Lowell Lions Roar!
January 2018
From the desk of Mrs. Larva
New Security Access Procedure
With our new year comes yet another new procedure. Beginning on January 3, our security access to the building will be changed to allow for increased security in the afternoon for our students attending our PM preschool program. The doors will automatically unlock as usual at the end of the day when our school-aged students are being dismissed. However, they will re-secure at 2:30. This will remain in effect until 3:10 PM, in which we then go back to the regular end of day security level, allowing parents to freely enter the site with normal end of day open doors to pick up their preschool students.
Hour of Code
What is the Hour of Code?
"The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts."
From: hourofcode.com
In December, Lowell students in grades 2-5 participated in the Hour of Code during their scheduled Media Center times. Students in grades 2 and 3 coded a Moana game while grades 4 and 5 worked on Minecraft. Students and faculty from the College of St. Scholastica’s Computer Science Department were on hand to help out and brought Ozobots to classrooms for coding activities. Hour of Code is a global movement to bring more attention to computer science in grades K-12.
Signing up for February Conferences
Our first semester will be ending in January, and teachers will be reporting out the progress of students at our February conferences.
Directions for signing up:
To create an account in Sign-up Genius: https://goo.gl/4a7qop
To sign up for Thursday, February 8, 2018: https://goo.gl/UQmgNi
To sign up for Tuesday, February 13, 2018: https://goo.gl/aNPS8y
Click on the time slot under the correct teacher to reserve your conference time.
Local MLK Community Events
- Jan 11: Mayoral Reception 6apm at AICHO, 202 West 2nd St. Duluth
- Jan 12: Rhythm & Hues 5:30pm Dinner & 7pm Show at Peace United Church of Christ, 1111 N 11th Ave
- Jan 13: Youth Nation 12pm-4pm Denfeld High School
- Jan 14: Inter-Faith Worship Service 5pm at First Presbyterian Church of Duluth, 300 East 2nd St.
- Jan 15: Community Breakfast 7:30am at Holy Family Catholic Church of Duluth 2430 West 3rd St.
- Jan 15: March & Rally~ Gather at Washington Center, 310 N !st Ave W at 10am. March out at 11am. Rally starts at 12pm at the D.E.C.C.
Important Upcoming Dates
Jan 10: Immersion Information Night @ 5:30pm
Jan 15: Martin Luther King Jr Day (No School)
Jan 16: Lowell's Night at Little Angie's 4:30-8:00pm
Jan 17: PTA Meeting @ 6pm
Jan 18: School Talent Show @ 6pm
Jan 19: Semester break (No School)
Jan 26: Teacher Professional Development (No School)
Save the Date: Semester conference nights will be on February 8 and 13. Sign-up information will be coming out in the next couple of weeks.
Once a Week, Take a Peek
Head lice can be an uncomfortable but common issue among children. An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occur each year among U.S. children 3 to 11 years of age. Head lice do not carry diseases. Personal hygiene or household or school cleanliness are not factors for infestation. Lice do not jump or fly; they only move by crawling. They spread mostly by direct head-to-head contact.
As a matter of routine, families should check their child’s head regularly for signs of head lice - especially elementary school-age children.
If head lice are found in your child's hair or scalp, please talk with your school nurse, pediatrician or family physician to get appropriate care. There are a number of new prescription treatment options that are safe and easy to use. There's no scientific evidence that home remedies are effective treatments.
Head lice are a nuisance but manageable. Remember – Once a Week, Take a Peek!
Check the MN Department of Health for more information:
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/headlice/index.html
The Math Corner
Unlock the code.
Help your child recognize numbers and think critically by appealing to his love of mystery. Write out all the letters in the alphabet on a sheet of paper, leaving room underneath each letter for a number. Under each letter, write the numbers from 1 to 26. In other words, a=1, b=2, etc. Practice writing coded messages using numbers rather than letters. You can use the code to leave simple messages from one another.
Cindy Upton, Math Interventionist
Lost and Found
Come check out the growing mountain of Lost and Found items located near our cafeteria entrance. Items found around the school will often make their way down to the baskets and hanging area. They need to be matched with their owner.
To help us return lost items to children, please label all clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. with your child's name. After a reasonable amount of time, unclaimed items will be given to a charitable organization.
Winter Preparedness
We find that students are often missing boots and snowpants. These items are not readily on hand for students to borrow. Please make sure to send your child each day with all needed items (boots, hats, mittens, jackets, snowpants, and scarves).
If you need assistance with outdoor winter attire, please contact Taylor Walling or Amanda Borling.
On Time and Absence Reminders
Please ensure that your child arrives to school on time each day. We have noticed an increase in tardies and absences with the colder weather. We understand that weather can cause delays. Please try to get your child to school by the start time of 7:45am.
