News and events
November 28, 2022
Upcoming events
December 2nd: No school, teacher grading
December 5th: No school, professional development
December 7th: Report cards come home in backpacks
December 6th-9th: Mississippi Food Drive
December 23rd: January 2nd: No school, winter break
January 16th: No school, Martin Luther King Day
January 19th: PTO Meeting 6:30 - 8:00 (childcare provided)
Donate your gently used winter gear!
As the weather grows cooler, Mississippi students are in need of winter gear. Please especially consider donating any gently used boots and snow pants. Thank you!
Food Drive December 6th - 9th
It's time for our annual Mississippi food drive! This year the Anoka County Christmas Committee has asked us to focus on collecting pasta (like spaghetti), pasta sauce, and noodles (like ramen). Giving is not required, and we appreciate any items you are able to send! Staff will be collecting donations in the main hallway outside the office each morning before school.
Veteran’s Day Smiles
Thank you for making our Veterans Day celebration such a success! Mississippi families sent in many stories and photos honoring the veterans in your life. The Coon Rapids VFW conducted the flag ceremony for our students and staff. Finally, our students prepared patriotic songs during music class and then sang for our veterans!
Veterans Day Celebration
Honoring Veterans in our lives.
Parent Resources
Mississippi has an amazing resource to share with families. Nichol Michels is our Parent Educator who supports families in a variety of ways. She can with things at home that can help your child be even more successful at school, such, bedtime routines, managing emotions, and setting limits. Nichol has a Parent Educator Website with additional helpful information, including virtual parenting workshops! Nichol’s November Parent Press has tips for parents with children who are picky eaters. Nichol’s December Parent Press has ideas for reducing holiday stress in your family.
Maintaining quality classroom experiences during staffing shortages
Similar to other industries and services in our community, schools are working hard to provide quality services during a time of employee shortages and staff absences for illness are impacting operations. Review the following information that explains the options and systems used to maintain educational quality in these situations. Be assured that everyone at school is committed to doing the best job possible to support student learning at all times.
When expected classroom activities are impacted by a teacher, specialist or other key staff member absence, school may need to make an immediate decision on how to proceed with the resources available. This means that students could be served by a substitute teacher or classes could be split and combined at a grade level for that day as possible options. Often times, our school administration or district level staff could be providing support. School leaders and support staff are doing their best to support student learning needs and often do not have the resources to notify parents/guardians regarding these temporary changes.
Please keep in mind that ensuring adequate staffing is a strategic priority of the school district and the school board has authorized numerous strategies regarding pay and benefits and increased high-profile recruiting efforts as strategies to meet these challenges. In fact, Anoka-Hennepin continues to recruit new team members interested in joining our team and helping provide a future without limit for students, and ensuring schools are fully staffed. Review options and open positions online at ahschools.us/jobs.
The support of our parents/guardians and community members is essential for providing the best education possible for students. Thank you for your understanding and support of our schools and your student.
This e-newsletter is published by Mississippi Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.