September 7, 2021
Hello Gilham Families,
Regular School Schedule — We will be returning to a regular school schedule this year.
Monday – Thursday starting at 7:55 and ending at 2:25.
Friday starting at 7:55 and ending at 1:10.
First Days of School —
KINDERGARTEN: First day of school is Thursday, September 9th, 7:55-2:25.
ALL GRADES: First Day of school is Friday, September 10th, 7:55-1:10.
Class Assignments — Classroom placement letters went out on September 3rd. If you did not receive information on your students’ classroom placement, please call the office.
Kinderzone– A letter went out on Friday to Kinder parents, click the link if you did not get it. Gilham Kinderzone letter to families
Virtual Meet Your Teacher — Since we are unable to hold an in-person Meet Your Teacher event for families this year, we are instead holding a Gilham Virtual Meet Your Teacher Event before the first day of school. This is an opportunity to meet the teacher and say hi, this is not a time for questions. If you have any questions please email the teacher or call the office for assistance.
Kindergarten Meet Your Teachers
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, Sept. 8 at 1:00
Click here for the Zoom link
1st – 5th Grade Meet Your Teacher
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 9 at 1:00
Teachers will email you the zoom link.
Student Reading Book Return — Some grade levels took home student “Journeys” reading books last spring. If you still have your book, please return it to your new teacher this fall.
What to bring the first day of school — The school district is purchasing basic school supplies for all 4J students this year. All that families need to bring is a:
- Backpack (no backpacks with wheels)
- iPad and Charger from last year (unless you are in kindergarten or returned your iPad in the spring)
- Headphones (kindergarten headphone will be provided)
- Face Mask (plus an extra if they get wet, dirty, or broken)
Arrival Procedures – To help maintain 3-feet physical distancing, grade levels have assigned entrance/exit with spots along the sidewalk for where students should stand. Parents need to stay behind the red dotted line, only students approach the building. A staff member will be stationed at each entrance to welcome students and to do a visual check for any signs of illness. Students will walk directly to their classroom where their teacher will greet them and will also do a daily visual screening of students for signs of illness. Any students showing signs of illness will be walked to the office. If a student arrives before the doors open at 7:40, they will wait in their car or stand on a sidewalk spot by their assigned entrance.
Entrances —
K/1 will enter in the main door.
2nd grade will stay on the sidewalk until the doors open, they will enter through the back doors to their classrooms.
3rd, 4th and 5th grade will enter in the side entrance to the right of the main door.
Dismissal Procedures – At the end of the day, students will exit the building with their teacher, using their designated entrance/exit doors. Bus riders will walk directly to their bus. Students biking or walking will be dismissed. Students waiting to be picked up will wait with their teacher in the designated areas. Parents need to stay behind the red dotted line.
Parking Lot Reminders — The parking lot is for families who want to walk their child to the sidewalk during arrival or who wish to meet their child at the end of the day at dismissal. Please note the following rules for the parking lot:
- ONLY cross using the crosswalk. Students and families should never cut across the driveway.
- Before using the crosswalk, students and adults must stop and look for cars.
Mask Requirements – See 4J’s Mask Covering Requirements for full details, but students and staff must wear face coverings properly at all times.
- Face coverings must be worn at all times indoors (with the exception for meal times) and riding on a school bus.
- Face coverings should fit snugly and cover the nose, mouth and chin at all times.
- Face coverings must be an effective design. No gaiters, bandanas, masks with valves, or face shields alone (face shields may be worn in addition to masks).
Families are encouraged to pack an extra face covering or two in their student’s backpack in case the one they’re wearing becomes wet, dirty, or breaks. We will have masks available for students, if needed.
Update Your Child’s Health Information – Ensure your child’s health records are current. We especially want to be aware of respiratory based diagnosis, such as asthma & seasonal allergies, because if we do not have a written record of those conditions (signs & symptoms), the student will be sent home for exhibiting symptoms of COVID. Please call the nurse or the office if you are needing to update your forms.
Breakfast & Lunches – All students will be provided with a free breakfast and lunch. For breakfast, students will pick up their meal upon entering their classroom and will be given time to eat each morning. Students will eat at their desks and are allowed to remove their masks while eating. At this time, lunch will be served and eaten in the cafeteria. Only one grade level is present each lunch session and students will have assigned seats. There will be 6 students at each long table. Students are staggered at least 3 feet apart. We will have windows in the cafeteria opened when possible depending on air quality. Students will remain seated while they are eating and get up with permission. We will work with students to have their masks on unless they are actively eating.
Nut Free Home Lunches – Families are welcome to send home lunches if you choose, but those lunches need to be “Nut Free” (both peanuts and tree nuts) since we are eating in grade level cohort groups and do not have space in the cafeteria for our usual Nut Free Table.
Classroom Set-Up – Students will be spaced 3-feet apart. Students will not share supplies and school supplies will be provided for each student.
How do I find my child’s bus stop? — 4J’s Transportation Department has a system for finding your child’s bus stop and times. The steps are as follows: Log onto www.4j.lane.edu, select the “department” tab, next select the “transportation” tab, and then finally select “find my bus stop” and enter your address. This will give the most accurate information available.
Enrollment/Registration — If you have enrollment/registration questions please contact the Gilham Office at 541-790-6200 or email Patti at gehlhaar@4j.lane.edu. You can also find the information on our Gilham website at https://gilham.4j.lane.edu/.
School Building — All 4J school buildings are closed to visitors. Families needing to enroll new students or who have other business. To make an appointment contact the office staff by email or by phone at (541) 790-6200.
Stay tuned and visit the school district website for the latest information. https://www.4j.lane.edu/
Important Dates —
9/8 — Kinderzone zoom meeting 1:00
9/9 — First day of school for Kindergarten 7:55 – 2:25
— 1st – 5th grade Virtual Meet your Teacher zoom at 1:00
9/10 — First day of school for all students 7:55 – 1:10
10/15 — No School — Professional Development Day
Lavinia Page
Principal