August 13, 2020
Principal's Update
Diane Prystas, Principal
Kristy Jackson, Assistant Principal

Dear Roy Cloud Families,

The staff and I are grateful to be able to celebrate the opening of the 2020-21 school year at Roy Cloud with all of YOU

  • Mrs. Jackson and I had our first official meeting with teachers on Tuesday. As part of our time together, we met in grade level teams and created daily schedules for synchronous and asynchronous lessons to cover the week of instruction. Our schedules were sent to Dr. Baker for review and samples were shared at the RCSD board meeting last night. On the first day of school, K-5 families will get their daily schedules directly from their teachers. Middle school students will pick up their schedules on Monday along with their technology and supplies. 

  • Class rosters have been formed and your teacher assignments will be sent to you later today via email. If you do not receive an email today, please contact our office managers, Anna Solorio and Charlene VanderMartin. Many hours have been spent creating class lists and balancing them for equity, including the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of each student. We will not be able to entertain any request for change of placement at this time. Should you feel the need to request such consideration, you may make an appointment to come to the office to complete a form indicating the need of your child. Your form will be reviewed after Labor Day once enrollment numbers are solidified. 

  • Next Wednesday on the first day of school, please be prepared to help your student(s) log in to their first classroom meeting at 8:15 am. Teachers will provide more information about these meetings early next week.

  • Teachers continue with professional development this week for learning modules, safety protocols, assessments, and our new Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) component from Character Strong.

  • This year we welcome two new staff members to our team: Christina Huelman, 6th grade Science and Social Studies teacher, and Sierra Daniels, full-time counselor. We also offer congratulations to 5th grade teacher Desiree Johnson who gave birth to her second daughter over the summer. While Mrs. Johnson is out on family leave, we welcome Katherine (Katie) Machemer who is collaborating and teaching with our fifth grade team. 

  • Distribution of technology, textbooks, and classroom supplies will take place next week on Monday, August 17th. Please see the detailed schedule below regarding your specific pickup time by grade level. As in the spring, you may need to make more than one visit to get your items. We recognize this may be an inconvenience and thank you in advance for working with our schedule. 

On behalf of the entire staff, we look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to the new year even if the welcome is from behind a face covering! We are thrilled to be a part of this community of kindness and are looking forward to a very successful and engaging year!  

Take good care,
Diane
Calendar
This Week

Upcoming
  • Mon, Aug 17 – Learning Devices & Supplies Pickup @ Roy Cloud
  • Mon, Aug 17, 6:00 pm – RCSD Parent Training Series: Connecting Students
  • Tues, Aug 18, 5:30 pm – RCSD Parent Training Series: District Platforms
  • Wed, Aug 19 – First Day of Instruction, 2020-21 School Year
  • Mon, Aug 24, 6:00 pm RCSD Parent Training Series: Parent Handbook
  • Wed, Aug 26, 7:00 pm – RCSD Virtual Board Meeting
  • Tues, Sep 8, 7:00 pm – First PTO Virtual Meeting - All Parents Welcome!

Save the Date! Virtual Back to School Nights
  • Thurs, Aug 20, 6:00 pm – Kindergarten
  • Tues, Aug 25, 6:00 pm – Grades 1-2
  • Wed, Aug 26, 6:00 pm – Grades 3-5
  • Thurs, Aug 27, 6:00 pm – Grades 6-8
School News
Roy Cloud Supplies & Devices Pick Up Schedule
Next Monday, August 17th, distribution of devices, textbooks, and classroom supplies will take place at Roy Cloud. See the schedule below for your time slot and location by grade.

To pick up materials, please drive through the specified parking lot at your specified time, and staff will deliver your items to the trunk of your car. Please complete and display this form in your car window to help pickup run smoothly. Staff will be wearing face masks and we request you wear your face masks as well. If you can't make your specified pickup time, please contact the office.
Monday, August 17th @ Roy Cloud School

Kindergarten
8:30-9:30 am – Red Oak Parking Lot

First Grade
8:30-9:30 am – Jefferson Parking Lot

Second Grade
9:30-10:30 am – Red Oak Parking Lot

Third Grade
9:30-10:30 am – Jefferson Parking Lot

Fourth Grade
10:30-11:30 am – Red Oak Parking Lot

Fifth Grade
10:30-11:30 am – Jefferson Parking Lot

Sixth Grade
11:30-12:30 am – Jefferson Parking Lot

Seventh & Eighth Grades
11:30-12:30 am – Red Oak Parking Lot

Free & Reduced Meals Application
RCSD Child Nutrition Services would like to remind families to apply for free meals using the EZMealApp, which is convenient and private. To learn more, view the flyer or call 650-482-2227 for assistance.
Immunizations Reminder for Kindergarten & 7th Grade
Immunization requirements for all California students remain in place for 2020-21. As RCSD families get ready to start the 2020-21 school year, the district’s Health and Wellness team reminds parents and guardians of TK, kindergarten, and 7th grade students to submit immunization records prior to the first day of school on August 19th.
PTO News
After-School Enrichment is Back!
The PTO after-school enrichment classes are back this fall with some fun and engaging virtual classes and other interesting enrichment opportunities. Among other classes, we'll be offering Young Rembrandts Art, Mad Science, and even our Junior Chefs Stars will be offering a fun cooking box for aspiring chefs!

Enrollment will open on Homeroom.com starting August 24th, with classes starting the week of September 21st. The classes will be available as 4-week sessions so that students can try a variety of interests or stay with what they are enjoying for a second or third session (it also keeps the price point down!). 

We've also compiled a few other learning opportunities that might be of interest to enhance curriculum and that follow a different registration and time length. Many of these are currently open for registration and links can be found on our PTO website's after-school enrichment page.

Please contact Mary-Elizabeth Robinson with questions. Enjoy!

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