MSAD's Family Newsletter
May Family Newsletter
Director's Corner
Hello Families & Students,
With 19 days left in our school year, we have almost made it!
What a year it has been! Thank you for your support and encouragement along the way as we navigated health and safety precautions and their impact on our ability to have in person or virtual learning. As there were so many things outside of our control, one thing is for certain, we are closer as a community and school as a result of this pandemic. Our students and staff can attest to not taking for granted our incredible school traditions, beautiful campus and the ability to interact with each other outside of our designated 'pods' and face to face (or as the kids these days are saying IRL).
With countless zoom calls, our bandwidth has been stretched and maxed out both literally and figuratively. Yet we are grateful to be able to work alongside your children day after day. As we wrap up this school year and look forward to a much needed break from our screens, we are looking forward to ending the year the way we started - excited and full of potential.
Included in this newsletter is information on our end of the year programs, departing staff and new staff, Extended School Year (ESY) dates and new information from the Department of Education on student saliva testing on campus.
Thank you for your support and the many ways you encourage each other and our students to ACHIEVE, CARE and THRIVE!
Sincerely,
Anne Grace Donatucci
Teacher Appreciation Week - May 3rd-7th
Retirement - Lola Brand
Congratulations to Lola Brand!
Lola started off working in our dorms in 1982, moved over to our educational buildings, then into a clerical role before ending her tenure here at MSAD as an Executive Aide.
She has played an integral part in many of our students lives and we will miss her dearly.
Feel free to send her a congratulatory email at Lola.Brand@msa.state.mn.us.
New Hire - Jasmine Rademacher
Jasmine is a familiar face on campus as she has been a long term sub this year. Jasmine has born and raised in Northfield and lived in Rochester, NY for some time. Jasmine enjoys spending time outdoors with her 15 month old German Shepherd, Toby and being involved in the fitness community.
Welcome back!
Attendance Reminder
For any end of day changes (busing/pick up, etc) please communicate them by 11am, daily.
Symptoms To Watch For Before Sending Your Child To School
New Student Saliva Testing On Campus
As COVID-19 continues to spread, Minnesota is continually expanding testing options and working to remove barriers so every Minnesotan can access testing. All Minnesota middle and high schools are strongly encouraged to offer COVID-19 testing options for students. The purpose of the student testing program is to make COVID-19 tests more accessible to young Minnesotans. The state will provide free COVID-19 saliva test kits for any middle school, high school and organized sports team through the state’s partnership with Vault Health. Learn more about COVID-19 testing for middle and high school students.
MSAD Student Options for testing:
- On-Site In-Person COVID-19 Saliva Testing events for students grades 6-12 in middle and high school, A+ 18-21 programs, every two weeks. The saliva sample is taken by the student spitting into a tube. (May 12 and May 26)
OR
- Take Home "Zoom-enabled" Saliva Test Kits available every two weeks for grades 6-12 in middle and high school students , A+ 18-21 programs to pick up, take home, complete while on Zoom with Vault Health and return to school for us to send to the lab. (May 12 and May 26)
Notes:
- The test kits will be FREE to students.
- A permission form will be needed for your student to participate.
More information to come - Stay Tuned.
Parent ASL Classes
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4980085029?pwd=TlFNUTZqYkFFaXVYR01zdVMxMkFjZz09
Meeting ID: 498 008 5029
Passcode: 836
Tuesday, May 4, 2021, 06:00 PM
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Our Distance Learning Teachers
No School - Monday, May 10th
Monday, May 10, 2021, 08:00 AM
615 Olof Hanson Drive, Faribault, MN, USA
Information From Our Mental Health Team
Greetings, Families!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Our team would like to share some self-care ideas for families-- we hope you find this useful over the summer months!
Take good care of you and yours!
Our Trojans of the Month!
We are Safe, Respectful and Responsible
Athletes of the Month - April
Link to the full story - here.
Save The Date - MSAD's Extended School Year
Interested in ESY for your child this summer. Please complete this form by May 7th.
Monday, Jul 12, 2021, 08:00 AM
615 Olof Hanson Drive, Faribault, MN, USA
2021-2022 School Calendar
Health & Safety Measures on Campus
New Safety Measures Implemented Since Last November
Facial Coverings - Masks
Facial coverings may be reusable cloth or disposable masks. Make sure that your student has a supply of at least 10 masks when on-campus services begin. Please make sure each mask is marked with your child’s name.
Day Students -
Please make sure your student has a daily supply of 2 masks when on-campus services begin. One for them to wear during travel to school and a backup in their backpack, if needed.
If you are having difficulty obtaining masks, please let me know.
Biweekly On Campus Saliva Testing
Mask/Face Shield Requirements For Staff
Plexiglass Barriers For Service Providers
Cafeteria Tables With Plexiglass Barriers
Room Signs To Indicate Recent Sterilization
Cleaning Spray Of Shared Equipment
Trojan Health & Safety Measures
Our classrooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Each educational building will be equipped with:
- Plexiglass sheets for the front office areas
- Health screening station in Quinn Hall and at parent drop off location. Equipped with thermometers, hand sanitizer, posters and health screening questions.
- Social distancing rules and guidelines
- Poster promoting health and safety practices
- Mass communication messages in American Sign Language
- Hand Sanitizers in each pod area.
- Cleaning materials for each classroom. For example microfiber towels with disinfectant
- Room/bathroom disinfectant sprayer schedule - daily in educational buildings with students.
MSAD's Trojan Corner
We are looking forward to connecting with students both in and out of the classroom!
Change to Parent/Bus Drop Off & Pick Up
Parents, please review the designated location for you to drop off/pick up your child. Health screenings will be done at your vehicle after you have parked in front of Smith Hall. We ask that you stay in your vehicle until a staff member can complete the safety check. If your child fails the health screening, we will ask you to stay on campus as we do follow up temperature checks.
Staff will be on-site to help direct traffic as you drive around the circle.
- Other Resources -
Camp UBU (Formerly Camp Sertoma) Information for Summer 2021
MN Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children's Family Camp
Pathways To Life - Summer Transition Program
More information found here!
MSAD Foundation Amazon Smile
This is a great way to donate to the MSAD Foundation is by using this Amazon Smile account when shopping.
Parent Teacher Staff Association - PTSA
Join our PTSA Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/msadpthaa
Faribault Deaf Club
For more information, join Faribault Deaf Club Facebook Page or checkout their website!
Spring 2020 Companion
Hard copies are available, for request - contact Donna Hanson in the front office of Quinn.
Parent & Student Resources
Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf
MSA provides a rigorous, student-centered educational program in a fully accessible, language-rich environment to maximize each student's full potential. Additionally, MSA provides statewide resources and professional expertise to parents, families, partners and educational programs in Minnesota.
Email: annegrace.donatucci@msa.state.mn.us
Website: https://msad.msa.state.mn.us/
Location: 615 Olof Hanson Drive, Faribault, MN, USA
Phone: 507-384-6600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Minnesota-State-Academy-for-the-Deaf-170771429656710/