Dear Families,

The Gleaners will be providing food distribution tomorrow at Miller Elementary school. Food distribution is at 11:00 a.m.

Playgrounds Closed – #Students1stDbnSchs

27MARPosted on March 27, 2020Author Sherry Candea 0

Greetings,

The weekend is here and although the weather forecast is calling for rain, we all like to get outside and get some fresh air. This is especially true during this time of year when the temperatures are on the rise and we all have been spending a lot of time inside. 

Many are thinking that it might be alright to get outside and have children play with one or two friends. Unfortunately, this is not something we should be doing at this time. The battle to stop the spread of the COVID 19 virus is on-going and gathering in small groups, even outside at the local park is not something we should be doing. 

During the State of Michigan mandated shut down, all Dearborn Public School facilities, including playgrounds, and athletic fields, will be closed to the public. Please do not attempt to go onto the fields or access the playgrounds.  If you are found on the property you will be asked to leave.  

The Governor has ordered that we all shelter in place.  This is not a recommendation or suggestion. This action is being taken to help in the effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to mitigate the number of people becoming sick. Hospitals in southeastern Michigan are being overwhelmed and are reaching the point where they are unable to meet the needs of those arriving for care. We must all do our part to help slow the spread of this virus and remain at home!  

The Governor did say that it is ok to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. However, we can not gather in groups at local parks or playgrounds.

We look forward to the day, hopefully in the not too distant future, when our facilities will once again be open to the public and we can all return to our regular routines. The District appreciates all of the support that the Dearborn community has shown and the tremendous amount of community spirit that has been demonstrated during this very difficult time.  Together we will get through this, one community, #DearbornStrong!

Hello Families! I hope everyone had a safe and healthy weekend and you were able to enjoy your time with your children.

1. For today’s activity, have your child listen to Eric Carle, the author who wrote the book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, as he reads this story by clicking on the link below. This is a favorite story in preschool. After listening to the story, talk with your child about the different foods the caterpillar ate. Then have your child draw a picture of a caterpillar and the food that their caterpillar ate. Please write your child’s words at the bottom of the paper. I can’t wait to see your child’s caterpillar picture! Please share pictures with me by email.

2. Letter F review. Have your child listen and sing the song about the letter F by clicking on the link below. Then have your child write the uppercase F 5 times. Have your child draw a picture of something that starts with the letter F. Some ideas for pictures are a fish, a frog, a finger, a flower, etc. Please share your child’s pictures with me.

3. Have your child practice writing their first and last name.

4. Practice counting.

Have a great day!

MARCH 29, 2020AMY MODICA

On Monday, March 30, Dearborn Public Schools is changing the format of its free student meal distributions.

Meals will now be distributed three times a week, instead of five.  

Meals will generally be distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. However, the week of April 6 to 10, meals will be handed out on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Friday, April 10, is Good Friday and a holiday for District staff.

Fewer meal distributions should make it easier for families to get the food while reducing the risk of virus exposure for both our families and our staff. Each food bag will still contain both breakfast, lunch and milk for a child under 18, but now the bag will have food for each day until the next distribution.

The grab-and-go meals will continue to be handed out between 10 a.m. and noon at the same seven schools.  The Dearborn Schools student does not have to attend that school to be eligible for a meal. A designated person can pick up meals for multiple children.  The student does not need to be present.

The distribution sites are Fordson, Dearborn and Edsel Ford high schools; McCollough/Unis; Salina Intermediate; Smith Middle School; and Woodworth Middle School.

The program is allowing the District’s 20,700 students to continue to have access to healthy food. The meals are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Lunch Program. Dearborn Public Schools already used the federal program to offer all kindergarten to 12th grade students free lunch and breakfast on school days.

Meal distributions will continue through the state-ordered school closure.  Currently, schools are set to reopen on April 14.

Check firstbell.dearbornschools.org for the latest information on the school closure and the food program.

GSRP Enrollment for 2020-2021 Postponed

MARCH 24, 2020 | AMY MODICA

Due to recent events and school being closed, our GSRP Enrollment for Dearborn Public Schools has been postponed until further notice.

A new date will be choosen as soon as we return to school or we will figure out a new plan of how to enroll students for next year.

