Dear Washington Families,

It is so hard to believe that it is already December! Although the last couple of months have been challenging on many levels, we have preserved through it all. I have a newfound sense of hope and I hope you and your families do as well. I appreciate each and every one of you and your students. I have been able to attend some online classes and enjoy seeing our Washington students hard at work during distance learning. I hope that the month of December finds you and your loved ones healthy, safe and joyful and I wish you a Happy New Year!

In Partnership,

Principal Bonnick

A message from Hsjaune Dyan, Assistant Principal

By this time you already know that distance learning is basically very different from a traditional classroom model. It takes away the many social, emotional and relational aspects that students and teachers normally develop during in-person interactions. Distance learning at Washington Technology Magnet is not the absence of same-time instructions. Our teachers have put together weekly synchronous instructions (or same-time learning sessions) by using Google Meet. Students are able to meet with their peers and classroom teacher for direct instruction. Likewise, all of our teachers and staff have dedicated time for office-hours that both students and families can use throughout the week.

We acknowledge that for many students and families it is difficult. The interruption to our students learning due to COVID-19 is enormous, but we are trying everything possible to minimize the disruption to their schooling. At Washington, there are a few things we do to ensure all our students receive equitable education.

• Daily Required Foundations/Advisory class at 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Weekly Foundation teacher check-in, Check & Connect, with an individual student

• Weekly synchronous or sametime instructions via Google Meet

• Dedicated teachers/staff office-hours

* Students are required to attend daily Foundations at 1:30 p.m. and the Foundation teacher is your first contact with school during distance learning. Foundations Class is a great space/place for students to connect with their peers and a caring teacher/mentor/adult.

How to Support your Child at Home during Distance Learning

As we begin Quarter 2, we would like to offer some tips on how to support your child at home. We acknowledge many families have already established norms and routines, but just in case you may need them, we put together some tips from ACS International School as follow:

1. Establish routines and expectations

2. Choose a good place to learn

3. Stay in touch

4. Help students ‘own’ their learning

5. Begin and end the day by checking-in

6. Establish time for quiet and reflection

7. Encourage physical activity and exercise

8. Manage stress and make of the most of the unusual situation

9. Monitor time on-screen and online

10. Connect safety with friends and be KIND

Reference:

ACS International Schools: Parent’s guide to distance learning (2020, December 1). Retrieved from https://www.acs-schools.com/parents-guide-distance-learning

Click here for the Washington Daily Schedule and Weekly Calendars

Winter Sports Signup!

Virtual Drop-In Math Homework Help is now available to all Washington students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade! Join anytime Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays between 3:00 – 5:00pm. A licensed Washington teacher will be available at this time. Use the Google Meets Nickname to join: FlipsideMath

8th Grade Newsletter! (A)

ELL Middle School Newsletter

1. Check out 4,000 new titles using the MackinVia App on your iPad.

2. Select from other apps at the Wash Tech Library Website.

3. Visit the Saint Paul Public Library: Library Express

4. Try out the Saint Paul Public Library: Library Go

If you have any questions or want book suggestions, email Kathy Kraemer, the Wash Tech Library Media Specialist at: Kathleen.Kraemer@spps.org

Library Express: Open hours at all SPPL locations. Families can come to pick up holds, get help finding books and materials, fax/copy/scan, and print. https://sppl.org/libraryexpress/

Library Go: Students can check out up to 10 physical items with Library Go. Online, they can get homework help from a tutor, find primary resources using our databases, find a book to read or download an audiobook. Participating schools include all SPPS schools, Avalon, Twin Cities Academy, The Friends School, Great River Academy, Sejong Academy and NOVA Classical Academy. https://sppl.org/library-go/

Learning Materials Request: Families and educators can use this online form to request materials based on subjects and topics. Library staff use their collection knowledge and expertise to collect relevant materials and send them to the patron's desired pickup library location https://sppl.org/learning-materials-request/

