Sunday Update (21 February 2021)

Happy Sunday Allen Families!

Did you receive the communication from the district earlier this past week? On Thursday afternoon, all staff and parents should have received an email from the district to share the Reopening Playbook for Parents. Please read and review the document here, if you have not already done so. Please note that this document will continue to evolve and change as it is a living document and the guidance from county and state officials will likely evolve as well.

As always, continue to communicate with your child’s teacher and the school office at (619) 479-3662 should you have any questions. We will keep parents and community members informed via the latest updates from Allen Elementary and the Chula Vista Elementary School District at https://allenelementary.org/, Class Dojo, and emails/phone calls through the School Messenger system.

Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week

Please watch Mr. Greenwell’s Message of the Week for Feb. 21st via the short YouTube video below:

A reminder of our school’s Core Values and Common Courtesies:

The Core Value this week is Honesty. This week’s Common Courtesy is “Thank you.“

If you need to conduct business with the school office, please contact the school office between the hours of 8 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Anyone coming to the school must follow all safety protocols, including wearing a facial covering. We will ask you to remain outside. Please contact the office directly at (619) 479-3662 and we will arrange an appointment with you.

A friendly reminder that school starts online for all students at 8:50 am. Attendance and student engagement continue to be tracked and monitored, according to state law and AB 77 and SB 98. Please contact the school office at (619) 479-3662 if your child is having trouble accessing class online.

A Look Ahead:

Tuesday, February 23, 2021 – CVESD Social Emotional Learning Begins at Home at 6 pm [Click here to join meeting]

Thursday, February 25, 2021 – CVESD B-LAC (Black Learner Advisory Council) at 6 pm. [Click here to join meeting]

Monday, March 1, 2021 – First Day of Women’s History Day, Read Across America Week and Spirit Week starts

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 – CVESD Board of Education Meeting at 6 pm

Friday, March 5, 2021 – Virtual Family First Friday at 8 am [Link here]

Monday, March 8, 2021 – Allen Parent Meetings and Hero Squad Fundraiser begins

• English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) at 3 pm [Link to virtual meeting]
• School Site Council (SSC) at 3:30 pm [Link to virtual meeting] * Note that if you join early, you’ll be joining the ELAC meeting.
• Parent Teacher Club (PTC) at 6 pm [Link to virtual meeting]

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 – CVESD DAC/DELAC from 12 noon to 2 pm

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 – CVESD BAC Meeting at 6 pm (St. Patrick’s Day)

Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 26th – Parent & Teacher Conferences (Minimum Days)

Monday, March 29 – Friday, April 2, 2021 – Spring Break

Monday, April 5, 2021 – Students resume class (Minimum Day)

Social-Emotional Learning Begins at Home

Please join other parents and our Director of Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Elizabeth Gianulis, in our exciting Social-Emotional Learning Virtual Parent Series. The first event in this series is “Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Begins at Home” and it runs this Tuesday, February 23rd from 6 to 7:00 pm. This meeting will be presented in both English and Spanish. See the flyer below for more information.

Reopening Playbook for Parents

We are pleased to announce the release of the Reopening Playbook for Parents. This document outlines our safe return to in-person instruction. Please review this document thoroughly by clicking here or copying and pasting this link into your web browser: https://indd.adobe.com/view/0476af62-e46a-44d1-9348-5fc8660c582b

As part of our agreement with Chula Vista Educators, which is the bargaining group that represents teachers, our District will reopen to in-person instruction starting with a “hybrid” instructional format—provided that all health and safety conditions are met. A key condition is that San Diego County return to the “red” tier as defined in the state’s tiered-level system. Our county is currently in the most restrictive “purple” tier. Our county will need to drop to an adjusted case rate of 7 or fewer new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people—for two consecutive weeks—before we can start in-person instruction. As of this writing, there is reason for optimism that a move to the red tier is on the horizon, based upon the downward trend in adjusted case rates. Once that occurs, parents and school staff will be provided two-weeks’ notice before the start of the first day of in-person school to ensure adequate preparation.

Please note that the Governor’s updated guidance came out just days ago—months after we reached agreement with our teachers about a safe return to in-person instruction. Be reassured that our District is prepared for in-person instruction in a “hybrid” model with students attending either morning or afternoon sessions in order to minimize the number of individuals on campus at any one time. Parents also will have the option to keep their child(ren) in distance learning for the remainder of 2020-21 school year. Finally, a friendly reminder that this document is a living document that will continue to evolve as guidance from state and county officials changes. Please bookmark this page for handy reference as the return to in-person instruction nears: https://indd.adobe.com/view/0476af62-e46a-44d1-9348-5fc8660c582b.

