Mountain View Weekly Update

March 5

Phase IV information/procedures (effective March 10)

Students dismissing at 3:15 (inclusive of lunch and recess):

- Students will continue to have a brief snack break during their Related Arts classes.

- Students must brown-bag lunch from March 10-12. The option to pre-purchase lunch from Pomptonian will start on Monday, March 15. Specific instructions will be shared next week, but be advised that no cash will be accepted, therefore, please ensure you have a PayForIt account setup for your child in advance (https://www.payschoolscentral.com/).

- Lunch procedures will be reviewed with students prior to the 10th. Be reminded that seats will be assigned, and students will use their desk shield. Further, students are required to wear their face coverings any time they are not eating.

- Whenever possible, when packing your child's lunch, please use reusable containers and water bottles to eliminate waste.

- Recess will be supervised by Core teachers. Students are not permitted to bring sports equipment to recess at this time, although this will be revisited at the end of the marking period. Face coverings will remain on during recess. As always, students are expected to participate appropriately or they will lose their recess privilege.

- During the afternoon extension (2:00 - 3:15), students will receive additional Related Arts instruction, work with their Core teachers, and participate in small-group instruction as needed.

Students dismissing at 1:00 (lunch, recess, extension at home):

- Students will continue to have a brief snack break during their Related Arts classes.

- Students leaving at 1:00 p.m. will be dismissed by cohort and will exit the front doors. Students will eat lunch and have recess from 1:00 - 2:00.

- A reminder that students must use their district device at all times, including during afternoon extension.

- Students will participate in the afternoon extension from 2:00 - 3:15 via Google Meet as directed by their teachers. Note that students will also participate in Related Arts classes in the afternoon as an extension of their current courses. Again, specific instructions will be provided by teachers.

- Students should designate a quiet place to work, free from distractions. They should not be working in a group (ie: at a friend's house) during this time.

- The extension is a mandatory part of the school day. Teachers will report any students who are not in attendance on Meet and/or GoGuardian; parents will be contacted regarding the absence.

- Parents may request a scheduling change in advance of marking period 4 (April 9).

Students participating virtually:

- A reminder that students must use their district device at all times.

- Students will participate in the afternoon extension from 2:00 - 3:15 via Google Meet as directed by their teachers. Note that students will also participate in Related Arts classes in the afternoon as an extension of their current courses. Again, specific instructions will be provided by teachers.

- The extension is a mandatory part of the school day. Teachers will report any students who are not in attendance on Meet and/or GoGuardian; parents will be contacted regarding the absence.

- Parents may request a scheduling change in advance of marking period 4 (April 9).

Announcements & Updates

- Reminder: With Spring Break approaching, many families are in the process of finalizing their travel plans. Mrs. Austenberg and Mrs. Toth kindly remind parents to communicate their plans as soon as possible. State travel restrictions require a 10-day quarantine for anyone returning from a trip outside the immediate region. Early communication is appreciated as it will give the administration and staff time to prepare for your child to participate virtually. Thank you as always for your cooperation.

- Freshman Scheduling conferences for 8th grade students are next week (3/8-3/12). Be reminded of the following:

Please refer to the "Freshman Conference Pre-Appointment Checklist," emailed and sent home in hard copy (2/25), for a list of action items to complete prior to your conference.
To ensure a productive and confidential conversation, students will attend their conference from home. Parents have the option to have their child participate virtually on the day of the conference, to send their child to school in-person tardy (after the conference), or pick them up early (before the conference), as an alternative to virtual instruction. As always, please communicate your child's attendance (tardy/early dismissal) with Mrs. Austenberg as needed.

- The next meeting of the Mountain View Parent Council is Friday, March 12. Parents can reach out to their respective grade level volunteers should they have any agenda items. Minutes from previous meetings can be reviewed here.

A note from Mrs. Lanka

This week in Advisory, students spent time revisiting our community service partner this year - the Interfaith Food Pantry Network. Students had their second Google Meet of the year with Ms. Kiley Powell, Education Coordinator, who discussed how their Food Pantry helps Morris County families in need. In addition, students were invited to showcase their art skills and enter the "Hunger Heroes" art contest to help promote the mission of the Food Pantry during the pandemic. If your child chooses to enter their artwork in the contrast, please email a photo to Mrs. Lanka as well at lanka@mendhamboroschools.org