Comet Connection
Kellogg Family Newsletter | January 18, 2021
Here's the Scoop!
We will use this Here's the Scoop! section to highlight new and important info in our weekly communication. The Comet Connection will continue to have all sorts of great school and community resources for families, but parent feedback suggested we find a way to feature the most important news. Thanks to those that contributed their ideas for improvement. We hope you enjoy this addition.
SCOOP ONE
We are working toward getting ALL students a school-issued Chomebook. If your child currently has a school iPad OR if they are not using a school device, we want to get a device to you ASAP. You are welcome to stop by Kellogg any day 7am-3pm to pick up a device. You are also welcome to complete this form and we will make arrangements to deliver a device to you. https://forms.gle/ZJyceRF3PSnEFAeS9 If your child is currently using a school Chromebook, please ignore this message.
SCOOP TWO
We will have a different schedule this Thursday. We are calling it an Asynchronous Support Day. The intention of this time is to give students a chance to get things wrapped up on the last day of the semester.
Here is what the day will look like:
- 8:25-9:00 Advisory (log in for a live lesson)
- 9:00-11:25 Teacher-Directed Support (Advisors will let students know what teachers want to see them about wrapping up work and retaking assessments. Counselors and Social Workers will also be hosting activities all morning!)
- 11:25-12:10 Lunch
- 12:10-3:10 Student-Directed Support (Teachers will be live, ready to meet with any students that want to turn in missing work, retake an assessment, of simply check in.)
We need your feedback! Please complete this survey to give us your input on what's going well & what needs attention! We value your honest input! https://forms.gle/QQvRZFZr63xoLkha7
SCOOP FOUR
We are currently hiring for several para positions and a receptionist! Please consider joining our team or referring someone that could be a good fit! We will be hosting live, open interview this Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 10am-noon. Just click on this link to connect with our team! https://meet.google.com/nvn-fdbz-hkz (see below)
THANK YOU!
MOJI CHALLENGE
Mr. Kleiman
Ms. Linander
Mr. VanWinkle
Need Help?
Target support to complete homework or troubleshoot technology
8:00-3:15 daily
Google Classroom Code oklycwx
Kellogg Math Center
Tues & Thurs 3:15-4:45pm
Google Classroom Code epmrd6w
Homework Help
Tues, Wed & Thurs 3:30-4:30pm
Google Classroom Code pfkmobf
1:1 Support
Contact a teacher directly if you are interested in arranging 1:1 virtual or in-person support for your child!
Mental Health Minute
At Kellogg, our team of counselors and social workers rotates the responsibility of writing this “column.” Looking back, my topics of bullying, depression, and suicidal thoughts have not exactly been lighthearted. But, in an effort to be consistent (😊), let’s talk about the “Winter Blues.”
As we continue to adjust to the “new normal,” we continue to see an increase students with low moods. A pandemic + Distance Learning + less contact with peers = hard times. And now… we add “the cold and darkness of winter?!” It’s just so much.
How do we keep watch over our children during these trying times and this winter season? Here are a few ideas for tackling the
“B L U E S…”
- Be Aware – just watch and listen. Look at your middle schooler. Listen to their words. Last week, a mom told me she noticed her daughter’s pace and energy level seemed different. She was slower to get up in the mornings, even speaking more slowly… and it was that mom’s awareness that opened the door to conversation and action about depression.
- Let Them Talk – if you ask a question, let them answer and try not to interrupt. This one is tough for me. I want to know things, so I ask. But, if my kids say something concerning, I become a runaway train… I want to let them know I understand, I want to give them advice, I want to do it now. I have to bite my tongue. Literally. Because there is a time and place for my comfort and advice – and it is not when they are in the act of opening up and sharing. Unlike me, try to be quiet and wait your turn.
- Understand Adolescent Development – middle schoolers change. You may see mood swings, an assertion of independence, an increased importance of peers. Sometimes, our calls to families about their child’s signs of depression or anxiety is the first they’ve heard about it. They’ll say, “I don’t know why he’d tell a friend online… instead of just talking to me about it…” OR “It hurts that she would trust her teacher, instead of me…” That happens a lot. Focus on the concerns regarding your child more than on how you found out about them. Adolescents confiding in a friend or a trusted adult is typical given the age and stage they are in.
- Experiment With Communication – if face-to-face conversations with your Comet aren’t working, try something different. Text, email, write an old-fashioned letter on paper. Freak your kid out by using Google Chat or Google Hangouts. Writing to your child allows you to speak without being interrupted and to express your worries and your love without them telling you to stop (😊).
- Seek Help – our team wants to help. Call the main office at Kellogg at (507) 328-5800. Tell the person who answers that you are concerned about your student’s low mood… that person will connect you with one of us… and we will move forward together.
Here’s to fighting the Winter Blues!
Amy Carstensen
School Counselor
Meal Kits
- January 20 3:30-5:30
- January 22 10-Noon
PAST COMET CONNECTIONS
Dec 7 https://www.smore.com/kqu4c
Dec 14 https://www.smore.com/cbke2
Jan 4 https://www.smore.com/8xnfv
Jan 11 https://www.smore.com/9ym5v
For assistance in (your language), please call 328-XXXX
Para asistencia en español, por favor marque al 328-4241.
Za pomoc na bosanskom jeziku pozovite 328-4243
"إذا رغبت في الحصول على هذه المعلومات باللغة العربية يرجي الإتصال بقسم الترجمة علي الرقم 4246-328"
Haddii aad jeclaan lahayd in aad hesho macluumaadkaan oo ku qoran Soomaali, fadlan la soo xiriir waaxda EL(bartaha ingariiska) 328 4247.
“如果需要中文援助请拨打电话 :507-328-4238 (办公室) 或者 507-398-9448 (手机)
“ Để được giúp đở bằng Tiếng Việt xin Gọi đến số 271-8366
LET'S CONNECT!
Administration
Angi McAndrews, Principal
507-328-5817 anmcandrews@rochesterschools.org
Mike Widman, Assistant Principal
507-328-5815 miwidman@rochesterschools.org
Teri Linander, Assistant Principal
507-328-5816 telinander@rochesterschools.org
Health
Lori Dietrich, School Nurse, LPN
507-328-5813 lodietrich@rochesterschools.org
Sara Gnagey, School Nurse, RN, LSN
507-328-5814 sagnagey@rochesterschools.org
Office Staff
Robyn Davis, Office Manager
507-328-5801 rodavis@rochesterschools.org
Lydia Ewing-Green, Registrar & Attendance
507-328-5810 lyewinggreen@rochesterschools.org
Amy Clark, Receptionist (afternoon)
507-328-5800 amclark@rochesterschools.org
Kellogg Middle School
Email: anmcandrews@rochester.k12.mn.us
Website: www.kellogg.rochester.k12.mn.us
Location: 503 17th St NE, Rochester, MN, USA
Phone: 507-328-5800
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kellogg.Middle.School/
Twitter: @KelloggMiddle