Happy Friday Parent Partners, I hope all of you are taking care to stay safe during these uncertain times. I have heard from some of you and realize, we're all walking these uncharted territory together. None of us have experience to deal confidently with what we are experiencing. Many parents are teleworking while having to supervise their children, share technology and prioritize usage. Many are dealing with children of multiple age levels and emotional and academic needs. If nothing else, it's challenging. If it's any consolation, many of our teachers are experiencing the same things you are. At this moment, further guidance is being developed specific to our collective next steps around the Continuity of Learning. 
Some parents have shared innovative ways to bring learning experiences to their children while shut-in. One parent shared her pre-scheduled meeting with a financial advisor to teach her children about investment and the markets. Her hope was to use the current market reaction to the health crisis to give some real-life lessons to her children. Once schools were closed, the meeting had to be held virtually but held non-the-less. Another thing some parents have done is to use the experience of cooking to teach reading and math while having fun. Both examples are out of the box learning that is fun and beneficial for students. However, you choose to spend the time with your children once they have completed their teacher assignments is clearly a family decision. However, given the fact that our shut-in will be extended until, at the earliest April 24th, I thought some examples of how some families are spending the time might be beneficial. When all is said and done, it is important to spend this precious time continuing to grow and bond as a family. Again, please stay safe.

Dr. Washington, Principal

With limited out of the house excursion and so much time to use, don't forget to support CMIT South ES Yankee Candles fundraiser. Use the online link for your retail therapy. Encourage friends and loved ones to do the same. You will be helping CMIT South ES students. All profits made by the school will go in the Student Activity Funds and will be Unrestricted so it can support students and staff in various ways (defray the cost of trips, entrance fees, school celebrations, and student recognition incentives, etc.). Again, your support will be truly appreciated so continue to sell! Sell! Sell! and Buy! Buy! Buy! as you are able. Your online purchases will be shipped directly to you.

Dr. Washington, Principal

Parents/Guardians, As we go through this period of uncertainty, it is normal for us to become information seekers. Let us take the time to analyze what we read for accuracy and identify any potential benefits to our own survival. Please provide that support and motivation to our young scholars as they too look for material to read through print and online. It is okay to read the same book/ listen to the same story many times. Reading a story multiple times will help build fluency, thus improving listening, and comprehension skills. Let us stay focused on the rainbow in all of this. Respectfully,

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)

Dear parents, educators, & community partners, Starting next Monday, March 30th, in an effort to support children during this unprecedented time of crisis, we will begin offering weekly resources and activities to help support children’s mental health for you to share with the families in your community. As we all know, managing work while helping children learn and play can be an enormous challenge. We want to also share information for adults as they navigate working from home. Please check back on Monday to learn more! Be sure to visit our website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts or you can subscribe to receive emails directly to your inbox. Until then – remain happy, healthy and hopeful! https://www.childrensmentalhealthmatters.org/ From the Counselor.

L. Watkis (Assistant Principal)