Patriot Partner News

Welcome back to the official start of the 2020-21 school year-- it's Teachuary, known to many as August! It's the time of year where we as educators become filled with many 'back to school' emotions like anticipation, excitement, and readiness! Back-to-school sales begin, families start to gather school supplies, create or return to school-year routines, and have talks about achieving great things! We have all had many experiences since we were last together; but despite it all, we each have SO MUCH to be grateful for!

As your new Principal, I am so grateful to return to Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts' VIP community! When I think of a 'VIP', I think of important people. I think of influencers--people whose actions and thoughts impact their environment and the course of events. As we return to uncertainty, the unknown, and uncharted territory, AS PARTNERS--we will positively disrupt the status-quo with our common passion for our children, innovative solutions for 'getting it all done', and plain old perseverance! This is the year where #RealPatriotsRISE! Together, we will rise above our circumstances toward EXCELLENCE!

The first day of school is Friday, August 21st. Thank you for enrolling with School District #163! After Monday, August 17th, you can find your student's schedule by logging in to the Skyward Family Portal. Teachers will receive homeroom lists on Monday, 8/17 as well. For the 2020-21 school year, students will follow a traditional virtual 'bell schedule'. As of now, students will switch classes virtually through the first quarter. Please be on the lookout for introductory communications from your child's homeroom teacher. Communications will come via email. The District 163 Technology Department is also working tirelessly to make sure students are connected using the Schoology platform where our virtual learning will take place. Please also look for an email containing Schoology login information, coming next week. August 21st, 24th, and 28th are "Full Remote Planning Days" for teachers. This means that students will receive assignments that can be completed and submitted independently. These assignments will be delivered electronically to students by their teachers.

District 163 Excellence Targets:

Engagement

Environments

Enhanced Communication

Establishing a Caring Community

To ensure the health and wellness of our building staff and the community, visitors will be allowed to enter the building by appointment only. In the event that you have Main Office related business, we are following strict safety guidelines and precautions. You must enter through door 9 (main entrance) to complete a symptom check and have your temperature taken. You will be asked a series of questions to self-certify that you have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are free of COVID-19 symptoms. If you have any questions, please connect with us by phone or email, 708-668-9600 or mosvip@sd163.com.

https://www.sd163.com/o/sd163/page/reopening-schools-20-21

The District's Reopening E-Learning Plan has been designed reflect Excellence, Equity, and Engagement. Together, we will continue to ensure that students feel safe and healthy while providing routines and structure that support their mental, emotional and educational needs. Therefore, our goals for e-learning are to:

• Provide students with continuous learning opportunities that reinforce critical grade level standards
• Provide routines and structures to help students and families stay engaged and connected
• Support social and emotional needs of our students

Safety, health, and wellness are at the forefront of our priorities. Mandatory health and safety requirements for the 2020-21 school year are:

• All staff and students must maintain 6 feet social distance whenever possible and abstain from handshakes, hugging, etc.
• All staff and students must utilize appropriate face coverings and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Students and staff will be provided with a reusable face mask. You may choose to wear your own mask that aligns to IDPH guidelines. Transparent face shields are permissible in addition to a fabric or paper mask.
• No more than 50 individuals can gather in one place.
• Individuals outside may remove masks if maintaining social distancing. Groups outside are limited to 50 except that more than one group of 50 may be outside as long as each group is separated by 30 feet or more.
• All staff, students, and visitors must have their temperature taken by a designated staff member prior to entering any school building. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or higher or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied access to the building.
• Frequent hand-washing or hand sanitizing should take place regularly throughout the day.

Our condition, will not be our conclusion...You are great, powerful, and amazing! You are a SUPER-HERO!

If you aren't currently following us at District 163- Michelle Obama School of Technology and the Arts on Facebook, please like our page so you can see our school updates, MOSTA Staff Spotlights, and more. You can also download the SD163 App for Apple or Android in your App Store!

Like @District 163- Michelle Obama School of Technology

https://www.facebook.com/District-163-Michelle-Obama-School-of-Technology-and-the-Arts-110255180739778/?view_public_for=110255180739778

Kristin Foster, Principal

📞708-968-9600

📧kfoster@sd163.com

TJ Lee, Assistant Principal

📞708-968-9600

📧tlee@sd163.com