Galtier Gazette
A Quick Glimpse into our Weekly Happenings
PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
COVID-19 UPDATES:
Rapid COVID-19 Tests for Students-
The Rapid Antigen BinaxNOW test kits that are available for students work best when there are symptoms present. Testing due to close contact may lead to a false negative result. Because of this, SPPS has prioritized our test kit supply for symptomatic students and are unable to support routine testing for families on an ongoing basis.
Please know that rapid kit distribution will be prioritized for sending home with students who have symptoms of COVID-19. For routine testing, families should use other testing resources in the community including their healthcare provider, local pharmacies and community test sites. Families can also order test kits online for testing at home through Vault Health.
Please use this link to familiarize yourself with the updated quarantine policy:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W0zxFnYETYHn-yo43ZXVvIaisnPVM_PXdUpPYebubgc/edit?usp=sharing
Classroom Volunteers: Due to the rise in positive COVID-19 cases SPPS has reduced onsite visitors and volunteers to essential services only. Further guidance is expected to come mid February.
Masking: Please help our community stay safe by continuing to keep your child/ren home when they are feeling ill. Call the absence in to the main office and your student will be excused 651-293-8710. Help reinforce masking expectations, many students are not wearing masks on the school bus. It is an expectation that all students wear a mask on the school bus. If possible pack your child/ren an extra mask in their backpack for after lunch, recess, or PE.
PTO News
Please join the PTO meeting this Thursday Jan 20, from 6:00 - 7:15. We will talk about the Hamline/Galtier merge, including a presentation from SPPS Chief of Operations Jackie Turner, and ideas for connecting with Hamline families. Also, we'll talk about activities coming up like the book drive and read-a-thon. Please mark your calendars! If you ever have ideas for how the PTO can support kids, teachers, families, and our community, please reach out at galtierpto@gmail.com. Also please reach out if you want to help with any PTO activities like the read-a-thon!
Please join us at 6:00PM this Thursday for our virtual January PTO meeting.
There are three ways to join:
- Click the link below.
- Visit the Galtier website and click the PTO meeting button on the main page- https://www.spps.org/galtier
- Click the link sent via email/text 30 minutes prior to the PTO meeting
Health Office News
On Tuesday Walz announced that the state is expanding its "Kids Deserve a Shot" program to include children between the ages of 5 and 11. Families that get a child in that age group vaccinated (both first and second dose) between January 1 and February 28 can claim a $200 VISA gift card. Eligible children who complete their COVID series in that time frame will also be entered in a drawing for one of five $100,000 college scholarships. Parents can learn more about the "Kids Deserve a Shot" program and how to register for incentives by logging on to the MDH website. You can also access locations where COVID vaccinations are provided for children and teens.
Occupational Therapist News
Breathing exercise for calming and regulation during these stressful times! Do together and check in with your child to see how their body feels after breathing.
Kindergator News
Kindergarten has been working so hard in math and reading! Here is a small group that our fabulous student teacher, Ms. Amina, is leading. These gators are working on letter sounds and letter names! In math, we have been working on comparison words. We have been using big math words such as longer, shorter, heavier, and lighter. Using the balance scales to weigh classroom objects was so much fun!
2nd Grade News
This week students in 2nd grade learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., read the "Peace Book" by Todd Parr and worked on creating a peace wall. The prompt was: write one way you will have a peaceful day at school today.
5th Grade News
Dear Galtier families,
Our Murray plans have changed with our Open House/Showcase event due to district guidelines with COVID safety. We are now required to move to a virtual event. The new date for our event will be Tuesday, February 8 from 5:30-7:30PM.
I will be sending you all the details and logistics in future communications. We fully understand how important it is to begin building relationships with our families and are committed to creating the best virtual/interactive experience we can.
We are so very excited to show you what a great place Murray is for our learners and the wide range of opportunities that are waiting for our incoming 5th grade group.
If your family is interested in a tour of Murray, please connect with our Parent Involvement Coordinator, Stefanie Folkema at 651-293-8740.
We look forward to seeing you all on February 8th and please stay tuned for further communications about this event.
Your Co-Pilot,
Jamin McKenzie
Principal, Murray Middle School
Art News
To kick off the new ear, all grades in art worked with the theme "Make 2022 More Awesome." We learned about complimentary colors (blue and orange were our two) and created individual artworks that combined into an awesome mural.
Galtier/Hamline Merger News
Thank you to everyone that attended the Galtier specific Hamline Virtual Open House!
If you were unable to attend please use the following button to view the presentation.
All Galtier/Hamline merger communications (past and new) can be found on the Galtier website: https://www.spps.org/domain/12367