September 11th, 2020

Dear Eagle Families,

 

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our students and the beginning of the school year for our in-person as well as our distance learners.  We are sharing some important reminders with you about our return to school.

 

If you are returning to Empire in person, we want to remind you of our staggered schedules:

 

Monday, September 14- All students with the last names  A-L will attend.

Tuesday, September 15- All students with the last names M-Z will attend.

Wednesday, September 16 – All students with the surnames A-L will attend, as well as all students registered in WRDSB Extended Day Programs

Thursday, September 17- All students with the surnames M-Z will attend, as well as Extended Day program students.

Friday, September 18- ALL students will attend.

 

It is important that all children are healthy and non-symptomatic when they attend school each day. Click HERE for the Daily Screening Checklist.  Parents will be asked to pick up any students who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms at school.

 

In planning for your child’s return, we ask that you only send what is needed:

  • A nutritious lunch
  • A refillable water bottle
  • A backpack
  • A mask (students will be given cloth masks at school, but must have one to enter the building or ride the bus)
  • Appropriate clothes and shoes for the weather.  Students will spend time outside each day.
  • Their  WRDSB Chromebook and charger (if one was borrowed from the school in the spring)

Please do NOT send other items from home, including indoor shoes at this time.  Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather conditions of the day, as outdoor learning will be a major component of their day at school.  Students will have the opportunity to have “mask-free” time when they are eating, as well as when they are outdoors and can be distanced from each other.

Students will be provided with the required learning materials, and will have many opportunities to wash and sanitize their hands throughout the day.  Students are able to bring their own hand sanitizer (unscented please), and the school also has an ample supply.

Our Blue Playground, swings, outdoor logs and yellow slide remain closed to students.  Fortunately, we have lots of other great outdoor spaces at Empire to play!

Once you know which class your child is in, and who their teacher is please note the “home base” drop off and dismissal location for your child(ren).  The map is attached. This is where students will meet their teacher in the morning, and will be dismissed from at the end of the day, rain or shine.  Bus students will be guided to their home base by duty teachers.

Home Bases 2020-2021 – please note the location for drop off/pick up for each class here!

We encourage parents to arrive as close to our 9:20am and 3:40 pm bell times as possible, and to drop their child at their “home base” and leave the school property promptly.  Parents and guardians are encouraged to wear masks, and will be asked to physically distance themselves from students, staff and other parents/guardians.  Parents, guardians and visitors will not be allowed inside the school without an appointment.

If your child is planning to ride the bus, you will have to access the Student Transportation website HERE to find out bus details:  Click here for bus information.

We encourage active transportation to and from school.  If you must drive your child, please know that our school parking lot is for STAFF ONLY.  

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.  We look forward to greeting our Eagles students next week!

Watch our WELCOME BACK VIDEO ON YOU TUBE here: Welcome Back Eagles! 

 

 

 

Krista Mohr 

Principal