Dear KWoods families,
We hope this new update finds you as eagerly anticipating the start of the new school year on Tuesday, September 1 as much as the KWoods staff is! We’ve been working hard over the last two weeks preparing the building, new guidelines and our programs in preparation for a great school year!
We feel confident about beginning the school year next week, but we know there will be some kinks to work out as we all get used to being in the building again and our new procedures and schedule. Please have patience with us and your students; we will be refining our procedures as needed and will do our best to communicate with you about those changes. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Please note that the original back to school plan had all students doing Learning Lab remotely the first two weeks. Since that time, we have reevaluated our plan and have decided to just focus on the mornings the first two weeks of school so that we can better serve students and take the time to meet as a staff and refine our procedures in the afternoons. Therefore, Learning Labs will not meet the first two weeks of school. Learning Labs will begin for all students the third week of school on September 14. Please see the full schedule for the first two weeks below.
If you are not able to pick up your student until 3pm during the first two weeks, please fill out this form to let us know. We will have a supervised space for your student to be, but they should plan on bringing a book or something to do in case they do not have homework yet as well as lunch.
AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION SIGN UP: https://forms.gle/iZqRE78M6Hfotwoq6
We sent an ENewsletter out last Sunday with important information. If you by chance didn’t see it, the link is here: August 23 ENews. In this ENews, we are continuing to share additional important start of the year information.
We know there is a lot of information being shared, so we appreciate your patience and careful reading to make sure we start the year off right!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
In partnership with you,
Jessie MacGonigal Pratt
KWS Principal
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Important Upcoming Dates
2020-2021 School Year Calendar
- September 1: First day of school for all students
- September 1-10: Soft Start half days (dismissal at 12:15pm for In-Person students)
- September 2: New High School Student Placement Testing, 1-3pm
- Parent Orientation (remote): 6-7:30pm
- September 4: No School
- September 7: No School, Labor Day
- September 9: NWEA Testing for all Middle School students - mandatory
- September 17: Curriculum Night, 5:30pm-7:30pm (remote)
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Important Links
Here is a list of important links with information about the school year!
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Updated Covid-19 Procedures
Please click the links below for updates on Covid-19 related policies and procedures and Health Department Guidelines, updated 8/29/2020.
These documents will continue to be added to as we refine procedures and these documents will be continued to be updated. You will be emailed with significant changes.
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Our Commitment to One Another
As we have been meeting as a staff, we have talked a lot about what it takes to create a safe learning environment where we all feel safe and can learn together IN-PERSON! To remind us of that, we have developed the following commitment for the KWoods community. This will be reviewed with students the first week of school.
Kensington Woods Staff and Student Commitment
We will commit to doing our best to keep one another safe and creating a place where we feel comfortable being ourselves and learning together. This means we will commit to doing the following things ourselves and help others keep their commitment, with kindness and caring, knowing, that although things are new and different, keeping our commitment will help keep us safe and the school building open:
- Wear our masks and wear them properly
- Practice regular safe hand hygiene (washing our hands for at least 20 seconds and/or sanitizing hands using hand sanitizer)
- Avoid touching our face
- Physically distance (including close - under 6 ft. - proximity to others, passing of objects, etc.)
- Clean up after ourselves, sanitizing when necessary
- Screen ourselves and stay home when we do not feel well or fail the health screener
- Regular monitor our health and should we start to feel ill, go home
- Behave responsibly when outside of school
- Be respectful towards others; we do not know what each person’s situation is
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First Weeks Schedule
The schedule for both in-person and remote learners is listed below.
Please note that the original back to school plan had all students doing Learning Lab Remote the first two weeks. Since that time, we have reevaluated our plan and have decided to just focus on the mornings the first two weeks of school so that we can better serve students and take the time to meet as a staff and refine our procedures in the afternoons. Therefore, Learning Labs will not meet the first two weeks of school. Learning Labs will begin for all students the third week of school on September 14. Please see the full schedule for the first two weeks below.
We encourage students with incompletes from the spring reach out to their individual teachers to schedule an appointment after 12:15pm during the first two weeks of school to address any questions or concerns.
If you are not able to pick up your student until 3pm during the first two weeks, please fill out this form to let us know. We will have a supervised space for your student to be, but they should plan on bringing a book or something to do in case they do not have homework yet as well as lunch.
AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION SIGN UP: https://forms.gle/iZqRE78M6Hfotwoq6
IN-PERSON LEARNERS SCHEDULE
Please note, dismissal the first two weeks is at 12:15pm for all in-person learners.
Tuesday, 9/1: First Day of School for ALL students
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- A Block: 9:40-10:55am
- B Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
- Technology sign out: 12:15-1:15pm (keep in mind it will be first come first serve, so there may be a wait. Please practice social distancing while waiting.)
