The deadline for submission of a 2020-2021 meal application has been extended to December 31, 2020. The waiver that allows the District to feed all students ends in December so it is very important that you complete a new application so that your free/reduced status is updated before January 1, 2021 or you will be removed from eligibility. Applications are available on the district website. Paper copies of the applications are available in the school office or cafeteria.

September 2020


Dear Moreland Community,

We launched our year unlike any other and as I reflect on the past few months, I am continually grateful for the partnership we have with our families and community that allowed for the strongest start possible in these very strange times. The relationships in the Moreland School district are strong and the dedication to students even stronger.

The Moreland staff - teachers, support staff, and leaders - have gone above and beyond to support our students at home and in school for a small number of students in our satellite programs. The parents of our children have also gone to extraordinary lengths to provide the best possible learning environment for your students at school. You have shared with us your ideas, suggestions, appreciation, and concerns and we appreciate that feedback.

We all want our children to return to a more normal learning environment as soon as possible. It is challenging for everyone to not have a firm understanding of when that time will come and for many, that creates great stress. We will continue to communicate the possibilities as we move through these next few months.

There are many ways to stay in touch with the changing landscape. Below are a few suggestions:

Make sure your contact information is accurate in our system so you do not miss any messages.
Watch for regular communication from your student’s school and from the District.
Attend Home and School Club meetings. I will be meeting with each group over the next few months to share some updates on our bond project planning and the opening of schools as possible.
Attend a Board meeting to become familiar with the work of our Board of Trustees and District Leadership Team.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support your students this year and look forward to their safe return to school.

Sincerely,

Mary Kay Going, Ed.D.
Superintendent

On Friday, September 4, 2020, the District sent out a message to families letting them know about a possible adjustment in students’ Wednesday schedule. Based on feedback that we have received from both elementary and middle school parents, students are experiencing Zoom fatigue, and students and families would like more opportunity for individual outreach. Additionally, teachers are needing more flexibility in the schedule to address small groups, provide learning opportunities away from the computer, or address individual student needs. Therefore, beginning September 16th, the Wednesday schedule may be changed by your classroom teacher. Students will still have a full day of learning on these days, however it may look different in that there will be more assignments away from the computer to help reduce screen time, more small group opportunities, or increased 1:1 time with the teacher. Teachers may still include lesson time as they have been. Teachers will still check-in with their classes to take attendance at your school’s start-time. If your child receives intervention and/or special education support, services may still take place on Wednesdays.

Last Spring, when we closed campuses without much warning, many students had school library books checked out. We set up return bins at the district office and at some school sites. We appreciated the diligence in returning these books so they didn’t get lost over the summer. However, we still have a large amount of books that have not been returned. Please take the time to look around your house, check backpacks, and other spots where books like to hide. You can return found library books to your school’s office.

Beginning Monday September 14, Free Meals for all children will be offered to families (see attached flyers). Families may go to any school site they choose for convenience. Children need not to be present. Each bag will consist of a Breakfast Meal and Lunch Meal.

On Friday, September 11, 2020, all families should have received an email from the District Office asking for their feedback on Distance Learning this school year. Please take the time to complete this short survey to help us review and revise our Distance Learning program as needed. Your input is greatly appreciated. If you didn’t receive the survey, please check with your school office to ensure your contact information is correct in Aeries.

Moreland School District would like to share with our parent community a service from www.SanJoseON.com, that helps community members that qualify for Universal Lifeline service to get a free cell phone with a hotspot. Please see associated links:

SJON Free
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NPC53c9SEYeqIfLCYUZcXY5DW_DHPf1s/view

SJ About
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Anh2u8kAvFImLwDNqZyXR4BLt8zkeNeh/view

Aeries Parent Portal, the online student information system where parents are able to complete the traditional First Day Packet online including emergency contact information and annual notifications for their students will be closed for editing on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 4:00 PM. The editing feature of the Parent Portal allows families to update emergency contact information, review & accept mandatory district documents, change how they would like to receive communication from the school, and allows middle school families to view assignments and grades. After September 11th, the Portal will become a “view only” system and any changes will need to be made in-person at the school office. If you have not signed up for the Aeries Parent Portal, visit your school’s office for assistance.

On Friday, September 4, 2020, the District sent out a message to families letting them know about a possible adjustment in students’ Wednesday schedule. Based on feedback that we have received from both elementary and middle school parents, students are experiencing Zoom fatigue, and students and families would like more opportunity for individual outreach. Additionally, teachers are needing more flexibility in the schedule to address small groups, provide learning opportunities away from the computer, or address individual student needs. Therefore, beginning September 16th, the Wednesday schedule may be changed by your classroom teacher. Students will still have a full day of learning on these days, however it may look different in that there will be more assignments away from the computer to help reduce screen time, more small group opportunities, or increased 1:1 time with the teacher. Teachers may still include lesson time as they have been. Teachers must still check-in with their classes to take attendance at your school’s start-time (middle school students will take attendance first period). If your child receives intervention and/or special education support, services may still take place on Wednesdays. To view the complete message Click on distance learning readjustment.

Here’s the link to our September SEL newsletter. We will start providing monthly SEL newsletters. This month’s theme is Tips to Starting the School year off Right.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yQmii3QIOhr-4lE8zoCRPtcYlICQcaDpkM1Jp8rvMuM/