MSAD's Family Newsletter
Transition To Hybrid Learning
Director's Corner
Hello Families & Students,
Welcome to October!
Our first few pods have been back on campus for three weeks now and everyone is settling into their routine. Students have been doing a great job of socially distancing and wearing their masks! There have been many adjustments as we transition to on campus learning and students are handling the changes in protocol with ease and excitement. Thank you for entrusting us to educate your child during this time.
As we reach the halfway mark of our semester, we are excited about our upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences next week. This is a great time to connect with teachers on how you and your child are managing Distance Learning, things we can be doing better as a school and goals to work on for the remainder of the semester. Feedback is welcome as we evaluate our new instructional platforms - Seesaw and Schoology.
Starting Monday, October 19th, we will have two additional pods with us on campus - Middle School and Living Skills/A+ 18-21. Included in this newsletter is information for all families and then specific information for those returning to campus on the 19th. Families, please note changes to our Distance Learning schedule, effective October 19th, for those pods.
The next entry point for students that are in Distance Learning while their assigned pod is on campus will be November 30th. After that, the next time to transition to hybrid learning will be at the end of the first semester.
More information will be shared shortly related to our winter sports season, drivers education and other student activities.
As always, we continue to look for ways we can encourage each other and our students to ACHIEVE, CARE and THRIVE!
Sincerely,
Anne Grace Donatucci
Early Release/No School Next Thursday & Friday
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020, 12:00 PM
615 Olof Hanson Drive, Faribault, MN, USA
Attendance Reminder
Red Ribbon Week October 19th-23rd
Did You Know?
Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t; yet, only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.
Red Ribbon Week®, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the nation, is your opportunity to get the ongoing conversation started.
This year’s theme is Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.™
Visit www.redribbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week® and get tips for talking to your kids about drugs. The life you save may be that of your own child or a dear friend.
Parent ASL Class
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4980085029?pwd=TlFNUTZqYkFFaXVYR01zdVMxMkFjZz09
Meeting ID: 498 008 5029
Passcode: 836
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020, 06:00 PM
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Our September Trojans of the Month!
We are Safe, Respectful and Responsible
Gallaudet Trivia Cup - Elementary Students
MSAD's Partnership With The University of St Thomas
Playful Learning Lab from St. Thomas University is partnering with Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf to provide a virtual after school STEAM program through zoom! After school STEAM program will include various activities related to science, technology, engineering, art, and math! K-5th grade will be on every Tuesday from 4-5 pm until January 5th! The 6-12th grade will be on every Wednesday from 4-5 pm until January 5th!
School Picture Day!
More information will be shared soon.
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020, 08:30 AM
615 Olof Hanson Drive, Faribault, MN, USA
Information For Pods Returning To Campus October 19th
Changes To Our Distance Learning Schedule
Dorm Packing List
New This Year - MSAD's Trojan Corner
We are looking forward to connecting with students both in and out of the classroom!
Trojan Health & Safety Measures
Our classrooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. To start the school year, 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 - 9:30, 1pm, 4:15pm, daily in educational buildings with students.
Symptoms To Watch For Before Sending Your Child To School
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.
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.
School Supplies
Please also make sure your child brings their school device and charger.
Packing Your School Lunch
Superintendent's Vlog
- Other Resources -
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/