Wednesday, 9/2
- Technology sign out: 7:30-7:50am
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- C Block: 9:40-10:55am
- D Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
- New High School Students Only:
- 12:15-1pm – Lunch (the school will provide pizza or you can bring your own lunch)
- 1-3pm: Placement Testing (the amount of time the tests will take will vary by student)
Thursday, 9/3
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- E Block: 9:40-10:55am
- F Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Friday, 9/4 and Monday, 9/7:
No School
Tuesday, 9/8
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- A Block: 9:40-10:55am
- B Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Wednesday, 9/9
NWEA Testing for all middle school students during class hours
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- C Block: 9:40-10:55am
- D Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Thursday, 9/10
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- E Block: 9:40-10:55am
- F Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Friday, 9/11
Independent remote work time: 8:00am-12:05pm
There may be opportunities for teacher office hours during this time as the year goes on.
Monday, 9/14 and beyond
- Students in session 8am-3pm, M-Th, Independent Remote Work time on Fridays 8am-12:05pm on Regular Bell Schedule
- Learning Labs begin
- Teachers available after school for office hours by appointment (remote appointments available)
REMOTE LEARNERS SCHEDULE
Tuesday, 9/1: First Day of School for ALL students
- A Block: 9:40-10:55am
- B Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
- Grade Level Advisory: 1-1:45pm
Wednesday, 9/2
- Google Classroom Orientation: 8:30-9am
- C Block: 9:40-10:55am
- D Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Thursday, 9/3
- E Block: 9:40-10:55am
- F Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Friday, 9/4 and Monday, 9/7:
No School
Tuesday, 9/8
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- A Block: 9:40-10:55am
- B Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Wednesday, 9/9
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- C Block: 9:40-10:55am
- D Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
- NWEA Testing for all remote middle school students: 2-3:30pm, in person at Kensington Woods. This is a state-required assessment, therefore all students are required to take it. Limited students will be in the building at the time of the test and students will be social distanced and have to meet all safety protocols. If other accommodations need to be made, please notify Mrs. Pratt (jpratt@kwoods.org) as soon as possible.
Thursday, 9/10
- Grade Level Advisory: 8-9:35am
- E Block: 9:40-10:55am
- F Block: 11:00am-12:15pm
Friday, 9/11
Remote meetings
- A Block: 8:00-8:40am
- B Block: 8:45-9:20am
- C Block: 9:25-10:00am
- D Block: 10:05-10:45am
- E Block: 10:50-11:25am
- F Block: 11:30am-12:05pm
Monday, 9/14 and beyond
- Students in session 8am-3pm, M-Th, Remote Meetings on Fridays 8am-12:05pm on Regular Bell Schedule
- Learning Labs begin
- Teachers available after school for office hours by appointment (remote appointments available)
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Technology, Textbook and Supply Signout
If you need to sign out a school Chromebook or other school items, please plan on doing so during one of the following times:
IN-PERSON LEARNERS – Chromebook Signout
Textbook signout will happen in individual classes for In-Person Learners
- Tuesday, September 1, 12:15-1:15pm (keep in mind it will be first come first serve, so there may be a wait. Please practice social distancing while waiting.)
- Wednesday, September 2, 7:30-7:50am
REMOTE ONLY LEARNERS – Chromebook, textbook and supply signout
Please note that there will be no other students in the building at these times, other than those picking up items
If you need to set up an alternate time, please email Mrs. Pratt at jpratt@kwoods.org
Just a reminder, that all students will need a consistent device at home and at school. If you are not providing a device for your student while they are at school, they will need to check out a school Chromebook for the year (we will not be checking out Chromebooks in the office for the day/hour like in past years.)
All students signing out school devices will be held responsible for keeping the item in good condition and will be held responsible for replacement/repair costs. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND they get a case or a backpack designed for carrying devices to make sure it stays safe.
Students/Parents will need to sign the Chromebook and Device Sign Out form when signing out devices. It is linked below for your reference.
If you signed up for a mobile hot spot on the Return to School Request form, we will notify you as soon as we receive one to collect one. Unfortunately, they are on back order.
CHROMEBOOK AND DEVICE SIGN OUT FORM
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Start of the Year Forms
Below are links to the 2020-2021 Student Handbook and Start of Year forms, as well as other important information for the year. To save on paper handling, we are not distributing paper copies of handbooks and Start of Year forms unless requested. Please review the handbook and fill out and sign the Start of Year forms. Start of Year forms should be turned in as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, September 8.
Completed digital Start of Year forms can be emailed to Natalie Haggard at nhaggard@kwoods.org.
Completed forms are required for ALL students (remote and in-person).
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Student Schedules and Schedule Changes
Student schedules have been completed and are now available for viewing on MiStar.
We have added an additional remote scheduling change day for Monday, 8/31 from 10am-1pm. Please sign up here: www.calendly.com/kensingtonwoods.
At your scheduled meeting time, please go to the following Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/97979206327?pwd=T2I4bVcvblJ4cFozOG9qSm1wZTN4Zz09
If you are not available on Monday, please email scheduling@kwoods.org with any questions.
If you need access to MiStar or forgot your password, please contact Natalie Haggard at nhaggard@kwoods.org.
