DECEMBER 2, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE...

SCHOOL NEWS
Phase 3
NEW IDL & XDL Enrichments
Dress in Layers!
Report Cards Update
PTA NEWS
Adopt a Family
Spirt Wear
Picture Day Recap
FOUNDATION NEWS
PLEDGE DAY IS FRIDAY
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

Dear Bel Aire Families,

Phase 3 is starting on Monday, December 7. For those of you who like to have all of the details, I encourage you to visit this doc: Bel Aire Phases | 2020. The first 6 pages outline Phase 3 details including sample schedules. With the exception to doubling our in-person class sizes, health and safety protocols will remain the same in Phase 3.

I suspect most of you might prefer the Cliff's Notes version in lieu of reviewing the full document linked above. So here are the major changes, only:
NEW: FIVE DAYS OF IN-PERSON LEARNING
Phase 3 introduces five, in-person learning days, as opposed to two in Phase 2.

  • The in-person school day is still shortened, and students will return home for lunch.

  • After lunch, students will have assigned work to continue with one at-home academic Independent Learning Block (ILB) in the afternoons.

  • Students will also have a variety of virtual afternoon enrichment options (see below). 
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NEW: FULL COHORTS
Phase 3 introduces full classroom cohorts, as opposed to the split A/B cohorts that attended school on alternate days during Phase 2. Classroom classroom spaces will be twice as full, but physical distancing will still be practiced. In the case 6 foot distances can not be maintained between student work stations, plexiglass will be installed as an additional safety barrier. 
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NEW: VIRTUAL AFTERNOON ENRICHMENT OPEN TO ALL (IDL & XDL) STUDENTS
In addition to an at-home ILB, students also have the option to join a variety of virtual enrichment classes and clubs in the afternoon.

  • There are fewer specialist minutes during the in-person day in Phase 3 (due to limitations on the number of cohorts a teacher can work with per day and the desire to maximize academic content coverage in a shortened school day).

  • During at-home learning in the afternoons, students have the option to access twice as many minutes with their specialists by participating in afternoon clubs and enrichment courses.

  • Students will find up to 6 different options each afternoon.

  • These virtual classes are open to all Bel Aire students including our IDL and XDL students!
STAY TUNED:
We are still finalizing enrollment and scheduling details,
so please stay tuned for potential changes to our new virtual afternoon programming. 
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NEW: SHORT-TERM LEARNING FROM HOME PLAN (“TEST OR 10”)
Understanding that students will need to stay home due to COVID-like symptoms or exposure, we have developed a plan to meet their needs for windows of approximately 10 school days

  • This learning-from-home plan is not designed for travel or extended leaves from the classroom. 

  • Teachers will share the learning plan in ‘real time,’ as needed. Please understand that teachers cannot provide the work for more than a single 5-day period at a time, and cannot provide work in advance of the 5-day period of missed school. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This is a short-term plan designed for short-term absences due to illness or exposure.
This is not a program available for travel or for families needing to keep students home for longer periods. Families who need or want to keep their students home for more than 10 school days must enroll in our Independent/Extended Distance Learning Programs designed to meet these needs.

Students out for more than 10 school days will be required to provide a doctor’s note and may be marked truant. 
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NEW: LARGE, OUTDOOR TENTS (SEND YOUR KIDS TO SCHOOL IN MANY LAYERS!)
Research is revealing that air circulation is one of the most important factors in preventing COVID. Because of this and doubling classroom capacity in Phase 3, students should be prepared to spend more time outdoors.

  • We have installed 10 large tented spaces on campus with tables to accommodate a full cohort.

  • The tents will be shared with other cohorts, but teachers will coordinate schedules, and custodial staff will sanitize between use. 

  • Classroom spaces will also be colder than usual due to open doors and windows.

  • Students need to come to school dressed for colder weather. 
Just in case that wasn't enough, here's the link to the larger doc one more time.
Sincerely,

Lexie Cala
Principal
WIN AN E-BIKE!
(Or a $2,500 Gift Card to Mike's Bikes)
See the flyer and more information below, but Friday, December 4 is the F4RS's PLEDGE DAY!

All families who donate or pledge any amount before December 4th are entered in an E-Bike Drawing!

REPORT CARDS UPDATE
We promised they'd be available online today, but please give us until the end of the week as we've encountered a couple technical glitches.

PLEASE SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN LAYERS!

It is getting colder outside. Please help your child remember to bring warm clothes.
We are spending more time outside this year, windows and doors are staying open in classrooms.

Jackets, sweaters, and long pants are recommended.
ADOPT A FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

This year we are partnering with Adopt A Family of Marin to support families in our Marin community during the holidays. Adopt A Family works year round to prevent homelessness and provide stability for families in crisis. The agency acts as a safety net for many families in the County by providing short term financial assistance. This year, Adopt A Family has provided over $650,000 in financial assistance to support families struggling as a result of COVID. Every year, with the help of hundreds of donors, Adopt A Family provides a warm holiday for Marin families. While this year has come with challenges, Adopt A Family has witnessed neighbors helping neighbors. With our community support, it is impossible not to make a difference this holiday season. 
For more information and to participate, please contact your classroom parent!
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SPIRIT WEAR FOR HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING

HURRY! 

Order by December 11th, and a PTA member will deliver your merchandise the week of December 14th. Bel Aire PTA is making it easy for you to stock up with your kids wardrobe faves for fall. 

Contact-free delivery!  
PICTURE DAY RECAP
Thank you for making our recent picture days a success at all three schools.
Stay tuned for makeup information in the spring for students who were unable to be photographed this past month. For questions about orders please contact Dorian Studio directly at [email protected] or (800) 826-3535.

FRIDAY IS PLEDGE DAY!

IMPORTANT LINKS