Morning News for March 10th

 Masks: As indoor masking technically becomes optional next week please have a conversation with your homeroom class this week to set up the conditions in which: no matter what a child or family chooses to do, we create and maintain a caring community that does not ridicule those who wear or choose not to wear masks.  Helping children with sentence stems they can use if they feel uncomfortable such as

• I want to play with you but my family wants masking. Would you mind putting on your mask for a few minutes so we can (insert activity)?
• I need to stay around people who are masked so I’m going over (name the place).
• The child wanting masking will likely need to be the one who moves somewhere else, since masking is technically optional

This topic may bring up political views and we must remain unbiased. Staff members also have this option. In the event conversations begin to lean towards controversy or politics please reiterate that everyone has a right to their opinion and while we may disagree we have have to remain respectful. 

You all know your students best. You know the student who have been cautious and/or anxious around COVID (I had a kid in my office yesterday that insisted on hand sanitizing after they touched a fidget). You know the kids who have already been vocal about not wanting to wear masks. Runs some scenarios through your mind about how you may respond and be prepared (thanks for this idea mysterious staff member). 

The SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) are set to come out later today (Thursday). We will be reading through these, digesting and coming up with adjustments, etc. for Harrison Park as soon as we can. With a tight turnaround we will likely proceed as we have and make adjustments after the break. 

Concerns brought up:

• Will masks still be available at the doors for students? We will continue to have some masks available, but will not actively be handing them out. 
• Students and staff ostracizing those who may have, or may not, be wearing masks
• The potential of going back to using masks is there and kids may be confused

Solutions shared:

• Use bullying/safety curriculum to help discuss this with students (Carole and Jessica have already started this)
• Fostering a culture of masks as accessories (like hats, headbands, etc.)
• Begin massaging this into your conversations now

What we do know from yesterday's district meeting:

• Trying to maintain three feet is still encouraged to the extent possible. I am not sure if this will even show up in SOPs.
• Notification to entire community is no longer a requirement, however notification to cohorts is now expected. I will need more information around this, but wanted to share now.

I am working on the notification going out to families today. We will send it out over the weekend and via our newsletter.