Middle School Info for 6th Grade Students

Attention parents/guardians of current sixth grade students! We will be sharing information regarding options for middle school. There are middle schools in Sweetwater Union High School District, public charter middle schools (such as those operated by CVESD – Arroyo Vista and Discovery), and private middle schools. Please check your email and speak to the school office or Mr. Manaig and Ms. Linderman for next steps.

This information is for families interested in Bonita Vista Middle School [Click here].

This information is for families interested in Discovery Charter School’s Middle School Program:

• Contact the Discovery Charter School office at (619) 656-0797 or email rubi.palomares@cvesd.org.

This information is for families interested in Arroyo Vista Charter Middle School (AVCMS):

• Contact the Arroyo Vista Charter School office at (619) 656-9676.
• Interest Form available online from Feb. 10 to March 1: www.bit.ly/avcms2021
• AVCMS Lottery on March 5
• Notification letters sent home on March 19
• Registration begins on April 5 at AVCS

Zone Transfer Time!

Zone Transfer forms (ZTs) must be completed each year in order to have your child continue at Ella B. Allen Elementary School.  Families who live in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, but whose neighborhood school isn’t Allen must complete the form and email it to: allenschool@cvesd.org.   Families who live outside of the Chula Vista Elementary School District must follow the Interdistrict Transfer process instead here. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form, please feel free to contact the school office at (619) 479-3662.  If your child will not be returning to Allen, please let us know that as well. Parents of current sixth grade students on a zone transfer do not need to do this step.

2021-2022 Kinder and New Student Registration

Ella B. Allen Elementary School wants you to tell others how great our school is! Please spread the word to share how wonderful your child’s education at Allen Elementary has been! We are recruiting new students for Kindergarten and have a few open spots in grades 3-6 next year.

Kindergarten and NEW student registration will begin March 3rd for the 2021-2022 school year with a NEW online system. There will be no paper packets for this year’s registration. Look for more information as it becomes available here on the school blog. Those currently registered at our school DO NOT have to register. However, if you attend Allen on a Zone Transfer or interdistrict transfer, those documents will need to be renewed. All families will need to complete proof of residency when the time comes. CLICK HERE for further information.

The following groups of students need to complete the registration process:

• Kindergarten students who will be 5 years old on or before September 1^st
• NEW students in grades 1^st through 6^th 
• Questions?  Email michelle.reza@cvesd.org.

Jump Rope for Heart and Kids Heart Challenge

We wanted to share some photos of Jump Rope for Heart and Kids Heart Challenge from Thursday, February 11, 2021. Thank you to the parents and staff members who sent in these photos. A huge shout out also goes to Mrs. Burnham for organizing this event. If you wanted to donate to the American Heart Association, please do so by following these simple instructions…

• Be “Heart Smart” and join CVESD schools for the American Heart Challenge! Donate to fight heart disease.  Text CVESDGIVES to 41444 or visit CVESDgives.

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February Photos from the School

Students are continuing to learn through unique and fun lessons prepared by the Ella B. Allen Elementary School staff! We’d like to share some fun photos from February…

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Curbside Library Book Service

Ella B. Allen Elementary School students are now able to check out library books online by Thursdays and pick them up curbside on Tuesdays!  Students can access the library catalog online and place up to two books on HOLD. Please note that any books already checked out must be returned.

Students must have a signed library agreement, found in the Family Handbook online at allen.cvesd.org or https://allenelementary.org/, and must turn in any overdue books to be eligible to check out books.

Instructions for reserving books online:

1. Go online to https://allenelementary.org/
2. Go to the “Students” tab at the top and click on “Library” in the drop-down menu.
3. Click on the Destiny Library Catalog link.
4. Select ALLEN ELEMENTARY.
5. Click LOGIN at the link in the top right corner.
6. Click on Chula Vista Elem SSO (the big blue bar on the left side of the page) to log in.

