Deep Run Digest 8-21-20

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 10:09pm

August 21, 2020

Important Dates

Sept 3    School Materials Distribution

Sept 4    Student/Family Virtual Open House/Orientation (schedule below)

Sept 8    First Day of Virtual School for K-8  9:00

Sept 10  First Day of Virtual School for PreK/RECC  9:00

Sept 22  Virtual Back to School Night Prekindergarten-2 @ 6:30 pm

Sept 23  Virtual Back to School Night 3-5 @ 6:30 pm

Sept 24  Virtual GT Back to School Night @ 6:30 pm

News

Technnology Accounts for New Students and Information if You Forgot Your Password

Beginning August 10, 2020, families with students new to HCPSS and whose registration has been finalized will receive an email with account information for new HCPSS students.

Schedules for Virtual Learning

The 2020-2021 virtual instruction model provides students with, on average, 3 hours of synchronous learning with their teachers four days each week. The remaining instructional time is designated for students to complete asynchronous learning activities and assignments.

Students also have daily opportunities to access additional synchronous supports.

Schedules

School Supplies

School Supply List for 20-21 Prekindergarten-5

We plan to return the school supplies left by students last March when we distribute materials on September 3rd.

Los útiles escolares que dejaron los estudiantes en marzo se devolverán el 3 de septiembre.

We will have a limited number of pouches/bags of school supplies available for families in need.  They will be given out on September 3rd.

Contamos con útiles escolares para familias que necesitan ayuda. Se entregarán el 3 de septiembre.

Class Lists

Parents who complete/update the Family File will be able to see their child's teacher soon in Synergy.  Homeroom teacher names will also be shared when we provide families with a personalized printed schedule for their child at the material distribution on September 3rd.  Finally, teachers will reach out to families prior to the Open House/Orientation on September 4th.

Tips for Creating a Successful and Inviting Digital Experience

We want virtual learning to be a positive experience for both our parents and students.  Please read the following tips we created for our families.

Tips for Creating a Successful and Inviting Digital Experience

Log in to Identify the Need for Internet

All elementary students will receive a Chromebook without request. Students will need to use a Chromebook from the school system so they can access all the applications used in instruction. Middle and high school families can request a Chromebook. All families can indicate a need for internet access.

Log in here to make a request for internet access:  https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2020/08/log-in-now-to-identify-need-for-chromebook-and-or-internet/

Covid-19 Community Testing Sites

Howard County General Hospital is bringing testing for COVID-19 to neighborhoods around Howard County. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged.

Worth Repeating

Back to School Resources for 2020

Learn about resources & updates to our VIRTUAL start of the school year!

Virtual Open House on September 4th

Deep Run Elementary will hold a Virtual Open House on September 4th.  Grade levels will meet at scheduled times throughout the day for a brief team orientation and opportunity for students to meet their teacher.

Virtual Open House Schedule

Materials Pick Up--Save the Date

On September 3rd, families will come to Deep Run to collect materials and supplies left from the 19-20 school year.  Chromebooks and other supplies for virtual learning will also be available for pick-up.  A schedule for pick-up will be provided at the end of August.  The pick-up will take place outside of school following social distancing and other safety guidelines.

Families should plan to bring media library books, classroom library books, GT textbooks, and musical instruments that belong to Deep Run (as long as the student is not playing the instrument at Deep Run this school year) when they come to Deep Run on September 3rd. 

Family File

Every year HCPSS parents must complete a Family File for each child. HCPSS utilizes Family File for parents/guardians to complete emergency information. Parents/guardians must verify and/or update information for each child, and can do so by logging in to HCPSS Connect and selecting the Family File tab on the left and then clicking on Family File.

Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:

  •  Student Information
  •  Parent/Guardian Contact
  •  Emergency Contacts
  •  Medical Information
  •  Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
  •  Photo Approval
  •  Data Confidentiality
  •  PTA/PTSA Directory

Please note if a parent completes the Family File prior to August 10th, the information entered will be attached to the 2019-2020 school year and the Family File will be considered incomplete. Also, parents new to HCPSS in 2020-2021 will not have access to their children in HCPSS Connect until August 10th.

Chromebooks for Students Leaving HCPSS and Registering at Deep Run

Directions for returning Chromebooks and borrowing Chromebooks.

HCPSS Reopening Plan

The HCPSS Reopening Plan is available online.  This plan includes student schedules as well as other information about virtual learning.

Health and Food Resources in Howard County

The Howard County Health Department and the School Based Wellness Centers Program want to ensure that students and their families have the health resources needed while the school-based wellness centers are closed.  

Grab and Go meals are available Monday to Friday at Deep Run Elementary from 11:30-1:30 through August 28th.

List of Resources

Food Distribution Sites

Information and Application for Free and Reduced Meals

HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs which provide families with significant benefits to help save money. Qualification is based on family size and income, and enrollment is confidential. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can get free meals regardless of income, and students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.  If financial circumstances have changed for your family due to Covid-19, please check to see if you are eligible to participate in the Free and Reduced Meals program.

Families currently eligible must submit a new application each year.

For more information and to apply on-line.  Click here.

The HCPSS website provides a list of the benefits provided to children who are eligible for FARMs.