COVID-19 is on everyone's minds. We're hearing of increasing cases around the country, and more and more schools are wrestling with the pressures brought on by more exposure and positive cases. Our overall goal is to remain open with students in our classrooms. I’m deeply thankful for our teachers, staff and parents who have been managing so well.

In the next few weeks, I'm predicting that we'll hear of more schools moving into distance learning, and I'd like to ask that we not let rumors create unnecessary worry. We are keeping a close eye on the health and well-being of everyone. Any decision regarding the closure of school will be made in a deliberate and conscientious manner and announced in as timely a fashion as possible. At this time, we will return to school after Thanksgiving break and also after Christmas break.

During these holidays, I ask that you remember the Stay in School pledge we made at the beginning of the school year:

Finally, make good, healthy choices. Be mindful when you plan activities over the break. We are all counting on each other to stay safe and in school.

Thanksgiving Break begins this Friday with an early dismissal at 11:30 a.m. All students must be picked up at this time. There will be no Bright Afternoons available on Friday.

School resumes on Monday, November 30.

Today, third, fourth and fifth graders received their Chromebooks in a special ceremony. There are 165 devices, and one for each child. Students in grades K-2 have iPads. This makes our school a 1:1 device school! Big thank you to Mrs. Kropff, Miss Oakes and Mr. Park for organizing this big endeavor.

Students will be using their Chromebooks in class at school, and if the need arises, they will be able to use them at home. In the classroom, the devices will allow students to be innovative, creative and collaborative. Using the same devices at school and at home means a seamless transition to distance learning if necessary.

We're in the final stages of the Building a Bright Future Capital Campaign, but we need your help to finish it. As you may remember, we completed phase 1 renovations in summer 2019. We halted the renovations that were scheduled for summer 2020, but we're back on to complete both phase 2 and 3 in summer 2021. Click the button below if you would like to learn more, give now or pledge now.

Fourth and fifth grade classrooms will be updated just like the first, second and third grade rooms. These classrooms were built in 1987. The fifth grade math classroom was renovated as a model classroom several years ago. The renovation to the 1987 wing, which also includes science and technology, will update the HVAC system, add new furniture and technology and bring the aesthetics up to today's standards with a fresh coat of paint and new flooring.

The first trimester ended on November 11. Report cards will be sent home with students later this week. Look in your child's backpack or bag for a large white envelope.