FYI: Student Accountability and Required Health Protocols     (Link)

Student Accountability and Required Health Protocols outlines our expectations for students to strictly follow our required health protocols when on our campuses, as well as possible consequences and processes to address non-compliance. Families and students are asked to complete and sign the acknowledgement page and return it to their school, similar to the signature page for the Student Handbook.

 

Attestation Form for Yellow Bus Riders

All bus riders are required to submit the one-time attestation form. Forms can be found at wcpss.net/busform. Parents have the option of submitting the form online https://busriderattestation.wcpss.net/ or by hard copy to the office.    

 

Here Comes the Bus App 

For 2020-21, the Here Comes the Bus app will be available to families on Thursday, October 22.  Existing app users will need to add students back but should not need to reinstall the app. 

 

Face Coverings and Bus Procedures Video

Students are required to wear a face covering at all times while on the bus. Drivers will submit a bus incident form if a student arrives at the stop without a face covering. Drivers will have a supply of face coverings to give to students who don’t have them. This video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_99rLKadhw shows parents and students all the bus health and safety procedures. Please share with your parents. 

October 27th - First Day for Cohort A (1) Students in Grades K-3

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K-3 students in cohort A (1) will be returning to school on Tuesday October 27th. Grade 4-5 students will continue to be remote and will return to campus on November 16th.

 

Please Mark your Calendar for the following Remote Learning Days

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Nov. 18, 23, 24

Dec 2, 16, 21, 22

Jan 6, 13

 

Partnership Parent Information Session Recording/Presentation

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Thank you for joining us for our parent information session on Tuesday.

 

Link for Recording of Session: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xP4d2sU6E_IN-dMsAbyLNQH7pKHDufD2/view?usp=sharing   

 

Link for Presentation of Session: 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kPrzkwna282tubovTrPnXmQ7UfOturStXbfOBHLnAB4/edit?usp=sharing 

 

BYOD Form

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Students using a WCPSS Chromebook should bring it charged everyday with the power cord. Students using a personal device (laptop or Chromebook) may bring it to school labeled with their names after completing the Bring Your Own Device Form. Link:  BYOD Consent Form (Spanish) We will have some extra devices in classrooms.

Before / After Care Interest Survey

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We are determining if there is a need to have our before school and aftercare program this semester.  Please complete this survey so we can determine need.  This should be completed by 12 pm Monday.  Thank you. https://forms.gle/QjLRgqxi2jHBC64G6.

 

Virtual Academy Students Message

Please Mark your Calendar for the following Remote Learning Days

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There will be a morning meeting and then the rest of the live instruction schedule will not be followed. Students will engage in asynchronous learning activities the rest of the day.

Nov. 18, 23, 24

Dec 2, 16, 21, 22

Jan 6, 13

 

Partnership Parent Information Session Recording/Presentation

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Here is the recording of this week’s parent information session we hosted as we return to in-person learning. 

Link for Recording of Session: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xP4d2sU6E_IN-dMsAbyLNQH7pKHDufD2/view?usp=sharing   

Link for Presentation of Session: 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kPrzkwna282tubovTrPnXmQ7UfOturStXbfOBHLnAB4/edit?usp=sharing 

In-Person (Plan B) Students Parent Information Session for Parents 

We will hold a parent information session virtually on Tuesday, October 20th from 5-6 pm to answer your questions about students returning to campus. Please complete a short parent survey by Monday, October 19th at noon for an opportunity to list your questions for the information session. Your questions will allow us to be better prepared during the session. To access the meeting please see the link you received in your email message or send an email to mtempke@wcpss.net.  

Parent Pre-Session Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesE_YuYyrhZz3TGuoLbUpX7kVPy_4iyiHFhiEL-Mf1TcRh0A/viewform?usp=sf_link  (English)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0htTi0ZLqeP7VfK5DMHrSyveU2VUiV3CvvaJjm7gSqQbTGg/viewform?usp=sf_link (Spanish)

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Remote Learning Days 

A remote learning (asynchronous) instructional day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21st. Remote learning days are intended to support both teachers and students in having sufficient time to fully engage and succeed in their planning, teaching, and learning. During this day students WILL attend their morning meeting, but they will not follow the remainder of their live instructional day.  Further: 

1. Teachers may work with students to meet a specific learning need. There will be a morning meeting, but the rest of the live instruction schedule will not be followed. 
2. Students will be given asynchronous learning assignments to reinforce current learning. 
3. Attendance will be recorded on remote learning days because it is an instructional day. This will be done through participation in the morning meeting or by turning in an assignment.

