Dear Pinewood Families,

This message is intended for In-person/Distance Learning All families, not for Distance Learning Opt In families.

Changes for Grades 1-5

Starting Monday, Jan. 18, we will welcome back grades 1-3 in-person in the building.  Grades 4 & 5 will continue with Distance Learning, unless your child is receiving Intensive Services.

• Pinewood will change back to our building schedule we were using in November.  This includes Grades 4 & 5 – we will no longer continue with the Distance Learning Family Block Schedule.  We have to service all students in two different environments and this schedule meets the needs of students and staff.

o   With the new schedule changes, Specials for Grades 4-5 will now start with a Live Google Meet.

In-person for Grades 1-3

It feels like we are starting a new school year – so here are a few reminders.

• School Hours

o   Student hours are 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

• What to return (other than your child!)

o   Students must bring back their device and charger on Monday, Jan. 18.  In their backpack, please pack any school materials that were brought home, white board, schoolbooks, etc. Your classroom teacher will provide a detailed list.

o   Students will be going outside for recess.  Please have them bring coat, hat, mittens/gloves, boots and snow pants.

o   Bring a snack, as needed.

• The “inside” of Pinewood will look a lot like November – just before the students began Distance Learning All

o   Students and staff are required to wear masks unless outside.  Mask breaks may be provided depending on weather and the amount of time needed to dress for the outside.

o   Student desks will still be 6 feet apart in the classroom.  Students will eat in the classrooms and recess will be by zones by classroom.  We will continue to maintain the smallest cohort as the classroom.   If all goes well, we hope to lessen restrictions by the end of February.

o   Due to COVID-19 precautions, there will be no birthday treats or gifts allowed in the building this year.

o   Due to COVID-19 precautions, parents will not be able to enter the building.  Parents may still access the office but only two families are allowed at a time.

• Attendance Procedures

o   Please call the school no later than 9:00 a.m. if your child will not be in school that day.  The Pinewood attendance number is 763-272-2410 and is available to leave a message 24 hours a day.

• Safety Zone

o   Will start unloading at 8:55 a.m.

o   Vehicles will be held in the parent loop until the above time.  Vehicles can pull up to door 5 to start unloading.  Once a vehicle has moved to an open spot with access to the sidewalk between door 5 and the parent loop, students may exit the vehicle on the passenger side and enter the building through door 4.

• Bus Pick Up and Drop Off

o   Check parent portal for bus pick up and drop off times.  You will want to know how to access this site because second quarter progress reports will be sent out electronically on Feb. 8.  Call the office for assistance, if needed. 763-272-2400

o   Though we believe routes should be on time, buses may run a few minutes behind on Monday.

o   Buses unload at 9:00 a.m.  – Two buses at a time.

• Breakfast/Lunch

o   Breakfast and lunch are free to all students at this time.

o   Students can bring lunch from home.  Students will be eating in the classroom.

o   Menu – there is only one entrée choice for the month of January.

o   Due to COVID-19 precautions, families will not be able to have lunch with their students this year.

• Bus Dismissal

o   Our goal is to have the buses leave Pinewood at 3:15 p.m.  Though we believe routes should be on time, buses may run a few minutes behind on Monday.

• Safety Zone Dismissal

o   Vehicles will be held in the parent loop until all safety zone students are in their assigned areas.  Vehicles start picking up students @3:07 p.m.  Students will be 6 feet apart, waiting on the sidewalk.

o   Vehicles will drive up to their student and the student will enter the vehicle only from the passenger side.  It is too dangerous to have students access the driver’s side of the car.  Please change seating in your vehicle to accommodate this entry.  Once you have picked up your student, you can use the left lane to exit.

We are very excited to have Grades 1-3 back in the building!   To help us continue this model, I want to remind families of the importance of good health habits. It remains very important to do basic things such as wash hands, practice social distancing, and mask up. It’s also vital that students and staff stay home when sick, and please call the building nurse in the case of a positive COVID-19 test, 763-272-2420.

Have a wonderful weekend,

​​​​​​​Linda Borgerding | Principal