April 2, 2021 (or more like April 5...)

 Welcome Back!  :-)

What's Happening at Dodgeland?

• Monday, April 5
• Library lessons start back up!
• District Office Entrance is closed, please send 1st-3rd graders to main entrance
• Thank You Banner Signing

• Tuesday, April 6
• Thank You Banner Signing

• Wednesday, April 7
• Workout Wednesday

• Thursday, April 8
• Friday, April 9
• Groundbreaking Ceremony at 1:30 (live-streamed into classrooms)
• Wear Purple/Dodgeland attire

Nitty-Gritty

• Review expectations
• I know that it has only been a week since we have seen our students last, but as they return to school and our routines/expectations, do not take anything for granted.  Please spend the time this week reviewing and reteaching procedures, routines and behavior expectations.  It will pay off exponentially in the weeks that we have left of school.

• Micro-fiber towel Reminder
• Before the break, Lance had sent out an email about finding the micro-fiber towels in places other than the green buckets at the end of the day.  Please remind students to put the used ones in the buckets to be washed.  Many were left in desks, on the floor, etc.  Thank you in advance for working together for this important part of our safety protocols.

• District Office entrance closed
• Another reminder:  1st-3rd graders should use the main entrance to enter and dismiss at the end of the day.

• Groundbreaking Ceremony
• A Thank You banner has been created for our students to sign to hang up during the ceremony and beyond.  On Monday/Tuesday (4/5-4/6), the elementary students will have the opportunity to sign the banner.  (Wed/Thur it moves to the MS/HS side of the building.) I will bring the banner to your classrooms throughout the day.  I apologize in advance for disrupting your classrooms/teaching.
• There are 7 students representing the elementary grades in the ground breaking ceremony on Friday, April 9th.  The ceremony will be live streamed on our Dodgeland Youtube channel and students will be able to enjoy cookies/milk during the ceremony.  Christina will be coming around to take pictures of students, but please take pictures as well that we can use for a video later.  The ceremony should be concluded by 2pm.

• Pledge policy
• The Dodgeland School District has a board policy about the Pledge of Allegiance.  The policy states that the pledge needs to be offered to students at the school daily.  The easiest way to do this is to include it with your morning announcements.  Please make sure that you are complying with this policy.  If you want to read it in more depth, please let me know.

• Safety during Construction
• If you did not see Dr. Thompson's email over break, it is important to note the safety precautions that are in place for the safety of all.  First, a fence will be put up starting on Monday, April 5 with a walk way for students to get through off of the bus to get to the playground.  Otherwise the fence is there to prevent students from getting hurt from the workers, the deliveries, or the traffic.  Please tell students to stay away from the fence.  If a ball/etc. goes over a fence, only an adult can go get it.
• Also, the area directly behind the building is an active construction zone.  Staff and Students should not be anywhere near this section which includes taking a walk around the building.  There is a walking labyrinth or trail on the grounds instead though.  Pictures will be shared periodically to update us on progress, please do not go there to see it for yourself.

• Week of the Young Child (April 10-16)
• We have not normally celebrated this week in the past, but this year we are.  You will see on the April Calendar a list of dress up days for the week.  I will have some other surprises in store for students as well.  Stay Tuned!

• FREE Power of Positive Parenting Seminar
• Our collaboration with the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation allows us to provide so many resources to our school, our students and our community.  This latest one is a virtual seminar for parents and families on Tuesday, April 13 from 5:30-7pm.  A flyer will be coming out for families as well. The seminar is geared for parents of children ages 0-12.  Share with any and all parents in your life.  

• Forward Testing
• Teachers that work with grades 3-5, please watch for an email early this week regarding a schedule for this year's Forward testing.  At this time it is planned for the week of April 12.

• ViewSonic Boards
• Over spring break, Josh and Brad worked very hard at getting the boards mounted in grades 2-5 classrooms.  The boards at grades 2-3 are at the 28" height and the boards for grades 4-5 they are hung at 33".  In order to do this, there may have been an item or two that needed to be moved.  They moved it carefully and respectfully.  This was only done if absolutely necessary.  Please see me if you need any help with the items moved.

PD Spotlight

I found this meme before break and I saved it for our blog this week.  I know I used my break to totally disconnect, watch WAY too much Criminal Minds, read for fun, and hang out with my kids.  I'm ready to go tomorrow.  This quote helps remind me of my purpose.  I can't wait to see you all this week!

Friday Funny