Please Mark your Calendar for the following Remote Learning Days

Oct. 21

Nov. 18, 23, 24

Dec 2, 16, 21, 22

Jan 6, 13

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Materials Pick Up

We have arranged for a materials pick up day on Wednesday, October 21st.  

Grades K-1  11:00-12:00 pm

Grades 2-3  12:00-1:00 pm

Grades 4-5  1:00- 2:00 pm 

Each grade level has specific instructional materials that will be used to support Remote/Virtual learning. Teachers are gathering these materials for you to take home to your child. Please note when your pick up day/time is scheduled. Times are designated by grade level to allow for social distancing and a quicker pick up.

In order to pick up the materials, please drive through the parking lot carpool style using the Boylan Ave. entrance. We ask that you display your carpool tag and child’s grade level or make a sign with your child’s last name/grade level and display it in your windshield. Please remain in your car. We will bring your child’s materials to you. You will then exit onto Devereux St. Thank you! 

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WCPSS Information

Please be sure you are reading the WCPSS emails that you receive during the week. These messages contain important information about the return to in-person learning and other important topics. Information about riding WCPSS buses is scheduled to be shared with families next week. You may also find the most updated information on  https://www.wcpss.net/parents

Parent Information Session for Parents of In-Person (Plan B) Students

We will hold a parent information session virtually on Tuesday, October 20th from 5-6 pm to answer your questions about students returning to campus. Please complete a short parent survey by Monday, October 19th at noon for an opportunity to list your questions for the information session. You will find the survey link at the bottom of this message.  Your questions will allow us to be better prepared during the session.  To access the meeting please see your email message or contact mtempke@wcpss.net for the link. 

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Remote Learning Days 

A remote learning (asynchronous) instructional day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21st. Remote learning days are intended to support both teachers and students in having sufficient time to fully engage and succeed in their planning, teaching, and learning. During this day:

1. Teachers may work with students to meet a specific learning need. There will be a morning meeting, but the rest of the live instruction schedule will not be followed. 
2. Students will be given asynchronous learning assignments to reinforce current learning. 
3. Attendance will be recorded on remote learning days because it is an instructional day. This will be done through participation in the morning meeting or by turning in an assignment.

 

Please Mark your Calendar for the following Remote Learning Days

Oct. 21

Nov. 18, 23, 24

Dec 2, 16, 21, 22

Jan 6, 13

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Materials Pick Up

We have arranged for a materials pick up day on Wednesday, October 21st.  

Grades K-1  11:00-12:00 pm

Grades 2-3  12:00-1:00 pm

Grades 4-5  1:00- 2:00 pm 

Each grade level has specific instructional materials that will be used to support Remote/Virtual learning.  Teachers are gathering these materials for you to take home to your child. Please note when your pick up day/time is scheduled.  Times are designated by grade level to allow for social distancing and a quicker pick up.

In order to pick up the materials,  please drive through the parking lot carpool style using the Boylan Ave. entrance.  We ask that you display your carpool tag and child’s grade level or make a sign with your child’s last name/grade level and display it in your windshield. Please remain in your car. We will bring your child’s materials to you. If you are picking up materials for more than one student, please arrive at the later time for the oldest student.  You will then exit onto Devereux St. Thank you! 

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General School Reopening Information:

For more information please visit: https://www.wcpss.net/returntocampus

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Face Coverings

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A face covering must be secured safely over the nose, mouth, and under your chin. Cloth face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms. A face covering of your choice is required for all people on campus, including:  

*inside school buildings and anywhere on school grounds, including outside, unless you are by yourself in an enclosed room with the door shut

*while traveling on buses, vendor transportation or other WCPSS vehicles

*even when 6 feet or more apart from other individuals

*students may have a brief face covering break only if they are outside, spaced 8-10 feet away from other people, stationary, and facing the same direction as other students and staff.

Please begin having your child practicing wearing a face covering if you have not already. You will want to send a back-up face covering labeled with your child’s name each day in case the first one gets dirty. You may read more about face coverings in WCPSS schools here.

