Freedom Elementary
Home of the Falcons
"EMPOWER, ENGAGE, AND EDUCATE ALL STUDENTS"
Jean Wiersema, Principal
Ashley Gunzenhauser, Assistant Principal
Lucy Hakimi, Office Manager
Rene Zuniga, Staff Secretary
Lisette Haro, Staff Secretary
Address: 2101 Fine Avenue, Modesto, CA 95355
Phone: (209) 552-3400
Fax: (209) 552-3405
Attendance Email:
freedom-attendance@sylvan.k12.ca.us
Current Year: School Registration Information
News and Announcements
2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Parent Teacher Conference Week
Tuesday, March 9th - Thursday, March 11th
Early Dismissal
K-p.m. – 5th Grade students will be DISMISSED AT 1:50 pm
PTA ANNOUNCEMENT!
Our school’s Book Fair is going online March 1st -14th!
Discover new books sure to keep kids reading. Every purchase supports our school. Use this link to shop our book fair. https://www.scholastic.com/bf/freedomelementary19
Per Sylvan District's reopening plan, SUSD is now preparing to transition TK-3rd grade students to Trimester 3, and, at the same time, plan for reopening schools for in-person learning in 4th and 5th grades. The reopening for in-person learning in 4th and 5th grades continues to be subject to County Public Health approval. We anticipate receiving an update from Public Health in mid-February.
As always, our highest priority is the health and safety of students as we provide a comprehensive learning experience. On February 1st, the district posted an updated COVID Safety Plan on our district website that aligns with the most recent guidance from the California Department of Public Health. Please refer to this document if you would like to review the efforts our district is taking to ensure a safe in-person learning environment.
As we prepare to reopen schools for in-person learning, in alignment with guidance from state and local officials, families are required to commit to a learning option on the form at the end of this message for the remainder of Trimester 3 which begins on Monday, March 1. In-person learning at all elementary sites will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:15 p.m. with exception of AM Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten.
You will be asked to provide information for each of your children who attend a Sylvan District school in grades TK-5th. If you have more than one child, who attend a Sylvan District school, you will be asked to provide information for each of your children.
If your child is in a Special Education Special Day Class in Sylvan District, you will receive a separate selection form from the Special Education Department.
It is critical that we receive a response for every child in every grade so that we may appropriately prepare for both in-person instruction and ongoing distance learning in our Sylvan SeLECT model.
Sylvan District is offering 2 learning options for grades TK-5 for Trimester 3:
1ST OPTION:
Sylvan SeLECT Distance Learning: Each day, students will continue to learn at home using a mix of print and digital materials. Virtual instruction will be provided by a classroom teacher.
2ND OPTION:
In-Person Learning: Students in TK-3 will attend school 5 full days per week and receive direct instruction from a classroom teacher. Students in 4th or 5th grade will attend school in a cohort (A or B) for two full days per week and receive direct instruction in-person from a classroom teacher. Cohort A will meet in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cohort B will meet in-person on Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays and on days that a student’s cohort does not meet for in-person instruction, the student will participate in synchronous and asynchronous instruction via a distance learning model. When in-person, the classroom and the school will adhere to social distancing restrictions and requirements, including that students attending in-person wear a mask as per regulations. Efforts will be made to ensure that siblings are assigned to the same cohort. However, requests for cohorts cannot be considered at this time.
NOTE: Due to staffing needs, keep in mind that your child's teacher may change based on the number of students enrolled in each option.
NOTE: Due to social distancing requirements on buses, there is limited ability to provide district transportation to students. Please keep in mind that it is highly unlikely that transportation will be provided for students who choose in-person learning. However, if there is an extenuating circumstance, please note this in your response to the transportation question. The district will determine priority for transportation based on specific needs.
If we do not receive a response regarding your learning option selection by Tuesday, February 9 at 9:00 am, your child(ren) will be assigned to Distance Learning Sylvan SeLECT for Trimester 3.
We thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this selection form.
This selection form closes on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.
SUSD TK-5th Grade Trimester 3 Family Learning Option Selection Form
SPANISH - SUSD TK-5 Grade Trimester 3 Family Learning Option Selection Form
2021-2022 School Year Pre-Registration
2021-2022 TK/K Priority Registration Window
January 25, 2021 through February 12, 2021
2021-2022 1st-8th Grade Registration
Opens February 13, 2021
TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN:
If you have a child who will be 5 years of age between Sept. 2, 2021 and Dec. 2, 2021, please register your child for Transitional Kindergarten at your attendance area school.
KINDERGARTEN:
If you have a child who will be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2021, please register your child for Kindergarten at your attendance area school.