Username:  studentID@live.cvesd.org

Example: 654321@live.cvesd.org

Password for K-1 students:  lowercase letter of first name, lowercase letter of last name, student ID, equal symbol

Example for Jane Dominguez is:  jd654321=

Password for other students (grades 2-6):  Uppercase letter of first name, lowercase letter of last name, full birthdate

Example for Jane Dominguez, born on September 5, 2011 is: Jd09052011

• Search for books by title, author, genre and click DETAILS next to the book when you find the book you want.  Select “Hold It” in the top right corner next to the book title.  You will be notified via your student’s district email address that the book is available for you to pick up.  Please note that some copies of books may not be available as multiple students may have placed a hold on the book.  We will check out selections to student accounts that are reserved by Thursdays.

Note:  Each Tuesday you may drop off books you’ve already enjoyed and pick up new books that were reserved by the previous Thursday night.  Any holds placed after Thursday night will be ready the following Tuesday.

Safety Reminders

• Anyone coming to the school must follow all safety protocols, including wearing a facial covering.
• For the comfort and safety of students, all books are sanitized before distribution at curbside pick up.

Curbside Library Check Out is Tuesdays, 12 noon to 2 pm

• Books must be reserved by Thursday evenings online.
• Please ensure that you have returned any outstanding library books and that you have received confirmation that your book is ready before driving to school to pick it up on Tuesdays.

CVESD Honors Black History Month

The Chula Vista Elementary School District honors Black History Month for the month of February. We invite you to learn more about the origins of Black History Month and how to advance racial harmony and respect among all Americans by clicking this link: https://www.cvesd.org/news/what_s_new/c_v_e_s_d_honors_black_history_month

South Bay Family YMCA Campaign

The South Bay Family YMCA offers many supports and programs to the families and community in the South Bay. This campaign raises money for the YMCA’s scholarship program to help kids, families, and seniors during this most difficult year.  Please click the link below to support the YMCA’s Scholarship Program. The money raised stays in our community and all funds go to fund scholarships for children, adults, and seniors in South Bay. Kindly note that the link will list “Veronica Valdivia” at the top of the page, but this is indeed the correct link to support Ella B. Allen Elementary School’s efforts and partnership with the YMCA.

Link to donate: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/3117250

Licensed Childcare via the YMCA

The Chula Vista Elementary School District is proud to partner with the South Bay Family YMCA to offer licensed childcare at select school sites! The Y’s Character Builders childcare program is designed to support distance learning curriculum and provide grade-appropriate activities throughout the day. Students will meet in a classroom-like environment for their school-required live sessions and assignments. Afternoon enrichment activities will allow kids to engage safely in imaginative play and physical activities that stretch both mind and body. This program runs 7:30 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday at nearby schools. Weekly Cost $238 for Y Members / $280 for Non-Members.  Click here to view updated flyer.  Scholarships available for qualifying families (see flyer here for information).  Please email Program Director Miriam Martinez at mmartinez@ymcasd.org for availability.

Spring Break Camp with YMCA

A friendly reminder that school will be closed for Spring Break, Monday March 29th through April 4th. Classes restart online on Monday April 5th at 8:50 am and this will be a minimum day. Click the link below for more information.

COVID-19 Corner: Health and Safety Updates

Please wear a mask, wash your hands, sanitize frequently used surfaces, and do not congregate with people living outside of your immediate household.

Please see the latest updates regarding public health and safety from the County of San Diego, including information about COVID-19 testing and vaccination, here. With the arrival of the vaccine designed to prevent COVID-19, our District is happy to share a fact sheet that details why the vaccines are safe and effective.

Visit covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/ for more information.

If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19, please also stay home, leaving only to get tested or seek medical attention.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  People with these symptoms may have COVID-19 and should stay home:

• 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
• Diarrhea

There are a number of testing sites in the South County, thanks to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. It is highly encouraged for families to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing in advance. You may wish to reference 211sandiego.org or the County’s website here.

Meal Distribution Program

• Meal distribution occurs every Tuesday from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm for all students. Pick up the 5 days worth of meals at the front of the school. Please follow all safety directives, such as wearing a mask or facial covering that covers the mouth and nose. This free service is available for all families that attend a school in the Chula Vista Elementary School District..

Would you like your child to eat school meals this year? The school encourages all families who may need assistance to apply for free and reduced meals via the district website. These forms must be completed again every year, so please do not wait to fill them out! Find the forms and information at the district link here. We encourage all families to complete this form as the school receives additional funding to support families who qualify.