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Cleaning 

Hospital-grade disinfectants are used in all school facilities. Buildings will be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day and every evening. The CDC defines cleaning as removing germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces or objects. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Custodial Services will clean and disinfect all restrooms using approved procedures a minimum of four times daily, and after school hours. If students eat in the cafeteria, Child Nutrition Services will clean and disinfect seats and tables before and after each meal. If students eat in the classroom, students and employees are expected to clean up after themselves by placing all trash and recyclables in the bins placed in the hallways. Disinfecting supplies will be provided to each classroom to support the cleaning of desks and other high touch surfaces between classes, after lunch, and the cleaning of shared program materials/equipment as desired. After school each day, desks and other touch points will be disinfected.

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Water Bottles

Individuals should not directly drink from a water fountain. Individuals are recommended to bring their own water bottle and/or reusable water bottles to minimize use and touching of water fountains. All water bottles should be clearly labeled with the user’s name. It is the user’s responsibility to keep track of his or her water bottle and take it home for regular cleaning. If someone wants water and does not have a water bottle, he or she may ask a staff member to provide a cup to get water from the water fountain and drink from the cup.

 

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TECHNOLOGY

Students with WCPSS devices should plan to bring their device to and from school. Please see Technology Guidance for Students Fall 2020. Students who are using a personal device (laptop or chromebook) can choose to bring their device to school or not. Tablets and phones should not be brought to school. All students who bring a personal device to school are required to have a signed copy of the BYOD Consent Form (Spanish) on record.

• If the student brings their personal device, the school will need to follow BYOD guidelines.
• If the student does not bring his or her device, he or she cannot share a device with another student. Teachers will need to develop lessons that allow students  to be successful without the requirement of technology access at school. 

 

       General guidelines:

• Bring the device charged to school each day.
• Make sure your personal device and charger are clearly labeled with your name. 
• Students with personal devices need to be able to independently use their device.  

 

Parent Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesE_YuYyrhZz3TGuoLbUpX7kVPy_4iyiHFhiEL-Mf1TcRh0A/viewform?usp=sf_link  (English)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0htTi0ZLqeP7VfK5DMHrSyveU2VUiV3CvvaJjm7gSqQbTGg/viewform?usp=sf_link (Spanish)

 

For more information please visit: https://www.wcpss.net/returntocampus

School Reopening

The Board voted this week to have Plan B students in kindergarten through third grade return to the classroom on a rotating basis beginning on Oct. 27th for modified calendar students. Oct. 26th is a teacher workday for modified year round school calendars. All Plan B students will attend class on a daily basis beginning Nov. 16th. 

 

Students in grades 4 and 5 will return to school in three-week rotations beginning Nov. 16th and continue this rotation until the end of the semester.  During the rotation period, students will be in school one week and learning remotely for two. Parents will receive information from their school regarding which cohort schedule their child will be assigned by October 7th. 

 

Students who attend the WCPSS Virtual Academy will remain in the Virtual Academy through the end of the first semester. Those who registered for the entire school year may remain so, unless they opt for in-person instruction for the second semester.

 

Virtual Academy

WCPSS will offer registration for the WCPSS Virtual Academy for the second semester of the 2020-21 school year. Students who register for the Virtual Academy are enrolled in their assigned school, but learn remotely. The Virtual Academy application window will be open in mid-to-late October. WCPSS will notify parents and the community when the application window is established.

 

Fall Break

Fall Break for the Modified Year Round Calendar is October 5-9th.  There will be no school next week. Enjoy your break. 

 

Asynchronous Day 

An asynchronous instructional day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21st. Asynchronous learning days are intended to support both teachers and students in having sufficient time to fully engage and succeed in their planning, teaching, and learning. During this day:

1. Teachers may work with students to meet a specific learning need. 
2. Students will be given asynchronous learning assignments to reinforce current learning. 
3. Attendance will be recorded on asynchronous days because it is an instructional day.

 

Parent Information Session for Parents of Students in Plan B

We will hold a parent information session virtually during the week of October 19th to answer your questions about students returning to campus. Please be on the lookout for a parent survey when we return from Fall Break for an opportunity to list your questions for the information session. This will allow us to better prepare and be able to address your concerns during the session. 

 

Practice 3 W’s with Students

The NC Department of Health and Human Services is asking people to remember the three Ws as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19. With a return to in-person instruction coming later this month, it is important that you start practicing the 3Ws with your child(ren) now. Students and staff will be required to wear face coverings while on campus.  Practice your Ws:

• Wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people.
• Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

Holiday Gift Giving/Receiving

The Salvation Army has opened registration for their annual Holiday Program.  This organization works to bring joy to thousands of Wake County children, providing them with new clothing and toys, and the opportunity to have a happy holiday season.  

