Cub Connection

Hello CELC & MVLA Families,

The staff and I are looking forward to welcoming students in just three short days! I cannot wait to hear the chatter and laughter of our Cubs and Mountain Lions. The custodians, grounds keepers, and teachers have been working so hard to get everything ready! Our goal this year is to return safely and remain open. We are grateful to be able to start with full time, in-person learning on the first day of school. To make the transition as smooth and as safe as possible, we have plans to move in gradual steps to help ensure longevity and a forward pace to a learning environment that is closer to how it was prior to COVID-19. These plans are guided by the California Department of Public Health and our experience from navigating with success last year. Thank you in advance for your patience as we open up our schools!

Important Updates and Information:

• The first day of school is on Wednesday, August 18th for Creekside.

• MVLA “At Home Plans” can be picked up from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm on the following days: August 17th, 18th, and 19th.

• The first on-site classes for MVLA begin on Wednesday, August 25th.

• CELC Kindergarten (K) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) follow a minimum day schedule the first five days of school (12:15 pm). Then we move into our regular schedule beginning Wednesday, August 25. This includes an early release every Wednesday (1:35 pm). See schedules below.
  
• The students have a lunch break everyday, including minimum days.
• CELC Back to School Night will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 31st at 5:45 pm. More information, including the Zoom link will be sent to parents in the coming weeks.
  
• The district will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch. Your student may also bring their own lunch.
  
• To help support a safe opening, the District will continue to electrostatically clean the classrooms, use cohorts, and assign restrooms.
• Currently, CDPH Guidelines require masks (or face shields) for all staff and students while inside the classrooms/buildings. However, face coverings do not have to be worn while outside, including during snack and lunch breaks, recess, or while utilizing any learning space outdoors. This requirement applies to all public, private, and charter schools. Dr. Newman will be sending out a communication with more information.
• The District is planning to welcome volunteers on campus and open up field trip opportunities on October 4, 2021.
  
• The teachers provide a time for a healthy snack. Please send a healthy snack with your student daily.

• Don’t forget that TK has an early release (1:35 pm) M-F until we return from winter break. Then they share the same schedule as kindergarten.

• Busing is available beginning the first day of school, however, your child must be registered and fees paid before they can ride. For more information click here.

• Families will be welcomed on campus to drop off and pick up their students at the classroom door and then leave immediately after.

• TK and K assessments occur during the first 5 days of school. CELC teachers will contact parents to schedule assessment appointments for each student. They will be offering in-person and Zoom appointments.

• Chromebook distribution for incoming Cubs or students that are new to our district may occur on your child’s assessment day or during CELC office hours. We may add an additional day and time if needed. The forms will be available in the office. You can also print them ahead and fill them out. See attachments below.

• Chromebook Insurance can be purchased for $25. If your student is returning, we encourage you to renew your insurance for the 2021-22 school year. We accept checks and Venmo. If you use Venmo, please make sure you put your child's name, their school site, and grade level in the Venmo notes.

• HELPFUL HINTS for a smooth start: please send your kindergarteners with clothes/shoes that they can snap, zip, and tie independently. Also, make sure they can open any snack/lunch containers. It is a good idea to have them practice before they come to school. Staff will be there to assist, but it is super helpful when many of them are independent. Can you imagine trying to help all them with containers and packages at one time? :) We will deploy as many adult hands at lunch as possible the first couple of weeks.

• Recommended student supplies/materials: backpack, refillable water bottle, lunch box, and a change of clothes. Please put the change of clothes in a ziplock bag inside your child's back pack.
  

• All necessary classroom supplies will be provided by the school site. Teachers will likely send out a wish list for items they would like donated. FYI: for those that are really wanting to bring in a donation the first week, teachers all appreciate baby wipes, water bottles, SOFT Kleenex, and disinfectant wipes.

• CELC class lists will be posted near the front gate on Tuesday, August 17th at 4:00pm. They will also be available to view digitally in ParentVUE. Please check your emails for a communication from your child’s teacher the evening of the 17th.

• MVLA families will be contacted by the teachers regarding class placement and beginning of the year information.
  
• CELC is looking for parents interested is being on the PTA Board and members of the School Site Council (SSC). Please call the office to speak to Stephanie Green if you are interested.

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We will keep you updated as things change or additional information comes up. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Green at sgreen@alpineschools.net or 619-659-8250.

Please stay updated and informed on what is going on by checking our district and site web pages, reading the electronic weekly newsletter, checking your email, and scanning our social media pages. Our staff is also here to help if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Tamara RIpke

CELC and MVLA Principal

tripke@alpineschools.net

CELC is thrilled to welcome our newest member to our Dual Language Teaching Team. Maestro Gonzalvez arrived here from Spain in late July. Mrs. Brown will be his teaching partner. They have been working together over the past couple of weeks to get ready for the year. Maestro Gonzalvez is looking forward in welcoming his Cubs into his classroom. We can't wait for our families to meet him and feel the joy and excitement that he has for teaching, and the Spanish language and culture.

Below are the forms needed to pick up your student's Chromebook and/or renew your insurance from last year. Copies will also be available in the school office.

THE FIRST 5 DAYS OF SCHOOL FOR CELC ARE MINIMUM DAYS

EVERY WEDNESDAY STARTING AUGUST 25, ALL CELC TK & K WILL BE RELEASED AT 1:35 PM

MVLA’S FIRST IN-PERSON DAY IS AUGUST 25

For the safety of our Cubs and families, please use the assigned gate and leave immediately after dropping off and picking up. Gates will be locked at 9:15 am. Students arriving after 9:15 am must buzz in at the front gate.

Please view the attachment for important information about the school year! Please also feel free to share this information with families interested in our unique program.

Are you interested in being a part of PTA, School Site Council, or volunteering in the classroom. Please contact Stephanie Green in the office if you have any questions. AUSD's goal is to begin allowing volunteers on campus beginning October 4th. We are so excited to start utilizing parents, guardians, and family members to support our teachers and students. We have missed our volunteers SO MUCH!

8/18 First Day of School (CELC)

8/31 Virtual Back to School Night (CELC)

9/6 Labor Day- No School

9/9 Patriot Day Tribute

9/13 Picture Day (CELC)

MVLA Picture Day TBA

Mondays College Spirit Day: wear your favorite college shirt

Wednesdays Mid-Week Mindfulness: wear a shirt with a positive message

Fridays School Spirit Day: wear your school shirt or school colors

If you, or any of your friends/family, love kids and are looking for part time work, please share our postings. We have a couple of positions on our site as well as on other campuses. Please visit https://www.edjoin.org/alpineschools. Please send friendly, qualified candidates our way!

The district would like to increase the number of substitute teachers in our pool. The pay has increased to $200 dollars a day. Please help spread the word. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mrs. Ripke.

Office Hours

M-F 8:00 am to 3:30 pm

Email: sgreen@alpineschools.net
Website: https://www.alpineschools.net
Location: 8818 Harbison Canyon Road
Phone: (619) 659-8250
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Creekside-Early-Learning-Center-414783265277455/