Also, parents/guardians are required to call the attendance line or main office when their child(ren) is sick or will not be in school. Attendance letters are mailed out if students have 3 or more "unexcused" absences. Additionally, letters will be mailed out for students that have more than 10 excused absences. Remember: Every minute counts in your child's education.
What Should I do if my Child is Sick?
- has a fever of 100 degrees or more (if this is the case, your child should stay home for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of medicine)
- has vomited/has diarrhea (if this is the case, your child should remain at home 24 hours after it has stopped)
- has a persistent cough
- has any rash
- has open or draining skin sores
- has eyes or ears that have pus drainage
If your child is ill, please call the attendance line to report the absence: 218-336-8895
If your child has influenza-like symptoms, please report it to the school nurse.
Tips to help your family stay healthy:
- cough or sneeze into your sleeve
- wash hands frequently
- avoid sharing personal items: drinks, food, eating utinsils
- get a flu shot
- get sleep
Lowell Happenings
Immersion Information Night
Research suggests language immersion may contribute to academic achievement, and that students exhibit greater problem-solving abilities, flexible thinking and advanced language literacy and proficiency.
Learn more about the benefits, the specific Ojibwe and Spanish language program models offered, and steps in the application process. Registration for this fall begins January 10- space is limited.
For more information: www.isd709.org
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018, 05:30 PM
2000 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN, United States
Kristin Bergerson, PE Specialist
218-336-8895 #3002
In Physical Education class we focus on “Being Good Team Members” and the understanding that activities and games work when we are SAFE, KIND, RESPECTFUL, and HONEST Always!
Dates to remember!
Jump for Heart Kick-Off, February 7 in the Lowell Gym at 1:30. Fourth and Fifth graders will be performing!
Jump for Heart stations during PE time on February 14-15.
Movie night for students earning money for the American Heart Association will be in March from 2:30 - 4:00. More information coming soon!
Winter Activities:
Holiday Flashlight tag! A great hit as always! Jingle Bell Dance, Cooperative Games, Nature Play and fort building, Kaiser Ball, Rhythms and Dance, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Snowshoeing, Gymnastics, WINTER Olympic Games, Jump for Heart Kick off and Jump for Heart Stations, jump rope activities including the jump rope Tiger Jungle Obstacle Course!
Our grades 4-5 students are practicing their exhibition performances for the Jump for heart Kick-Off !
The UMD Methods Course students will be at Lowell starting in January until the end of April. Eight students from UMD will be visiting our awesome school/Gym and bring their expertise and great ideas for teaching our students.
LAKE SUPERIOR CIRCLE TOUR
We are exercising our way around Lake Superior! Every ten minutes of exercise equals one mile. Our map is on the wall in the gym. So far, we exercised our way to Sault Ste. Marie!
Action Based Learning!
Brain research supports the link of movement and physical activity to increased academic performance. The Lowell PE program provides motor learning activities to strengthen cognitive development. In addition to our Physical Education program, Action Based Learning activities are available in the Barnes Gym for all students.
DON’T Forget Your GYM SHOES!
Dylan the Dog
Lowell Talent Show
Your talent can be anything you love to do: singing, playing an instrument, dancing, poetry, telling jokes, just about anything! Performances can be no longer than 3 minutes.
Parents please make sure your child's materials and dress are appropriate.
Please contact Leslie Bucar at 218-733-3951 or lesliebucar@yahoolcom if you have any questions.
Thursday, Jan 18, 2018, 06:00 PM
2000 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN, United States
Snapshots
3rd grade Visit to the Duluth Police Station
Hour of Code
Pictures 1 and 2: Mr Erie’s class working with ozobots for the Hour of Code with St. Scholastica computer science students. Picture 3: Students working on coding in the computer lab.
Thank you to Amy Lundberg for helping to coordinate this awesome learning experience.
Golden Spoon Winners
Kindergarten Cookie Submissions
Guest Cookie Judge: Justin Liles
Cookie Judging
PTA Craft Fair booth
1st Grade Gingerbread Houses
3rd Grade Holiday Project
Bingo & Board Games
Classroom Holiday party
Mr. Gronseth reading to the Spanish K students
Missing: Gingerbread Men!
Mrs. Starzecki reading to the Spanish K students
Join the Movement and Like Lowell Elementary School on Facebook
Community Announcements
Please note:
Contact Us
Email: Jennifer.larva@isd709.org
Website: http://lowell-elementary.isd709.org/
Location: 2000 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN, United States
Phone: 218.336.8895
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lowelllions/
Twitter: @lowell_ed_lions