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The Paw Print

Volume 1 August 14, 2020

The Paw Print Volume 1 August 14, 2020

The Countdown has Started!

In just a few weeks, we will open our doors and welcome the students of Surfside back to campus. Some will join us face-to-face for brick and mortar education, while others join us virtually for e-Learning. Words cannot express how grateful we are that you continue to trust our Panther Team with the education of your child(ren). The foundation that is being set for our children through the essential work of our teachers and staff is certain to make a difference that will last a lifetime.


Many have called and asked what school will look like. I have tried very hard to answer as many questions as I can. Below you will find some of those questions and the answers. Please keep in mind that, as with everything this year, we are asking that everyone extend grace and flexibility. As with so many things, Covid-related changes will happen. Please know that some of these answers are subject to change. We will continue to communicate information as it becomes available.



If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call the front office.


Kindest Regards,


Mrs. Erenstoft



We want to send a very special thank you to all of our wonderful parents that have so generously provided snacks and goodies to fuel us through our planning weeks, thank you!

THANK YOU!!!!!!

The teachers and staff have truly loved all of the snacks and drinks provided by our amazing parents. We cannot thank you enough for everything that has been provided!!!!
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Welcome, Mrs. Seibert!

Please join us in welcoming our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Tracy Seibert. She comes to us having 17 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Seibert has served as a Reading Coach, Title 1 Coordinator and classroom teacher. She's been married for almost 30 years and has three adult children, Shannon (25), Sarah (23) and Ian (21). She's very excited to be joining the Surfside family!
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Homeroom Teacher Reveal

On Monday, August 17th, homeroom teachers will send an email to their homeroom families. We will not be posting lists on the school building. You can also check Focus on Monday, August 17th to see your child's homeroom teacher. Both fifth and sixth grades will departmentalize like they have in previous years.
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Office Drop Offs

As a part of the reopening plan, Brevard Public Schools will not be allowing any items to be dropped off at schools during the regular school day. This includes items students may have forgotten such as water bottles, lunches and homework. We have paper cups on site for students to get water if they forget their water bottle, and students will be able to buy lunch from the cafeteria if they forget their lunch. Please be diligent about making sure students have these items before leaving the house. We realize this may be challenging, but we appreciate your support in these unprecedented times.
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School Supply Drop Off and e-Learning Pickup

We want to ensure that students are prepared and ready for the first day of school, regardless of where that will be. To help with this, we have organized a day for supply drop-off and e-learning pickup. Both will take place simultaneously on Thursday, August 20th from 12:30-3:30. Please refer to the directions below.


Supply Drop Off

Please place all of your students supplies into a large paper bag and write their name, the teacher's name and grade level on the outside of the bag. We will have staff members outside to collect the bags and distribute them into classrooms so when students arrive on their first day, they will not need to carry a lot of items. In order to participate, please drive through the short loop in the front of the school.


e-Learning Pickup

Surfside Staff will be in the car loop on the west side of school to hand out e-learning supplies. You will need to pull up, tell the staff member your students name(s) and grade levels. We will check them off and hand you their supplies. This will include textbooks, workbooks, planners and any other necessary resources. You will only drive through this loop if your child is registered as an e-learner and you submitted a commitment form.

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Medication Drop Off

If your child will be attending Surfside face-to-face, you may begin dropping off medication. All medication must be in the original container with the script attached. All medication is dispensed through the clinic. Students may not carry medication, unless pre-approved by the principal. All medicine must be given to the office directly. It cannot be given to any staff member in the drive through school supply drop off.
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Face Covering Requirements

All panthers in grade 3-6 must wear a face covering when they are not able to socially distance. Refusal to comply will be considered a violation of dress code. Students in grades K-2 will be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained. The district will be providing masks to those in need, as well as shields. Please make sure that all masks are cleaned daily, or that disposable masks are replaced daily.

Reminders

  • If your student has supplies from the 2019-2020 school year that were not picked up, you will need to get them by Tuesday, August 18, 2020. We will not be able to store them after Tuesday. All items are in bags with student names. We will place them on the front patio of the school Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18. We will dispose of anything not picked up by Tuesday afternoon at 3:00. Thank you for your help in this matter.
  • The school supply lists are posted on the school website, https://www.brevardschools.org/Page/10375. Please know that we do not expect families to find wipes and some other materials. If you happen to find them, that is fantastic, but no worries if not. Thank you for your continued support!
  • If you are not returning this year, please call the office ASAP. This will help us plan for the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will kids doing e-learning be stuck at a computer all day?


  • The purpose of e-learning is to provide families the opportunity to benefit from the amazing instruction of our teachers from the safety and comfort of their own home. Students doing e-learning will follow the same pace and schedule as their same age peers in the school building. They will have breaks for lunch, recess and activity. Teachers will provide online lessons, but students will also engage in independent assignments, small group instruction and collaborative activities with classmates. The e-learning option will not be the same as distance learning that was offered in the spring of 2020.



What if we need to switch from brick and mortar (face-to-face) to e-learning?


  • We will do everything we can to best serve our students. We are asking that families do their best to commit for a quarter. However, we know that life happens and we will continually strive to extend flexibility and grace to all of our families during this unprecedented time.



Will students doing brick and mortar education be stuck in their classroom all day long?


  • No. Kids will have recess, lunch and activity. They will not be stuck in their classroom all day, every day.



Can I walk my child to class on the first day?


  • The unfortunate answer to this is no. As parents and educators, we know this is a special tradition. We will however follow the guidelines set by the School Board, and visitors and volunteers will not be permitted on campus until further notice. We miss you and can't wait to one day have you back on our campus.
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Surfside Elementary School

Surfside Elementary School provides a safe and positive environment where high quality education occurs for all students.

Website: https://www.brevardschools.org/SurfsideES
Phone: (321)773-2818