Parent & Youth Emotional Support Hotline

A group called Parents Anonymous recently launched the California Parent & Youth Helpline and Online Parents Anonymous® Support Groups in response to COVID-19 to provide free emotional support to parents and youth in any language, 7 days a week 8 am to 8 pm at 1-855-4A PARENT (or 1-855-427-2736).

Parent-Teacher Club (PTC)

Visit the PTC website at AllenPTC.org to become a member of the PTC and make a donation to support the latest initiative at the school. Allen’s PTC is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the school’s educational mission through funding programs and initiatives.

Allen’s next PTC meeting is Monday, March 8th at 6 pm.

Please help support Allen’s PTC by shopping at smile.amazon.com! AmazonSmile has the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping as the Amazon you know and already use. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases to the Allen Elementary PTC when you shop. Make sure to shop on smile.amazon.com and choose Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club Inc as your charity. Thank you!

AmazonSmile customers can now support Ella B. Allen Elementary School’s PTC in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.

1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
3. Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

Please choose Allen Elementary School Parents Teachers Club Inc by clicking this link for your Amazon purchases: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/95-4403426

Meetings for Parents and Legal Guardians

Allen School needs parents and guardians to support our school through important parent groups, such as the PTC (Parent Teacher Club), the School Site Council (often referred to as SSC), and the English Language Advisory Committee (often referred to as ELAC). The site-based groups work with the Principal, staff, and other community members to ensure that community voice is part of the shared decision making process of a public school.

Virtual Family First Friday Meeting

The first Friday of every month is reserved for our Family First Friday, Allen’s version of Coffee with the Principal. Our next Virtual Family First Friday will be on March 5, 2021 at 8 am. Click here to access this meeting. We encourage parents and legal guardians to join an online meeting with a cup of hot coffee or tea and listen to Mr. Greenwell give an update on the school year. The link will be in an email shared with parents. You may also email michelle.reza@cvesd.org for the meeting link at least one day prior to access this online meeting.

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Ella B. Allen’s next ELAC Meeting will be held on Monday, March 8th at 3 pm and will be held online. The school encourages all legal parent/guardian of students designated as an English Learner to attend these meetings. Click here or please email michelle.reza@cvesd.org for the meeting link at least one day prior to access this online meeting.

School Site Council (SSC)

Allen School’s next SSC Meeting is Monday, March 8th at 3:30 pm and will be held online. Click here or please email michelle.reza@cvesd.org for the meeting link at least one day prior to access this online meeting.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) is composed of five elected parent/community representatives and five elected staff/teacher representatives. The role of the SSC is to develop, approve, and monitor the School Plan for Student Achievement.

With a few exceptions, meetings are held the second Monday of every month. Until further notice, meetings will be held online. All parents and staff are welcome to attend. Council members serve for two year terms.

Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Meeting

Allen’s PTC meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. Until further notice, all meetings will be held online via this link. The next PTC meeting is Monday, March 8th at 6 pm. Please also check out the new PTC website to become a member and make a donation: AllenPTC.org

CVESD Board of Education Meeting

The district’s Board of Education meetings are also being held online and generally occur the second Wednesday of each month. The next CVESD Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, March 3 at 6:00 pm.

To access these public meetings, please click the link here: https://www.cvesd.org/board_of_education/board_meetings

CVESD DAC/DELAC Meeting

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC is composed of parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and make recommendations to the Board of Education on specific items. District meetings take place once a month, mid-afternoon. Most meetings occur on Tuesdays from 12 – 2 pm, with a parent training beforehand. This is an elected position to serve a one-year term.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The district will continue to conduct all meetings online until further notice, including all DAC/DELAC meetings. DAC is the District Advisory Committee. DELAC is the District English Learner Advisory Committee. Both of these groups are designed to support and inform parents in a shared communication setting with the district. Parents learn with other parents and district leadership at the DAC/DELAC meetings.

The next DAC/DELAC Meeting will be on March 9, 2021 from 12 noon to 2 pm. You can access the meeting here at the district’s website.

Below is a schedule of all DAC/DELAC meetings for the upcoming school year. I recommend all parents download this schedule if they are interested in learning more about theses district meetings.

Did you know that next year’s School Calendar (2021-2022) was already approved by the CVESD Board of Education? Click this link to download it.

Be well Eagles! Stay safe: we miss you.

🦅  Allen Eagles: Together, we SOAR!