The Lion's Share

August 21, 2020

A Message from the Principal:

Isn't it unreal how rapidly things change during this pandemic?

Again, before getting started, I know that "metrics," face coverings, social distancing, and almost everything else related to COVID-19 has become incredibly polarizing. What I am about to report is no different. The purpose of this newsletter is to give you information about what the school and district are doing, so that you are better equipped to make decisions for what's best for your child/family.

GPS is using the metrics provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services (more information below), and projecting that we will be able to start in person learning options in the coming weeks. Please know that all dates (September 8-Hybrid and September 21-Full) are contingent upon the data continuing to improve in the coming weeks.

A parent survey is coming out on Friday, August 21-Monday, August 24 and will require parents (only parents that are wanting to change) to select whether they would like their child to participate in the in-person learning options mentioned below, or remain with remote learning through Gilbert's Global Academy. As parents make their decisions, there is the possibility that we could have to increase/decrease classrooms to accommodate enrollment changes. I know that all of our students have developed relationships with their teachers, but student enrollment determines staffing decisions. These decisions are not made lightly and I will do all that I can to avoid a significant disruption to your student's learning and established relationships.

If the data allows us to open as planned, it will mean that we have utilized Remote Learning, Hybrid Learning, and Full In Person during the first quarter of the school year. As data emerges, or challenges present themselves as a school, we will be able to utilize all three of these options to continue learning despite potential building closures.

As I have learned in the last several months, the only constant has been change. I understand that it's difficult and frustrating at times. If you have a specific question, please feel free to contact me.

Robert Bircher, Jr.

Principal

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No More Elementary Flex Option...

GPS decided to move away from the "flex" option at the elementary school level. It was determined that the staffing of this option was no longer feasible due to low enrollment across the district.

I am happy to walk you through making a new selection that best meets your family´s needs.

The last day of the "flex" option will be September 4.

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Follow Us On Social Media....

As we prepare for opening for in-person learning on September 8, I will be dedicating a lot of our social media presence into going over procedures that we will be using to help ensure the health of the Settler's Point community.

This will include pictures of what the classrooms will look like, cafeteria set up, social distancing markers in the cafeteria, etc.

Follow or like us so you can stay up to date in what school is going to look like in the coming weeks.

Facebook: Settler's Point Elementary School

Instagram: SettlersPride

Twitter: @settlerspride

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Parent Survey 8/21-8/24

Only if you are changing your schooling choice or have to make a new selection due to the ¨flex¨ model being eliminated you need to fill out the most recent survey from GPS.

Parent Directions for Access to Survey

Free Masks from ADHS

Option 1: In Person Learning

Starting with the Hybrid Model with a target return date of September 8:

Two (2) days in person, Two (2) days independent learning, One (1) day online instruction (On-site learning support remains available for internet access.)

● Approx 50% of students on campus each day allowing for social distancing

● Less technology dependent lessons on independent days, as teachers can send home papers on live days

● Accommodations and support services provided

● Special areas provided

● Desks/tables facing one direction in rows, when possible

● Scheduled classroom visitors only

● Hand washing/sanitizing multiple times each day

● Students report to classroom upon arrival to campus

● Controlled student movement throughout the campus

● Support during disruption periods

● Individual student supplies when possible, other items sanitized as needed

● Transportation provided at normal start and stop times at all schools

● Students eat in cafeteria with reduced capacity

● Limited number of students on playground

● Playground equipment sanitized twice daily

● Controlled movement of students, arms length between students

● VIK provided at 27 locations with structured door side drop-off/pick up

● Amanecer Preschool, Building Blocks, & K-Prep are provided with door side drop-off/pick-up

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Last Names A-L...

As a district, students with a last name that starts with the letters A-L, will attend in person on Mondays and Thursdays.

For this initial schedule, they will attend on September 10, 14 and 17. Sorry, there is no school scheduled for Labor Day (Monday, September 7).

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Last Names M-Z...

As a district, students with a last name that starts with the letters M-Z, will attend in person on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For this initial schedule, they will attend on September 8, 11, 15 and 18.

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Change Requests...

If you would like to request a change in the days that your child is scheduled to attend during hybrid learning please fill out the following form by August 28.

Please note that this form is only relevant for students that are selecting in person learning options.

This form was primarily created to help homes that have children with different last names get their schedules aligned. If there is another reason, please fill out the form and we will get back to you.

Filling out the form, does not guarantee there will be an opening in the class on your requested days.

