Cherry Crest Chronicler

March 29, 2021

Dear Charger Families,

In recognition and support of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, families and staff, members of the Cherry Crest Racial Equity and Inclusion Team collaborated to create and share a message and visual reflecting our beliefs, feelings, thoughts and actions.  The visual is built off of the Courageous Conversations Compass.  The compass is a protocol that we utilize in professional development conversations to engage, sustain and deepen our individual and  collective understanding of shared racial experiences.

• Many different feelings are coming up for students and adults alike.  Following the tragedy in Atlanta, 4th grade students in the Cherry Crest SOAR club (Students Organized Against Racism) created this visual of how they, as students, celebrate diversity.
• As for acting, we encourage all families to have conversations with your children.  This resource is written for educators, but offers anti-racist ideas/strategies for anyone to use.

Please remember to regularly visit the Cherry Crest & PTSA websites for the most current information.

https://bsd405.org/cherrycrest      https://www.cherrycrest-ptsa.org/

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In Person Learning Information.  By early April, all students K – 5 will have access to in person learning at Cherry Crest with 4th and 5th grade students beginning on April 1st and April 5th respectively. Students and families newly returning to in person learning are strongly encouraged to read and review the In Person Learning Resources posted on our school website:

• In Person Learning Resources Page
• Critical Information for Families:  Arrival, Departure, Health and Safety
• Riding the Bus at Cherry Crest
• Safety & Health Conditions Review Team Notes
• BSD Back to Buildings Page

Schedule Details for Fourth Grade hybrid classes at Cherry Crest:  Chariton, Gilbert, Pederson

• 3/29 & 3/30 – Classroom preparation Days (teachers provide asynchronous learning for students)
• 3/31 – regularly scheduled virtual instruction
• 4/1 & 4/2 – 4^th grade students attend in person on ½ day AM/PM schedule
• Week of 4/5 – 4^th grade students attend in person 4 days/week (M,T,Th,F).  Wednesdays remain virtual for the rest of the school year

Schedule Details for Fifth Grade hybrid classes at Cherry Crest: Regala (4 & 5), Tamayo, Atia, Hemker

• 3/30 & 4/1 (T & Th) – Classroom preparation Days (teachers provide asynchronous learning for students)
• 3/31 – regularly scheduled virtual instruction
• 4/2 – final day of virtual instruction with entire class
• 4/5 – 5^th grade students begin attending in person on ½ day AM/PM schedule 4 days/week  (M,T,Th,F). Wednesdays remain virtual for the rest of the school year.

April 12 – 16      Spring Break – no classes
April 19 – 23      Virtual Instruction Week for all students (supporting quarantine period after family travel)
                              Teams meetings begin at 8 am for all grades
April 26               Resumption of In Person Learning in AM/PM sessions for all students K – 5

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How are your kids really doing?  Our school counselors recently worked with the PTSA to create a Cherry Crest Comm(Unity) Student Needs Assessment.  Families can click on the link below to share general and specific information about how your children are doing – socially, emotionally and academically  Responses can be anonymous or personalized and all submissions will be reviewed by the Cherry Crest counseling and administrative teams for followup and to guide decision making in support of your children.  Click here to submit a response for the Cherry Crest Comm(Unity) Student Needs Assessment.

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Travelling to/from Cherry Crest Elementary by Car?  Read this. Student health and safety is a top priority at Cherry Crest and nowhere is this more important than in the parking lot and neighborhood surrounding our school.  With all hybrid classes returning  traffic volume is increasing.  Thank you for reviewing and following the these safety protocols for arrival/departure.

• Keep your speed down.  City speed limit during arrival/dismissal is 20 m.p.h.
• Abide by all stop signs leading into campus, keeping an eye out for pedestrians  (We see you making those 10 mph rolling stops at the school entrance).
• Limit congestion and by following recommended routes into/out of school.
• Save yourself time and gas by putting your child on the bus.  Riding the Bus at Cherry Crest
• Cherry Crest’s Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures.

Want to help with arrival?  While parent volunteer opportunities inside the school are limited this year, we are working with PTSA to put together a group of parent volunteers to support arrival for our AM or PM sessions serving as crossing guards and traffic monitors.  Interested individuals should contact Assistant Principal Erin Stedman at stedmane@bsd405.org.

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Family Engagement Survey.  Cherry Crest teachers and administration value parent input want to understand how our families do or do not feel informed, supported and empowered to contribute to your child’s success.  If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes and respond to the BSD Family Engagement Survey that was originally sent to families via email on February 23rd.  The last day to complete the survey is Tuesday March 30th!

The 12-question survey takes only minutes to complete and is accessible in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Amharic, Japanese and Simplified Chinese. Families may select one of these language options from the drop-down menu located at the top of the survey.

A unique link was sent to families on 2/23 via email through our survey platform, Panorama Education. The subject line for the email says: “BSD Family Engagement Survey”. The results of the survey will be anonymized, and schools will only receive aggregate data. Families are asked to complete a survey for each school where they have a child enrolled, which means they may receive multiple survey links. You are asked to answer the survey based on the experience of your oldest child in the school.

If you have any questions or need help to access your survey, please contact familypartnerships@bsd405.org. Read more and get Spanish and Chinese messages here.

