Welcome Back Letter from Dr. Arduino

August 18, 2020

Topic: Updates

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year from Tarkington Elementary, a No Excuses University.  I hope all of our families are having a safe and enjoyable summer vacation.  We are excited about starting the new school year and working together to continue making Tarkington a great place to learn.

As you know, the school year is starting remotely this year for all students.  Over the summer, families had an option for two styles of remote learning. Option 1:  Start remotely with the goal (depending on the current pandemic) of returning to in person learning on October 5.  Option 2:  Sign-up for the District’s Distance Learning Academy (DLA) and stay remote for a minimum of one semester (12 weeks).  After that time, parents can re-evaluate their options for return to in person learning. The table below shows the differences between the two.

In-Person/Remote Distance Learning Academy (DLA)
Remote with the intent of returning to in person by 10/5 Remote for a minimum of 12 weeks
Taught by Tarkington Staff Taught by a D21 Staff Member, not necessarily a Tarkington Staff Member
Classes consists of students assigned to  Tarkington attendance area Classes consists of students from throughout D21
Teacher assignments come from Tarkington email Teacher assignments come from D21 email

Classroom/Teacher Assignments
Families who signed up for the DLA will receive their teacher assignment from District 21 sometime today or over the weekend via email.  Families who opted for the In-person/Remote model will receive their teacher assignments from Tarkington sometime today or over the weekend as well. This will be communicated via email.

First Days of School
Grades 1 through 5 begin school on Thursday, August 20. This is a full day of school from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.  Classroom teachers will email families previous to this date to introduce themselves and give a brief overview of what the student day will look like.

Kindergarten:  The first day of  Kindergarten is Friday, August 21.  This is also a full day of school from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.  Classroom teachers will email families previous to this date to introduce themselves and give a brief overview of what the student day will look like.

Chromebook Pick-up: Kindergarten and New Students ONLY:
Kindergarten Parents:  Please plan on coming to Tarkington on Thursday, 8/20 anytime between 10 AM and Noon to pick up your child’s Chromebook, protective case, and getting started manual.  We ask that families remain in their car when approaching the building. We will place materials directly in your trunk.

New Students in 1-5: Please come to the office any day next week from 8:30-4:00 to pick-up your child’s chromebook.  Kindergarten parents who are not available to come during their designated time (8/20 from 10 to noon) may come to the school office on these days as well to pick up items.

Returning students in grades 1-5 will also be receiving district issued supplies at a later date.

On behalf of the Tarkington Faculty, we look forward to working with you and your children in making this a great school year.

Joe Arduino, Principal