May 6, 2020
To All Connected to Liberty Union-Thurston Schools,
Today’s update is a summary back to you about the survey we asked you to complete last week. The two main purposes of this update are to give you some feedback from the survey, and because of the impact that COVID-19 could have on an individuals’ physical and mental health, to share what concerns others are facing, and what others are doing to stay physically and mentally healthy. This update aligns with the School Counselor weekly update email that was sent out today.
Updated: May 6, 2020 at 11:00 A.M.
We appreciate the parents who completed the survey, and we view the results with the intention of using this information for the improvement in the education and services provided to our students, parents, and community. It is important to emphasize we know the "at home and online methods" of education being used are new to you and your students. These methods are also new to us, and we are learning as we progress through this school year. With the unknown future of when school will return to normal, we will process the information gathered from this survey, and other sources of information, with the goal of continuing to grow and improve.
We feel very happy about the number of families who have indicated they are staying physically active during this pandemic. It is very important to have a concern for one's physical health when you are facing a crisis of this magnitude. Psychology has proven that a strong effort to remain physically healthy has a positive impact on one's mental health. I think many of the personal challenges expressed by some of the parents in the survey are common to all of us, and this reinforces the fact we are in this together.
Some Common Challenges We Are Facing:
Student feeling alone (especially if the student does not have a sibling at home)
Missing his/her teachers
Missing his/her friends
Wishing for the daily routine of school and school activities
The fear of germs and the virus
Getting caught up in what we can do and what we can't do.
It is easy to forget we are facing a possible health concern, and this is fearful to all of us, but this fear can be especially high for our young people. Physical activity is a great source of strength and an escape from the crisis, if only for a short period of time. And, if a family participates in a physical activity together, this strengthens the attitude of love and care for each other. Here are some of the ways families shared that they are staying physically active during this time:
Walking
Fishing
Yoga
Dancing
Working on the farm/taking care of animals
Playing on the trampoline
Student athletes continuing workouts and conditioning
Activities for Physical Education and Health classes
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Previously Posted Information
CHROMEBOOK COLLECTION
The district has decided that we will not be collecting the school issued Chromebooks at the end of this school year. We would like the students to continue to have access to a variety of educational software programs throughout the summer. Access to these online programs will continue until July 31st. The Administrative Team is currently working on plans for collection of library and textbooks and the distribution of Summer Learning Program Workbooks.
GRADUATION, PROM, AWARDS CEREMONIES
No final decisions have been made on these events, but the plans will be coming out soon. Many scenarios are being discussed and presented to the School Board for feedback and approval.
FOOD SERVICES
This is a reminder that food service is available for all children under the age of 18. At this time, food service will continue until June 30th, but we are researching how to continue it longer. More details about summer meal pick up will be forthcoming.
Currently, a weekly allocation of meals will be ready for curbside pick every MONDAY from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. behind the middle school building. There is also a Thurston pick up location from 4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Sincerely,
Liberty Union-Thurston Local School District