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Cherry Crest Family Running Club. Starting Wednesday, March 31 registered participants can mask up and get some exercise each day Monday-Friday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the Cherry Crest Track.  Come walk, jog or run with fellow Cherry Crest families as often as your family’s schedule allows!  All participants must register in advance and a parent/guardian/chaperone must remain on site for the duration of any child’s participation.  Covid-19 Safety Rules apply.  For full details see the Registration form.

In partnership with AMPED Kids in the Game we will track mileage at self-scan stations.  Each participant will receive a unique card to take home and reuse.  After each completed lap, scan your card at a self-scan station and earn recognition when you reach the milestones of 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon.

*Note* All participants must register in advance and a parent/guardian/chaperone must remain on site for the duration of any child’s participation.

Basic Safety Guidelines:

– Masks REQUIRED for everyone on/off the track!

– Maintain 6 feet social distance any time you are stationary (not moving)

– Mask breaks allowed off the track when at least 6 feet away from anyone outside your household

– Anyone feeling sick or experiencing cold symptoms should NOT attend

Register today!   Questions? email us at runningclub@cherrycrest-ptsa.org

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Adjustments to Quarantine Rules After Travel.  Governor Inslee recently adjusted the quarantine recommendations after travel consistent with recommendations from the CDC.  Families planning to travel for spring break are encouraged review the updated steps outlined in the Quarantine section of our school district FAQ for Back to Buildings Plan.

Are students/staff expected to quarantine after travel?  YES.  Travel increases your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. The CDC recommends you delay travel and stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated or have previously had COVID-19.

According to the CDC, if you must travel, take steps to protect yourself and others:

• If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Before you travel, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public.
• Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who did not travel with you.
• Get tested 3-5 days after your trip and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

The full guidance is available here.

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Counselor Transitions at Cherry Crest.  As students return to in person learning, our virtual counselor, Marissa Krauskopf, has reduced her schedule.  In her place, we have hired a new counselor, Brenda Yin who is working on campus with students and also available for virtual support.  Mrs. Krauskopf is still available and working with some of the students with whom she has established relationship.  You can contact Ms. Yin or Mrs. Krauskopf via email at yinb@bsd405.org. and krauskopfk@bsd405.org. 

Message from Mrs. Krauskopf: Big change ahead for me! I will be staying virtual for the remainder of the year. I am splitting my time with the new in person counselor Brenda Yin who will be supporting students in the building. At the end of this year I will be leaving Cherry Crest to stay home with my sweet daughter for a few years and soak up this special time with her. I have absolutely loved these past three years that I have had the privilege of serving the Cherry Crest Community. Cherry Crest will always hold a special place in my heart.

Welcome from Ms. Yin: Hi Charger Families! My name is Brenda Yin and I am excited to join Cherry Crest as an in person counseling support.  I recently graduated with my M.Ed in school counseling from the University of North Carolina.  I have always been interested in the holistic aspect of student support and, through every interaction, work to connect with students and create an environment where students are truly known. 

For the remainder of the year, I’m offering lessons on social-emotional topics in classrooms.  I am also available to meet students individually-following COVID-19 precautions-and holding virtual lunch-bunch meetings for groups of students who express interest.  I look forward to working with students, staff and families! 

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Principal Chat on Friday 4/23 @ 8:30 am.  Cherry Crest families are invited to attend monthly virtual meetings hosted by Principal Dusty Steere and PTSA president Britt Heath.  All chats will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams and include information from the principal as well as ample time for questions and comments. Use this form to submit a question or topic for the next Principal Chat.
Chats are scheduled on the following Fridays from 8:30 – 9:30 am:  Apr 23, May 28

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

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Nurse News:  Vision/Hearing Screening.  Nurse Amy is pleased to share that all kindergarten, first and second grade students attending in person completed their vision and hearing screen in March. Typically, this screening takes place in the Fall and is done in one day for all grades (except 4^th) with the help of many parent volunteers. This year, like many other things in our lives, Covid19 made this impossible – until now!

Hearing and vision is a very important aspect of a student’s academic success. For students who will remain virtual all year, it is crucial to follow up with your Pediatrician for these screenings. Should your student receive a vision referral from the School Nurse, please try to follow up with an eye doctor promptly and if your need resources, please ask! I am hoping to be able to screen the 3^rd and 5^th grade students when they begin in-person too.  Click here to view a document that can be used to identify some ABC’s of vision concerns for those families who are virtual this year.

Questions?  Contact Nurse Amy Borberg.  mailto:borberga@Bsd405.org

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Please join us at Bellevue Schools Foundation’s Spring for Schools virtual event on Friday April 30^th at 12:00 PM. Bellevue Schools Foundation provides critical resources for our district and students, positioning BSD at the forefront of education with new tools. Our theme this year is Engaging Hearts, Enriching Minds. Our 30-minute engaging Spring for Schools program will showcase initiatives that help students with social/emotional health and wellness and programs that interject joy in the online learning process.

Please join us and our special keynote speaker and local celebrity, Duff McKagan, founding member and bassist from the rock group Guns N’ Roses, who will be sharing through personal stories why your support is so vital to our students.

Please register online at www.SpringforSchools.com. If you are not able to make it to Spring for Schools, please consider making a donation online.

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Cherry Crest Elementary prepares all students to become life-long learners through inquiry, collaboration, and discovery.  Each student will feel a sense of belonging in our Comm(UNITY) while learning social-emotional and academic skills to be successful in an ever-changing and diverse society.