Dear Families,

I realize there’s way too much information to fully process and retain as it relates to a return to school.  However,  I want to focus on a few of the most important changes and highlight those that parents will need to be aware of to be prepared for the first day of school:

• We’ll begin school  in a hybrid week. This will create smaller classes and make it easier to instruct students in the numerous safety protocols and systems that they’ll be required to follow
• If your last names begins with A – K your child will attend school on Monday, Feb. 22 & Wednesday, Feb. 24
• If your last name begins with L – Z your child will attend school on Tuesday, Feb. 23 & Thursday, Feb. 25  (there are a few exceptions to this rule, teachers will reach out with finalized hybrid week schedules)

• Our early release Wednesday begins this week. Students will be released at 12:15 on Wednesdays
• On the days your child does not physically attend, their Canvas page will have learning activities available
• All students will attend school on Monday, March 1st – Please pack your chromebooks, charger and hotspot and have your child take to school

• All students and staff will wear masks at all times except during lunch.  Face shields are not an allowable option as they don’t adequately protect against the aerosols that are released when people talk.  Face masks must be worn over the mouth and nose.

• Due to safety parameters, no parents or visitors will be allowed in the building past the front office.  This means parents won’t have the opportunity to walk their youngest students to their classroom through the interior of the building.  That doesn’t feel right, but those are the strict guidelines we have to operate under to remain safe and open.  We’ll have staff available outside each morning to assist students and families to their classrooms.

• All students will enter the building through their teacher’s outside door. For some, that door is located in our inner courtyards. For others, that door faces the back of the school or front of the building. Staff will be available to guide students to the correct door.

• There is no longer a before-school recess.  Students can enter their classrooms between 8:45 and 8:55.   

• Parent pick up and drop off can occur in the front of the building only.  This includes young students whose class is on the opposite side of the school.  The back is for staff parking and busses. We have more busses this year as well.  

• The new Hayden Homes development across the street is currently rebuilding the stretch of road from Tom McCall to the O-Neil Highway.  Despite the signs/barriers, you’re able to drive around them and access the front of our school.  

• On Wednesdays, elementary students are dismissed from school at 12:15 pm.  All other days is at 3:00 pm 

• Please access the link below for a more comprehensive list of the safety standards that will be adhered to at Tom McCall:
• Safety Protocols at McCall

Home of the Mustangs