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What will KCP classes look like in the Fall of 2021? We don’t know. We do not have all the answers, but we do know one thing for sure. We will be operating in a capacity somewhere between two ends of a spectrum. Let’s call it Where We Are Now and Where We Were Pre-COVID.
WHERE WE ARE NOW This is how we currently operate. It is a virtual program, with supplementary in-person outdoor learning times and art supply pick-up/drop-offs. No student drop-offs during in-person outdoor time. GROUP I: Teacher Kym Mondays: 10:00-10:45am virtual learning Wednesdays: 10:00-10:45am virtual learning every 2nd and 4th Wednesday Wednesdays: 1hr and 15 min in-person outdoor learning every 1st and 3rd Wednesday
GROUP II: Teacher Doreen Tuesdays: 10:00-10:45am virtual learning Thursdays: 11:00-11:45am virtual learning every other week Thursdays: 9:00-10:30 or 11:00-12:30 in-person outdoor learning every other week
GROUP III: Teacher Amy Mondays: 1:00-1:45pm virtual learning Tuesdays: 1:00-1:45pm virtual learning Thursdays: 1:00-1:45pm virtual learning Fridays: 12:30-2:30pm in-person outdoor learning every other week (alternating location KCP or a local park/trail head.)
WHERE WE WERE PRE-COVID This is our beloved program that we long to get back to and are working towards in hopes that soon we will have more in-person and in-class time together and the year progresses. GROUP I: Teacher Kym Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:20-11:50am
GROUP II: Teacher Doreen Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9:20-11:50am
GROUP III: Teacher Amy Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 12:10-2:40pm
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 We would love to hear from you! KCP's registrar, Dawn, is planning to compile your messages into a 2-3 minute video showcasing what is great about our program. We will share this video on kirklandcoop.com and social media.
Here are some ideas on how you can participate:
Drop your videos and photos in our Google folder at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VS9OyPA7mzZrjGgipZ2P5S5t8qOVQMlx?usp=sharing  On January 4, registration opens for currently enrolled and alumni families. On January 27, remaining spaces will be offered to the general public. To register, go to https://www.jovial.org/kcp/family and log in. Look for the link to the registration form on the right side of the front page (starting January 4). Send questions to Dawn at kcpregistrar@gmail.com. It is challenging to predict what September 2021 will look like in regards to COVID safety protocols, meeting at school and/or meeting virtually. We are all hopeful we will be back to "normal" in some way. We CAN tell you about what our program looks like now and all the fun activities kids are engaging in.
Virtual Activities Include:
Safety Protocols: During our outdoor in person meetings, KCP teachers will guide parents and children to follow safety protocols such as wearing masks, using hand sanitizer and practicing social distancing. Snacks will not be served. An outdoor hand washing station is available. Indoor bathrooms are available as needed. Send questions to Dawn at kcpregistrar@gmail.com.  Answering your questions about kindergarten. Tuesday, January 12, 2021 | 7:00pm | Zoom Four current kindergarten teachers will discuss topics and answer questions regarding:
JOIN US ON ZOOM. Contact your preschool teacher for the zoom meeting link. Hosted By: Kirkland Co-Op Preschool | kirklandcoop.com
Dear KCP Families,
n light of the recent address by Governor Inslee, KCP Teachers and Board have decided to replace all in-person meetings with virtual activities for the next four weeks. We understand that Governor Inslee did not restrict preschools and private schools from operating. KCP chose this course of action based on record setting COVID numbers, sensitive exposure issues with some of our staff members, and the Governor's restrictions on social interactions/gatherings. The KCP Board would like to remind families that the frequency that classes meet in person outdoors, largely rests within the comfort level of the teachers. Amy, Doreen, and Kym are deeply committed to KCP as they have been for years. It is with great respect that we continue to check in with them regarding their comfort levels. In the coming days, you will hear from your Group teacher regarding additional virtual learning opportunities. In the coming weeks, you will hear from the KCP Board and Teachers regarding when and how we will resume in-person outdoor meetings again. Thank you for sharing in this journey with us. We understand the challenges we are all facing. We believe we will get through this together. Sincerely, The KCP Board & Teachers Please share the graphics and text below. Thank you! ENROLLMENT is OPEN at Kirkland Co-op Preschool. A few spaces remain available for the 2020-2021 school year featuring a hybrid learning model. KCP offers three classes serving children from 2.5 to 5 years old. Virtual activities will include science experiments, cooking lessons, group art lessons, circle time and more. Outdoor activities such as hiking, circle time and playground time are optional. If you are looking for parenting support, KCP is the place to find it! Parent education topics include potty training, kindergarten readiness, anxiety in children and talking to your child about racism and sexuality. Register at kirklandcoop.com/registration or email kcpregistrar@gmail.com. First day of class is September 14, 2020.
