ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - February 8th, 2021
Dearest PCS Families,
Black history is American history! Although the focus on this history tends to sharpen during the month of February, it should not be limited to the shortest month of the year. At PCS, we are committed to the work to continually bring not only this history to the forefront but also to ensure that all of our students see themselves within our curriculum and community. Our work with equity, diversity, and inclusion is continual. With that, February's Black History Month does offer the opportunity to shine a light on some of the stories, voices, and accomplishments that belong in our classrooms and curriculum.
To kick off Black History Month, the students were able to engage virtually with performances and cast members from the Black Rep Theater. Elementary School students were able to enjoy "The Incredible Jungle Journey of Fenda Maria" on Tuesday. On Thursday many were able to visit with cast members on zoom and ask questions about the performance. It was such a wonderful opportunity for our students and staff!
Be sure to check out Mrs. Ramsey’s latest updates from the Library about the awesome line-up of Black History Month Read-Alouds from PCS teachers and staff.
I hope you get to take the time to explore our new PCS website! Many of the reminders or school procedure/policy items that you once found on my newsletter will now be found within the “PCS Families” button or the “Latest News” button, so be sure to peruse those sections on a frequent basis as well.
Reminder! There is no school Friday, February 12, and Monday, February 15 due to a professional development day for the staff and the Presidents’ Day holiday.
Finally, as we continue to push through the last of the winter months, there is always a chance that we may have to move to our virtual learning platform from time to time instead of canceling school because of temperature or poor weather conditions. With the forecast for potentially dangerous temperatures this week, we just want to make sure that all families are aware of this option. Staff will make sure that all needed technology and parent communication will be sent home ahead of time to have all students prepared for this learning.
Warmly,
Dana
OTHER UPDATES:
Black Rep Performances Watch today's performance before it's too late!
Elementary School students were able to enjoy "The Incredible Jungle Journey of Fenda Maria" virtually on Tuesday. On Thursday many were able to visit with cast members on zoom and ask questions about the performance. We did have some technical issues and I apologize to anyone in the PCS community who was unable to participate because of them! We are trying to schedule another Q&A session for those who missed out!
Our Middle School students have been watching "Freedom Songs" on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 4th and 5th. You have an opportunity to view this performance as well today (Friday 2/5) only. Here is the link:
https://vimeo.com/507669257/7f39c376be
WRAD
World Read Aloud Daywas Wednesday, February 3rd. The PCS library has been celebrating with author visits to some of our Kindergarten, 1st , 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 8th grade classes. We are also assembling a collection of read aloud videos by PCS teachers and administrators for Black History Month. Here are some ways you can celebrate WRAD at home:
Find a WRAD playlist at Storyline Online
Listen to the Story Seeds Podcast
Visit the WRAD website to find WRAD swag and activities
You can listen to Black History Month Read-Alouds from teachers and staff here.
Saint Louis Public Library Spring Camps
SLPL is offering camps for children aged 3-15 starting March 2nd. Online registration opens Monday, Feb 1 at 12 pm at slpl.jumbula.com and closes one week prior to the start of each camp.
Spaces fill up quickly! You can see the camp sessions on the attached flyer!