Yealey Families,

I hope you've had a good week at home.  From our end, I feel like we moved quickly in switching models and for the most part got all the wrinkles ironed out fairly quickly.  If you have questions or any struggles moving forward, please don't hesitate to reach out to your teacher, our guidance counselors, Mr. Rice, or myself.  We are here to support you and help virtual be a success for everyone!

Spirit wear and pictures came in this week.  They have not been sorted and organized yet.  We will work on doing that next week and then have those two things along with primary report cards available in the office for pick up beginning on 11/30. Office hours are 7:30 - 4:00.  

This week is one of my favorites of the year.  I love Thanksgiving day and the traditions we have as a family.  This year will be a little different as I'm sure yours will too.  But, it's just an opportunity to start some new traditions.  I have come up with a little surprise game for my family to spring on them Thanksgiving day and I know just this one little tweak in our plans is adding excitement to the week.  I hope you can find joy in the holiday and take the opportunity to really focus on gratitude.  It's easy for me to feel like there is NOTHING going my way right now - until I start to count my blessings and then I realize the important things are all still in place and I have been blessed beyond anything I deserve.  

I miss the kids very much.  Please tell each of them Happy Thanksgiving from me.  

Mrs. Turner

principal

 Yealey Families,

I hope you have had a good week and I hope the kids who were able to get back in the building enjoyed their time this week.  Unfortunately, the virus has impacted staff across the district to the point where we have to move to virtual instruction for the next two weeks.  The hope is that these two weeks will allow the quarantines to help reduce the spread and allow for us to have enough staff in place to function.  If your child has materials at school that they will need, please call school on Monday to make arrangements to pick these up.

I know this is frustrating for everyone.  I see parents, students, teachers, and staff members at the end of their rope with constant changes and uncertainty - including me at times.  We all need to remember our circle of control.  If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that our circle of control is a lot smaller than we have believed it to be.  All we really have control over is how we respond in the face of adversity.  Who do we want to be?  I know I want our school to continue to operate as a family.  One that understands while we are physically separated we are still in this together and it will take all of us staying positive and supporting each other to come out of this pandemic as a stronger family than when we started.  

It's also easy to be frustrated with the numbers - because they are just numbers.  But please think about the faces that go with these numbers.  Many of you know I have been home sick since election day.  I tested positive and the letter that went out last week was about me.  I have no idea where I was exposed.  It had to be from someone asymptomatic because no one I know was positive.  I have not felt great but feel fortunate to have been able to heal at home with just some over the counter meds.  I have now given this to people I love and care for.  They are doing fine and (knock on wood), are having an easier time than most.  I am telling you all of this because I want you to have a face to put to these numbers and know that we are doing everything we can to get back to normal.  No one wants this.  Right now, our priority has to be staying healthy and safe.  Unfortunately that means two weeks of virtual.  Let's all do our best to follow the guidelines so that two weeks is all we will need and November 30th can find us back in the building enjoying each other's company - even if it's 6 ft apart. 

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Mrs. Turner

principal

 Dear Yealey Families,

I hope you've had a great week!  Next week will be very exciting.  All hybrid students will return to in-person instruction for four days.  A big thank you to all the students who are moving into new classrooms.  We wouldn't be able to keep everyone safe and healthy without this team work!

I will be sending you a link to a survey from the district sometime Friday or Monday.  This is only a survey.  On November 16th (or after) you will be sent the form to make your final decision for an instructional model starting in January.

Thank you to everyone who participated in conferences this week.  We will finish those up on the 10th.  Be sure you have signed up for a time to meet with your teacher.

Thank you all for all you're doing.  I am so grateful to work for you all!  

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Turner

principal