May 19
I owe a huge apology to our Speech-Language Pathologists (“SLP”) for neglecting to give them a shout out yesterday on National Speech Pathologist Day. Our SLPs work with both individuals and groups of students to not only assess and diagnose, but to also treat and prevent speech, language, voice and fluency difficulties in our students. In turn, their efforts help our students be better prepared to meet their educational goals. Please join me in thanking our SLPs for all of their efforts and work with our students. THANK YOU!!! (And my sincere apologies for the oversight yesterday.)
Later today I will have my first meeting with the Operations Workgroup of the School Transition Reopening and Redesign Taskforce. The agenda is relatively straight forward and includes an overview of the workgroup tasks and timelines, survey item review, and discussion on next steps. I have received input that other districts are already sharing comprehensive plans for next school year. While this is absolutely crucial and critical work, we want to be mindful that we are moving forward in a calculated manner that will strive to meet the needs of our students, with the deliberate intent that the safety and well-being of our students and our staff will be of the highest priority. I have a group of people that will be meeting later this week to help design the processes we believe will best lead us to the outcomes we desire for next school year. There will be engagement with larger groups including subject area experts that can best advise on the efforts as a whole.
Responses from students on this week’s challenge continue to come in. I believe that I am up to date with sharing the input that was sent on Twitter. I’ll continue to relay those messages throughout the week leading up to Memorial Day. Today, I have included the responses from last week’s challenge for favorite fiction books. Quite a good list of books to consider and if you’re looking at alternative activities that do not involve electronic devices, perhaps this list can offer some options.
Today we hear from a Marlow School Board Member as well as the Harrisville Education Association President regarding the films we are featuring this month. The details on how to access this week’s film is included below in the update for your viewing convenience in the comfort of your home. Once all of our allotted viewings have happened, access will no longer be available so please do not miss out on this valuable film on teenage anxiety.
Finally, because the weather was so incredible today and I know that this song was once on top of the billboard charts on this day I’m including this Oldie But Goodie for your listening pleasure as the day comes to a close. Keep up the great effort everyone….WE GOT THIS!!!
Be Well,
Robb
Remote Learning: If you are experiencing any difficulties or concerns with your child’s remote learning or have questions regarding what is expected, please start by asking your child’s teacher. Our teachers are doing a GREAT job of continuing the teaching and learning process through these adverse circumstances and can provide immediate answers or direct your questions accordingly.
Mental Health and Mental Health Awareness Month: Yesterday we launched access to our second feature film for Mental Health Awareness Month. Below you will find the link and login information in order to access the Angst online program.
Login: [email protected]
Password: sau29
The remaining schedule for the films will be as follows:
May 11-15: Like a film about the impacts of social media.
May 18-22: Angst a film about anxiety in our youth.
May 25-29: The Upstanders a film about Cyber-bullying.
A friendly reminder that we have limited viewings for each film, so it is really important that households only access one of the viewings. This will allow more of our families and our staff to be able to watch the films as well.
As always, please reach out to your child’s team of school counselors or school nurses if you need support or assistance during this challenging time. If you are not sure who to contact, please call or email your child's building principal. If you are unable to reach someone, please contact the Student Services Offices at 357-9001 extension 230 or email [email protected].
Resources:
- The 5 Signs to help you identify and support others who may be struggling more than usual at this challenging time, or at any time.
- A Mom's Retreat - A podcast on managing anxiety.
School Boards: Please use the links below to access the most recent school board meetings for your respective school district.
Chesterfield - CSB Meeting Video
Harrisville - HSB Meeting Video
Keene - KBE Meeting Video
Marlborough - MbSB Meeting Video
Marlow - MwSB Meeting Video
Nelson - NSB Meeting Video
Westmoreland - WSB Meeting Video
Student Challenge: This week’s challenge is related to Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States and is an observance to honor military personnel that have passed away while serving.
My challenge to you is to write a brief message to those that have passed while serving our country. You may know someone specifically that has, or maybe you do not. It’s okay either way, but what would you like them to know if they were here today?
I will be tweeting the responses (anonymously) that come in throughout the week and weekend. You can follow them on Twitter by finding me (@rhmalay). Students, please get your parent’s permission before setting up an account. Send your response to me directly by email at [email protected], or through a Google Doc. This challenge will remain open until Friday, May 22nd at 5pm.
Special Education: The special education and related services staff continue to provide specialized instruction and related therapies from a distance. Moreover, our paraprofessionals and tutors are providing important assistance and support with remote instruction. In addition, the special education department is moving forward with the daily business of Individualized Education Plan Meetings (IEP), transition meetings and Extended School Year Services meetings (ESY) for those students that qualify. As always, please reach out to the Student Services Offices at 357-9001 extension 230 or email [email protected]. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 3:00. Thank you!
Meals: The order form for meal pick up in the towns is now open for Wednesday, May 27th. Orders must be submitted no later than this Thursday, May 20th at 5pm. Please use this meal order form link to place your order.
Meals in Keene are available for pick up behind Franklin and Keene High School on Monday and Wednesday from 7:30-11:30am. No pre-ordering is required for pick up at Franklin and Keene High School.
At every location, this Monday you will receive 2 days’ worth of meals and this Wednesday you will receive 5 days’ worth of meals due to the holiday weekend.
Menus and offerings will vary based on availability.
Technology: Help desk number, (603)352-0640 ext 3871, For help with the Home user and remote learning click here.
Phishing attempts: We have had another phishing attempt. We have blocked the person that is attempting to scam us. Please read this document for more information.
We have Kami as a part of the Google classroom for Teachers and students. Click here for the 1st time login instructions. Click here for the help with getting started with Kami.
Vetted APPs and Websites: You can check the online vetted site here SDPC Look up the App and website by company. We have added more to the list as we get them back from the Vetting team.
Reporting Abuse: If you see something, please say something. You can find guidance on the NH Department of Health and Human Services website.
Additional Resources:
- Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention - We’re here for you 24/7. You don’t have to be in crisis to call. Call our hotline at: 603-352-3782 or 1-888-511-MCVP
- National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
School Calendars: You can use this link to view your district’s calendar: SAU 29 School District Calendars. The 2020-2021 school year calendars can also be found using this link.
School Buildings: Building hours are 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for staff only. All buildings are closed on the weekend.
School Grounds: All school playgrounds, fields, and other outdoor facilities are closed until further notice.
Social Distancing: Please refer to Governor Sununu’s Emergency Orders for additional guidance on this as well as other areas of interest.
Contact Information: Dr. Rick Matte is the lead contact person for all COVID-19 inquiries and concerns at all SAU 29 schools and districts. He can be reached at [email protected].
Governor Sununu has also activated a 24-hour COVID-19 hotline for all related needs and supports. The hotline can be reached by dialing 211.
COVID-19 and Remote Learning Resources:
- www.sau29.org
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC
- Home | COVID-19
- https://www.cheshire-med.com/coronavirus.html
- City of Keene, NH
- The Department of Education | Department of Education
- NH Learns Remotely - Online Learning Events