Applications are being accepted now through Oct 2nd.  If you would like for your child(ren) to be considered for this program, please click the link below to complete an application.  If you would like to donate items to help Wake County children this holiday season, you will also click the link below.

https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/wakecounty/programs/seasonal-programs/holiday-assistance/ 

 

Does your Business Want to Sponsor Our NOT-FROLIC shirt?  

The Frolic is our major fall fundraising event and due to COVID-19, we cannot have the Frolic this fall.  But we would like to print a Not -Frolic shirt for each one of our students.  We need your help to carry on part of our FROLIC tradition. We need businesses to sponsor our FROLIC tee shirts which are provided to each and every student. If your company would like to be a Not-Frolic shirt sponsor, please contact Mary Hunter Martin--mmartin@wcpss.net or Tricia Wendel--Tricia.wendel@nc.rr.com. 

 

PTA - Monday Morning Memo

Please consider subscribing to the PTA’s Monday Morning Memo to find out the latest information to support our school.  The link to subscribe to the memo is located on the PMES website under the parents tab, then click on the PTA tab to find the link to join the weekly newsletter. https://www.partnership-pta.com/ 

 

Board Discusses Reopening Proposal, Vote Scheduled for Sept. 29

Students could return to in-person instruction by late October under a proposal discussed this week by our Board of Education.  In addition to the reopening plan, the board also discussed future enrollment options for students in the Virtual Academy and the benefits of providing one day each week without live online instruction for all students in remote learning. The reopening proposal, which could receive final approval as soon as Sept. 29, would use a phased approach at first. Plan details are available on the WCPSS website at the link above.

 

Fall Break

Fall Break for the Modified Year Round Calendar is October 5-9th.  There will be no school during that week. 

Dear Parents,

Just a reminder we will be having a materials pick up for Kindergarten parents on Friday, September 25th from 11:30 am -12:30 pm or on Monday, September 28th from 2:30-3:30 pm.   Please choose a date/time that is most convenient for you.  These materials are needed to support your child’s learning.  If you are unable to pick up these materials during either of those times, please let your child’s teacher know and she will make other arrangements for you to pick them up.  You will pick up the materials by driving through the parking lot from the Boylan Ave entrance.  Teachers will be stationed at designated areas to bring the supplies to you. You will then exit onto Devereux Street.  

We look forward to seeing you either on Friday or Monday.  

Thank you!

Reopening of Schools

Yesterday, Governor Cooper announced that starting in October, North Carolina school districts may decide to bring all elementary students back on campus for in-person instruction (Plan A). School districts may still continue to follow Plan B. The WCPSS School Board has not made a decision about what reopening schools looks like.  The board met earlier this week on this topic and is currently gathering input from stakeholders to make an informed decision. Please stay tuned as the school board works through this process. This does not affect the WCPSS Virtual Academy's operation. 

 

Survey Results

Thank you for completing the survey we sent out.  We had 91 families respond.  Overall the responses demonstrated 91% of children are having a positive or neutral experience and 9% a negative one. We continue to work on refining our instructional practices to meet the needs of students and families.  We appreciate the constructive feedback we received and the positive comments regarding our teacher’s dedication to ensuring learning takes place for your children. 

 

iStation 

84% of our students at PME have completed their iStation assessment!   Thank you for your patience, understanding and persistence to overcome some of the technological challenges you faced.  Several children did not notice the blue ISIP button at the bottom of the screen which indicated that the assessment was completed and continued on to the practice activities.  We apologize for this, as this is a new change this year. Every child at PME should complete this assessment so please have your child login and take it if he or she has not completed it already. The information obtained will help our teachers to better adjust their instruction based on current student learning needs. Please contact your child’s teacher if you need help accessing it.

 

Interims 

Interim reports are being sent home today Friday, September 18th via email.   Please notice that due to the two week orientation period grades are not indicated on the interim reports.  However, general feedback on your child’s progress is provided.  If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher. First quarter report cards will contain grades.