Mask Wearing:
Lucy's Mask by Lisa Sirkis Thompson Masked Ninji by Mary Nihn Smiling from Ear to Ear: Wearing Masks While Having Fun by Kaitlyn Chu Why is Everyone Wearing a Mask (Bilingual/Spanish) by Debbie Qui Mummy Wears a Mask by Laurie Theurer Social Distancing: A Little Spot Stays Home: A Story about Viruses and Safe Distancing by Diane Alber Billie and the Brilliant Bubble: Social Distancing for Children by Tara Travieso What is Social Distancing: A Children's Guide and Activity Book by Lindsey Coker Luckey If You Can't Bear Hug, Air Hug: A book Inspired by Social Distancing by Katie Sedmak The Social Distance King: Introducing Queens and Kings to Social Distancing by Eric Desio August 19, 2020 Before the first day of school KCP is required to plan for multiple health scenarios, implement several prevention procedures in regards to COVID-19 and fill out detailed forms. Below is an abbreviated list of the topics and tasks that the Back to School Committee and KCP Board have been working on and will have completed prior to the start of school.
July 28, 2020 Dear Parents, As many of you know, school districts in our area are opting to begin the 2020-2021 school year with a fully online model. KCP follows the Lake Washington School District decisions to make preschool participation possible for those KCP families that have siblings in the school district. Thus we will begin with a mostly online model. We have heard the voices of our KCP families through our recent survey, where about 65% of responders asked for some type of an in-person option where safety protocols take place. KCP’s Back to School Committee met July 27 to go over the findings of the parent survey and consider health guidelines in order to come up with a plan that meets several needs and also offers the flexibility to either increase or decrease the in-person meeting times in the future as needed. At this time, KCP is considering offering a mostly online learning model that includes optional outdoor activities. Currently, teachers are in the process of determining what the Group routines will entail. They are working hard to hear your voice regarding online learning and to bring value added activities that meet the needs of your preschooler. Some of the online activities you can look forward to are:
Some of the (optional) outdoor activities may be:
Supplemental items include:
KCP’s Back to School Committee will meet again on August 3 to determine the details of each Group’s meeting routine (online and in person outdoors) and the health protocols that must be followed by those that choose to participate in the in-person meetings. Thank you for your patience as we navigate through this time. Sincerely, KCP Board and Teachers MEETINGS The Back to School Planning Committee will be meeting Monday, August 3 at 7:00pm via Zoom. In the days following the meeting, we will send out an update via email. KCP Board members and teachers will meet Wednesday, August 19th via Zoom to discuss and finalize (as much as possible) the Back to School plan. We will keep you updated along the way. Please reach out to your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have questions. We value your feedback. July 23, 2020 THANK YOU Many of you took the time to share your thoughts with KCP Teachers and Board through our survey. Thank you very much! This helps us come up with a plan to best serve preschool families while holding in high regard the health safety standards issued at this time. The survey is still open for those that have not already submitted a response. See it here. BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNING COMMITTEE Since our last 2020-2021 Program Changes email sent out on July 13, KCP has formed a Back to School Planning Committee and set a meeting schedule. The committee members include Amy Williams (GIII Teacher), Doreen Fisher (GII Teacher), Kymberly Meade (GI Teacher), Sherry Torpy (President), TR Andrew (Treasurer and GI Parent), Jessica Lake (Publicity and GII Parent) and Caitlin Kristensen (Fundraiser and GIII Parent). The purpose of this committee is to review health and safety standards and study the parent feedback you provided to help us best implement the KCP curriculum we know and love. Everyone's safety is our top priority. Today, we would like to share with you the information sources we are using to come up with this plan.
