January 10, 2022
 

Dear Breton Downs Families,

On Friday, January 14 we will celebrate the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  In the morning, we will head right into an assembly where many students will share how they are agents of change and are making a difference in the world.  We will also hand out our “Making a Difference Award”.  Parents are welcome to attend our MLK assembly starting around 8:45 a.m.  Through songs, speeches, and presentations we will be celebrating Dr. King’s message and highlighting how all of us can do small things and make a difference in the world.

In the afternoon of January 14, we are asking parents to line the streets as the whole Breton Downs student body and staff will be participating in a Silent Walk as a symbolic reference to the peaceful protests led by Dr. King.  We will march for love, peace, and respect and kindness for all human beings.  The walk will take place from 2:30- 2:50 p.m.  Our route will be east on Boston to Conlon, south on Conlon to Hampshire, west on Hampshire to York, and north on York to Boston. If the temperature is below zero or there is inclement weather, the march will be held inside of the building.  

Spelling Bee

Who:	Any 3-5 grade student who would like to participate, no registration needed
When:	Thursday, January 20 from 3:40 pm to when we have a winner
Where:	Breton Downs Learning Commons
More details:	In keeping with Regional and GR competitions, the Breton Bee will contain both spelling and vocabulary rounds   Students may study using the lists available HERE   The winner and runner up of the Breton Downs Spelling Bee will both advance to the Regional Bee on Tuesday, February 15, location TBA.
Questions?	Please email Bridget Rieth: brieth@egrps.org

Smartwatch and Cell Phone Reminder
Typically, many of our students are involved in activities before and after the school day throughout the year. We understand that there are times when you need to communicate with your children and smartwatches and cell phones are an easy way for you to do this. Please help us to maintain a distraction-free learning environment by reminding your child that any smartwatches and cell phones brought to school must remain off and in their backpack while on school grounds. For more information, please see Board Policy 8320 and 8320-R linked here.

Winter Recess Reminders
During the first week back from winter break, teachers are reviewing our expectations with students. New options including building snow creations, throwing snow at targets, and sledding are available during recess. Please note that students will use school sleds only and should not bring in sleds from home. During recess, students must have boots on to leave the paved areas of the playground when there is measurable snow. Please label all hats, mittens, scarfs, etc. with your child’s name when sending them to school. Thank you for ensuring your child is prepared for the colder, winter weather!  

COVID-19 Update

• Masks: The KCHD face covering Public Health Order for grades PreK-6 expired on January 2, 2022. However, masks are strongly recommended and encouraged as we continue to navigate through COVID-19. Also, all unvaccinated staff are required to wear a mask in compliance with the Federal Emergency Temporary Standard.

• As a reminder, if any unvaccinated members in your household have a concerning symptom for COVID-19, all unvaccinated members of your household should stay home until healthcare evaluation or testing results are back. This minimizes exposure to others in school. Thank you for your support.  

• To ensure the safety of everyone, please continue to review the student health screener daily prior to sending your child(ren) to school. Families should follow the guidelines listed in the health screener. 

• The Kent County Health Department updates a toolkit regularly with guidance for schools. Please see the most updated toolkit (10.21.2021) found here. 

• District information on COVID-19 is available on our website linked here. 

Important Calendar Dates

• Monday, January 10 - Board of Education Meeting at EGRMS 6:00 p.m.

• Monday, January 17 - No students K-12; Teacher Professional Development

Warm Regards,

Caroline
Breton Downs Elementary Principal

 https://twitter.com/principalcannon

 Vaccine Clinic

 Changing Families Group

Hi there! If you are interested in your child/children participating in a Changing Families small group, please fill out the form, attached here. The groups will be divided into lower elementary (K-2) and upper elementary (3-5), based on response numbers. These groups will take place during the school day and facilitated by Erin Huffer, our School Social Worker. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Huffer at ehuffer@egrps.org or 616.235.7552 ext. 1423. Thank you!

 Lunch Info 

It's Less Than a Month from Big Check Day!

Now that school has started up again, we’re looking forward to awarding our next round of grants and mini-grants later this month. Thanks to our generous donors, we have nearly $100,000 available to fund grants this cycle. The deadline to apply for grants was January 1. After our January Grants Meeting, we get to do one of our favorite things: presenting big checks and seeing the smiles on the faces of the teachers who applied for them and their students!