Pine Grove Closure Update 3/17
Pine Grove’s top priority is the wellness and safety of our Pine Grove Family. With the recent closing of schools across Michigan due to the COVID-19, we wanted to assure you that we are available to support you. Click the link below for resources and updates from our staff.
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,
Pine Grove’s top priority is the wellness and safety of our Pine Grove Family. With the recent closing of schools across Michigan due to the COVID-19, we wanted to assure you that we are available to support you. I know that this time will be a difficulty one for our students and families so we are in the process of establishing a list of staff who are able to assist you in a variety of ways. If you have a need, please contact me at LauraOchoa@kentisd.org so we can learn how best to assist you.
Below is some information that may be helpful in establishing new routines while we are out of school and tips on how to talk to children about the virus.
Ideas When School is Cancelled
- Establish a schedule and write/draw it out for kids so they know what to expect. Our children thrive with structure.
- Movement is important. Play games and get outside if/when you can. Movement can help regulate their sensory systems.
- Create opportunities to play and for fun activities. They don’t have to be fancy. Use what you have in the house: paper, crayons, stickers, tape, etc.
- Set and hold boundaries. The change in routine can by dysregulating. Children push boundaries to learn what to expect. Establish and maintain expectations and routines.
- Utilize online resources and websites
Ways to Talk to Your Child about COVID-19
- “There is sickness that is being shared through germs right now. Most people will get a little sick, but grandparents and people who are already sick might get a lot sick.”
- “Some of our fun classes might be canceled (or we might not go) so that germs aren’t moving from one person to another. It won’t be like this forever. Want to talk about things we can do instead?”
- “There are lots of ways we can be helpers for people who can get really sick if they get the germs. We can wash our hands, play at home, cook food for people who need help. What are some other things we could do to be helpers?”
School Breakfast/Lunch Distributions: WZZM has an article that lists every districts meal service program.
The Michigan Department of Education link can also be used to assist you in finding breakfast/lunch distribution centers: MDE Link to Breakfast and Lunch Distribution
Please be aware that all Pine Grove students are able to receive these free meals including our students ages 18-26 with an active Individual Education Program (IEP).
FYIs:
- Savory Sweet Cookie Dough Fund Raiser – Order delivery has been delayed and orders will be process when school resumes.
- Slow’s BBQ Dine to Donate scheduled for Thursday, March 19 has been canceled and will be rescheduled when school resumes.
- Family Fun Night, 4/30. We will wait to determine whether this date will need to be rescheduled.
IEPs: We will be holding our annual IEPs remotely during the shutdown and will be working with you to determine ways to meet either by phone or through a virtual meeting. As part of this plan, teachers will be sending you a Draft PDF of the IEP so that you are able to reference the IEP document during our meeting. In the event you are not in agreement with holding the IEP by phone/virtually, we will plan on holding late IEPs as soon as possible upon return to school.
Spring Break will continue as planned, April 6 through April 10 to honor travel plans that have been made by families and staff.
Parent Website: Check out our parent website. We will be posting links and highlighting various materials and activities. If you have suggestions on areas of interest to your student, let us know and we will see what we can find.
Stay safe and healthy and know we will miss the ray of sunshine each of our Pine Grove students and families bring our way! Take care and know that we are thinking of you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, concerns or just want to share something exciting that your student is doing or experiencing.
Respectfully,
Laura Ochoa
Principal – Pine Grove Learning Center