 

PTA No Fuss Fundraiser

Thank you for contributing to the PTA fundraiser.  We are very pleased to announce the PTA met and exceeded their goal of $13,000!  Your donation will assist teachers in obtaining supplies needed for their classrooms and sponsor a December cultural arts performance.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

 

Dreambox

Just a reminder to ask your child if he or she is completing 4-6 lessons per week on Dreambox.  This math program is an adaptive, instructional tool designed for students to engage in game-based activities that support their current level through personalized instruction. You access it through the WakeID portal.

Dear Parents,

Just a reminder we will be having a materials pick up for first grade parents on Friday, September 18th from 11:45 am -12:45 pm.  These items will be science materials, Letterland practice books and letter boards that your child will need to complete assignments.  If you are unable to pick up these materials during that time please let your child’s teacher know and she will make other arrangements for you to pick them up.  You will pick up the materials by driving through the parking lot from the Boylan Ave entrance.  Teachers will be stationed at designated areas to bring the supplies to you.

 

Thank you!

Istation Assessment (ISIPTM) K-5

You will receive information/instructions from your child’s teacher on how your child will take the Istation’s Indicators of Progress (ISIPTM) assessment at home.  This assessment helps teachers understand how they can personalize your child’s learning. Your child will use an app on his or her device to take the assessment, which takes about 30-40 minutes to complete. Encourage your child to do his or her best. It is expected that your child may not know all the answers. Please do not help your child answer questions during the assessment. Students cannot pass or fail this test; it is designed to help teachers make instructional decisions for your child.

 

Dreambox

DreamBox learning is an adaptive, online K-8 math program designed to complement core instruction. It promotes student growth through deeper conceptual understanding and is aligned to the NC Standards. Students can engage in game-based activities that support their current level through personalized instruction.  All students, K-8, have access through Wake ID.  It is required for our students to complete 4-6 sessions per week.  DreamBox is designed to be a personalized experience for students to complete independently without parent assistance and without paper/pencil. Teachers can also virtually assign standards to students and monitor progress. Guiding questions that parents can ask to promote student independence:  What did the directions say? What did you try? Did you use your hint? What do you notice or wonder? Can you explain your strategy to me? Try again!

 

Independent Work/Academic Assessments

As we continue to progress through the school year and have achieved a month of success, please remember your child should be completing his or her work and assessments independently.  It is very tempting to provide your child with the answers.  However, teachers need to be able to accurately assess your child’s knowledge to direct instruction and to be able to assist him or her where needed.  Please be conscientious of this when providing support to your child.  Thank you. 

 

Student Engagement Home-School Connection Tips

We want all of our students to be successful. Please take a moment to talk with your child about these best practices while learning virtually.   

 

TIPS:

1. It would be most helpful to discuss and set up a consistent location for your child to work and learn which has as minimal of distractions as possible.  
2. Ensure your child knows his or her daily schedule. Post the schedule in the area where he or she is working.
3. Ask your child daily the assignments he or she needs to complete and turn in for each class.
4. Discuss best practices with your child to engage in instruction: decide if cameras will be on or off and be consistent with it (do not turn on and off your camera), arrive to meet with mikes muted, the chat in Google Meet is used for academic chat only, use engaging body language when camera is on, such as nodding, thumbs up, raising hand. If the student’s camera is off, use the chat to participate in class.

 

Last Opportunity: Parent Feedback Survey

We would appreciate your feedback about how remote/virtual learning is going for your child or children at PMES.  Please take just a few minutes to share your thoughts in order for us to consider areas that we are doing well or can improve upon as a school.  

 

      *English Version of Survey

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0PgLR-xW4u259pa6m_AlkdukHptxOcsSIHt_6YNXytImlrw/viewform?usp=sf_link 

 

      *Versión de la encuesta en español

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScf-fHvnfhgXH9uYWys82n56QdS0OD0UbMVhScR-nzAYWjJpA/viewform?usp=sf_link 

PTA - Monday Morning Memo

Please consider subscribing to the PTA’s Monday Morning Memo to find out the latest information to support our school.  The link to subscribe to the memo is located on the PMES website under the parents tab, then click on the PTA tab to find the link to join the weekly newsletter. https://www.partnership-pta.com/ 

 

PTA - No Fuss Fundraiser

We have raised $8000 toward the goal of $13,000 thus far. Please consider a tax deductible donation in any amount to the Partnership Magnet Elementary PTA through this link: https://no-fuss-fundraiser-32040.cheddarup.com.  We appreciate every bit of your support. The fundraiser ends on September 15th.  Thank you!