ALL NEW STUDENTS TO SYLVAN DISTRICT
https://sylvan.asp.aeries.net/enrollment/
Complete on-line enrollment. Enrollment Forms 2, 3 and 4 will need to be completed and filled out in paper form. You can access those forms here. Instructions for Aeries Online Enrollment can be accessed here.
If your child is already attending a Transitional Kindergarten or Special Education PreFormal program in Sylvan District, you do NOT need to complete the online enrollment. A letter will be sent home to these families explaining the enrollment process for Kindergarten.
Documents Needed:
Original Certified Birth Certificate
Immunization record including:
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Varicella Vaccine (chicken pox) or health-care provider documentation of immunity
2 Varicella Doses required
Proof of physical exam or appointment scheduled for an exam (for enrolling Kindergarten students, exams dated after 3/1/21 also meet the 1st grade physical exam requirement)
Proof of residency (2):
Current utility bills with parent/guardian name
2nd Verification may include, but not limited to: property tax bill or rental property contract/lease, pay stub, voter registration
Proof of Oral Health Exam or appointment scheduled
2020-2021 School Year Pre-Registration
Click on this Link to Enroll: 20/21 Pre-Registration
or Enroll at the Sylvan Union School District Website
Pre-Enrollment is Now Open for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten
REGISTRATION NIGHT IS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020 From 6 P.M. - 8 P.M. IN THE MPR
TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN:
If you have a child who will be 5 years of age between Sept. 2, 2020 and Dec. 2, 2020, please register your child for Transitional Kindergarten at your attendance area school.
KINDERGARTEN:
If you have a child who will be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1, 2020, please register your child for Kindergarten at your attendance area school.
ALL NEW STUDENTS TO SYLVAN DISTRICT
https://sylvan.asp.aeries.net/air/
Complete on-line enrollment. Enrollment Forms 2 and 4 will need to be completed and filled out in paper form. You can access those forms here. Instructions for Aeries Online Enrollment can be accessed here.
If your child is already attending a Transitional Kindergarten program in Sylvan District, you do NOT need to complete the online enrollment. A letter will be sent home to these families explaining the enrollment process for Kindergarten.
Documents Needed:
Original Certified Birth Certificate
Immunization record including:
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Varicella Vaccine (chicken pox) or health-care provider documentation of immunity
2 Varicella Doses required
Proof of physical exam or appointment scheduled for an exam (for enrolling Kindergarten students, exams dated after 3/1/20 also meet the 1st grade physical exam requirement)
Proof of residency (2):
Current utility bills with parent/guardian name
2nd Verification may include, but not limited to: property tax bill or rental property contract/lease, pay stub, voter registration
Proof of Oral Health Exam or appointment scheduled
Immunization Record - visit Parents' Guide to Immunizations for School Entry for entry requirements by age and grade.
2020-2021
1st Grade through 8th Grade
Pre-Enrollment Will Open on February 4, 2020
Freedom Families,
You're doing a great job! We also want you to know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed or need some help. At Freedom, we want you to know we're here for you. If you're struggling with mental health wellness in your family, or even having a hard time with distance learning. Our Mental Health Professionals are here for you. If you'd like a member of our team to reach out to your family directly, click the link below to request support. Mental Health Matters and it's okay to ask for help because you're not alone.
http://bit.ly/contactrequestfreedom
Megan Levin - School Counselor (209) 312-7582 or (209) 552-3400 ext. 5535
COVID-19 Data and Resources
We continue to work with all of our stakeholders on communication regarding our response and safety protocols for COVID-19. We monitor our county case numbers and data and continually review updates from the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, California Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
November 19, 2020: Superintendent Eric Fredrickson's Parent Update regarding our district's return to in-person learning and information regarding possible school closures.
November 17, 2020 Board Meeting Presentation
11-19-20 Parent Update (English)
11-19-20 Parent Update (Spanish)
October 18, 2020: Family Forum
10/8/2020 Family Forum Slide Presentation
10/8/2020 Family Forum Presentation Recording
September 16, 2020: Superintendent's Update regarding the return to in-person learning.
August 19, 2020: Superintendent Fredrickson's Parent Letter/Update
July 28, 2020: Sylvan Parent/Community Forum
July 17, 2020: Superintendent Fredrickson's Parent Letter/Update
July 16, 2020: Sylvan Parent/Community Forum
INTERNET OFFERS
During school closures, parents may be looking for affordable internet providers. We offer the following information as a courtesy to our Sylvan parents/guardians.
