The following plan seeks to ease the transition leading up to the first day of school on August 17. These orientation days provide a framework that also considers the emotional and social needs of elementary students (and teachers) while re-accumulating back to school. This is especially important since everyone has been away from the traditional classroom setting for a significant period.
The elementary campus will operate at 50% or less of the current student population during each of the student orientation days. There are also separate zones setup across the campus to provide controlled transitions based on student groups. This nurturing time allows for us work through our “new normal” such as modified safety protocols, classroom setup, passing periods, recess, lunch, and increased sanitation.
August 10 – 13 –Student Orientation Days (8:25 am – 2:00 pm)
- Student drop off will begin at 7:55 am (parents do not attend Student Orientation Days)
- There will be no volunteers on campus during orientation days.
- Students and staff will wear a face covering or face shield at the appropriate times per recently updated information (7/27) pertaining to all VCS campuses.
- Regular drop off and pick up procedures will be followed (no walk-ins).
- VCS bus/van transportation will not be available for students on orientation days.
- Kids Club will NOT be available on orientation days but will begin regular hours on 8/17.
- Students will need to bring a snack from home for morning break. No sharing snacks.
- Please fill all student water bottles at home prior to bringing them to school.
- Students will need to bring a lunch from home, a backpack, and a water bottle. Food will not be microwaved or stored in refrigeration for students.
- The campus will be closed for students and visitors on August 14 for a teacher workday.
STUDENT ORIENTATION DAY ARRIVAL:
- Arrival begins at 7:55 am and ends at 8:20 am.
- Traffic flow (see attached map):
- Turn onto River Drive and
- Enter Sun Valley Community Church parking lot
- All students are dropped off at the back gate (supervised by staff) and will be directed to their classrooms.
- Remember, the “back gate” is not the walk-in gate to buzz the office. Instead, just enter the Sun Valley Church parking lot. You will then see the general traffic flow.
- Drivers and other passengers (aside from students) must remain in their vehicles.
- All families should take advantage of the Meet the Teacher Days to walk their children to class instead Student Orientation Days and/or first day of school.
- As a precaution, contactless temperature checks will be completed by homeroom teachers for their students (upon entering the classroom) until further notice.
- Students will go directly to their classroom/homeroom upon arrival. We will integrate morning break time back (outside play upon arrival) into our schedule in the future. For now, we need to work on routines, avoid the outdoor heat, and ease into each morning.
- Do not worry if you are new to the arrival/dismissal process. Principal Fryar and team members will be outside to guide you through the process.
STUDENT ORIENTATION DISMISSAL:
- Dismissal begins at 2:00 pm and ends at 2:30 pm.
- Traffic flow:
- Enter via River Drive and Sun Valley parking lot forming two lines. Please follow the established dismissal pattern. Principal Fryar will be outside to guide you each day.
- Students will be dismissed from individual homerooms. You simply need to stay in your car and make you way up to the loading area.
- Students are assisted by staff and enter cars at the back gate (same place as drop-off).
- You will receive a temporary car tag with your assigned numbers. These will be distributed at Meet the Teacher Day or as you drop off your student on the first day of Student Orientation Day.
- Please have your temporary tag on your dashboard for Principal Fryar. Of note, you will receive your permanent car tag once school begins. Parents may take a picture of their car tag and have it on your cell phone. This is a great way to ensure it will most likely always be with you.
August 17 –First Day of School (8:25 am – 3:25 pm)
- Full day of face-to-face instruction begins for all students.
- Follow the same arrival and dismissal procedures (note dismissal time of 3:25 pm)
- The Family Friday park and walk-in template has been postponed until further notice. The school will follow the established drop off and pick up protocols.
- Students enrolled in Kids Club will park and buzz the walk-in gate. Please have your car rider tag or an image of it on your phone available for staff.
Please review the following information to determine which days your child will be on campus for orientation days.
