Dear Whitson Families,
During the week of February 1, we will begin transitioning to our In-Person Model for Kindergarten and First Grade. Second and Third Grade will transition during the week of February 8. You should have received a letter communicating the cohort in which you were placed: AA Day Cubs, BB Day Cubs, or Full Time Distance Learning. The following is important information that you need to know:
Before Arriving at School Each Day Every student must complete a health check. There are two ways to document that you have done this: 1. Using Family Access - You should have received an email on January 27, giving instructions on how to access your account and see the wellness check that will need to be completed each day your student attends school. Please complete your student’s health check before arriving at school. Our staff will be checking students in our drop-off locations. 2. You can complete a paper copy and send it to school with your child. These are available to print from our website.
At Morning Drop-off We have included a map showing the location of student drop-off sites. Every student must wear a mask. If you do not have one, it will be provided. Students are to remain with their adult who is dropping them off until a staff member has verified that the daily health check has been completed. • Students who have COMPLETED the health check will then be dropped off in front of the school. Blue arrows on the map • Students WITHOUT a completed health check will go with their adult through the parking lot to do their health check prior to being dropped off. Yellow arrows on the map • Students who are riding the bus, walking or biking WITHOUT an ADULT need to check in with staff at the bus drop area. Red arrow on the map • Students who arrive at school and have not completed the health screening will go to the gym and wait to be screened by a staff member. The staff member will need to speak with an adult family member in the child’s house to complete the screening. Students will use the south gym doors to enter the gym, not the front door of school. Green arrow on the map
At Dismissal – Pick-up • If you need to pick up your child prior to dismissal, please call ahead to the office with the time you will be picking up your child. Call again when you arrive, and a staff member will bring your child out and release them to you. • Bus Riders will be dismissed at 12:15. • Students being picked up, walking or riding a bike will be dismissed at 12:20. They will be walked out to their dismissal area in front of the school by their teacher. White Squares on the map labeled K, 1, 2, and 3. • Parents, please wait for your child on the sidewalk, maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and wave at your student’s teacher who will send your child to you. We are asking families to help us maintain a safe school environment by heading off campus after dismissal. not gathering. • Our playground area will be closed until 3:30.
As we work hard here at Whitson to keep everyone safe, we must limit access to the building. We will not be able to have volunteers of any kind. Parents and families will not be able to enter school in the morning when dropping off their students. If you need to contact or communicate with the office please email, call, or make an appointment.
When a Student Becomes Ill or Has Covid 19 Symptoms During School • If a student is showing any Covid 19 symptoms, they will be removed from class and families will be called to come get their child. Families should develop a plan that allows them to pick up their child within 30 minutes. Please check your emergency contacts for your child. We appreciate your mindfulness in this matter. see the Covid 19 Symptomatic Student Flow Chart on the website. • Families will be given guidelines for when the student will be allowed to return. see the Covid 19 Symptom Flow Chart on the website.
We at Whitson are excited to welcome your children back. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these challenging times. We will continue to add and update information on our website in the Road to Reopening section. If you have questions or concerns please call 509-493- 1560, or email at todd.mccauley@whitesalmonschools.org. We are here to help.
GO CUBS,
Todd McCauley Whitson Elementary Principal