Weekly Message and Flooding Updates

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Dear Ocean Shore Families,
 
Hello!  How great to see everyone back “home” on campus and around school!  On behalf of all of our staff and students, thank you.  Your support, flexibility, and understanding have kept us “afloat” over the last few weeks.  The adventure of our flood damage has proven the strength of our community.  Take a moment to reflect on my summary of what happened:
 
Reflections From My Office…A Summary of the Flood:  What started as a flood of rain water turning our school into a riverbed thanks to the failed storm drain turned into an opportunity to demonstrate the strength, resiliency and compassion of an entire community.  So proud of this team that gave their all no matter the odds!  Though our school was relocated for 3 days to another campus (thank you IBL!) while recovery crews put our building back together, kids were safe and happy  - learning without skipping a beat.  Remarkably – teachers worked with parent volunteers to pull together multiple field trips in a matter of days, parents rearranged busy schedules to help volunteer and chaperone, staff worked long hours day and night and our neighboring schools and district staff stepped up to help in every way possible.  Walls and buildings don’t make the team… people do!  Proud to be part of Ocean Shore School and our Pacifica School District! 
 
Share Your Stories of Kindness! Do you have a story to share about how our community has come together?  Please share!  I am collecting your stories to post on our website!  We will archive these anecdotal moments to help us remember the kindness that was exchanged during the Ocean Shore Great Flood of 2020!  Share your stories here: 
 
https://forms.gle/Dt6CtaKfKDa3hrqA8
 
 
Here is a quick recap a parent shared with me last week that I want to share with you!
 
I wanted to give a shout out to all the parents who gave so much of their time for the field trips! I spoke with several today who had been on both days of activities and were exhausted. My husband rearranged his schedule so that I could go on one and although I didn't end up going, I know he was not the only one who was willing to help OSS in this way this week!   (My daughter) came out of school on Wednesday, raised her arms and said,  "We didn't learn ANYTHING today!" It was a fun week for her. I truly appreciate how enthusiastic the teachers and staff were in making this week happen. I feel so lucky to be a part of this community. 
 
 
Updates:  “Pardon Our Dust” During Construction!  What Next? 
 
We have entered a new phase of our Flood.  We are thrilled to be back on campus, however it will be several weeks until classrooms are fully stocked and all damaged walls, floors and cabinets are replaced.  During this time, there will be inconvenience.  Your continued patience and understanding is greatly appreciated!  I will continue to provide you with updates as they become available each week.  I encourage you to reach out to myself or your child’s teacher with any questions!  Our goal continues to be to provide our students with the least disruptive environment, despite the challenges of construction. 
 
What If My Child Still Has Missing Materials or Jackets? Many of the classroom materials that were boxed up for storage could include jackets or clothing left in the classroom.  If your child is missing items still, here are several options: 
 
Check our Lost and Found!  It is currently overflowing with items - many of them from the day the flood.  Items were stored in bags during the construction of the week we were away, and are now hanging to be returned to families. 
 
Wait Until the Boxes Are Returned to the Classroom:  Some clothing may still be in the boxes in the storage pods.  All of these items will be returned to classrooms later this month when the shelves and cabinets are restored.  It is likely that your child’s missing item will be part of these things.  Instead of having the crew unpack all of the boxes in the storage pod to find one personal item, we ask that you wait until all items are returned so that we can prioritize the workforce to get all of the school fully operational. 
 
If You Are Missing An Essential Item:  If you are unable to wait several weeks to have the personal item retrieved due to an emergency, please let me know.  We will work with the team to help retrieve this item. 
 
What Do the Classrooms Look Like?  Classroom materials, furniture, rugs and supplies were boxed up and are currently being stored in the storage pods on our black tops.  This is because most countertops and many classroom cabinets, cubbies and bookshelves were damaged.  While they are being replaced, most nonessential classroom items will be stored in the storage pods.   This week, teachers have worked with the recovery crew from Belfour to retrieve items they need over the next few weeks.  Classrooms are configured with furniture and items in place so that students are safe and teachers can continue instruction with necessary items.  In the coming weeks after school hours, the Belfour crew will be working to refinish walls and install missing countertops and cabinets. 
 
Which Classrooms or Rooms are Available?  All of our main classrooms are open and restored for students.  Some of our special rooms are also ready for students, such as our science lab.  The MPR and cafeteria are fully operational, as our most breakout rooms (however materials in breakout rooms are still in storage).  Other rooms such as our library, computer lab, art room, some offices, and workrooms are still being repaired and not available to students yet. 
 
After School Access:  Please help us get our construction underway by vacating campus when the students are dismissed at 3 pm! All after-school events have been cancelled or postponed for the month of February.  This is because the construction crew begins working on our campus as soon as students leave at 3 pm.  We will be providing you with updates on when meetings and other events have been either rescheduled and held offsite or postponed to March.  Please note, this also includes all After School Enrichment Programs. 
 
How Can Parents Help?  Are There Fundraising Needs?  No fundraising needed at this time but help around classroom needs, projects and field trips is especially helpful!  So many gracious parents have offered to help our school be restored!  Fortunately, we are working through our insurance company to replace all items that were damaged in the flood, including the personal property of teachers and all school items such as classroom rugs and furniture.  If you wish to help, please contact your child’s teacher about specific classroom needs such as volunteering opportunities.  If families wish to give a monetary donation, funding donations can go directly to the PTO.   
 
Weekly Flyers:  
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