The Buzz

Concord Community Schools was given the opportunity to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. Over fifty percent of our staff participated in the opportunity, and we were all very grateful for the hard work and efficiency of the HFAH team and their volunteers!!!

February 11, 2021, our staff is scheduled to receive the second dose of the vaccine. As such, that week we will again switch our virtual learning days, so we do not lose a face to face learning day. The schedule for that week is listed below. Please reach out to your building if you have questions.

Monday, February 8 - Face to Face students K-8 and 9-12 Hybrid Cohort A

Tuesday, February 9 -Face to Face students K-8 and 9-12 Hybrid Cohort A

Wednesday, February 10 (Count Day)- Face to Face K-8 and Hybrid Learning for HS B Group

Thursday, February 11 - Virtual Learning for ALL STUDENTS - The career center bus will transport students

Friday, February 12- NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF OR STUDENTS - PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY

Monday, February 15- NO SCHOOL FOR STAFF OR STUDENTS - PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY

The following high school teachers are excited about their students!! Check out the shout outs below.

Mr. Buck:

During a pandemic, 93% of the students taking Algebra 2 were able to pass! On top of that, they also scored about 20% higher on the inspect test than in previous years! WAY TO GO ALGEBRA II!!

Mrs. Couling:

In our new AP Computer Science Principles class, the students are refining their teamwork skills, learning how problem-solving makes the world a better place, and they are refining their programming skills. They are up for the challenge and excited for what's next in the class.

Mr. Breneman:

The Concord Food Service team has worked non-stop during the last 10 months of the pandemic to feed our students and the children of our community and the surrounding area. Over 250,000 meals have been served. They have done an outstanding job and I would like to take an opportunity to recognize them for all of their hard work. THANK YOU for all that you do to serve our students and the community!!!!

Mrs. Kelly:

I would like to give a SHOUT OUT to our Group B English 10 students who have worked diligently in setting goals this semester and giving 100% each day they are here in class. Their determination to grow academically is INSPIRING!

Last week we shared our middle school honor roll data. We could not be prouder of this group of students. Their hard work demonstrates grit, perseverance, and commitment all of which are important traits for success.

As a reward, those students crashed the gym today and were able to enjoy snacks and a movie. Keep up the hard work!! GO JACKETS!!

Since we had such a shortened (and jumbled) week, we won’t be naming new YellowJackets of the Week until next Friday. Instead, in the Elementary School, we will be heading straight into our next trait (collaboration) and choosing students based on both selflessness and collaboration. This also means that we are going to continue building upon a Challenge Activity from this week about brainstorming positive changes at Concord Schools; if you haven’t checked it out, please do so by visiting the Concord Elementary & Middle School Google Classroom!

Our Middle School students will continue to focus on, “I can make a difference in my school and community.” Students have the opportunity to participate in a Needs Assessment (and brainstorm some positive school changes!) by accessing the newest Good Human Skills slide deck in their Intervention Google Classroom.

We recognize during these unprecedented times parents and caregivers are working as hard as they can to support their child’s literacy learning. Lucy Calkins who has developed many state of the art teaching methods founded the Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University and created a bank of excellent tools for parents and caregivers to use. These short videos draw on a combination of research, classroom experience, and educator knowledge to help parents and caregivers support their students. Some of the videos show you games to play, others help you support phonics, the importance of reading, creative writing, study skills, vocabulary, and abstract thinking.

K-2 Family Videos

3-5 Family Videos

6-8 Family Videos

There is also a Free Workshop for Parents and Caregivers presented by the Teachers College of Reading and Writing Project on Thursday, January 28th at 1:00pm. If interested here is the link to register

With flu season and colder weather right upon us, the number of people that experience illness will increase. This year we also have to deal with COVID-19. We are vigilantly cleaning our buildings and making sure we keep our classrooms and hallways as germ-free as possible. We continue to encourage handwashing and hand sanitizing. Plus, we have amazing students and staff that make sure they keep their masks on to protect others.

Recently, we have seen a rising number of COVID-19 cases across the state We can all do our part by avoiding large gatherings, washing our hands, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing whenever possible. Additionally, if your child is sick, please keep them home. They can access all of their learning virtually.

We know these are frustrating times, but if we pull together, we will be successful. We appreciate your support!! #ONEHIVE

The district is working to support our families that are struggling with the internet at home. Whether it is spotty service or limited data, sometimes in Concord, we just do not have good access to the internet.

The installation of WiFi antennas on the outside of both the ES/MS and HS buildings has been completed. We now have WIFI PARKING LOTS!!!! Families can access free WiFi 24 - 7 in almost every spot in both parking lots and the ES/MS drive and drop loop. We are beyond excited about the completion of the project. We will continue to look for ways to support our families and this is a big step to making digital more accessible for everyone.

Additionally, the Jackson District Library offers access to WiFi and computers. The WiFi is available outside the library 24-7. Computers and the internet can be accessed anytime during open hours

Hours:
Monday and Wednesday 10-6

Tuesday and Friday 1-6
Saturday 10-2

Have you liked the Elementary/Middle School Facebook Page?

If you have not yet, this week is a great time to start. The Elementary and Middle School use the Facebook page to post many updates and announcements. This Friday was the first-ever Facebook live-streamed morning announcements. Don't miss the news - like the page today.

https://www.facebook.com/Concord-ElementaryMiddle-School-593772624020990/

2/1 Sophmore Complete Google Enrollment Form for Jackson Area Career Center

2/1-2/5 Juniors Complete Intent to Return Form with Jackson Area Career Center

Wednesday, February 10 (Count Day)- Face to Face K-8 and Hybrid Learning for HS B Group

Thursday, February 11 - Virtual Learning for ALL STUDENTS - The career center bus will transport students

2/12 - 2/15 President's Weekend - No School for Students and Staff

3/3 Parent-Teacher Conferences

3/8 Professional Development - No School for Students

3/12 End of the 3rd Quarter

3/24 Local Scholarships Due to Mrs. Otto

3/26- 4/2 Spring Break - No School for Students and Staff

Email: rebecca.hutchinson@concordschools.net
Website: www.concordschools.net
Location: 405 South Main Street, Concord, MI, USA
Phone: (517)524-8850