Hello on this, thankfully,  sunny day

Just a few notes today...

1st- Wow! Vestal teachers are true rockstars! We already new this, but now they are showing off such extreme perseverance, patience, and creativity with learning all about on learning teaching and learning...I am just so impressed with each one of them!

2nd- GoodNess! I am so impressed with the Vestal students and families...talk about NEW learning and lots of it! Although I would want nothing more than all of us being back in the building, seeing you all learning on line, saying hello to one another, wishing happy birthdays, growing into new Lexia levels...pretty awesome!

3rd- Those of you who do not have tech yet...good news...tomorrow there are four locations where chrome books can be picked up! IF you are one who has been waiting, PLEASE send me one more email (we have a pretty complete list, but I'd hate if we are missing someone). Then I will send you details...WE can deliver, too...so let me know what you need and IF you can pick up or need delivery. I LOVE the idea that by tomorrow night all will have technology:)

4th- Today's story... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANlDOyG0VeY

5th- ThAnK YoU for sending me Big Orange Splot pictures...if you didn't please do..they just really make me smile!

6th- Try to get fresh air today...and know you are loved!

Sabrina Flamoe

sflamoe@pps.net

Hey all and happy Tuesday...the weather truly is gorgeous and I hope everyone gets some time outside, it is an amazing how healthy it feels! Today's story has an optional assignment. This book, The Big Orange Splot, is an absolute favorite of mine and has been for a very long time. I love that it connects beautifully to Vestal's focus on social justice! The assignment, after your child/ren watch and listen is to design a dream house in their perfect world...it will make sense after hearing the story. If you are able, take a photo of the drawing and send it to me (I'd love to make a slide show!) You could also put the picture in your window and when Vestal kids walk by...they will know what it is all about!

On another note, we had our 'virtual' staff meeting yesterday and I shared with teachers that the Oregon Dept. of Education has given some guidelines for the amount of time kids spent actually on their screen doing distance learning...

45 minutes a day- Kinder and 1st

60 minutes a day 2-3

90 minutes a day 4-5

This counts actual time on screen...not things like sitting outside reading or hanging out in the cool pillow fort doing some math problems.

The MOST important part of all of this strange time is that we all stay connected as our amazing Vestal community...this is new and temporary...and things will get back to more normal and we will hang out at school again together! For now, we want you all to know we miss and love you!

Sabrina Flamoe

sflamoe@pps,net

Hello amazing Vestal families-

Sorry this Community News is late...I wish I could say it is because I have lost track of days, but I actually haven't yet. The real reason is that I spilled on my laptop the other day and it is no longer working...which is unusually frustrating during these days of massive technology. I absolutely needed to use some tools to get through the few moment immediately following. Thankfully, I was able to get a loaner to use, for which I am thankful but now on top of so much new learning I am using a different computer...and it is a challenge for me. OK, all that to say, sorry School  messenger is late!

I so hope folks are doing alright...this is just such a strange,vague, unique  time. For those of use who crave structure and routine, it is like living in an upside down AND sideways world. Anyhow, I hope that your child's classroom teacher has gotten a hold of you....if you have NOT connected with them. please please email a response here. I know everyone is trying to connect. Our first goal is to simply say hello, check in and see how all are doing. Secondly, we are trying to make sure everyone has what they need to start to access digital learning in PPS. We know this is not true yet...and we are working towards that goal.

This coming week will be continued learning on everyone's part...figuring out google classroom (grades 4-5) and Seesaw (Grades K-3). Please know that we are all trying to learn a whole bucket of new skills...thank you for everyone's patience. I have been amazed by what teachers have figured out in such a short time and I believe there will be silver lining learnings that will apply when we are back in face to face school!

I will continue to do Read Alouds each school day....for now these are on the Vestal School Facebook page. I know not everyone has, or wants, Facebook. I will be trying on a new venue soon and will keep you posted. Please know That I LoVe the kids comments...makes me very happy!

OK, i feel like I should say something philosophically profound during this time, but guess what??? I got nothing on that level.

What I do know is that I miss everyone in the Vestal community...honestly, the mornings of connecting with your children is a highlight that cannot be replaced. I love and value knowing your children at this amazing phase of their lives...they teach us constantly even while we teach them. Their unique personalities bring so much light and energy and the diverse mix of all these wonderful personalities makes the best authentic community that cannot be replicated in any digital format.

Please please reach out to let us know of any needs, we want to met as many needs as possible...

In the words of Bill Withers...We all need somebody to lean on. 

Sabrina Flamoe

sflamoe@pps.net

Dear PPS Family,

In response to the continuing COVID-19 health crisis in our state, today Governor Brown and the Oregon Department of Education announced that our school campus doors will not open again for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. We all miss seeing our students in school buildings, but the health and safety of our students, educators, staff and the broader community, remains the highest priority. 

The District is offering a second round of Chromebook device pickup. Even if you did not already fill out a device loan survey, you may still pick up a device. We will begin distribution to high school students on Wednesday, April 8 and then to all students on Thursday, April 9. Please visit www.pps.net/devices for more times and locations.

Dear PPS Parents and Guardians,

We know this is a time of transition as we move from school buildings to home-based distance learning for the duration of this closure. In order to continue to work in similar ways with our students as we did in our buildings, principals, teachers and counselors will need to be able to communicate with you and your students while maintaining safety and privacy for all. Because of this situation, we are partnering with Remind to provide a simple platform for all of us to engage together. 

The disruption to daily life during the coronavirus crisis has hit all corners of society. For students, it has meant not being able to attend school. Staff in the PPS Student Success and Health department have gathered tips to help you help your student cope: