Park Terrace Elementary
October 27, 2021 Newsletter
Greetings Park Terrace Families!
Welcome back from fall break! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break.
Last week, our staff members had the opportunity to engage in professional learning as well as meet with families to discuss student progress. I hope your conference conversations were valuable. The importance to students of the partnership between teachers and families cannot be overstated. Additionally, as a parent and teacher, I love having the opportunity to meet together to discuss the growth of each child.
It is hard to believe but we are now entering the midway point of trimester one! The time truly does fly by. It seems like just yesterday we were watching our kindergartners coming in for kinder camps and welcoming families for meet and greets. We have had an amazing wacky fun run, done all-school morning meetings, hosted picture days, taken MAP assessments and, most importantly, we have been learning all along the way. What a year it has already been!
Recently, I have been thinking about some of my favorite memories from when I was in elementary. Many of them were in music, art and Phy. Ed. So it was interesting this week, to see what our students have been doing in those areas.
I am awestruck by the amazing student artwork being showcased down by our art room. We truly have some amazing artistic ability here. Our new art teacher, Ms. Chloe Briggs, is doing a great job of helping our students express themselves through art.
I regret not inviting the head coaches from our football, cross country and track and field teams at the high school to come observe some of the speed on display during the fun run a couple of weeks ago and the football unit Mr. Downs did awhile back.
Through the incredible weather this fall, Mr. Ron Jay, our music teacher, has been doing an exceptional job of bringing his lessons and his students outside for some music-making in the sunshine.
Lastly, Mrs. Strohmayer has been doing such a wonderful job of introducing our youngest learners, our kindergarteners, to art, music and Phy. Ed.
One never knows what our students will remember most about elementary school. I am sure many of our students will remember the wonderful experiences they are having here in art, music and Phy. Ed.
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! Now that fall break is over, let’s continue to work hard and keep up the momentum we have built so far this year!
Sincerely,
Mona Perkins
Principal
It has been a fun, memory filled school year and we aren't even through the first trimester yet!
Watch for an email request: Information needed by the state of Minnesota
Families will be receiving individual requests in the next few days to complete information for their student/family based on new requirements from the state of Minnesota. The information requested covers ethnicity and race as well as student access to Internet and electronic devices at home. The information schools report to the state and federal government is confidential and not identifiable at the individual level.
Watch for an email from info@campus.district16.org with the subject line "Update student information by Nov. 30" that will arrive in the next few days with instructions for completing the requested information in Campus Parent Portal. The process should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Optional, rapid COVID-19 now available in all schools
Each of our school health offices now has the ability to conduct rapid COVID-19 tests, Cue Test, during school hours each day. The tests provide reliable results in about 30 minutes. In-district rapid testing is one way we can limit school absences for those who are symptomatic or have had close contacts with a positive case in school or outside of school.
Rapid testing is available during the school day at each school health office. Testing is also available after school this week during limited hours at the District Service Center and can be coordinated through your school’s health office. School nurses will communicate directly with families to determine eligibility and secure consent before any testing is completed.
To inquire about the rapid testing for your student due to symptoms or potential exposures, contact your school’s health office.
We also continue to offer optional, free COVID-19 testing kits to take home. Students can pick up the saliva testing kits in the health office, complete the test at home and return their completed test the following school day. School nurses submit the tests for processing.
Join us for a special virtual screening of "Angst" on November 4
A panel discussion will follow the film with experts who will share resources and do a Q&A.
Viewing information
- When - Thursday, November 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Where - Virtual
- Trailer - Watch the "Angst" trailer
- Registration - register for the screening
Save the date: There will also be a virtual screening and panel of the IndieFlix documentary "Like" on January 20, 2022 from 6-7:30 p.m. that will explore the impact of social media on our lives and the effects of technology on the brain. Watch the "Like" trailer.
Last chance - sign up for enriching after-school programs!
The deadline to register is today, Wednesday, October 27. All classes will begin next week. Don’t miss out on these fun enrichment opportunities!
New Art Teacher and an Art Museum
Silvia Lewandowski- Office Paraprofessional
Where did you go to school?
I did all my schooling in Guayaquil, Ecuador. However, I did come to Minneapolis for a year as an exchange student and attended St. Anthony High School. (won’t say what year!)
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to draw and paint, take long walks in nature, travel, listen to music and cook.
How long have you worked with SLP?
I have worked at SLP for 18 years (I believe, I forgot)
What is your favorite book and movie?
I can’t choose a favorite book or movie!
What is one of the best parts of your position?
The best part of my position is seeing kids’ happy faces and being able to communicate to parents who don’t speak the English language and help them.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself?
I used to work for an airline. One interesting fact is that one day I landed sitting in the cockpit of a DC10 in JFK. In fact, I flew almost the whole flight from Ecuador to New York sitting in the jump seat behind the pilot. Also, I used to speak French but I have completely forgotten all of it.
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