Northpoint Elementary
May 19, 2021 Newsletter
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Hello to our Northpoint Families,
As we continue to wind down this school year, we are thinking a lot about next fall. We’ve made many strides this year in our work to innovate and personalize learning. We are looking at ways to continue to deepen this work next year – in competency-based learning, learner profiles and maps, and flexible learning environments.
We will continue to offer traditional classrooms at each level, grades K-4. We also are excited to introduce multi-age classrooms to our design at Northpoint next year. We will offer multi-age classrooms mixing grades 1-2 and grades 3-4.
About multi-age classrooms
A multi-age classroom is one in which a teacher has a group of students in at least two grade levels within the same classroom. Students stay with the same teacher/teaching team for two years. This supports personalized instruction to meet the needs of the individual students, using both classical and contemporary teaching strategies.
I spent my last three years as a classroom teacher in a multi-age setting, working with first and second graders. It was the best teaching of my career, and I am thrilled we are bringing this to Northpoint.
Beyond my personal experience, multi-age classrooms are supported by studies that have determined they are beneficial to students in a variety of ways. Students’ social, emotional and academic progress is enhanced in multi-age classrooms, whether a student is in the younger or the older grade of the classroom group.
At Northpoint, we will have multi-age teams for grades 1-2 and grades 3-4. Students placed into the multi-age classrooms will be placed with a team of teachers.
Grades 1-2 multi-age team:
- Ms. Davis
- Ms. Farrell
- Mrs. Marcella
- Mrs. Phillippo
Grades 3-4 multi-age team:
- Mrs. Dahlke
- Mrs. Lee
- Mrs. Saladis
- Mrs Vaillant
Learn more and timelines
The introduction of multi-age classrooms is sure to raise questions for you. I invite you to join me for a virtual information session:
- Friday, May 21, 10:30 a.m. - Join the session here via WebEx
- Monday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. – Join the session here via WebEx
You may also call or email with questions you may have.
Based on what we’ve learned about each of our students, we will be working to place them for next year over the next few weeks. We will share recommended placements, into either a single-grade classroom or a multi-age team, with families on June 1. Kindergarteners will be placed in their single-grade kindergarten classrooms after Kinder Camp in August. If you have questions or information to share, please let your child’s teacher know or contact our main office.
We have amazing teachers ready and excited to teach in our single-grade and multi-age classroom settings. The practices of integrating content and personalizing learning will be strong in each model, and we are committed to finding a good fit for each student. I am confident each student will have a supportive and successful experience for the 2021-2022 school year.
While we finish out this school year, we do so in the halls and classrooms at Northpoint following the state’s Safe Learning Plan. We continue to wear face masks at school to protect our youngest students who do not yet have access to a vaccine for COVID-19. We are hopeful for a return to more normalcy in 2021-2022!
Thank you for your ongoing patience and partnership. While the year has had many challenges, we are grateful for all we’ve learned and are excited to take our learning to the next step in the new school year.
Judi Kahoun
Principal
Updates for Extended Flex Learning families
Greetings,
This spring there is some end-of-year excitement which many of us missed last year at the start of the pandemic. Many in our community have been vaccinated, and we have hopes of a more “normal” summer in our sights.
The Extended Flexible Learning team is looking for ways to celebrate the end of the school year with students and families while continuing to follow the state’s Safe Learning Plan for schools. We will share details of our plans in the next few weeks.
As a reminder, school resources that have been sent home to support students through distance learning will need to be returned. Teachers will be sharing an inventory list with families to help you identify resources that need to be returned to school. It isn’t too early to start gathering. We will be doing a resource return event the last week of school.
Please continue to read this newsletter in its entirety for updates to end this year, as well as to help you plan for next fall.
If you have any questions, please reach out.
Take care,
Kimberly Fehringer
Principal on Assignment
K-4 Extended Flexible Learning
Arrival/Dismissal Reminders
Please observe the following during arrival and dismissal:
- Handicap spots may only be used for vehicles displaying a valid handicap permit in their vehicle
- Do not block the crosswalk
- Observe a safe speed
- Students must exit curbside
- Pull as far forward as you are able before dropping off or picking up students
Shop the end-of-year community Panther Store sale!
The end-of-year Panther Store sale will take place May 19-June 2. Take 10% off everything with code 21EndofYearSale. Purchase your graduation gifts…thank you presents for staff…retirement treasures!
Shop the Panther Store today. Personal shopping appointments available, email PantherStore@district16.org to set one up today.
Find your SPARK this summer
With summer youth programs registration now open, it is the perfect time to find your SPARK this summer with Community Education! Whether it's a new sport or activity or to meet new friends, kids can make the most of their summer through these programs. View the digital handout here and find all of our Camp and Clinic opportunities here.
Club Spotlight of the Week:
Youth Football Camp (K-8)
For students going into grades K-8 for the 2021-2022 school year. The High School football program in partnership with the Spring Lake Park Youth Football Association and SLP Community Education Department will be hosting a FREE 3 day skills camp this summer. Participants will work with current High School Players and Coaches to develop their football skills. This is the camp for anyone planning to play youth football in the fall or for anyone interested in learning more about football. Taught by John Stewart, SLPHS Varsity Football Coach and staff Register for Youth Football Camp.
Panther Foundation Seeks Board Candidates
Take your impact and support of Spring Lake Park Schools to the next level, apply to join the Panther Foundation Board of Directors. The board of directors includes parents, alumni, community members, business leaders and staff. We are seeking candidates who have a passion and commitment to the students and families in the Spring Lake Park School district. Individuals who are ready to share time, talents and resources with the foundation to support and enhance the efforts that contribute to our success. Positions are volunteer, begin in July and are a three-year commitment. To learn more and to apply today visit our website.
Register for the 8th Annual Panther Foundation Golf Fundraiser
Golf with the Panther Foundation and support SLP Athletics & Activities. The 8th Annual Panther Foundation Golf Fundraiser is Monday, June 28, 2021 at Victory Links. All proceeds support our world-class Athletics and Activities opportunities for our students. Spend the day on the links supporting a great cause, register today. A great way to show your support and to advertise your business is sponsor a hole for $150. Hole sponsorships are great for families, businesses, alumni, etc. Thank you for your support. Check out the golf fundraiser flyer for more details.
Northpoint's Got Talent Update!
The final competition will occur this Friday, so tune into next week's Great News section for the results!
Science Fair Star
Lighthouse School 8th grader Elizabeth Levinshteyn has earned serious science fair accolades this year for her project developing a test to detect mutants of the SARS-CoV2 virus that causes COVID-19. A lifelong love of science has since led her to win multiple awards in science and engineering fairs for various projects. #SLPPantherProud
Hear more from Elizabeth about how her passion for science started and what inspires her to stay curious and keep experimenting: https://bit.ly/2RSu5WT
- May 31 - no school
- June 10 - last day of school
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
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