September 4, 2020

The first day of school is right around the corner!  The staff and I are so excited to finally be kicking off the 2020/2021 school year!  I want to highlight a few important reminders before we officially start next week.

Virtual Opening Day – September 8: I will be hosting a welcome back meeting for all students (and their families) at 9am on Tuesday, September 8th.  The zoom link for this session was sent via email.  Each classroom teacher will be hosting their own sessions on this date as well.  You can expect more information to come directly from your child’s teacher.

In Person Opening Day – September 9: For students attending in person, doors will open at 8:50am.  We will have lots of staff members stationed outside to help students into the building.  Dismissal from in person learning is at 12:25.  Remote learning begins again at 12:25 and ends at 3:30.  Each classroom teacher will be sharing information about their afternoon schedule directly with their families.

Arrival Protocol: Please be aware that we have a new arrival protocol this year.  Cars will enter only by turning right off of Laurel Street to ensure a safe and orderly entry into the school grounds.  Please stay in line until you reach the drop off area and stay in your car when you pull up to the curb.  Staff will greet your child and direct them to the appropriate entrance.  If your child is reluctant to leave your car on the first days of school, you will be directed to a designated parking area and school staff will be on hand to support the transition.  When you leave school grounds, you will be directed to go straight on Stow Street or to turn right on Laurel.  Cars will not be permitted to turn left onto Laurel Street to minimize congestion.

Dismissal Protocol: Cars will enter only by turning right off of Laurel Street.  Please stay in line until you reach the pick up area and remain in your car when you pull up to the curb.  Staff will bring students to their designated cars.  You can help us move as quickly as possible by displaying a sign with your child’s name and grade level in your window.  When leaving, please drive straight down Stow Street or turn right onto Laurel Street to minimize congestion.  Walkers and bikers will exit school grounds through the gate by the baseball field.

Dismissal Changes: If you need to change your child’s regular dismissal plan, please email the classroom teacher and the main office staff (natkinson@concordps.org and kcorliss@concordps.org).  It is very important that you include the main office staff on these emails as they will be the ones ensuring that the classroom teacher has received your message before dismissal begins.  The earlier in the day you notify us of changes, the better.  Any last minute emergency changes made after 11am should be communicated by phone to ensure the message makes it to the classroom teacher.

COVID Symptom Screener: Parents are being asked to complete a COVID symptom checklist in the Aspen Parent Portal every morning.  We are asking that forms be submitted an hour before the start of school so that we can ensure that all forms are completed before arrival begins.  There is a short tutorial video showing you how to complete the form.

Safe Routes to School: With fewer children riding buses this year, we expect more to walk and bike to school.  An organization of Concord parents has prepared recommended routes, bike safety information and other updates which are available on their website here.  They are also coordinating Bike-to-School events from September 9th through September 18th – you can find more information here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.  I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone next week!

Warmly,

Ms. Krakow