Dear Trailside Families,

 

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the beautiful fall colors that we are seeing right now.  I always feel like I need to enjoy them because overnight it seems the colors can disappear in Alaska.  I have a few items I want to touch bases with you on, regarding Trailside Elementary School.  I appreciate everyone that has taken the time to complete the feedback survey for our staff to use, which will help guide the procedures and planning taking place prior to October 19th.  If you have not done that, the link is https://forms.gle/JV6hWrnTFbiYJpaR9.  I will be closing the survey on September 30th.

 

As Trailside creates the guidance for our community, please know I will take your questions and concerns into account.  We are given guidance from the district as far as a framework for our procedures and then we will create our own plan within those guidelines.  There are "must do" items that are non-negotiable and then some "may do" items that we have more leeway to change. One area that we cannot change is the expectation that all students MUST wear masks.  Many parents requested that we not require students wear them, but this is non-negotiable in order to open schools.  Again, in order to open school, ALL staff and students will be wearing masks, all day, except when eating.  This is something that I cannot change.  Another question that was frequently asked was if students can maintain their current teacher, but still learn virtually. Unfortunately, at this time students will have to choose either face to face or virtual (Calvert Learning).   I know all students want to have PE, Music, Art, Health, and Library but that is not an option at this time.  Teachers will incorporate that in their planning, as much as possible, but it will not be a daily pull-out option.  There were many other questions that were asked, and I will work to get answers for all of them.  Please know our teachers will be working to make learning fun and engaging through all of this.   

 

 

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for October 21 and 22nd based on the school calendar.  At this time, we will be having students come to school those two days for the 5.5 hours.  No half days of school.  Teachers will be contacting you to set up a time to talk about your child for the conferences if you feel it is needed.  Many teachers have been in touch weekly or bi-weekly so if you feel a conference is not necessary you can let your teacher know.  Students will not have school on October 23rd.  

 

In the month of October, students do not have school on October 16th and October 23rd.  

 

I am looking forward to seeing students and partnering with families to make this transition back to school as safe and smooth as possible.  I will be sending out correspondence via email and videos to help prepare students for coming back.  Please have your students practice mask-wearing at home prior to school starting.  This will help with the transition.  

 

Sincerely,