Dear Scholars and Parents/Guardians of Meredith Hill Elementary, 

Hello and welcome to Meredith Hill Elementary! Home of the Orca. I am honored to serve as the principal of a school with strong partnerships between parents and staff that support our scholars for their emotional and academic well-being. I look forward to the partnerships with our parents, staff and scholars for the 20-21 school year.  My Principal's Orientation video from the first day of school is available here.

At Meredith Hill we are focused on Goal 2: Whole Child, and Goal 4: Mastery of All Subjects, of the Federal Way Strategic Plan. In support of Goal 2: Whole Child, we utilize Positive Intervention and Supports (PBIS), to foster a safe, respectful, responsible school climate. In support of Goal 4: Mastery of All Subjects, our staff is committed to work together collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities utilizing our Guaranteed Viable Curriculum to support each scholar to reach their highest potential.

1. Summer Learning:  This year, FWPS is providing essential summer learning for all scholars. Engaging in learning throughout the summer months will support your scholar in being prepared for when we return to school. We ask that you set aside 90 minutes a day if your child is in grade K-5 and 110 minutes a day for grade 6-12. A daily schedule and free online resources have been posted to the FWPS website at https://www.fwps.org/summerlearning. We will also be mailing home learning packets to all scholars who were in K-11^th grade last year.  Packets should be arriving in your mailbox the week of July 6.  We are also really excited to share a new experience geared toward our youngest of learners.  Tune in to FW Channel 21 Monday-Friday from July 6-August 7 each day between 9-5 to see amazing 20-minute reading and math lessons. There will even be math lessons taught in Spanish each hour.  These lessons will give the opportunity for your child to learn and grow throughout the month and will be posted to our FWPS YouTube channel as well.

2. Fall Re-Opening: Using guidance from the State and the DOH, we are planning for a safe return that prioritizes learning. What we know is that we will begin the year with a hybrid model (some face to face instruction and some remote instruction).  At this time, FWPS is exploring several hybrid models that provide a combination of face to face instruction and remote learning. We have received input from parents and guardians, scholars and staff. The early results reveal the Pre-K-12 two day face-to-face and 3 day remote model is the most desired option.   Please stay tuned for more information to come in the coming weeks.

3. Health and Safety and Re-Opening: Health and safety are a priority.  As we prepare for our Fall Re-opening, we are using the guidance from the Department of Health and OSPI.  Our district is hard at work developing health and safety protocols with social distancing guidelines, arranging schedules that minimize contact, considering bus transportation and engaging in deep cleaning protocols to minimize the spread of germs.  As part of ensuring a safe learning environment, students will be required to wear face masks.  Please take the time this summer to both reinforce and practice the wearing of face masks. We will continue to place health and safety as a priority as we look toward the Fall.

In partnership,

Helen Babbin
Principal
Meredith Hill Elementary