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Learning Labs
We know that there is a lot of anticipation as to what Learning Lab is and what it will look like for students. Since it is not meeting the first two weeks due to our soft start, we have not finalized our schedule yet. However, below we are including an example of what a high school Learning Lab schedule and what a Middle School Learning Lab schedule might look like. There will be many more options than this for students to choose from for both in-person and remote students, but we hope this will help you picture it!
Remote students will log into their Learning Labs just like they log into their regular classes. If it is being used for individual work time, they will check-in with the teacher and may be given permission to log off until the end of the period, depending on the situation, or can stay logged into the Meet while working in case they have questions. Other sessions, they will stay logged in and participate with the session/teacher (enrichment opportunities, teacher Office Hours, etc.)
Attendance to Learning Lab is required for all learners!
Example schedule for a 10th grader:
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Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Learning Lab 1
12:55-1:55pm |
High School Guided Study
(Small group or individual work time, supervised by KWoods Teacher) |
Geometry Office Hours |
High School Guided Study |
Chemistry Office Hours |
Learning Lab 2
2:00-3:00pm |
Art Office Hours |
High School Guided Study |
High School Guided Study |
Student Council |
Example Schedule for an 8th grader
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Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Learning Lab 1
12:55-1:55pm |
Middle School Guided Study
(Study Skills and organization, individual work time, supervised by KWoods Teacher) |
Social Studies Office Hours |
Music Office Hours |
Middle School Guided Study |
Learning Lab 2
2:00-3:00pm |
Pre-Algebra Office Hours |
Middle School Guided Study |
Board Games Group |
Middle School Guided Study |
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Important General Start of the Year Items
Lunch
- Students will have access to microwaves and fridges during lunch.
- While in Phase 4, the Parent Group will not be serving hot lunches; we will reevaluate in Phase 5, so please pack a lunch
- Juniors and Seniors will have off-campus lunch with parent and administrative approval. They are expected to follow all safety procedures while off campus.
Building Hours, Arrival & Dismissal
- Building hours are 7:30am-3:30pm, M-Th, 7:30-2pm on Friday. Class hours are 8am-3pm, M-Th, 8am-12:05 on Fridays. After 3:30 M-Th, students need to be picked up or have made prearrangements to stay after with a teacher or extracurricular activity.
- Please arrive by 7:45 am to allow time for health screening before class starts
- All students will be screened prior to entering the building (health questionnaire and temperature check).
- After 8:05am, students will have to buzz the intercom to complete their screening and be let into the building
Student Parking
- Student parking will be located in the VISITOR lot (the front south lot) this year. Overflow will go into the staff lot. This is to allow room for LESA Preschool families and busses to park since they are only using their side door for building access this year.
LETS Bus
- If you are utilizing the LETS Bus, remember that you are responsible for setting up your schedule with LETS. The sooner they know your needs, the better they can accommodate you. Their number and website are: (517) 546-6600, https://www.livgov.com/lets
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Parent Orientation
Remote Parent Orientations will be held on Wednesday, September 2 from 6-7:30pm. A link to the meeting will be sent out closer to the meeting date.
The Orientation be recorded for those who cannot make it during this time. We STRONGLY recommend all parents attend or view the session after the fact. Orientation will include information about school policies, important academic information as well as tutorials on how to use the technologies we will be utilizing this year.
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Student Health Screening
LINK: Student Health Screening Questionnaire
- All parents will be expected to screen their students using the Livingston County Health Department health questionnaire (linked above), including doing a temperature check, prior to leaving the house each day.
- All students will be temperature checked and asked the screening questions prior to enter the building.
- If a student fails the screening at the school, they will be sent home and not allowed into the building. Please do not send a student if you know they will fail the screening.
- It is imperative you do not send a student who is ill or fails the screening to school. The only way we will be able to remain open to in-person learning is if we ALL follow this guideline. If a student remains at home due to symptoms or failing the health screening, but feels well enough, they will be able to log into their classes remotely and participate without penalty and not get behind.
- If you are keeping your student at home due to symptoms and/or failing the health screening, please notify the office immediately for next steps about when the student can return to in-person learning.
- If your student fails the morning screening they will have to picked up or go home immediately, so please do not leave campus until you are sure they passed the screening.
- If your student falls ill during the day, they will need to be picked up ASAP (within the hour). If you can not make it, please have back up ready to be able to come and get your student and make sure they are on file as emergency pickups with the school by filling out the Early Release form in the Start of the Year packet or notifying the office.
Important Documents from the Livingston County Health Department:
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Bottle Drive - Help Needed
Thank you so much to all who participated in the Bottle Drive! We are now tasked with returning all the bottles and need your help! Bottles in the back loading dock area need to be picked up and returned to the store, then bottle slips can be turned in to the school. This is a great opportunity to get service hours for high school students! Please sign up if you can help with this task. Many hands make light work! Even if you can just take a couple of bags, that would be great.
If you (or your student) is interested in returning bottles, please sign up here:
Bottle Drive Signup
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Coming Soon
In our next ENews, which will come out in a few days, stay tuned for the following information:
- Remote Only learners: Links and information on how to sign into your classes for the first week of school
- A reminder of what you need to know for the first day of school
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