Change Day Request Form

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Hybrid Special Education Q & A...

Students will receive special education instruction on their days that they are on campus.
Students that are designated as a level "C" on their IEP (60% or more of their day is in a self-contained program) will attend Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Independent Learning on Wednesday.

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SPE Vision for those Two Weeks...

At Settler's the September 8-18 will be used to reintegrate students into the building and get back into "school mode."

The teachers will cover academics, but routines, procedures, and relationships will be prioritized.

The majority of our students have not been in the school building or around large groups of people for over six months. It will be good to have this time with a smaller group to get them back to feeling comfortable in these settings.

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September 21 Target...

Again, GPS is targeting a full school return date of September 21. Please know that this is subject to change depending on the data given by the Arizona Department of Health and Safety and Maricopa County Public Health.

Hybrid Sample Schedule...

This sample was presented to the governing board on Tuesday. It is NOT Settler's Point specific but can be used to help visualize what it could look like.

On-Site Learning Support During Hybrid

We will continue to offer the "Open Lab" program during the hybrid schedule. However, this will be limited to 30 students, as we will not have the staff or room capacity to handle more.

More information on the On-Site Learning Support Open Lab or to register:

https://gilbertschools.ce.eleyo.com/courses/category/63/on-site-learning-support/qualifying-services/open-lab

Option 2: Gilbert Global Academy

Accredited online curriculum taught by full-time highly qualified GPS teachers.

Teachers will hold virtual lessons for their classes. These lessons will contain many opportunities for student discussion and connection.
Students are expected to meet with their teacher at least twice a week as well as complete online lessons and complete assignments
Students will be assigned a virtual mentor who they will meet with once per week for the purpose of goal-setting and additional support.
In addition to their regularly scheduled classes, students will have access to their teacher during office hours and open lab hours.
Support and services will be provided to ensure the success of English Language Learners and students with special needs.
While students will spend most of their work time at home, Global Academy will have opportunities for students to come in-person to receive help.
Elementary teachers will take the lead in teaching the curriculum, and students will engage in online practice activities mostly on their own.

Gilbert Global Academy FAQ

COVID-19 Mitigation

Health Protocols

●Parent Attestation form, parents will screen students for symptoms daily

● District protocols in place for staff screenings

● Student management in the Health Office based on symptoms per CDC guidelines

● Health Office to track ill students and reassess before return to campus

● Age-appropriate education on good hygiene including what constitutes “close-contact”

● Teaching staff educated on Signs and Symptoms to help identify students

● Notification (staff and parents) of positive contacts: Student/Staff Letter

● Face coverings, per Maricopa County Department of Health guidelines

Cleaning/Sanitizing Protocols

■ Materials & processes standardized throughout the district started in February, 2018

■ All building managers trained on cleaning expectations, new sanitization protocols along with the ordering of new equipment to facilitate cleaning and sanitization -

■ High use areas cleaned more frequently (bathrooms, auditoriums, multipurpose)

■ Trident Cordless handheld and backpack sprayers purchased for schools and bus fleet with sanitizing liquid

● Hand sanitizers available throughout buildings in classrooms and in circulation areas

● In classroom surface cleaning materials available in each classroom

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COVID-19 Positive Procedure...

We are following the recommendations of the Maricopa Department of Health regarding criteria for what constitutes exposure and what is recommended for the isolation of positive and exposed students and staff.

We will notify parents of any exposure their child has from a positive staff member or classmate. At the time of the notification, there will be directives depending on the type of exposure.

Currently, the directive from Maricopa Department of Health is not to send home an entire class due to one positive student or teacher as this is now a community-wide illness. We will continue to work closely with the Department of Health regarding these guidelines as well as reporting and positive cases at each campus.

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Preventative Measures at Each Campus:

Check out the following link for more information on how all of our schools are putting preventative measures into place to keep our community healthy

Preventative Measures at GPS

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Face Coverings...

In order to provide the safest environment possible for our students and staff, Gilbert Public Schools will enforce the proclamation set forth by the Maricopa County Department of Health, requiring face coverings for all students over the age of 5, or in first grade and older.

Students will be given opportunities for face covering breaks during the school day including:

Recess and any free time outdoors.
At mealtimes.
During physical education classes.
Anytime the number of students in a room allows for appropriate and safe social distancing.

Settler's Point PTSO Store

Chromebook Text to Speech...

How to set up your child's Chromebook to read text to them

GPS Device Help