Internet For All Now: The California Emerging Technology Fund has provided this link to affordable offers as well as a number to call (1-844-841-INFO (4636)) someone who can assist parents: Affordable Internet Offers
Some cell phone providers are offering the tethering (hotspot) functionality for existing cell phones for free during this time of need. We recommend that parents reach out to their current mobile providers to see what they are offering at this time.
PROVIDER
FCC LifelineProgram
Federal Communication Commission Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers
Search for Lifeline Providers in Your Area
Comcast/Xfinity
http://www.comcastcorporation.com/COVID-19/
COVID-19 Response: New customers who sign-up for Internet Essentials will receive 60 days of free internet service, increase speeds from 15/2 to 25/3, 40 hours of Xfinity Wifi hotspots per month and open on an unlimited basis.
Internet Essentials Free to New Customers
Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone
Pausing Our Data Plan
No Disconnects or Late Fees
AT&T
https://accessatt.solixcs.com/#/home (855) 220-5211
COVID-19 Response: No termination regardless of ability to pay, waive late payment fees due to inability to pay, and keep public wifi hotspots open for those who need them.
Up to $10 per month (plus taxes)
10 Mbps
No term commitment
No deposit
No installation fee
In-home Wi-Fi modem included
Spectrum/Charter
https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist
COVID-19 Response: Charter Communications, Spectrum’s parent company, announced Friday that beginning March 16, it will make its services available for free for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who don’t already have internet through the company.
Free Internet modem
High-speed Internet at 30 Mbps
No data caps
No contracts
Optional in-home WiFi service at $5/mo
Sprint
https://newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.htm
COVID-19 Response:
Sprint announced on Friday the following general response. For the next 60 days:
No disconnects or late fees
Starting on Tuesday, March 17: Complimentary international calling rates from the U.S. to countries defined by the CDC as Level 3.
By Thursday, March 19: Metered data plans receive unlimited data for 60 days. Additional 20GB of mobile hotspot data per month for 60 days
Coming soon: Mobile hotspot-capable handsets who don’t have mobile hotspot today will receive 20GB per month for 60 days
For 1Million Project Foundation participants only: Data allotment per student increased to 20GB each month from now through June 30, 2020. Acceleration of receipt of more than 100,000 new devices intended for use next school year
T-Mobile
https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-update-on-covid-19-response
COVID-19 Response: for the next 60 days
ALL current customers will have unlimited smartphone data (excluding roaming).
An additional 20GB of mobile hotspot / tethering service
extra free data up to 5GB of data per month
Increasing the data allowance for free to schools and students using our EmpowerED digital learning programs to ensure each participant has access to at least 20GB of data per month
Sonic
Serving mainly Bay Area and Sonoma Counties
Cox
https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete.html
COVID-19 Response: New customers will receive their first month of service free. Offer available through 5/12/20. Remote customer service support at no charge between now and 5/12/20.
$9.95 per month (plus taxes)
10 Mbps
No term commitment
No deposit
No installation fee
In-home Wi-Fi modem included
CARRIERS THAT MARKET PAID/LOW COST WIRELESS HOTSPOTS:
Mobile Citizen
Plans starting at $10/month
Human-I-T
Low-cost Internet and devices
Kajeet
Offers 4-month plans
AERIES PARENT PORTAL
ACCESS TO 2020-2021
TEACHER/CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
The Aeries Parent Portal is an online resource that will allow parents/guardians to access teacher/class assignments, attendance records, report cards, standardized test scores, communication and much more throughout the school year.
If you have any questions or need assistance please contact your school office or send an email to aeries@sylvan.k12.ca.us
Sylvan Union School District - Special Education invites you to our Parent Workshops
We believe that parents and guardians are a child’s first and most influential teacher. Continued parent involvement contributes to student success and creates valued relationships with educators and other members of the community. We invite you to participate in various parent workshops that address common themes and topics within special education. Meetings are held monthly at the District Office. Please call (209)574-5000 with any questions.
Please click here for the Parent Workshop calendar: www.sylvan.k12.ca.us/specialed
School Hours
AM Kindergarten 8:30 - 11:30
PM Kindergarten 10:40 - 2:15
Grades 1 - 5 8:30 - 2:15
Every WEDNESDAY Dismissal is 1:50 From 8/21-5/6
8:00 Gates Open/Breakfast - Please do not drop your student(s) off at school prior to 8:00
Bell Schedule
8:25 First Bell
8:30 Tardy Bell
2:15 Dismissal Bell
Every WEDNESDAY Dismissal is 1:50 From 8/21-5/6
Sylvan Union School District 2020/2021 Calendar:
https://www.sylvan.k12.ca.us/pf4/cms2/view_page?d=x&group_id=1525505076571&vdid=im34a1uwivvnl5