The AGAPE Times
a weekly newsletter for students and families - Vol VII (7)
AGAPE 2020 Virtual Senior Recognition
Notes from Christy, AGAPE's School Social Worker
Nira's Chalk Art Project "Say His Name - George Floyd"
Nya's Poem May 2020
Students living in the Midway area there are food donations, diapers, cleaning supplies available from 11:00 am to 4pm TODAY and EVERY DAY UNTIL FOOD STORES REOPEN - Lexington Parkway and Central Avenue
'Strong Women' Documentary of the Week!
Ms. DeLong- Career and Technical Education Teacher
How has Distance Learning been going for you as a teacher?
Distance learning for me as a teacher took some getting used to. It seemed so strange and different at first because it was. The first couple of weeks I have to say were a "new way of teaching" and that required me to do some “new learning” as well to either develop or edit previous lesson plans. I spent some time experimenting with what I thought would be the best practice method for students to learn and understand. I was aware being it was different for me; I assumed it would most definitely be different and possibly difficult for students. After the first couple of weeks, the lesson planning became easier, but I do spend lots of time researching various sites and videos for the students to watch and learn from. My preference is being with the students in the classroom so we can work together as a team. I miss my students!
What are some ways that you are reaching out to students? - share all of your regular Google Meet info and contact info!!!
I have talked to student’s by phone, Google Meet, and emailing. The connections I have made have been very successful in getting students to understand and submit quality assignments. I really appreciate and enjoy hearing from the Daily Connect student’s and reading their responses to the questions. Their responses help me learn more about them and their child and families!
What is the most important thing about your classes that you would like to share with your students?
The most important thing I’d like to share with my student’s is that I’ve created practical assignments and short projects for students to enable their learning process. My courses are best taught and understood by having current learning as it relates to the world today and that’s what one of my goals has been.
Any other questions or information that you would like to share?
I want all students to follow and be aware of the current COVID pandemic ongoing information that is published at the local level daily. There is an urgent need for all of us to stay informed to best protect ourselves and families and make professional health care connections when necessary.
Share something that you are doing in your down time during quarantine.
Some of the things that I do during my down time is take long walks with family, friends and my grandson, Casey and granddaughter, Jasmin. I let Casey or Jasmin lead the way, so it becomes quite the adventure. I read with them and at times I become their teacher being they are doing distant learning as well. I enjoy reading nonfiction and watching a limited amount of TV. HGTV is the best for relaxing because there is no deep thinking involved plus it gives me interior design ideas. My mom is in a long-term care center, and being I can’t go in, I hang out by her window on the ground level at times. We have conversations on the phone while seeing each other through the window. We have been and she has been extremely fortunate being there has been just one COVID case in her long-term care center.
Maddi McDonnell - AVID Tutor and iPad Coordinator
How has Distance Learning been going for you?
Hi all, it is your AVID tutor and iPad coordinator here, Maddi. I miss being at school with you all during this strange time of distance learning. Listening to students, hearing your thoughts, and understanding your perspectives are the best part of my work. Of course that is harder to do during distance learning, I do feel sad about that. But, I find a great deal of happiness when I get to connect with students. I love seeing work that has been submitted to our AVID class and although iPads have been very frustrating, I am happy to get the chance to connect with students and troubleshoot the issues.
What are some ways that you are reaching out to students?
I am available to you through Schoology and email for sure! I know the iPads have been very challenging during this time. Learning to do nearly everything online has been a ton to learn and adjust to. You can always email me, maddi.mcdonell@stpaul.k12.mn.us and we can try to fix it, or I can usually set up a time to come to your home and help you in person “curbside” with my mask on ;)
I have had fun writing some notes to our AVID class and sending them by old-fashioned mail. I always think it is fun to get something in the mail now and then.
Share something that you are doing in your down time during quarantine.
So... when we were sheltering in place I did make a lot of bread! I learned how to make homemade bagels, I gotta say they are a lot of work, but they were so good.
