Picture credit: Novato Fire Captain & Sonoma Co. Flight Medic, Scott Freedman & Son, Marshall with "Henry One" Rescue Helicopter
Dear Bolinas-Stinson Families,
Many of our staff members and families continue to be impacted by the fires, smoke, and evacuation warnings. Thank you to everyone for reaching out to support each other during this emotionally draining and difficult time. I am especially grateful to all of our first responders and volunteer firefighters for helping to keep us safe. A special thank you to their families for supporting them during their long absences and many hours of service protecting us all.
I am hopeful that things will begin to improve this week. We are all stretched beyond our capacity right now and I understand how incredibly stressful any additional challenges may feel. Our dedicated BSUSD staff are working to provide a semblance of calm and structure as we eagerly welcome you back to school. Take a look below at what we have planned for you over the coming weeks.
New Distance Learning Calendar & Student Orientation Meetings
Due to the fires and the resulting school closure, we will be welcoming all students and families with a gentle start to distance learning and student orientation meetings next week. Please let your child’s teacher know if you have any questions or conflicts that they should be aware of. We understand that many families are in transition right now (so are we) and are happy to work with you!
August 31st-Distance Learning, Welcome Back Kick-off! Stay tuned for fun and welcoming virtual activities planned by your child’s teacher.
August 31st-September 4th: Gentle Start to Distance Learning and Student Orientation meetings
Teachers will be reaching out to share sign-up schedules and provide a zoom schedule for fun, class community building activities for the first week.
Parent & Principal Zoom meetings for each grade level cohort - Schedule coming soon! I will be giving families an overview of the year ahead and answering any questions. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
September 7th, Labor Day Holiday
September 8th, Full Distance Learning Schedule
Teachers will share their class distance learning schedules by Monday for each week.
You asked, we listened! Weekly class schedules will include links to all zoom meetings in one place for teacher, paraeducators, specialists, art shops, and PE for ease of access.
In-person Student Orientations
Teachers will be sending a link this week to sign up for a 20 minute in-person or virtual orientation meeting. This is a time for your child to meet his/her teacher in person, learn about the instructional program, and ask questions. Be sure to check in with your child’s teacher about the following points:
Share any special needs your child may have and what he/she is most looking forward to this year.
Let us know about any technology issues or tech questions you have.
Identify any obstacles or successes your child experienced last year during distance learning.
Health and Safety Protocols ~ Help us all safe and healthy! Please read before coming on campus
Please fill in the Student Health Screening Form for your child on the morning of your orientation. Teachers will include a grade level link to this form in their welcome letter.
Please be sure that you and your child(ren) always wear a face covering when in public areas and on campus.
Please try to keep siblings at home for the orientation meeting if possible. We ask that only one parent and the student be present for the meeting.
Please try to use the closest access point to your child’s classroom, they will be sharing their room location with you in their welcome email.
Keep a minimum of 6 feet in between your family and other families/students that are on campus.
Please keep your class/campus visit brief and avoid gathering in groups.
Play structures and the playground are closed at this time - Sorry!
Please find time to read this very timely and helpful article shared by our school counselor, Maud Zimmer:
As always, please be well and stay safe,
Michelle Stephens
Bolinas-Stinson School Principal
mstephens@bolinas-stinson.org