Falcon Ridge Elementary Newsletter
November 2023
Message from Principal Giesen
Falcon Ridge Families,
Thank you for everyone's support as we conclude our first 1/3 of the school year. As we approach the month of December, I wanted to share a few reminders:
- Please check your settings in Infinite Campus to ensure they are set to receive Winter weather notifications.
- With colder weather on the way, families are reminded to: come to school dressed in their outdoor clothing, prepared to be outside for at least 20 minutes for recess each day. The fresh air helps the students concentrate in the afternoon and it gives them a chance to socialize and play with friends. We go outdoors for recess and classroom stretch breaks unless the wind chill and/or temperature is below -0 degrees during the winter months. Students need a note stating a medical reason to not participate in recess. These are the "Magic 5" items needed to play outside in the snow during their winter outdoor recess:
1. Warm Coat
2. Snow pants
3. Boots
4. Mittens or gloves
5. Hat or hood
Families are encouraged to check out our Trojan Treats options, which can be used for birthday treats, classroom parties, or other celebrations that take place at school.
Thank you once again - here's to a great month of December!
Sincerely,
Mr. Dave Giesen
Falcon Ridge Elementary Principal
(952) 758-1601
October Students of the Month
Congratulations to the October Students of the Month
November Highlights
November was another great month at Falcon Ridge. Here are some of the highlights:
- Veteran’s Day - This was a great opportunity for us to show appreciation and honor for our country. We were fortunate to have guest speaker, Nick Slavik, present to our building.
- Conferences - We continue to be grateful and appreciative for the support we receive from our families. Once again, our families showed up, as we had 97% of our students represented at our conferences in November. Thank you to our parents for your partnership!
- Once again, we held our annual fall fundraiser. We appreciate everyone’s efforts, as we were able to bring in over $22,000. These dollars are used to help offset our building field trip costs, along with ongoing student/staff support throughout the school year.
- Duck Cup Speaker: Thank you to our local Duck Cup organization sponsoring Samantha, from the Minding Your Mind organization, to speak to our FR 3rd and 4th graders. Her message focused on students being aware of their feelings and emotions, along with seeing the good in ourselves.
- Biztown: Our 5th grade students were again able to experience an outstanding day, gaining real world experience in a unique setting. This has quickly become a true highlight of our student’s Falcon Ridge experience, and we hope to continue this in the years to come!
Four of our 4th graders presented a check to Sarah Jutz and Bryan Connelly with the Duck Cup. The donation was made with the profits from our FR homecoming buttons sales.
3rd Grade Duck Cup Minding Minds presentation
4th Grade Duck Cup Minding Minds presentation
Digital Tools
Blended Learning Days
Though we believe inclement weather days may not happen for many months, we want to provide you with information on our Blended Learning Day expectations here. A Blended Learning Day will be in effect if and when we have a second day of school canceled due to inclement weather; the first day canceled due to inclement weather will not incur learning activities.
Food For Families Program
Order a Yearbook
Community Ed Classes/Events
Join us for a December class!
12/10: Jr. Trojan Girls Basketball Winter Training (grades K-2)
12/18: NPDT Winter Youth Dance Clinic (grades K-6)
12/26: Winter Ninja Camp (ages 6-13)
12/28: Tech Academy: Multiplayer Minecraft Block Hunter (grades 1-5)
Frequently Asked Questions/Information
Office/Main Line: 952-758-1600
24/7 Attendance Line: 952-758-1605
FR Nurse: 952-758-1606
Everyday Fundraising for Falcon Ridge
In working with our Falcon Ridge PAC, I want to make all of our families aware of some easy ways to support our students at Falcon Ridge by using a few simple steps with businesses that you may already be spending money with:
- Shutterfly - Simply click on this Shutterfly link and start shopping. A percentage will go directly to our Falcon Ridge PAC.
- Coborn's School Rewards - Coborn's, Inc. is committed to donating $150,000 to local entities during the 2019-2020 school year. The points your school earns will help grow their share of the $150,000 total. It's like a pie; the size of your school's slice will depend on how many points they have received. Schools should encourage their supporters to register for their location at moreRewards.com: 1. Go to moreRewards.com, 2. create a login, 3. proceed to login, 4. go to "manage my membership," 5. choose school rewards, 6. select Falcon Ridge, and you are done! It is just that easy! You can also easily add it through the More Rewards phone app: 1. go to rewards, 2. slide the school rewards button to green, 3. below the button there should be an option for you to change to your school, 4. search for Falcon Ridge, and 5. select Falcon Ridge.
2023-2024 Falcon Ridge Monthly Character Traits
R-espect (September)
E-ffort (October)
A-ttitude (November)
P-ride (December)
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C-ooperation (January)
A-ssertion (February)
R-esponsibility (March)
E-mpathy (April)
S-elf Control (May)