MEETINGS The Back to School Planning Committee will be meeting Monday, July 27 at 7:00pm via Zoom. In the days following the meeting, we will send out an update via email. KCP Board members and teachers will meet Wednesday, August 19th via Zoom to discuss and finalize (as much as possible) the Back to School plan. We will keep you updated along the way. Please reach out to your Group Teacher or Parent Leader should you have questions. We value your feedback. July 13, 2020
Dear KCP Families, As we approach the beginning of our 2020-2021 school year, KCP teachers and board members are very aware that you may have questions about what our program will look like when class begins mid-September. We are thankful that the next two summer months give us time to prepare for the adjustments we will need to make. As you know, a lot can happen in two months, so we remain flexible to adjust as needed. In the next week, KCP teachers will be meeting with fellow preschool teachers associated with LWTech to discuss how to offer the best educational setting while upholding high health and safety standards. Secondly, KCP teachers have arranged for a training session with a teacher from the Tiny Treks program (outdoor based learning). We are committed to following safety protocols in addition to the cleaning regimens already in place. Currently, a hybrid model for the fall is being considered. We recognize that circumstances can change, thus we will reevaluate throughout the school year. KCP is also following the guidance of LWTech, as our school is connected to the college through the parent education program. This connection offers us many benefits, such as insurance, access to parent education seminars, teacher support and more. Because of this connection, what our classroom looks like in September will be driven by their recommendations. Meetings are taking place to determine what exactly those recommendations are. In the coming weeks you will hear from us again with updates on our progress. In the meantime, please share your thoughts with us through this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GF85399 Your comments will be anonymous. While we may not be able to meet each person's precise needs, the teachers and board members will certainly try. Thank you again for your comments, time and patience. Sincerely, KCP Teachers and Board Members Dear KCP Families,
Kirkland Co-op Preschool stands in solidarity with the Black Community. The murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, has ignited in all of us new levels of sadness, frustration, anger, and disappointment in the systemic racism, oppression and violence that people of color, specifically black people, experience in our country every day. As you know, KCP is connected to LWTech, and also closely follows the leadership of the Lake Washington School District. Both organizations have issued statements that align with the goals, values and principles of KCP. You can read those statements here: LWSD and LWTech KCP Teachers and Board Members pledge to continue our work to bring an end to systemic racism and violence against Black people in this country by teaching our preschool children acceptance and how to stand up to oppression. Please reach out to teachers should you have questions, thoughts, or concerns that need to be addressed. Should you need support in discussing this topic with your preschooler, many resources are available. Visit KCP's website at http://www.kirklandcoop.com/news/talking-to-children-about-racism for a selection of resources to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family. Sincerely, KCP Teachers and Board Members Several resources are listed here to support you as you talk with your preschooler(s) about racism. This resource list is meant to be an informational jumping off point for you to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family.
They Are Not Too Young to Talk About Race Resource List: http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/social-justice-resources/ Info Graphic on Child Development on Racial Recognition: http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.jpg What Systematic Racism Is and What We Can Do to Solve It Video: https://youtu.be/YrHIQIO_bdQ NPR: Talking Race With Young Children Podcast Episode, 20 minute listen: https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716700866/talking-race-with-young-children?fbclid=IwAR262i36JkNreR2lYg0pPPHDPL9u6iyHSVkMV2vrR3Ehdl-1oG-0ZlXKMrY Black Lives Matter At School: Announcing the 2020 Curriculum Resource Guide https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com/teaching-materials/?fbclid=IwAR0dkiNwfwyg5oD1zbnRfxHIX1Bai11IPNNcIzLHYj4twOrHrYYgipFk0uI A Kindergarten Teacher Explains Racism to Young Kids: "You Have the Voice" https://www.popsugar.com/family/kindergarten-teacher-explains-what-is-racism-video-47529956?fbclid=IwAR2x6LfPyRy1vmhu36cOjy7tJXkkEVmKTpI6p6r70NqatY_-N3EOU2FE1Dk |
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