Flooding Updates

​Dear Ocean Shore Families, 
 
As you have heard from our Superintendent Dr. Olsen, Ocean Shore School will be operating at another location due to flooding damage.  In an effort to get you with information as soon as possible, I have compiled some updates for you.  Please note that more information will be forthcoming and I encourage you to check your email and the PTO website for all updates.  
 
NEXT WEEK:  We will be operating out of Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School (IBL) next week Wednesday 1/22 - Friday 1/24 located at 1427 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044.  
 
Regular minimum day schedule will apply on Wednesday 1/22.  
 
Early dismissal time at 2 pm for ALL students will apply on Thursday 1/23 and Friday 1/24.
 
I had an opportunity to meet with a team of staff on Saturday to brainstorm ways to make our upcoming week productive, engaging and responsive to our students who may feel uncertain about the events related to the flooding.  Here are a few updates for your reference.  
 
Ocean Shore will be operating out of IBL, which is a neighboring school and a larger facility. We are grateful for the swift response of our district partners to help us find a safe and efficient place for our kids to learn!  
 
Updates and Questions You May Have:  
 
Wednesday (Minimum Day):  Student Support Day Wednesday will be a day devoted to responding to our students emotional needs given the flooding episode on Thursday and need to relocate temporarily.  We recognize such changes can be traumatic for our entire community, and we intend to address this as as staff and with our students.  Staff will be working on Tuesday to anticipate strong emotions students may be experiencing.  Extra counseling support from our district will also be available.  I encourage you to communicate with myself or your child’s teacher if you have specific situations you would like us to be aware of for your child.
 
Wednesday will continue to be a minimum day (please adhere to our normal minimum day schedule for start and departure times).  
 
Thursday and Friday:  Field Trip Days and Instruction at IBL  On Thursday and Friday, many classes will use this opportunity to do something we love to do at OSS and do very well - go on field trips!  Our teachers are currently working to create meaningful experiences for our students with the amazing educational resources we have in our community nearby!  Stay tuned for more details as our teachers and field trip coordinators plan these logistics.  Please note our staff will be moving quickly to coordinate these events, and your cooperation and responsiveness to turn in forms quickly will be greatly appreciated.  
 
THURSDAY/FRIDAY - EARLY DEPARTURE FOR STUDENTS GRADE K-8 at 2 pm  (Kindergarten will be dismissed as they normally would at 2 pm).  This will help us minimize traffic congestion and confusion during IBL’s dismissal time at 3 pm.  Staggering our dismissal time will help ease this congestion.  Start time (8:22) will remain the same for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  IBL classes start later in the morning, allowing our students to arrive first.  
 
What If I can’t transport my child to and from IBL (because my child walks to school or attends after school care)?  We will be running shuttle services for students to be transported from OSS to IBL before and after school.  This will include students who attend TTT or CIty Day Care.  TTT and City Day Care will remain open and in operation as their facilities will not be impacted by the flooding damage.  
 
What if I can’t pick up my child by 2 pm on Thursday and Friday?  We will have supervised activities for students in the gym at IBL for students who are not able to be picked up at the 2 pm departure time.  
 
How do I reach the office of Ocean Shore next week?  We will be operating a mobile office on site at IBL during the entire 3 days we are housed at the gym.  Specific location is to-be-determined but signs will be posted on Wednesday 1/22 indicating where this will be located.  Our office will be functioning as it would on site to track attendance, early sign-outs of students, medication/ health needs of students, etc… 
 
How do I reach my child’s teacher?  Teachers will be available via email as they will continue to be working offsite for the duration of next week.  You may also coordinate with you Ombud and field trip coordinator regarding specifics of your child’s class schedule.  I am also available via email for any questions.  
 
How will my child know where to go at IBL on Wednesday?  Be ready to look for the familiar faces of your Ocean Shore Staff team who will be staged around IBL  campus to help students walk to the gym.  Classes will have designated spaces or classrooms.  
 
Can I walk my child onto campus?  Unlike Ocean Shore with three different drop-off locations, IBL has one main drop off spot. Most students walk onto campus without parents as parking is very limited.  We encourage families to drop off their child in front of the school where they will be met by Ocean Shore staff who will walk them to the gym.  Space in the gym will also be limited, so extra parents in the MPR creates added management needs for our staff.  If your child is apprehensive about walking onto campus, let us know so that we can be sure to help them.  
 
How do I get to IBL?  IBL is located close to Ocean Shore at 1427 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044.  Maps of the campus at IBL and how to get there will be made available on Tuesday.  Stay tuned for more details! 
 
How can you help?  We Need Drivers for Field Trips!  We welcome your help to transport our students on field trips!  If you are a cleared driver, please reach out to your child’s field trip coordinator to let us know about your availability next week Thursday and Friday!  We would love your help!  
 
Closing Thoughts:  
While this flooding and subsequent damage has been devastating, I have full confidence in our community’s ability to respond with strength, poise, and care for our ability to respond.  Our collective goal is education continuance in the light of these circumstances.  This provides our school an opportunity to come together with our creative approach to offer students valuable learning opportunities!  We are school that thrives on thinking-out-of-the box and experiential educational experiences.  Field trips are our thing, and teachers are experts at this kind of thing!  
 
My mom often refers to the famous saying… “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”  Our school will be working to create “lemonade” for our kids and a memorable experience for them!  Thank you for your patience, understanding and support.  
 
Please stay tuned for updates as I will be working to update you as soon as possible.  
 
Kindly, 
Julie 
Principal, Ocean Shore School