Learning Materials Request: Families and educators can use this online form to request materials based on subjects and topics. Library staff use their collection knowledge and expertise to collect relevant materials and send them to the patron's desired pickup library location. https://sppl.org/learning-materials-request/

Family Distance Learning: one-on-one appointments between a family with a child in PreK (or 3 yo) and library staff to do tech help, enrichment activities, reading engagement, and help finding materials. https://sppl.org/family-distance-learning-support

Little Learners @ Home: Activities, videos, caregiver support, booklists, and virtual storytime all collected in one place on our website. https://sppl.org/little-learners/

Reading Together Online has started! And you're invited to participate. 1st-5th grade students read with mentors in 45-minute sessions once a week. Reading Together fosters the joy of reading and boosts reading skills through mentorship and creative play.1st-5th grade students and trained mentors meet weekly, one-on-one, to work on grade-level reading skills in a virtual setting. Students earn books by completing reading goals. Students are paired with volunteer reading mentors in a rolling process. Your family is invited to join this reading program! We are accepting student applications. Apply here: Reading Together Online website.

Please complete an application for free and reduced-price meals to help support our schools and programs. Meals are free for all youth at this time. It is very important that families fill out this form because even though we are currently in distance learning, their benefits continue for home delivery of food. Additionally, families could receive other benefits such as free or reduced-price internet service. When we return to in person learning, students will then be able to receive their meals at a free or reduced price right away once we are back in the building.

If a family receives SNAP benefits, they are automatically qualified and do not need to fill out an application. If you have any questions or would like to check to see if you need to complete this application, please contact Nutrition Services: Phone: 651-603-4950. Email: ns@spps.org

Video Directions

Written Directions

List of resources for families-(Clothing, Financial Assistance, Food, Housing, Legal, Mental Health)

Free Home Meal Delivery: If you are a Ramsey County resident and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to have prepared meals delivered to your home for free. All meals are nutritionally balanced and are prepared by licensed food providers. Some providers offer meal options that accommodate specific dietary restrictions. More information here

Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP)

• TAP offers monthly telephone service discounts of $7.00 for landlines in qualifying homes.

• Service must be in your name and you must be a member of the household AND meet the income guideline or participate in at least one of the qualifying programs.

Website: https://mn.gov/puc/telecommunications/telephone-discounts/

Hennepin Ramsey, Anoka, and Dakota Counties are offering free holiday and Christmas assistance:

• Churches and charities across the above counties are offering assistance including food, gifts, and clothing.

• Most programs are focused on children and senior citizens but services vary by agency provider.

• Website offers all locations participating in this. Find one close to you.

Website: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/hennepin-_ramsey-_anoka-_dakot.html

Academic Adventures for Curious and Motivated 5th-7th Graders

Online ExplorSchool provides bright students with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest with similarly motivated peers. The goal is to keep students challenged and engaged as they build, create, and solve real world problems. Each class features weekly activities that take students away from a screen as they use their hands to design and construct. Importantly, students will also have opportunities to socialize with their peers through non-academic activities. Winter Session: January 25 – March 1, 2021

Expand Your Mind Online for Students in Grades 8–12

Online Expand Your Mind (EYM) brings together talented students from across the world for 5-week intensive learning experiences that provide meaningful academic challenges within a stimulating and safe environment. We offer classes in STEM, humanities and the fine arts, each taught by master teachers who are dedicated to stimulating young minds. Winter Session: January 25 – March 1, 2021

English

All school documents can be translated, or interpreters made available upon request

Spanish

Todos los documentos pueden ser traducidos o interpretados oralmente si usted lo solicita

Hmong

Tej ntaub ntawv tom tsev kawm ntawv uas xa los rau nej, peb yuav pab txhais thiab nrhiav neeg txhais lus rau nej yog nej hais qhia peb

Somali

Dhammaan dukumiintiyada iskuulka waa la turjumi karaa ama waxaa la heli karaa turjumaan haddii la codsado

Karen