Northpoint Elementary
January 27, 2021 Newsletter
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Hello Northpoint Families!
The students learning at school have been back a full week now. It feels terrific! I’m so thankful to see our children thriving in their classrooms, rekindling relationships, easing into routines and focusing on the next steps in their learning. I ask our kiddos how they are doing. I’m hearing responses such as “Awesome, it is great to be back!” and “Good, I really missed my friends!” I’m getting elbow bumps and thumbs up galore as I greet our students, and it warms my heart!
For students remaining in Extended Flexible Learning – we have not forgotten you! We continue to hear great things about your learning progress and the ways we continue to make community – even when we’re not physically together.
One thing we’ve been doing together is participating in Panthers for a Purpose challenges. Challenge #1 raised food and pennies for the Weekend Food Pack program – which provides food for students over weekends and breaks. Challenge #2 is February 1-12. It’s time for us to show our Panther spirit – at school and online. Wear SLP gear or colors in support of Panthers for a Purpose (see more info in the newsletter). Thank you for supporting this worthy effort.
I have a few specific reminders for families of students learning at school:
Arrival and dismissal
We continue to focus on the efficiency of our arrival and dismissal processes. A few reminders to help with routines:
- Drivers and other passengers must stay in their cars. Do not get out at the time of drop off or pick up.
- Students should be prepared to exit the car right away upon arrival.
- Drivers need to pull forward as far as possible at arrival and dismissal time. Please note when school staff is waving drivers forward and follow their guidance.
- Please do not pass other cars in the lines to get to the front of the line.
- Please have your sign in the windshield at dismissal. This is extremely helpful to the staff and our process.
- Please do not stop in the crosswalk.
Quarantine preparedness
As students return to in-person learning, we all need to be prepared for the possibility of needing to quarantine. We will be making these decisions in consultation with our nurses, guided by the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations. Rather than changing the learning model for the entire school, we will make classroom or program-level decisions.
- When a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms that would warrant isolation and potentially testing or a student tests positive for COVID-19, we will consult with MDH and, if necessary, we will begin contact tracing for that student.
- Since elementary students are organized in classrooms or pods that are socially distanced at a minimum of three feet, in many cases contact tracing will not be possible and quarantine decisions will likely impact the entire class. We’ll communicate with impacted staff and students and their parents/guardians.
- Any full classroom in quarantine will transition to Extended Flexible Learning (distance learning) for the duration of the quarantine. If a child is on quarantine and not a whole class, a model to support continuation of learning will come from the teacher.
- Should you hear of a student or staff member having COVID-19 and you haven’t been contacted, you’re considered at no higher risk than any other person and you should continue with your regular routine.
Please continue to health screen for symptoms at home and communicate health concerns to our school nurse through the health office, 763-600-5704.
Similar to last fall, we are not able to provide in-person winter conferences at school in ways that make everyone feel safe. From past feedback, we also know setting aside specific days and evenings does not meet the needs of each family. Your child’s teacher will be reaching out to find a time to connect with you for a conversation.
Have a terrific week!
Judi Kahoun
Principal
For Extended Flex Learning Families: Conferences
Greetings,
It is great to be back for a full five days with students this week. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we supported students, families, and staff through the latest transition last week. The Extended Flexible Learning staff also benefited from dedicated time for professional learning, collaboration and planning.
During the month of February, the distance learning teachers will be reaching out to schedule a conference time with you. Please watch this newsletter, as well as communication from classroom teachers to learn more about the scheduling process
.
If you have a child who recently transitioned out of Extended Flexible Learning, please note that learning supplies and resources provided by the school need to be returned to the home school office. These resources will be shared as new students enter our distance learning model. Thank you for making this additional effort to return resources.
Enjoy this last week of “warmer than normal” January. If you have questions or concerns, I would love to visit with you.
Kim Fehringer
Principal on Assignment
K-4 Extended Flexible Learning
Change to times and locations for free meal pick-up
Starting Tuesday, February 2, the times and community distribution locations for Spring Lake Park Schools' free meal pick-up will change. We will still continue to provide a bagged breakfast and lunch option to all children ages 1-18 at no cost.
We will continue to distribute free meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays at locations throughout the community. On Tuesdays, families will receive two-days’ worth of meals. On Thursdays, families will receive three-days’ worth of meals.
Students and families should visit the website for updated information and to find the interactive map of the distribution locations.
Input requested: Learning options for 2021-2022
During this very unusual school year, we've had the opportunity to learn in several different models. As a result, some students and families have discovered that online learning works well for them. Others have found a mixture of learning at school and at home helpful to their learning and their lives. Others discovered a preference for "live" learning and still others have preferred learning to be available "on-demand" and when it fits with their schedules.
As Spring Lake Park Schools designs learning options for the 2021-2022 school year, we'd like to hear from you about what you've valued and would like to see continued in some way. Please provide your input in a very brief survey (http://bit.ly/3iVk9Ft), by Monday, February 1.
Thank you for sharing your insight and helping us continue to provide options to meet your learner's and your family's needs.
Northpoint Virtual PTO Meeting - February 1
Meeting link: click here
Meeting number:120 577 4647
Password: 9KcNH4AsYd2
Host key: 115330
Kindergarten learns about the five senses
During the last week of EFL, Ms. West's kindergarten class learned about the five senses. Student's did a great job working in small groups to create a book displaying what they learned.
Visit the website to view full details and sign up or call Community Education at 763-600-5050.
New Take-Home Craft Activity - DIY Gnome Home
Available for pick-up on Wednesdays, this craft activity will keep your child's mind active and creative! Order your DIY Gnome Home Take-Home Kit here.
Register Now for Spring Flag Football
The National Flag Football MN program is set up in collaboration with SLP's Community Ed. Registration is open now on their website.
Spring Lake Park - Parks & Recreation Winter/Spring 2021 Youth Programs
The Spring Lake Park - Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a variety of activities for your child to get involved in this winter and spring. From co-ed t-ball & softball and art classes to a Red Cross babysitters course and a family snowshoe nature hike, there are tons of fun and enriching programs to check out. Read this flyer for program descriptions and registration information.
Panthers for a Purpose Panther Pride Sale, February 1-12
Our excitement is building for the Panther Foundation's Panthers for a Purpose virtual event on February 27, 2021. Our apparel discounts are building, too! Fill up your closets and drawers with new Panther Gear to be a part of the Panther Challenge #2. Online sale happening February 1-12. Buy More, Save More.
Online Coupon codes:
- $5 Off $50
- $10 Off $75
- $20 Off $100
Visit the Panther Store to order your Panther Gear online Want to shop in-store? Email PantherStore@district16.org to request a personal shopping appointment.
Challenge #2 - Show Us Your Panther Pride, February 1-12
For the Panthers for a Purpose Challenge #2, The Panther Foundation wants you to show your Panther Pride by SLP gear or red, blue and white school colors, February 1-12.
Can you do 10 days or more of SLP Panther Pride Wear (branded gear, blue, red, etc.)? Send us your photos of all 10 days and you will be entered in a Panther Store $25 gift card drawing! Submit photos to PantherFoundation@district16.org.
Don't forget to purchase a Swag Bag for $20 by Friday, February 5. The Swag Bag will be sure to kick up your event party with sweet & savory treats, selfie props and more. Your purchase will pre-register your household for the event and enter you into drawings with prizes totaling more than $550.
Learn more about the Panthers for a Purpose virtual event, which helps keep the pantry stocked, children fed and ready to learn!
February 1 - NP PTO Meeting (Virtual) 6:30p.m.
February 12-15 - No School
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