January 9, 2025 RCSD Educator Digest

Communications

ParentSquare Permission Slips Now Available
You can now include permission slips in your posts to families. Having permission forms sent via ParentSquare instead of paper has the following benefits:

• Convenience for Families: Electronic forms allow parents/guardians to sign permission slips instantly from their phones, tablets, or computers, eliminating the need to print, sign, and return paper forms. This convenience can increase response rates and reduce delays.
• Improved Communication: Digital forms can include links, videos, and additional resources directly in the permission slip, offering families quick access to all necessary information about the activity or trip.
• Enhanced Security and Privacy: Electronic permission slips can be managed with secure logins and authentication, ensuring that sensitive student information (allergies, emergency contact information, etc.) remains protected. Digital records reduce the chance of misplaced or mishandled information.
• Cost Savings: Switching to digital permission slips saves on the costs of printing, distributing, and collecting physical forms, which can add up.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: By going paperless, districts can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, saving on the paper, ink, and physical storage space needed for paper forms.
• Efficient Record-Keeping: Digital submissions allow for easy storage and retrieval, simplifying record-keeping and reducing the risk of lost or damaged documents. Digital records are also easy to access for compliance or audit purposes.
• Quicker Access to Data: Digital forms can be accessed from anywhere, enabling staff to immediately access permission status and student-specific details without needing to bring and sort through papers. This is especially useful for quick checks during activities or emergencies.
• Inclusivity for All Families: Electronic permission slips will be translated into the family’s home languages, providing access to non-English-speaking families.
• Easier Parent Notifications and Follow-Up: For parents/guardians who forget to respond, automated reminders can be sent directly through ParentSquare to only those families. This helps ensure high response rates without requiring additional manual follow-up from school staff.

Current forms include:

• PARENT PERMISSION FOR SCHOOL-RELATED FIELD TRIPS AND CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
• PARENT PERMISSION FOR SCHOOL-RELATED FIELD TRIPS AND CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT - LUNCH INCLUDED
• and more are on the way!

Need a form/permission slip added to the list? Email Jessica Hull at jhull@rcsdk8.org.
To attach a permission slip to a post, select the “Forms/Permissions” tab at the left and select from the drop down menu. A step-by-step is available here.
Be sure to include your site front office staff as administrators on your post so they can access the form.
Contact: Jessica Hull

Educational Services

6-8 Professional Development Cycle
6-8 Math, ELA, and RSP teachers will attend a Professional Development Cycle this January. Please review this PD Cycle Schedule to see which date your PLC will be attending and email Kelly Yusim if you notice any discrepancies in department placements or PLC members listed.
Contact: Kelly Yusim, Lisa Wegsteen, or Brienne Reid

Progress Reports
A reminder, Elementary Progress Reports need to go home by Friday, January 24th. Progress Report PLC prep day is January 15th.
Please see the documents below for additional information:
Progress Report Communication - This document includes information regarding what is required regarding Progress Reports and an explanation on how to use the Progress Reports.
RCSD Elementary Progress Reports - This document has linked to all progress reports.

Middle School Mid-Trimester Progress Check
Middle School Teachers: An email from the school site will go home on Friday, January 24th to remind parents they can check grades in Otus. Here is a sample of the message that will be sent home by the school site. A reminder all students should have a grade for both Engagement and Work Completion.
Contact: Angela Garcia

i-Ready/IXL Window 2
The iReady and IXL (6-8 Math) window is from December 9th - January 24th. Please work with your PLC and site to determine when you would like to administer the second diagnostic. Below are some resources to help celebrate growth and effort on the assessments.
i-Ready Student Certificates
i-Ready Encouragement Cards
IXL Certificates
Contact: Kelly Yusim/Lisa Wegsteen

K-8 Science Materials: Ordering From the Media Center
If you need materials for a science lab you are planning, you can order materials from the Media Center through your site’s Library Media Specialist.
List of Science Materials
To place an order, please follow the steps provided at the top of the first tab called “Complete List/Order Form”. The Science section of the Key Resources document has been updated to include this resource.
Contact: Lisa Wegsteen