October 9, 2020\r\n
\r\nDear Ridgefield Families,\r\n
\r\nIf you are like me, you have been monitoring the Clark County Public Health Department website more closely every Tuesday. The most recent COVID-19 14-day activity rate is 95.60 cases per 100,000, keeping the region in the “high” category for the third consecutive week. The Ridgefield School District will not move to a hybrid learning model until the weekly rates are in the moderate range for at least three successive weeks. Please remember, we can all do our part to reduce coronavirus spread in Clark County by wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and practicing good hygiene. \r\n
\r\nWhile the transition remains on hold, we are committed to expanding in-person student services, including transitioning to hybrid learning when it is safe to do so. With that in mind, the District will be hosting a Hybrid Community Information Night on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:00 PM. Please plan to join us using this link. \r\n
\r\nDid you know that October is National Bullying Prevention Month, as well as National Principals’ Month? You can show your support for National Bullying Prevention Month by wearing orange on Unity Day, set for Wednesday, October 21st this year. A great way to show your principal you care and support all they do is to ask your child to create a card, short poem, or drawing. I know the principals would love to have their email inbox filled with student creations.\r\n
\r\nYesterday afternoon, Declan (my almost six-year-old) and I got our flu shots. If you know him, you won’t be surprised to learn; he handled it like a champ. I’m proud of him for doing his part to help keep Ridgefield healthy. While our family receives the flu vaccine annually, public health officials remind us this year the vaccine is more critical than ever. You can help reduce the strain on our healthcare community by getting your flu shot early this year. For additional flu vaccine information, please follow this link. Many local pharmacies are ramping up their services, including: Safeway. Walgreens, Rosauers, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, CVS at Target, and Walmart.\r\n
\r\nDo you have some great photos of your students hard at work during Ridgefield Remote? How about a candid shot of them exceptionally engaged in a Zoom lesson, playing during a virtual PE class, or getting into an art project? We invite you to share student pictures with the District by emailing them to student.photos@ridgefieldsd.org. \r\n
\r\nI believe that humans are creatures of habit. I know I am. I also understand that the fear of the unknown is real. This year has provided a lot of change and disruption from our regular habits and routines. In an article posted on YaleMedicine.org, Carrie Macmillian shares “8 Tips for Working From Home with Kids During Covid-19”. While I will share the headline for each of the eight tips, I encourage you to take a moment and read the article. I think you will find it well worth your time.\r\n
\r\n- Create a schedule\r\n
- Get up and move\r\n
- Schedule a time to be with your kids\r\n
- Embrace technology\r\n
- If your child has special needs, reach out to their school\r\n
- Be mindful of how you talk to kids about COVID-19\r\n
- Be on the lookout for anxiety\r\n
- Look for silver linings\r\n
Parent-teacher conferences are right around the corner for Union Ridge Elementary, South Ridge Elementary, Sunset Ridge Intermediate, and View Ridge Middle School. If you have not already, please reach out to your teacher to schedule a time to visit. A quick reminder, both Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, will be early release days.\r\n
\r\nSincerely,
\r\n\r\n
Dr. Nathan McCann
\r\nSuperintendent\r\n
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