We are so excited to start the 2020-2021 school year at Rose Witcher Learning Center.

After our extended break, getting to be with the students in the school building makes us so happy. We, of course, will miss our second-graders who are now third-graders, but we get to have our first-graders come back to us as second-graders. We also are pleased to welcome our new first-graders.

We want to welcome some new staff members - Jessica Bergman (Special Education Teacher), Briar Workman (Physical Education Teacher), Mandy Brooks (Teaching Assistant), Kelly Gunther (Teaching Assistant), and Kaitlyn Taber (Library Assistant).  We get to host two Southwestern Oklahoma State University teacher interns, Makenzie Hickman and Regina Hunter.

The teachers have been busy getting ready, setting up and decorating their classrooms. I think the students are going to love our THRIVE theme this year, especially when they come into school and the classrooms to see our garden of learning growing up around them.

Due to COVID, things will be a bit different this year. We will be wearing masks, taking temperatures and learning new procedures for hallways and cafeteria.

Activities in the classroom will be a bit different, too, with more independent centers, work stations and use of technology. Our biggest change will be that students must walk independently to the classes.

Parents, please know your child’s safety and best interest is our highest priority.

So you can plan ahead, our drop-off and pickup procedures have not changed. All students will be dropped off in the morning on South Williams. Please drive from Oak to Cavanaugh, traveling north.

The drop-off door is the middle door, across from Ash Street. Please know Ash is closed at that time of day. Breakfast will be served from 7:40 to 8 a.m. School officially begins at 8. Pickup will follow the same procedure when we dismiss at 3:05 p.m.

If you have not heard, we will be using SeeSaw as our communication platform. As soon as you get your back-to-school letter, please register for SeeSaw.

Before the school year begins, we will have video tours of the school, video introductions from teachers and staff, and procedure videos for getting around and behavior in the school. It will be a great resource for the parents and the students.

Summer is almost over. As the principal, that thrills me. I have missed our students so much and cannot wait to get this school year started.

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Rose Witcher
Learning Center, Grades 1-2

STUDENT ARRIVAL
▶ Students arriving before 7:40 a.m. may wait in the cafeteria with allowable social distancing.
▶ Students will report to their classroom at 7:40.

BREAKFAST
▶ Students choosing to receive breakfast at school may do so by grab-and-go method beginning at 7:30.
▶ Students will take breakfast with them to their classroom.

CLASSROOMS
▶ Students will be socially distanced in class facing the same direction as much as allowed by the size of the classroom and activities being conducted.
▶ Hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom for students to sanitize their hands before, during and after class.
▶ Sanitizing wipes will be available to sanitize Chromebooks and desks as allowable.
▶ Continued emphasis on hygiene, hand-washing and keeping hands out of the facial area will be in place throughout all rooms.

CLASS TRANSITIONS
▶ Classes will move in one direction in the hallways.
▶ Outside passages will be used when possible.
▶ Restroom breaks will be conducted by classroom.

LUNCH
▶ Students will eat in the cafeteria. Seating will be spaced out facing a single direction.
▶ Lunch periods will be increased to four separate lunches.
▶ Students will be monitored for spacing in line.

RECESS
▶ Recess will be increased from two to four separate groups to allow for smaller groups.
▶ Teachers will supervise their homeroom class with an organized activity.

SPECIALS
▶ Computers - Every other computer will be used. All computers will be cleaned between classes. Students who cannot use a computer (limited number) will use an iPad while sitting with appropriate social distancing.
▶ PE - Activities will be used that do not require common use of equipment. Outside activities will be used as much as possible.
▶ Music - Seating in social distancing, facing in the same direction. Any equipment used will be cleaned between classes.
▶ Library - Books will be provided to the classroom in tubs to limit interaction at the circulation desk. Classes will be conducted with social distancing, facing in the same direction.

SCHOOL DISMISSAL
▶ Students will be dismissed from their classrooms based on personal or district transportation.
▶ Bus riders will be dismissed by hand-held radio announcements from their classrooms.
▶ Student dismissal will be staggered to allow greater student flow.