West Park Parent Weekly Update 11/22/2020
Hello, Panthers!
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we are in Red (remote) learning through November 24th. We plan to return to our hybrid learning model on November 30th, as we certainly miss our most important customers – your children! We hope that you have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving break.
*Please read this link carefully for the details of our next two days of instruction from the staff at WPE. Our office will be staffed from 8am to 4pm Monday through Thursday this week if you need anything. Please keep an eye out for any text or email updates, as situations change often.
*Get to know the District Accountability Committee!
Do you want a voice in the future of LCSD? Do you have thoughts and input about the decisions that affect local education? Would you like to advise the Board of Education?
The District Accountability Committee (DAC) might be for you!
Join us on November 23 on zoom link here:
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83300419706?pwd=dmxydjZKT0puQmF3alZ6YVoxMVlCQT09), from 5:00PM-6:30PM to learn about the DAC and see if you might like to be a part of it.
*During this time of learning in remote phase and going into a holiday season which does not have the usual family/friend gatherings, here are a few tips to help decrease the stress on your children (adapted from this article if you’d like to read the whole thing)
1) stick to a routine – having consistent sleeping hours, meal times, reading times, outside times, etc., help our children know the world is a predictable and safe place that they know how to navigate. Involve your children in developing routines and provide them structure to keep to the schedule… it’s also nice to include unstructured time to just play and use your imagination!
2) have developmentally appropriate conversations with your children – as “mini-scientists” they can understand that COVID has impacts on subs and our ability to keep schools open
3) your example of how to cope this stress is important! Model calm and reason, and being able to point out positives. Use your talented counseling/social work staff at WPE for support, too!
4) find ways to grow social connections – continue to call relatives and friends, encourage parallel play and development, perhaps have a relative read a story with a child on the phone
5) think of the whole family – our family units are being relied upon now more than ever; develop fun, special times together – even if it’s making dinner or folding laundry – finding teachable moments (color, shape, measurement lessons) in our lives helps make each moment richer.
*If you have any extra kids’ clothes – specifically, boy’s clothes in sizes 4-8 – we could use them in our main office for when our students need a change of clothes. We appreciate pants, socks, underwear and shirts. Thank you in advance!
A note from the School Nurse:
Vision and Hearing screenings have begun, starting with the younger students. Notices will be sent to student’s parents if your child has not passed the screening. We have Vouchers available for a free eye exam and glasses for families in need. Please contact Kim Sheen at 719-293-0975 or ksheen@lakecountyschools.net to see if you qualify.
Want to read a story with me? Please go to our WPE Bedtime Stories Facebook page! You may recognize some of your favorite Lake County people reading their favorite children’s book!
Are you interested in educational practice or games at home? Please use these links for home support for all students (students know how to log on J):
Lexia Core5 Reading – supplemental reading skill practice that Kinder, 1st and 2nd grade students can use at home (parent/sibling help is only needed if the apple in the corner is red!)
RAZ Kids A-Z – fun reading games which students enjoy! Books are in English and Spanish!
Starfall – free website of different educational games, and you can pay more for full access to all games.
DreamBox –DreamBox is a K-8 digital math program which we use for extra practice in mathematics.
Please reach out if ever you have concerns or celebrations you hope to share with me!
With gratitude for the trust you place in us to educate your children,
Kathleen Fitzsimmons, Principal
West Park Elementary
130 West 12th Street
Leadville, CO 80461
719-293-0720 (cell)
719-486-6890 (school phone)
