August 31, 2020

 Dear Rebecca Turner Elementary School Families,

 As the opening of school rapidly approaches, I hope you and your family are safe and are enjoying what remains of this summer. The arrival of COVID-19 in early 2020 quickly changed the way we do things, and in most instances, changed what was once normal.  

 Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened political/racial tensions in our country, we still have to ensure that nothing prevents us from preparing our students academically and socially, regardless of the type of educational platform being used.  Despite these challenges, I truly believe this school year will still bring great new opportunities, learning experiences, and accomplishments for our school community.

 The theme for this school year is “Nothing Can Stop Us!” The instructional program for the 2020-21 school year will focus on the following areas (in-person and/or distance learning) to support our efforts in closing the achievement gap:

• Implementing research-based strategies and targeted instruction to improve student achievement
• Engaging students in culturally responsive lessons
• Expanding the use of technology for students, staff, and families
• Promoting the social and emotional well-being of all students
• Sustaining a safe and positive learning environment

 As the 2020-21 school year approaches, please take note of the following:

• Schoology will be the main platform for communication during distance learning.  More information on this will be presented in September.

• Thursday, September 10, 2020 is the first day of school for grades Pre-K-4. School will take place on a distance learning platform until October 2, 2020. Students will log onto Schoology at 8:30am. 

• Please ensure your email address and telephone numbers are updated.  This is an urgent safety request to ensure we can reach you in the event of an emergency and for you to receive important school and district updates.

• If you have not received your child’s supply list, you can find the grade level supply list on our school’s website.  From the district’s website homepage, click on “Our Schools” then click on “Rebecca Turner Elementary School”. 

• Students who have not met the immunization requirements will not be able to attend school.  Please ensure all immunizations have been updated before returning to school.

School Uniforms-Optional for 2020-21

School uniform implementation at Rebecca Turner Elementary School has been a huge success!  The uniform policy for the 2020-21 school year is optional. Our school uniform colors are maroon/burgundy tops with a gold logo and khaki bottoms (pants/skirts).  The vendor we are using is Cookie’s - The Kids Department Store.  Information on how to order the official uniform with our school logo is enclosed.  Additionally, you can also choose to purchase merchandise without the school logo from other retailers such as Target, J.C. Penny, French Toast, Wal-Mart, etc. 

 Opt In/Out Scheduling Requirement Form

If you have not already done so, you must notify the school district of the choice in your child’s learning model.  To do this, you must fill out and submit the district’s Opt In/Out Scheduling Requirement Form. It is the same form as the Back to School Opt In/Out Survey. Parents need to submit one form per student. Please check our district’s website homepage for further information.  This form must be completed! A copy of this form is also enclosed in this letter.

 A parent meeting conducted via Zoom will be scheduled soon. During this meeting, you will learn more about our reopening plans and calendar of events. You can also check our district’s website at www.mtvernoncsd.org for more information.

 I look forward to a positive and productive school year with our new normal. We will get through this school year together as a school community because “Nothing Can Stop Us!”

 Sincerely,

Jamal Doggett

Principal