March 24, 2020
Dear Parents,
I think about you and your families every day and hope that you are healthy and feeling strong. I know these are trying times and we are all doing our best to get through them. It’s one of life’s greatest challenges not to let our circumstances dictate our attitude. We not only need to “feel positive” but feel it deep inside.
As you know, Governor Herbert and State Superintendent Syd Dickson announced that schools will continue distance learning until May 1. Vista will remain closed while students and teachers self-quarantine through Friday, March 27. We are planning on having the building open and available to you beginning Monday, March 30. If you need to check-out a Chromebook or pick up a packet, let us know you are coming, and we will have it prepared and ready.
I received many texts and emails today from our teachers expressing their dismay at not being able to see their students and interact face-to-face with your children for the next several weeks. They miss the kids! I can assure you that every teacher is working diligently preparing online lessons and trying to create instruction that is creative, engaging, and beneficial.
I would like to ask a big favor – would you please make sure your children are logging on and completing instruction. At this point, teachers have only seen about 50% or less of their students taking advantage of the prepared online learning. We want to encourage all Vista students to keep learning!
To support student learning, Comcast is now offering to help connect families to the internet at home by offering 60 days for free. Contact: www.internetessentials.com.
In addition to the online learning provided by our teachers, here are some suggestions to help you keep children busy during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Audible, which is owned by Amazon, is offering free streams on a select number of children’s stories across six languages to keep kids learning and entertained. The service will be available for as long as schools are closed. The books are separated into six categories: Littlest Listeners, Elementary, Tween, Teen, Literary Classics and Folk and Fairy Tales. This is a great deal!
Scholastic has an online resource that offers day-to-day projects to keep children reading, thinking and growing during the self-quarantine and distance learning timeframe. www.scholastic.com/learnathome.
The activities are divided into appropriate age levels.
Another interesting website is https://artsandculture.google.com/ You can take a virtual tour of all the famous museums throughout the world. I toured the Anne Frank House this afternoon.
Let us know how we can help you during this changing time. We want the best for your children and we are willing to assist you in any way we can so education can continue in an approach that protects the health and well-being of you and your family.
All the best,
Dianne Phillips
Principal, Vista Elementary
