Reminders:
Sign up for hot lunch at www.gansinai.org/hotlunch
Don't forget to update your family information (if anything has changed) on the Famly app.
Get all the latest info and links at www.gansinai.org/greatthings.
Dear Parents,
We are so excited for another wonderful school year to begin. This page contains a ton of really important information so please read it carefully.
Famly App
Beginning after camp, all school communication will happen within the Famly app. If you are new to our community, please download the app (iPhone or Android) to your phone or just go to app.famly.co and login with the credentials you set up when you received (or soon will receive) your account email. Here's how to get set up in Famly:
After logging into the app, please click into your child’s profile and then click on the avatar above your child’s name. Upload your favorite picture of your little one. Next, click on the “About” tab. Please fill in all of the fields. You’ll want to do this under “Basic Info” and “Health”. You can ignore “Registration & Room Moves.” If any of your personal information such as cell phone or email changes, you can log in and update your information anytime you need to right from the app.
Next, please “X” out of “About” and update the “Contacts” tab. Please add, not only guardian names and information but also anyone you would like to be authorized to pick your child up. When you create a new contact you’ll be able to choose either “Parent”, “Family” or "Pickup". The “Family” option allows for family members to view photos and pick up your child. The "Pickup" option allows people to pick up your child. They won’t need to have the app. Please also upload your photo here and ask your other contacts to do the same so we can easily recognize everyone who may come to pick up your child.
That’s it. Now, you will receive instant information about your child’s growth and development. By using Famly, you will also receive all messages from teachers and the center in one centralized place including accident reports which you will be able to “sign” right on the app. You can adjust how you receive notifications by clicking on your avatar in the top right corner of the app and choosing “Your Settings'' and then “Notifications and Messaging”. You can always learn more about the Famly app at www.gansinai.org/famly.
COVID-19
We have been working tirelessly to have a COVID policy in place that meets the needs of our children, staff, and parents. Upon discussion with parents, teachers, staff and members of our Covid Task Force, our Board of Trustees has revised our mask policy for Gan Sinai. This policy is not permanent and we will continue to monitor all recommendations made as the spread of this virus continues. Masks will now be optional in each classroom except for one PK4 class in which masks will be required. The full updated mask policy is as follows:
Facial masks for children 2 and older are one of the most important tools we have to stop the spread of COVID 19.
Face masks may not be worn by children under 2 years old.
In all TGS, PK2 and PK3 classrooms face masks are optional and encouraged for all children 2 years and older.
In Ms. Lauren's PK4 classroom, face masks are optional and encouraged.
In Ms. Stephanie's PK4 classroom, face masks are required for all children at all times when indoors except when eating.
All individuals age 2 and older are required to wear cloth or disposable face coverings when indoors but not in their classroom.
Staff members are required to wear facial coverings while indoors.
Along with the policy change regarding masks, we are asking for more diligence from you, our families. We are asking not to send children in with even the slightest sniffle or cough. We will be requiring more testing for absences or travel. We are asking people to refrain from large gatherings, playdates indoors with children from outside out of school. Please also note that classes will not be mixing to reduce any possible transmission of illness from one group to another. Unfortunately, at this time, parents are not allowed in the building during school hours.
We are trusting you to help us keep our school safe. Masks are always encouraged, and parents should continue to work with their children on using them, but they will not be forced on the child at school. The children should bring a mask each day for entry in and out of the building and for moving through the hallways.
Please take the time to review our full COVID precautions at www.gansinai.org/covid. These policies will need to be agreed to by each family.
As always, we remain committed to protecting your children and our staff and look forward to a great school year.
Class Placement
In placing children in classes, we have honored your requests regarding the wearing of masks. We have also done our best to honor any other teacher or placement requests you may have made. You can view our class lists here: 2021 Class Lists
Supplies
You can find an Amazon shopping list for the supplies you’ll need to bring into school below. Lists will be up to date for the 2021 school year by the end of the day on Friday, July 30.
Back to School
As we prepare for the year we want to give you and your children the opportunity to meet their teachers, see their rooms and get excited. On Thursday evening, August 19th from 7pm-8:30pm we invite all parents and guardians to join us in the Gan at Home Zoom room to meet the teachers and hear about our vision for the year. You can join our Gan at Home Zoom room clicking on the blue Zoom icon at the top this page. Use the passcode: ganathome, to join the meeting.
On Friday morning, August 20th we hope both you and your children will come in for our “Welcome Back Morning”. The schedule for the morning is as follows:
TGS-Ms. Sybila, Ms. Elena and Ms. Sandra (9:00-9:30am)
PK2-Ms. Gina (9:45 – 10:15am)
PK2-Ms. Shirley (10:30-11:00am)
PK3-Ms. Anat (11:15– 11:45am)
PK3-Ms. Karol (12:00-12:30pm)
PK4-Ms. Lauren (12:45 – 1:15pm)
PK4-Ms. Stephanie (1:30-2:00pm)
When you come in each family will receive two carpool cards so you can easily access campus for drop off and pick up.
Forms
Before the school year begins we need to ask you to submit the following:
All children are required to have medical forms (#680 and #3040) in their files before they can attend school. Forms are available in your pediatrician’s office.
Each child must have a copy of their Birth Certificate in their school file.
Please bring them to our Welcome Back Morning on Friday, August 20 or email them to rabbi.david@tsnd.org.
Next week, you will receive an email with all of the required DCF forms for you to sign. These are e-sign so you don’t need to print anything out.
Slow Start
To help our TGS and PK2 children transition into our program in the most comfortable way possible we begin the first week of school slowly.
Monday August 23rd TGS and PK2 children come for 1 hour from 9am-10am. You are welcome to hang around outside as your children discover their room, teacher and new friends.
Tuesday August 24th, the children come for 2 hours from 9am-11am.
Wednesday, August 25th your children stay all the way through lunch! We encourage you to treat yourself to a morning off (or perhaps take the time to run some errands).
VPK
Attention PK4 parents: If you have not yet signed up for VPK, please do so. You can learn all about VPK at www.gansinai.org/vpk. In order for you to receive the financial benefit I must receive your approved VPK certificate before school begins so I can enroll your child. Please email it to me at rabbi.david@tsnd.org.
Every Child Excels
The Every Child Excels initiative at Gan Sinai helps ensure that children have access to the finest physical, occupational, and speech therapists in a dedicated and familiar space within our facility at a subsidized cost. We are thrilled to be able to offer free Occupational and Speech screenings to all of our students. If you would like to schedule a screening for your child, please complete the appropriate form (linked above) and send it in to school with your child or email it to rabbi.david@tsnd.org.
Thank you!
If you have any questions at all, please check the Gan Sinai website at www.gansinai.org or reach out to me at rabbi.david@tsnd.org. Beginning after camp, August 7th, all communications will happen in the Famly app. If you need help getting set up with the app please let me know.
Here’s to a wonderful year of playing, learning, and growing together!