Park Terrace Elementary
October 21, 2020 Newsletter
Greetings, Park Terrace families!
I hope you all had a restful and fun fall break and were ready for the beautiful snowfall we received yesterday. The kids had a blast playing in the snow during recess at school. It’s always fun to see them be so joyful and enjoy all the seasons Minnesota has to offer.
As we head into the colder season, please remind your students to grab their hats, gloves, snow pants, jackets, and boots as they head out the door. Students go outside every day at school (except when it’s below 0 degrees or the windchill is -10 or below), so it’s important they dress for the weather. If you need assistance obtaining these items (even if you are doing full-time extended flexible learning), please reach out to our social worker, Kim Zack, at: kzack@district16.org.
Over the fall break, COVID-19 case rates in Anoka County continued to rise. We receive updates from Minnesota Department of Health weekly and continue to monitor the numbers and trends and align to the state’s learning plan guidance. Our goal is to keep our school buildings open for learning, and we ask that our entire community continue to follow public health guidance to help control the spread of the virus in our communities.
Here are a few days to keep on your radar:
- October 28: Applications for free and reduced-price meals are due. See more information below and please take time to submit an application, even if you do not believe you will qualify. Applications must be completed each year. The funding support far more than meals, so please take a moment to complete an application if you haven’t already.
- November 26-27: Thanksgiving - No school.
- December 4: End of Trimester 1
I hope you all get a chance to build a snowman with the kids and then warm up with some delicious hot chocolate!
Warmly,
Mona Perkins
For Extended Flex Learning Families: Conferences, Important Dates, Resources
Greetings!
I certainly hope you and your family had an enjoyable fall break, as it appears winter has arrived. Wow, the season change happened fast!
Teachers have been reporting positive and productive visits with families. If you have not yet scheduled a conference, your child’s teacher will continue to reach out and please also feel free to reach out to them. Our teachers are anxious to share student progress with you, and they also want to hear about your child as a learner from you. A conference can be scheduled with the teacher directly.
We have a few important dates to note:
- November 11: Picture day for students in Extended Flexible Learning. We’ll have more information about the plan and protocols in the next few weeks. In the meantime, mark your calendar.
- November 26-27: Thanksgiving (no school)
- December 4: End of Trimester 1
These and other important dates are noted on the 2020-2021 School Calendar. During this unusual year, we know things are subject to change. We’ll keep you updated.
If you haven’t checked it out already, please also know the Tech Toolkit gathers helpful tech tips for students and families on topics you’ve told us are important. We continue to update this resource based on your feedback.
Stay safe, warm and healthy!
Kim Fehringer
Principal on Special Assignment
K-4 Extended Flexible Learning
The sights and sounds of Spring Lake Park Schools in 2020
In a normal year, families have opportunities to visit school. In a normal year, they can see firsthand what their student's day is like. Unfortunately, this isn't a normal year. That's why we've brought some of the sights and sounds from the first few weeks of this school year to you.
Apply now: Free or reduced-price meal benefits provide much more than food
The deadline to apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits is approaching on October 28, 2020. Please take a few minutes to complete and submit the application - even if you don't think you will qualify. It's about much more than meals.
You could be eligible for:
- Reduced fares on Metro Transit through the Transit Assistance Program. Anyone in a household with a student receiving Free or Reduced Lunch is eligible to receive this reduced fare.
- Reduced fees for athletics and activities
- Reduced fees for in-home internet access
A new application must be completed each school year. Families who have not applied for these benefits should apply right away.
Questions? Contact the Nutrition Services Department at 763-600-5041.
COVID-19 Community Testing Locations
There are several ways – including many that are free – to get tested for COVID-19. You may attend a Minnesota Department of Health community testing event, or use the MDH look-up tool (filter it by county and/or city) to find a testing location near you. For more information, please view our website.
Register Now for Upcoming Youth and Adult Community Education Classes
Take-Home Art Activities
For youth, take-home art activities are available for pick-up on Wednesdays and will keep your child's mind active and creative! Craft offerings include build a birdhouse kit, ceramic bird ornaments, confetti bowl kit, fall wind chimes, science at home, sun catcher, wooden treasure box and ceramic leaf bowls. Check the website often as more take-home activities will be added throughout the year.
Instant Pot Cook-Alongs
A Fun and Snowy Day at Recess
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
Translate This Newsletter / Traducir Este Boletín
To translate this newsletter information to another language, please click anywhere on the newsletter to open it in a web browser and at the top of the page, select your language from the dropdown menu.
Para traducir este boletín de noticias a otro idioma, por favor presionen en cualquier lugar del boletín para abrir el boletín en un navegador web y en la parte superior de la página seleccione su idioma del menú.