9/14 Update from Team Wizards

Good afternoon parents and guardians. We wanted to share some of the highlights from last week. We were thrilled to meet our new Wizards and be back at CBMS. The students seemed to feel the same way. They were energetic, participated, and worked well with everybody. Mrs. Michael and Ms. Anderman have discussed how kind these children have been to one another and hands down this was the most inclusive group of students on day 1. We did a "closing circle" where students shared a word or phrase about their first day and it was 100% positive. We heard students say "I don't want to go home," "awesome," "best first day ever!" I think this really shows how students thrive in social situations. We thank you for sending these young people to us and feel privelelged to work with such wonderful 5th graders.

Our first two weeks are focused on students getting to know their teachers, each other, and learning the routines and technology that will support us working together for months to come. In our team building activities, we integrate important procedures or technology so that kids are learning both. As you can see from the photos, we spent most of our time outside which was good for everyone as we transition to more in-person time.

As you likely are aware, after such a successful start to the school year we will be remote this week. When we met with the kids this morning, their disappointment with being full remote was clear. (Yet another indicator that last week was successful though!) We will continue to provide our Wizards with a one page "to-do" list. Click here for today's example. Students should continue to start each morning by checking their LA Google Classroom. This week, students will begin to do math specific assignments but can still start on LA and follow the directions from there. For planning purposes, students should expect to attend Zoom meetings each morning, but again, please check google classroom for each day's agenda.

We will be supporting our Wizards should they have any questions regarding CBMS going remote this week. Should your student ask, remind them that all we have procedures and protocols in place that keep students safe. We wear masks, social distance, wash our hands, and get lots of fresh air. Our state of VT, was able to detect these cases which means the state systems are working just like they are suppossed to. We encourage you to reach out to our guidance couselor, Jennie Hempey, if your student needs any additional support during this remote week or anytime. Mrs. Hempey can be reached at jhempey@huusd.org.

A few important details:

- Please make sure your Wizard reads the morning announcements and answers the attendance questions each day. We are including this direction in their daily agenda.

- Please make sure your Wizard is checking and reading email each day. We encourage students to DELETE emails as they address them.

- Once back in the building, we will continue to get outside and keep our windows open. Please make sure students have appropriate clothing as the temperatures get cooler. Layers are good!

- Please make sure your student has a fitted mask. Gaitors and neck warmers are not ideal as they tend to slip down. We have school provided masks for when a student's mask does not meet safetty guidelines.

- PRACTICE and talk about social distancing with your Wizard. This is the biggest challenge among many of us who enjoy being social. Measure out 6 feet to show them what it looks and feels like. Practice it with them when you are out in public. Talk about what makes this a challenge and how what strategies adults use to keep 6 feet apart.

Enjoy some images of our first week as a the Wizards Team!