situation in our schools. Masks are required for all visitors to the building. Masks are available daily at all entrances for anyone coming into the building.
What happens when a positive case is identified at Seward Elementary?
Once we learn of a case in the school, we immediately start contact tracing to see who is considered a close contact. Calls will be made directly to families of anyone deemed a close contact explaining isolation/quarantine protocols. Once all families affected have been contacted, we will send out an email informing the entire school community that we had a positive case and that all who are affected have been contacted and isolated.
How will we serve students if they are in quarantine?
If your child needs to quarantine or isolate for a week or more and is well enough to complete work, here is how we plan to deliver services to them. This will be different from last year. All teachers are maintaining a virtual classroom environment where students can access materials. There will not be any direct instruction from the classroom teacher, but there will be resources, activities, and assignments in the core content areas (reading, writing, math) your child may work on independently or with your assistance so they do not fall behind. Or teachers may opt to send home packets for your student to do.
We also have Chromebooks available for students who are out who need one. Please contact the school if your child is out and will need a device.
The collective power of our community action over the past 18 months shows that despite our differences, we can come together and make personal, responsible choices so our kids can stay in school as much as possible.
I look forward to working with each of you this year, and I want to thank you for entrusting us with your children. My door is always open, and I welcome the opportunity to speak with each of you!
Alan Haskins, Principal Seward Elementary
224-3356