North News

• Valentine's Day Details Below
• Please help remind students to read for 30 minutes every day!
• Remote Packet Pick Up: Wednesday, Feb. 3 1:00 to 3:00 PM - CHANGE OF LOCATION SEE DETAILS BELOW
• Students go outside several times a day for mask breaks and recess, please be sure to send all their winter gear. Thank you for your help.
• Girls on the Run information is below, please read if you are interested in signing up your daughter. We are also looking for coaches if you are interested.
• End of Day Pick Up: Please use Bracket Street to enter and leave for pick-up. This will help eliminate traffic confusion. Thank you!
• Don't forget to use our website for tech/academic support - please pass this support on to anyone helping students while they are at home.
• Picture Retake Dates Have been scheduled: Group A - Monday, March 8th 9 to 10:00, Group B - Friday, March 5th 9:00 to 10:00 - Remote: 10 to 11 March 5th and 8th.
• Yearbooks: The option to buy yearbooks was not part of the package this year through Lifetouch. We will hold a separate yearbook sale. Details coming soon...
• If you missed our House Swag next store date coming soon....
• Little League sign-up will be in March we will add information as we get it.
• Parchment School District Calendar

We moved the packet pickup to Central Elementary from 1 to 3 for the safety of our families and staff. Here is the procedure: Pull up to the gym door entrances and we will bring your packet to your car. Please have sign displayed in the window (provided previously with last name) to make process quicker. The high school and Central parking lots connect, so you will easily be able to exit to the high school for food pickup. You may still pick up packet at North on Thursday or Friday. If you have any questions, please call 269-488-1405. Thank you!

To make Valentine's safe for everyone it will look a little different this year. Teachers will have a virtual option for students to send messages to classmates. Students will also decorate cookies (provided by school) while completing a Valentine craft. If students want to prepare at home, they can think of positive messages for classmates to put on their virtual slide.

Group A will celebrate on Feb. 9 and Group B on Feb. 12. Remote students will receive their cookie and supplies at Feb. 3 packet pickup. Remote teachers will communicate exact date of virtual activity.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe7HE7maXzvicCTEjoki3t3ano9Ee-fTo

Do you want to help girls grow their confidence, set big goals, and work toward their dreams? Coach Girls on the Run this spring! GOTR has adapted the program model, policies, and procedures to ensure that the safety of girls and volunteers remains a top priority. Whether you decide to meet with your girls virtually or in-person, you will ensure all girls have a space to learn, grow, and find connections. Visit www.girlsontherunkazoo.org for more information about the Spring 2021 season.

Some Details:

• Practice will be 45 min. on a virtual program
• Curriculum and training provided
• We are offering a Mon./Wed. and Tues./Thurs. option (dependent on interest)
• You do not need to be a runner to coach!

• Jan. 25th - Virtual Board Meeting
• Feb. 26 and March 1 - No School - Mid-Winter Break

Health Screener Tool

• Packet pickup at HS every other Wed. 1:00 to 3:00, if you miss on Wed. you can pick up at North on Thurs. or Friday.
• The Shop purchases will be with your students' packet. Please pick up and help us keep them motivated!
• Remember to check email regularly for information from remote teachers - thank you!

• Please remind students to check email regularly on their at home learning days.
• For hybrid at home learning days, students should continue working on their play books.
• Hybrid students should bring chromebook to school each day.
• Parchment Remote students have a set schedule provided by teachers. Students need to be logging on their designated time throughout the day.
• Use North website to fill out tech/academic support form if you have questions. We have staff available throughout the day to help answer your questions.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1559746814265939/?ref=share

This is great way to get information!

We created a website for students and families to find the information they need in one place. We are continually adding resources and information to help communicate. The website is the place students can access their weekly playbook and integrated arts lessons. Staff are teaching students how to navigate the website, but it will also be helpful for families. I would encourage you to bookmark the site and visit regularly. The website also has the following information:

• Staff contact information (school phone, google voice and email)
• Tech/academic support form for questions - We have staff available throughout the day to help answer questions.
• Resources for families
• Specific school information and announcements

Here is the link:

https://sites.google.com/parchmentschools.org/parchmentnorth/home

You can also find the link on parchmentschools.org - Sites - North Elementary - Quick Link for Remote Learning Website

One of the major reasons we are implementing the Playbook method is to offer flexibility to families. While we encourage you to set up a daily schedule, we understand the many challenges families are facing with hybrid and remote learning. Here is a sample general schedule to help for your planning. We created this schedule based on screen time recommendations. Please note, our remote learners will have more google meet sessions in their schedule. This is only a SAMPLE.

9:00 - 9:10:

Check website (homeroom page) and email for any updated information. Students should also check their Google Calendar for any google meet links.

9:30 - 9:50: Work on ELA Playbook

9:50: Movement Break

10:15 - 10:40: Continue work on ELA Playbook

10:40: Movement Break and snack

11:00 - 11:20: Work on Math Playbook

11:20 - 12:30: Lunch and movement

12:30 - 1:00: Continue work on Math Playbook

1:00 - 1:30: Independent Reading Time

1:30: Check email and google calendar for any updated information

When making your schedule the general guideline is 1 - 2 hours of screen time per day for on-line learning, incorporating a balance of physical play and movement. For example, after 20 - 30 minutes working on-line, students should take a break with physical activity.

1. Create a schedule/checklist together. A schedule is helpful because your child will know what to expect. Using timers can be very motivating to children and help them make work seem more attainable.
2. Remind your child to read and reread directions and highlight/underline keywords. Part of this new learning is encouraging students to become more independent learners.
3. Have your student check North's website and email daily for any recent information and/or support documents.
4. Encourage physical movement in between work sessions.
5. If you or your student have questions, whether it's tech or academic related, visit the North website and complete the at home learning support form. We have staff available throughout the day to support our students and families.

Below are resources to support you and your family. I can also help link with counseling services if needed. Please feel to reach out through support form, phone, text or email if you have any needs in this area. My contact information is below and on North's website.

Contact Information:

shyer@parchmentschools.org

School #: 269-488-1457

Google Voice #: 269-290-7258

Request for Support Form

Mental Health Resources and Links

Back to School Transition for Caregivers

50 Ways to Take a Break

Helping Children Cope with Stress

Email: mpatterson@parchmentschools.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/parchmentschools.org/parchmentnorth/home
Location: 5535 Keyes Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Phone: 269-488-1400
Twitter: @marcynorthel

Website: https://sites.google.com/parchmentschools.org/parchmentnorth/home
Location: 5535 Keyes Drive
Phone: (269)488-1400
Twitter: @ParchmentSchool