Truthfully, girls, I can’t deny that this week, I have spent the majority of my time safely at the memorial & protests in George Floyd’s honor at 38th & Chicago. I have been there with my mask, but also there acknowledging my white privilege and trying very hard to use my voice to support, encourage, and act for change in our systemic racism. I want you to know that just as all the other committed and loving staff at AGAPE, I commit to hearing, respecting, cherishing, and honoring black and brown people, and I commit to not deny my white privilege but to use my privilege to make our communities just and loving for all.
I am so happy and impressed by all the graduates this year! Nice job and excellent perseverance, that is a skill that will benefit you for the rest of your lives. I will be so happy to see everyone in person again sometime soon, hopefully!
SPPS: We Are In This Together
- Letter from Mrs. Weir, regarding the killing of Mr. George Floyd and the uprising following is here.
- Message from SPPS Superintendant Dr. Gothard is here
- How Families Can Help
- Food and other household products are being given out in the community - updates are being posted regularly by Christy on the AGAPE Schoology page
May 25th - May 29th AGAPE Student of the Week was.......
Congratulations to Kaja Mems. Kaja is kind, wise and super duper funny. She is an amazing mother to Journey and just as amazing of a friend. Kaja is student of the week because she has faced Distance Learning head on and rocked it! She is not letting anything stop her from graduating. Not COVID, not Geometry, not caring for her child and doing school. Kaja has shown support and encouragement to other students as well.
On our AGAPE Schoology group, Kaja said, "Manage your time wisely. You can even do bits and pieces of assignments when you can and when they’re napping or playing is your shot to do something girl😁 please don’t give up y’all! Seriously y’all have to Beat the odds!"
Kaja, YOU did it! YOU beats the odds! Don't ever give up! We are SO proud of you!
Emergency Housing Resources
- If you are a family experiencing homelessness and need additional supports:
- Many resources are available on our REACH website. This site will be updated regularly.
- Please contact our Homeless Liaison Anne McInerney if you need additional support (anne.mcinerney@spps.org (651) 231-0404)). https://www.spps.org/reach
- Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter:
- To obtain a housing assessment, contact Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter (651) 215-2262
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, the following Crisis Text Services and hotlines are available 24/7:
Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 741 741
Call ** CRISIS from a cell phone to talk to professionals who can help
Calling from a landline? See the directory of local mental health crisis phone numbers.
Free help for people across Minnesota who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide. Video
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7, 365-day-a-year hotline for people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional crisis.distress. Call 1-800-273-8255 or click here to chat.
- SAFE, case management and support for African American women and their children experiencing domestic violence. Case managers assist clients access resources including housing, shelter, food, counseling. Case managers support women wherever they are on their journey. Led by an African American team, services are culturally-specific. Case managers work in the community, so clients can discreetly and easily access services. Contact: Carla.mcpipe@180degrees.org or Akello.Alay@180degrees.org More info at www.180degrees.org
- Casa de Esperanza Confidential 24 Hour Bilingual Domestic Violence Crisis Line 651.772.1611
Nurses Corner
Students who have questions or need assistance from a school nurse can call the health office phone number - 651-888-7602. We are checking it each morning and each afternoon and we promise to answer voicemails promptly!
Front Desk News
Hey everybody! June 5th from 9am-12pm is looking like Senior Diploma handout and graduating student iPad and HotSpot return! If the date, time or location are going to change, we will let you know!
Please check your K12 email sometimes this summer and send us an email if your phone number has changed so that we can contact you with information about summer school or for next fall! Have a great summer, everybody!!!
Please connect with Maddi with issues you may be having with your iPad or borrowed Hotspot. Her email is maddi.mcdonell@stpaul.k12.mn.us
AGAPE High School
Email: lois.vosika-weir@spps.org
Website: agape.spps.org
Location: 1037 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-744-7970
Twitter: @AgapeSpps