Principal
Once again its time to start making preparations and plans for inclement weather. In the event of winter weather, we may have to delay the start of school, close school, or possibly send students home early. Please be sensitive to changing weather conditions. School closures, delays, and early closures will be broadcast over Eugene area radio and TV stations. Closure information will also be posted on the website at www.fernridge.k12.or.us or at www.FlashAlert.net. The district also uses an autodialer. EES parents will also be notified via text message if you signed up for our text messaging service. Below is a link to our Emergency School Closure information in English and Spanish. This information packet includes snow routes and schedules. It will contain information about school closures, late openings, and early closures. You may want to keep a copy of this information (especially the snow route information if your child rides the bus) as a hard copy or linked on your computer, tablet, or smart phone.
Emergency School Closure Information in English
Over the last decade, there has been an immense amount of research compiled on the negative effects on learning and long-term success due to chronic absenteeism (missing more than 10% of school). We wanted to share a small bit of what we have learned with you, so you too understand the essential role that regular attendance plays in learning and long-term success.
- Attendance matters as much in kindergarten as later years. Studies show many children who miss too many days in kindergarten and first grade can struggle academically in later years. They often have trouble mastering reading by the end of third grade.
- By middle and high school, chronic absence is a strong warning sign that without support, a student is at risk of dropping out.
- Too many absent students can affect the whole classroom, slowing down instruction.
- Children can suffer academically if they miss 10% of the school year. (That is 14 days for districts on a four-day schedule and 18 days for districts on a five-day schedule.) That can happen before you know it—even by missing just one day every two weeks.
- It does not matter if these absences are excused or unexcused. They all represent lost time in the classroom and a lost opportunity to learn.
Tips to improve your child’s attendance:
- Avoid extended vacations that require your children to miss school. Try to vacation during school breaks only.
- Try to schedule preventative health care appointments for days off of school, or afternoons.
- For younger children, set a regular bedtime and morning routine. They need 9 to 11 hours of sleep.
- It helps to lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- For older children, help set homework and bedtime routines that allow for 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep. Make sure that when the lights go out, so do the cell phones, video games and computers. Consider keeping technology in another room at night.
- You can turn to the school for help. Schools can connect you with community resources and help you troubleshoot.
- Visit 211info.org to discover community resources.
Thank you so much for being a part of our community! We appreciate you!
Happy New Year Elmira Elementary Families! We hope that you had a wonderful Winter Break. We are so excited to see all of our new and returning students tomorrow! Our January Communication Calendar will be coming home this week.
January Communication Calendar 2020
PARENT RESOURCES
We recognize that creating a safe learning environment is a critical part of helping each child achieve academic success. SafeOregon is a statewide school safety tip line for students to use to report school safety threats. SafeOregon will give your child another path for communicating with school administration when school safety incidents occur.
How does SafeOregon work? Students can access SafeOregon through the web form on the SafeOregon web site, or by text, email, live call and mobile app.
Why is there a need for a tip line system? The number one reason why students do not report is the fear of retaliation from their peers. SafeOregon can be accessed from the privacy of a phone, home computer or other Internet equipped device, eliminating the possibility of being identified by another student and thus, decreasing the likelihood that a school safety threat would go unreported.
Who receives tips to the School Safety Tip Line? Specially trained technicians field incoming tips 24 hours- a-day, 365 days-a-year for all public schools Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Oregon State Police provides this service through a contracted vendor.
What happens to the tips received? Technicians address the immediate need, and, if necessary, forward the information to an appropriate responding agency. Some situations require that tips be forwarded to more than one entity. For example, a tip involving a weapon brought to school is forwarded to school officials and to local law enforcement. Tip content and circumstances vary, so appropriate follow-up action will also vary.
In most instances, the School will have the responsibilities to complete an after action note. This may require minimal reporting to detail action taken, how it was handled, whether it was resolved or whether it requires ongoing attention.
Does this replace calls to 9-1-1? No, all Oregonians are encouraged to dial 9-1-1 in any emergency situation. However, if the technician feels the situation is escalating to an emergency situation, and it comes in by phone, the technician will transfer the call to 9-1-1 and stay on the line until the tipster is connected to emergency responders. The technicians are trained and experienced in recognizing mental illness, emotional disturbances and managing crisis situations. If necessary, a tip may be transferred to a local community mental health services provider in the same manner.
View crisis resources in your area.
Visit SAFE OREGON @ safeoregon.com
HAPPY MONDAY EES!
This week will be BUSY!
S.A.N.T.A. (Sharing 
Among Neighbors Toy Appeal) is once again working to brighten the lives of children and their families this holiday season. An annual tradition for over 20 years, the S.A.N.T.A. Project provides families who live in the Fern Ridge School District or the Crow Applegate Lorane School District toys, books, stuffed animals, and more to help them fill every child’s wish list. They will also have Christmas trees, bicycles, jackets, stocking stuffers, personal care items, and much more for families in need. Any family who could use help this holiday season can come to the S.A.N.T.A. giveaway. Proof of need is not required, but families must bring proof that they live in the C-A-L or FRSD School Districts and that their children live with them. Proof can be a license, mail, medical card, etc.
This year’s giveaway will be in the Veneta Elementary School Gym on Saturday, December 14th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
If you would like to donate to the S.A.N.T.A Project, FRMS will be collecting items through Friday, December 13th.
We are thankful for ALL of our students, families, and staff!
Have a great week and we will see you in December!
PTA
