The following is an important back-to-school message from Principal Rosalind Gaines-Harrell:
After more than a year of hybrid (remote and in-person) learning, we are happy to have ALL students returning to Arbor Hill this year! We learned so much from one another as an Arbor Hill Family and I want to personally thank all of you for all the sacrifices and support you have given/provided to keep our children safe last year and I'm confident we can do it again, this year!
In 2021-22, we have a lot of work to do academically and social-emotionally. Some of you were remote the entire school year, while others were in school. Making the adjustment to being in one building again is a big one, but TOGETHER we can do it.
Here is what we will do this fall:
Masks
Masks are required for all, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are to be worn at all times except during designated mask breaks. Masks are recommended but not required outside on school grounds.
What if my child rides the school bus to school?
Masks are also required on the school bus. The school buses will return to regular capacity.
What are the school hours?
The school hours are 9 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
There will be frequent breaks throughout the day where students can do meditation, exercise, and talk about their feelings.
Entering the School Building
- Front door (grades 3-5)
- Pre-K side door (PK only)
- Side Door (kindergarten-grade 2)
Students will have their temperature checked at each of these entrances daily. As long as the temperature is below 100 degrees, they will be permitted to stay in school. Students with temperatures above 100 will be evaluated by the nurse. It will then be determined if the student can return to class or if the child is to go to the isolation room for parent pick-up.
What happens if my child is late, and/or has a doctor’s appointment?
First, ring the bell. Our front desk receptionist will ask your name and the name of the student(s) that is arriving late. At that point, your child will be allowed into the building, go through the COVID-19 entry protocols and then be escorted to class. If you are picking up your child for an appointment, please ring the doorbell and identify yourself and the child you are picking up from school. A hall monitor will retrieve your child and bring them to the front entrance.
Are parents or volunteers allowed in the building?
At this time, parents are not permitted inside the building. All on-site meetings must be scheduled so please email your classroom teacher to schedule a meeting. You can also contact teachers individually during their designated Google Classroom office hours. The Main Office can also be contacted.
What safety measures will be in place in the classrooms?
Student desks are socially distanced three feet apart as regulated by the State Education Department and Albany County Department of Health. We will also use polycarbonate dividers (plastic shields) that will be mounted on each student’s desk as an extra safety measure.
Daily cleaning and sanitization protocols will continue as they have since the beginning of the pandemic and in alignment with local and state protocols. Students are expected to stay in their designated area during instruction. Hand sanitizer dispensers are available in all classrooms.
Where will the students eat breakfast and lunch?
All students will be eating in their classroom. They will already be seated three feet apart and will have the polycarbonate dividers (plastic shields) on their desk to support with COVID guidelines.
What school supplies will all students need?
Please refer to this school supply link.
Can students bring backpacks to school?
Students are permitted to bring backpacks back and forth to school. Please label your child’s backpack.
Will the Early Bird Program be offered?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer that program at this time due to COVID-19 sanitization requirements.
Will the afterschool program be offered?
Both the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club will offer after school programming. Applications are being accepted at this time. YMCA will begin on Sept. 8 and the Boys and Girls Club will be offered beginning Sept. 20.
What is the first full day of school for all students?
Wednesday, Sept. 8.
Can an older sibling pick up a Pre-K/K student?
For this to happen, you must write a note and deliver it to the school or send it in with the student. Only students in grades 3-5 will be allowed to pick up Pre-K/K students.
What if my child forgot their teacher’s name?
There will always be multiple support staff members with school rosters to direct them to where they need to go.
Orientation
- Thursday, Sept. 2 from 9 a.m.-3:35 p.m.: grades 1-2 only
- Thursday, Sept. 2 from 10-11:30 a.m.: PK with last name beginning with A-L only
- Thursday, Sept 2 from 12:30-2 p.m.: PK with last name beginning with M-Z only
- Friday, Sept. 3 from 9 a.m.-3:35 p.m.: grades 3-5 only
- Friday, Sept. 3 from 10-11:30 a.m.: Kindergarten with last name beginning with A-L only
- Friday, Sept. 3 from 12:30-2 p.m.: Kindergarten with last name beginning with M-Z only