If you have any questions please contact me at modicaa@dearbornschools.org

1. Watch and listen to the story “Turkey Trouble” by clicking on the link below. After watching and listening to the story talk to your child about the different ways turkey was trying to look different so he would not become the main course for Thanksgiving dinner. He tried to look like a cow, a sheep, a rooster, etc. After talking to your child about the story, have your child draw a picture of a turkey trying to look different (a disguise). How will your turkey look different so it will not become dinner? I can’t wait to see your child’s drawing.

2. Have your child practice writing first and last name.

3. Counting

4. Play a game of catch with a ball outside in your backyard or go for a walk. It is suppose to be a beautiful Wednesday!

Have a great day! I miss all of you!

Our school social worker is reaching out to families to let them know there are resources she can help you with if you feel your child or family needs support during this time of uncertainty. Below is a link to a questionnaire to be completed if you would like to reach out to her for support.

Hi Everyone 
Please could you share this form with all of your families.  I am trying to make sure that all families have the resources they need and receive social work support if requested.Thanks for all of your help. 

Jenn
Jennifer Lall
School Social Worker Cotter/McDonald ext 77341Stay Happy, Healthy and Calm

https://docs.google.com/a/dearbornschools.org/forms/d/1BoiAG4YOep8pN8VCPK_i_8dzQW9voA5aSciRZw1W71w/edit?usp=drive_web

Some resources that might be helpful

Meals will be provided on a grab and go basis Monday-Friday at McCullough Unis School.

Meals provided are breakfast and lunch.   An adult can pick up the meals between 10-12pm.

This is an opportunity for families to work together.  Please consider helping those families with no transportation.  You do not need to attend McCullough Unis to get the meals.  You don not need any identification to pick up the meals.  Everyone who comes to the school who needs meals will be provided with them.

McCullough Unis is located at 7801 Maple St. Dearborn

United way has a COVID 19 Community Economic Relief Fund   They will help with bills, rent and food.

You can call 1-866-211-9966 and provide your zip code.  A list of local agencies will be provided who can support you.

Energy Assistance Hotline Provides utility assistance 1 800 292 5650

If medical help is needed contact FHC Family Health Clinic (313) 670 9943 www.fhc.c-assist.org

If any family needs assistance with any other need please contact me lallj@dearbornschools.org or use classroom dojo.

Here are some activities you can use at home to keep your students busy.

Brainstorm some ideas with your child of things they could do at home.  Put them in a box.  When the students are looking for things to do get them to choose an idea you created together from the box.

Create a treasure hunt.  Hide a sticker or coin in the house.  Give the student ideas of where it could be.  Let them find it.

Have your child build a tent or fort using a blanket and pillows from home.

Create a scavenger hunt get your child to find different things around the home.  It can be things from the kitchen or anywhere. 

Make a big Tic Tac Toe using tape.

Set up an indoor obstacle course jump across items, jump from pillow to pillow.  Go under chairs or tables.

Here are some guidelines on how to approach talking to your student about the current situation and the COVID-19 virus.

Remain calm and reassuring.  If your family is all healthy focus on that fact stating that everyone is fine.

Remind them that the school, staff and family are here to keep them safe and healthy.

Let your childern express their feelings and concerns.  Give the child honest answers to their questions.  Be considerate to the age of your child, you do not want to frighten or make them more stressed.  Young childern need short, simple information which is factual but reassuring.  Older elementary childern will be looking for more information, right now the situation is everywhere, internet, social media.  They will wat to know if they are safe.  Give them simple steps that they can do to keep safe like following the hygiene plan of washing hands and covering their mouths.

Know the symptoms to watch for Fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Encourage your child to practice good hygiene wash hands with warm soapy water frequently.  While washing hands get them to count to 20 slowly.

Stay Happy, Healthy and Calm.  Hope to see you soon.

Ms Jenn

School Social Worker.

Translation Services

MARCH 24, 2020AMY MODICA

Please remember to check your personal email for today’s learning activities. Have a great day!

Field Trip Day

1. Today is a field trip day. Everyone needs to go to the Houston Zoo at https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/

While you are there check out the Chimpanzees, Elephants, Giraffes, Gorillas, Leaf Cutter Ants, and Rhinoceroses. Have your child draw a picture of their favorite animal and write your child’s words telling about their favorite animal. Then tell why you liked it. Have your child help you sound out the beginning sound for each word you write. Please share pictures with me. I can’t wait to see your pictures.

2. Please have your child practice writing their name (first and last name).

3. Have your child write the numbers 0-10.

4. Watch and sing along to the following videos to practice letters, sounds, and counting.

5. Read a book with your child.