Greetings Star Lake Families,

Today is the first day that I am working remotely from home as all of our schools are closed to administration as well as staff and students, and I have to tell you this feels so strange.  I am sure your families are still navigating this new reality, and I send you all good wishes for wellness and safety. Please know that your Star Lake community is here to help you as much as we can:

• This week you should be receiving a packet of practice ELA and math work for your child in the mail
• In addition, Star Lake staff sent home books, iReady math “my path” log ins, and other activities
• Please see the link on this page to our Star Lake Library under ‘Resources’. Within that link there are many resources and ebooks (books that students can read online on a tablet or phone)
• Please see the fwps.org website for locations where you can pick up breakfast and lunch meal packs every day. The closest one to Star Lake is Thomas Jefferson High School between 10am-12pm daily
• Your child’s teacher will be sending out email updates to their classes once or twice weekly
• Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher through email with any questions you may have

I suggest setting up a routine for your children, as they are used to having a daily schedule at school.  You can calendar out the day with times on a chart, for example, 8:00am breakfast, 9-9:30 read your IRLA books, 9:30-10:00 take a break (watch a favorite show, go outside and play, go for a family walk) etc.  Don’t forget the value of card games, board games, puzzles, Legos, cooking, arts and crafts and imaginary play; all of these activities feed our children’s brains and stave off boredom.  Remember that children will focus better on academic activities if they are in short “spurts” of 15-20 minutes depending on their age, that are then combined with breaks.  Also giving them choices of how they want to set up their academic schedule for the day can help to avoid arguments - I remember homework frustrations with my daughter!  My last piece of advice is to have your children do something academic every day, especially READ, but don’t “drill and kill” them with practice work, the research shows that doesn’t significantly improve academic performance and can often cause students to dislike the subject we are trying to help them learn.

Most importantly, take care of yourselves and your families during this out of the ordinary event.  What our kiddos need right now more than anything is to feel the love and safety that their families provide.

All the best to each of you, and please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

Kris Rennie, Principal