Updates related to the 2021-2022 School Year
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RideFreeRT Program
This great program is back on October 1st! Cards will be distributed via class teachers, and you can visit this link for more details.
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Weekly COVID Surveillance Testing [email dated 9/16/2021]
We are updating our Surveillance Testing information. Beginning next week, ALL students who are signed up for testing, will be screened once a week on Tuesdays. We have a team of health staff that are dedicated to providing that service to us once a week. Based on the testing supplies available, either a [self-administered nasal swab] PCR or an Antigen Rapid test will be used. Our previously scheduled testing for grades 4-8 will continue tomorrow.
Thank you all very much for your support and diligence in keeping us notified of any potential exposures and keeping your children home if they have ANY symptoms. To date, we have had zero positive cases transmitted on campus. Your beautiful children and our amazing staff are doing an excellent job of following the health and safety guidelines. We are settling in to our new rhythms and routines and there is a sense of normalcy developing. Words are not enough to express my gratitude for all that you do to help keep our school healthy and safe.
Please remember that breakfast and lunch are provided free to all students daily. Anyone arriving before 7:30 is expected to eat breakfast with us. The yard opens to all others at 7:45. Please encourage your child to take a school lunch if they would like. There are always colorful fresh fruits and vegetables available that make a good snack as well. Good nutrition and plenty of sleep help us all to be healthier.
If there is anything that you or your child needs, please reach out to your class teacher or our office staff. We will do our best to meet your needs or direct you to someone who may be able to help.
Thank you again,
Mechelle Horning, Principal
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Birney Surveillance Testing Update [excerpt from email dated 9/9/2021]
Beginning on September 14, surveillance testing will begin on the Birney campus for students and staff who are signed up for this school year. The testing will be routinely done on every other Tuesday and Friday on a rotating basis similar to what we did in the Spring. Our intention is to test grades EK-3 on Tuesdays and grades 4-8 on Fridays during the regular school day. We will use a PCR test [self-administered nasal swab] and results will digitally be sent to the device that you listed upon registration with Primary in approximately 48 hours. If you receive any results other than NEGATIVE for your child or anyone else living in the household, please do not send your child to school until you have spoken with a district health care professional who will contact you. Notifications of positive tests will be communicated with our health service staff as well. If you would like your child to be tested more frequently or with a rapid test because you suspect exposure, please contact nurse Maribel Labrado at Maribel-labrado@scusd.edu. The Serna Center on 47th Avenue also offers free testing [Monday – Friday, from 12-3:30pm. More information can be found on the district web page.
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Videos from the August 31, 2021 Family Meeting
Beginning joint presentation by Alice Birney & AM Winn principals Mechelle Horning and Nisha Turturici
Alice Birney breakout session with zoom chat Q&A
