Diane Prystas, Principal
Kristy Jackson, Assistant Principal
Dear Roy Cloud Families,
Thank you for your positive attitudes, notes of appreciation and spirit of collaboration as we move forward, step by step, to organize our students' instruction and tailor their days for the year ahead.
Here are a few updates for the week:
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Miss Anna and Miss Charlene, our front office managers, returned on Wednesday to focus on finalizing class lists. All lists are reviewed by Dr. Baker, as are School of Choice requests. Once approved, he will give the schools the go ahead to notify families. We will not be making any changes after Friday, August 7th.
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Teachers are returning early this year on August 11th-13th for additional professional development and to create their daily schedules. All schedules are due to Dr. Baker for approval on August 11th. Once approved, I will be able to share schedule specifics in the August 13th Thunderbolt. For general schedule guidelines, please refer to last week’s Thunderbolt message.
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During the full distance learning model, teachers will be given one day per week for distance learning preparation time. There is no obligation to interact with students during this 6.5-hour allotment of prep time. Teachers will be expected to be prepared for instruction and student check-ins. The day may be used to but is not limited to: create lesson plans, field digital resources, enhance online classrooms, assess student work, create engaging instruction materials such as videos and interactive lessons, and collaborate with other teachers. The district-wide day for teacher preparation time will be every Wednesday. Given that the first day of school is a Wednesday, teacher distance learning preparation time during the first week of school will be on Friday, August 21st.
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During the teacher preparation day, students may have synchronous learning from other certificated staff such as our STEAM TOSA, our PE coach, or our literacy coach. This is also a time when our counselors may schedule sessions for individuals and small groups, when “outdoor” science may be scheduled, when Mrs. Lera, our school librarian may meet to read stories, or when middle school students may have the option for their instrumental music lessons. These schedules are being developed.
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Thank you for completing the survey I sent out last week. We heard from 200 families. If you have not yet completed the brief survey, please do so this week so we can get an accurate number of students returning to distance learning. If you do not complete the survey, Anna and Charlene will be calling you to verify your intentions for 2020/21.
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In reading survey comments, there were questions around distance learning and other options for instruction. On July 30th, Wendy Kelly, Deputy Superintendent, presented an Independent/Home School Study to clarify options for parents. Important deadlines for decisions are in the presentation, so please request access and review it before August 12th. The best option for your child to have teacher contact time is with the distance learning model.
- Roy Cloud office opening:
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The school office will open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm beginning August 10th.
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Please email Anna ([email protected]) and Charlene ([email protected]) to schedule an appointment if you need to visit the office.
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Each visitor who enters campus must undergo a temperature check and complete a survey for Visitor/Vendor Wellness. Each school site has a customized visitor survey in English and Spanish. QR codes will be posted on the doors of each office. Visitors can use their cell phones or a tech device should be available in the office to use.
- We may ask visitors if they have any respiratory symptoms and a temperature over 100.4 in a private location. If the visitor has a high temperature or answers yes to having respiratory problems, we will ask them to schedule a later appointment to avoid possibly exposing others.
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We need all families to update your emergency contacts, correct email addresses, and any other changes in your information from last year. To do so, please log in to Powerschool with your SnapCode. If you need assistance, please email Anna or Charlene in our front office.
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Finally, please see below for information about applying for our meal program.
Thank you for your support as we move closer to the start of school on August 19th.
Take good care,
Diane
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This Week
Upcoming
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Wed, Aug 12, 7:00 pm – RCSD Board Virtual Meeting
- Mon-Tues, Aug 17-18 – Learning Devices & Supplies Pickup @ Roy Cloud
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Wed, Aug 19 – First Day of Instruction, 2020-21 School Year
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Tues, Sep 8, 7:00 pm – First PTO Virtual Meeting - All Parents Welcome!
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Learning Device Dropoff & Tune-up |
Previously-borrowed student learning devices will need a tune-up before revving our distance learning engines. Please visit https://bit.ly/30dxbGC to learn about the process for returning all devices before school begins. Roy Cloud families are being asked to return devices to McKinley Institute of Technology (MIT) campus where drive-thru or walk-thru stations will be available. Please wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
Families will be able to collect new devices on August 17 and 18 at Roy Cloud. Look for more details in the coming week.
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2020-21 Free and Reduced Meal Application |
RCSD Child Nutrition Services would like to remind families that many students qualify for free meal benefits. You can apply for free meals using the EZMealApp, which is convenient and private. During distance learning, complimentary breakfast and lunch will be available for pick up at several locations.
Qualifying for free or reduced meals also helps the district receive funding that is used to help educate our students. Remember to list all the children and adults living in your household. To learn more, view the flyer or visit the district website. For assistance with the meal application, call 650-482-2227.
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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. Please visit https://bit.ly/2D3ISqJ for more information.
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Some of you may be wondering how the PTO is planning to pivot during a time when we're unable to move forward with many of our much-loved programs and initiatives. In a year that's fraught with uncertainty, we've already invested $165,000 in the emotional and physical health of our students by funding the following essential services:
- Full-time counselor and added counseling services
- STEAM teacher on special assignment (TOSA)
- Middle school PE teacher
In addition to those committed funds, our PTO leadership has been working in close partnership with the school administration to find new ways to support our students, families, and teachers through the challenges and adventures of distance learning. You will be hearing more from the PTO in the coming weeks. In the mean time, if you're looking for ways to get involved, we're still in need of volunteers to fill the following open positions:
- Auction Co-Chair
- Thunderbolt Content Coordinator
- Spanish Translator
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About the Roy Cloud Thunderbolt
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If you are a for-profit program or camp not located at Roy Cloud, please submit to Peachjar instead.
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