Peninsula School District Community Update For August 12

Press release from the Peninsula School District:

August 12, 2021

Welcome Back, PSD!

School Starts Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Kindergarten Starts Friday, September 10, 2021

Superintendent's Message

Dear Peninsula School District Community,

"August is the best time of the summer. When thinking about the best part of this month, I reflect on fireflies, swimming, and cold iced tea. Part of the allure of August is how it calls forth the child in us all. Setting off to the woods on bikes with peanut butter sandwiches (white bread of course, no jelly) to explore lush forests and gigantic trees. Leaping into cool water for a welcome refreshing splash. Finding awe in the mystery of a starry night sky in the midnight hours. Summer was always innocent and fun, and we were too. My hope is that you have time to awaken your childlike wonder, creativity, and imagination this month.

As we have time this summer to reflect on the previous school year and plan and anticipate the new school year, I would like to say that I am extremely proud to be the leader of Peninsula Schools, and consider it a privilege and a responsibility. I take this responsibility and position seriously, as I know that Peninsula School District is a superior school district in academics and opportunities for children.

As your new superintendent, I have been immersed in discovery since my first day in July. From navigating the tree-lined roads from Artondale to Harbor Heights to driving the expansive Key Peninsula, it is an amazing place to be a child, or an adult, to be sure. As I write this, I am reminiscing about the tour I had recently of all of the new elementary school projects: Artondale, Swiftwater, Evergreen, and Pioneer that will open fully this fall to students and families. There is much to celebrate with another two middle school modernization projects beginning this summer. Our schools that have housed students for decades are well maintained and loved by their families and students with many maintenance projects completed this summer.

Beyond the facilities, the community has been a joy to begin to get to know. As part of my 100 day entry plan, I plan to be listening, learning, and understanding what is important to the Peninsula School District community. Two things are very clear:

1. Students are the priority in every decision we make in PSD; and
2. Our staff are loved by our students.

These are two themes that have been consistent regardless of with whom I am speaking. What a wonderful testament.

This year will not be without frustrations, one being that we can not just come back to school like we were before this pandemic. I am of firm belief that during tough times, we must just focus on doing the next right thing. We have all been changed forever.

Some thoughts as we consider what comes next (next month, next year, next season and/or post pandemic):

1. No child or adult will be untouched after this. Therefore, we must all be different. Schools will be different forever.
2. The vital importance of inclusivity and equity will not wait. We prioritize this lesson as a direct impact to our schools and children.
3. These are anxious times. The dance of connection has been tested for schools. How have we managed the chaos? As anxiety is deeply contagious and spreads like wildfire, how do we develop our self-awareness to lead forward? We must reopen our schools and re-engage our families.
4. How do we develop a calm leadership practice that is defined as having perspective and mindfulness and the ability to manage emotional reactivity? (Brene Brown 2020)
5. How do we choose authenticity over having all of the answers to questions we may or may not have any data on? Or adapt to ever changing scenarios?
6. How do we remain committed to a growth mindset at a time where returning to the school system that we have traditionally known is comforting to staff and families?
7. Now more than ever, we must protect the learning environment for our students and staff, including teachers, principals, and classified staff.

As a superintendent, I have been able to see the multiple ways staff have served during this time in history. You have been ever present, advocating and consulting daily to and with our parent partners, which has been invaluable. You have strived to be present throughout this pandemic. And will continue to do so after this pandemic is a memory. Thank you so much.

We are writing a new chapter in education and charting a new course with our families and partners. I believe strongly that knowing every child by name is needed and imperative for their success. It is important that all families feel welcome and connected.

With this in mind, may you cherish the last weeks of this summer. I look forward to seeing you all in a few weeks.

We are always better together. It is truly an honor to serve you all.

Enjoy August, and stay safe and healthy."

Sincerely,

Krestin

Back to School Safety Protocols

We are excited to welcome back students for full-time, in-person learning with virtual learning opportunities this fall!

To ensure safety for our students, staff, and families, we will continue to follow requirements set by the Washington State Department of Health. Here’s some of what we know about back to school safety protocols and procedures:

1. All students, staff, and visitors at K-12 schools must wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status in accordance with the current legal requirement.
2. Daily attestation forms and temperature checks are not required this school year.
3. Please do not come to school if you have any of the following symptoms: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
4. Schools will maintain physical distance of three feet or more between students in classroom settings to the degree possible and reasonable, that allows for full-time, in-person learning for all students. A school’s ability to do so will depend on students’ ages, developmental and physical abilities, and available space.

Summer Learning Highlights

Throughout the summer, PSD has offered a variety of summer learning opportunities for students at the elementary and secondary levels. Below is a collage to highlight and celebrate learning in action. Thank you to all who participated in summer learning!

This press release was produced by the Peninsula School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.