c̓əsqənelə Elementary

Where the Golden Eagle Gathers

c̓əsqənelə Elementary
24093 – 104th Avenue
Maple Ridge, B.C., V2W 1J2
t. 604.466.6231
Principal: Wes Reamsbottom

September 5th Update To Families

By

Dear Families,

Just a few final reminders to ensure that this week is a smooth one for you and your family!

The format for this years’ first week will be more like a typical school year. ALL returning students will go to their previous year’s classrooms/ Pods until Friday morning. All new students will go to the school library. This week one process is the same through out all SD 42 Elementary Schools to ensure that we thoughtfully register and place all students.

  • Tuesday is a half day 12:30-2:25pm and Wednesday/Thursday are regular scheduled days 8:30-2:25.

 

  • New students will go to the library for Tuesday morning and then be placed with grade level peers for Wednesday/ Thursday.

 

  • Don’t forget that this year, the end of the day is 5 minutes longer to accommodate a change to our District calendar and is now 2:25pm.

School Hours 

                                       Monday – Friday 8:30 – 2:25                                        

8:30                        Classes in session

10:05 – 10:20           Primary RECESS

10:20 – 10:35          Intermediate RECESS

10:35 – 11:55           Classes in session

11:55 – 12:35           LUNCH (Primary Eat First/ Inter. Play First)

12:35 – 2:25            Classes in session

2:25                        Dismissal

 

Schedule for the First Week of School ( September 7th -10th ):

  • Tuesday September 7th– The start time for students on the first day of school (September 7th) has now been adjusted to accommodate training/orientation for staff on the updated Provincial COVID-19 Guidelines for K-12 School Settings. Students will now attend on September 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:25 p.m.

 

  • Wednesday September 8th – Regular daily attendance (8:30 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.). Students return to their previous year’s classrooms.

 

  • Thursday September 9th – Regular daily attendance (8:30 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.). Students return to their previous year’s classrooms.

 

  • Friday September 10th – Regular daily attendance (8:30 a.m. to 2:25 p.m.). Students return to their previous year’s classrooms and then transition to them to their new classrooms later that morning. Students will still be picked up at their previous years POD entrance for this dismissal to reduce potential confusion.

 

  • Week 2 (Sept.13-17) – Students should enter and dismiss through their new classroom/Pod entrances. Younger students will receive a map on Friday with information about their new classroom/pod and teacher. We will have multiple staff outside to assist students easily find their classrooms if needed.
  • Our gradual entry kindergarten plan remains the same as it was in June.

Health & Safety Reminders:

  • MASKS: All K-12 staff, visitors, and students in grades 4 to 12 will be required to wear non-medical masks in all indoor areas of the school and on school buses. Students in kindergarten to Grade 3 are encouraged to wear masks. Exceptions to the mask requirements are outlined on page 20 of the provincial guidelines.
  • DAILY HEALTH CHECKS:Daily health checks are required before students/staff come to school. A daily health check list is posted to the school district website and all school websites. This means that anyone entering our school is expected to be healthy and symptom free. As a staff, we will be monitoring for illness, and there will be a timely removal of any symptomatic students (or staff) from classroom settings. If any student becomes sick during the day school we will call the parents to request pick up and discuss next steps. We still have a new normal with regards to flu and colds, and for the safety of everyone, anyone experiencing symptoms can’t remain in classrooms.
  • VISITORS: We will be continuing to carefully manage and document visitors in our schools in alignment with current provincial guidelines. Parents and others must still make special arrangements to enter the school. All prospective visitors need to complete a daily health check and sign in with their contact information prior to entry. Please do not let these continuing safety protocols stop you from connecting with us so we can work together to do the best we can for your child! Staff are regularly available at drop off, pick up, phone, or email.
  • VACCINATIONS:According to public health, vaccines are the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in schools and communities. Public health strongly encourages all eligible students (12+) and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Registration is available:

Sincerely,

Mr. Wheatley