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Friday, January 22, 2021 Quote of the week: "When day comes we step out of the shade/aflame and unafraid/The new dawn blooms as we free it/For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it/If only we’re brave enough to be it.” -- Amanda Gorman, our first National Youth Poet Laureate Dear Ocean Shore Families, This week seemed lighter and more optimistic than any other week this school year. Even though I'm not seeing students in person, I enjoyed participating in the district wide spirit week. Today was pajama day, but with distance learning, isn't every day pajama day? I know we still have a long way to go before this pandemic is under control. The light at the end of the tunnel still seems like an oncoming train (to paraphrase a line from the poet Robert Lowell). However, I do feel hopeful. Even though President Biden's inauguration ceremony was scaled back, it was joyous. If you didn't get a chance to watch, find a clip of Amanda Gorman, our first National Youth Poet Laureate, reciting her poem "The Hill We Climb". It gave me chills, and reminded me that we all carry light within us. It is our job as parents and educators to find our light (some days we have to dig deep) in order to support those around us. This upcoming week, I'm going to make an effort to see that light in others (especially those I don't always agree with). I'm also going to look for the light within myself, and try to put that light to good use. Take care, Jeanne Shout out of the week: Mike Taylor, the amazing poetry teacher for our 4/5 classes, has shared his SPARC poetry program with hundreds, if not thousands, of Pacifica students over the years. As soon as Amanda Gorman started reciting her poem, I thought of him. Thanks to funding from the Pacifica Education Foundation (PEF), our students have had access to Mike's program and have had the opportunity to work with a poet who also happens to be an extraordinary teacher. Don't forget to support PEF if you can, so that our kids continue to have access to enrichment programs like SPARC poetry, music with Mark, and band! https://www.pacificaef.org/membership. School News: General PTO Meeting: Our General PTO meeting is this Thursday, 1/28 @ 7:00 pm. The agenda will be circulated next week, so please watch for the family education opportunities listed. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/99168384589?pwd=a2pMYWRnTTIzeFRKakF5Y0Zib2tsUT09 Meeting ID: 991 6838 4589 Passcode: 558807 One tap mobile +16699006833,,99168384589#,,,,*558807# US (San Jose) DLG (Diversity Learning Group) Virtual Book Club: This Monday, 1/25 @ 7:00 pm. If you missed the introduction meeting but still want to join in, Adults and 7/8th grade readers are welcome. Please see below plan and next meeting zoom details. The book club aims to promote community discussion focused on the DLG vision “to instill an understanding of the value in acceptance and respect for one another’s differences so that we can grow as a society.” Zoom link: https://fhda-edu.zoom.us/j/6489556005 How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. - This book is described as taking readers through a widening circle of antiracist ideas – from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities - that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves. DLG - Diversity Learning Group - January 27th @ 7-8:30pm The Diversity Learning (DLG) group is back and virtual! DLG serves as a resource for parents, teachers, staff and students in the OSS community to identify and discuss ideas, concerns and areas in need of further growth or awareness. The Diversity Leadership Group’s mission is to provide leadership, guidance and support to the Ocean Shore community to cultivate an environment of inclusion where each individual is valued and respected. Please join our monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of the month, from 7-8:30pm. For more information or to get involved email: dlg@osspto.org Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94549565997?pwd=bFBpcFRoZUZsZ25vL2lnR2Zkenc2UT09 Meeting ID: 945 4956 5997 Passcode: DLG One tap mobile +16699006833,,94549565997#,,,,,,0#,,130538# US (San Jose) Return to School Update: We tested half of our staff members who are at school regularly for COVID 19 this Thursday. The second half will be tested next week. We'll continue to test every two weeks going forward. There is no other news to report. The RTS committee meets again this Tuesday, and I will share any updates from that meeting in my next letter. 
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Jeanne BellingerPrincipal of Ocean Shore. Check back here for weekly updates and messages from the principal. Archives
June 2022
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