What's New?
From the Desk of Mr. Drouhard
Dear Amity Families,
I hope that your children have settled into a groove with returning in person for 5 days a week. Even though they may not admit it, I know they find joy in being in class with their teachers on a daily basis. They might even be a little tired at night from all the academic growth they are experiencing. Their academic stamina will continue to increase as we keep moving forward in the coming weeks!
Take Care,
Josh
Weekly Photo Gallery
Click the link below to access photos from all around Amity Elementary during the week!
Weekly Spotlight
Last week in first grade, Mrs. Scheidt’s class earned their Word Detective badges. It took a lot of intensive training. Students learned how to be always on the lookout, to look closely, and to use everything they know. Students will continue solving word mysteries throughout the year by using their sight words and sounds to help them solve even the trickiest of words. There’s not a word this class can’t crack!
Spring Conferences
We will be holding our Spring Conferences on Thursday, March 4th from 1:00-8:00 PM and Friday, March 5th 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Information regarding sign-ups will be coming out next week, but I want to get these dates on your calendar. Due to COVID-19, we will be meeting virtually or by phone once again. Please remember that school will not be in session on those days.
No School: Monday, February 15th
Just a reminder that there is no school for PreK-12th grade on Monday, February 15th. School is off that day as it is President’s Day.
In Case You Missed It
Grading With A Return To In Person Learning
I wanted to make parents and students aware that with a return to 5 day a week in person learning we will be grading as we did prior to the pandemic. If we are able to make it the remainder of the quarter in this model, our grade card will reflect a percentage grade instead of a checkmark system. In the event that we have to go back to hybrid learning the check mark system will be reinstituted.
Writing Circles Opportunity
Please see the flyer below for an opportunity for students in grades 4-6 to get involved in a writing group put on by Women Writing for a change.
6th Grade Remote Learning Academy Information
Please remember that to be counted as present in school, you must be working 5.5 hours per day in Apex or have green progress bars in all classes. You can see the progress bars on your Apex dashboard.
Apex emails "Coaches' Reports" to parents/guardians/coaches every Sunday evening. Please make sure these are not going to spam or junk mail. The reports let you know how much time students are spending and how they are progressing.
Completing all study guides AS you are learning the material will help you to pass quizzes the first time. Plus, you can refer to the guides as you are taking quizzes and tests!
Please consult the following document every week for helpful links and access to fun weekly activities and help sessions:
K-5 Virtual Students: Accelerate Workbook Pick Up
If you were unable to pick up your Accelerate workbooks prior to winter break, please stop in to the Amity front office to pick them up. The office will be open for book pick up from 8:30-2:30.
Outdoor Recess
With a return to cold temperatures, please remember to send your child to school with appropriate outdoor attire for recess. We are currently going outside whenever the “feels like” temperature is 25 degrees or above. This gives our students time to burn some energy and allows for a time that our students can take a socially distanced mask break. Our recesses are 30 minutes in length this year so it is important that our students be comfortable while they are outside.
Attendance
Please remember to call our attendance line (513-891-2414) or email Betty Jung (jung.b@dpccsd.org), our attendance secretary, if your student is going to be out.
This is especially important with the number of people that are either required to quarantine by the health department, or quarantining on their own accord. We need to be aware of these situations outside of school so that we can appropriately mark the attendance and provide guidance from the district if necessary. Thanks for all your help!
Amity Cat News
The Amity Cat News is up and running. Our student led morning announcement is scheduled to post every morning at 7:45 so your student can stay connected with what is going on whether they are at school or at home. The link to the youtube channel is below
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Information Page
A page on the Deer Park website has been created which is dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date information on all things affecting Deer Park Schools. It includes several quick links to local, state, and national health organizations, along with a frequently asked questions section. Please visit the page to stay up to date with all COVID-19 information.