The AGAPE Times
a weekly newsletter for students and families - Vol VI (6)
CONGRATULATIONS, AGAPE 2020 GRADUATES!!!! See you Monday, June 1st at 5:30pm - check your K12 email later this week for the link to the virtual ceremony!!!
Week 6
Welcome to week 6 of the AGAPE Times newsletter!! This is our last week with our 2020 graduating seniors! We could not be more proud of you!! Keep up the great work and keep communicating with your teachers!
Though we are now going to be apart for the remainder of the school year, we are still the same strong, caring AGAPE family; always there for each other! Please check out the links in this newsletter and reach out if you are in need - we care about you all! Mrs. Weir is available via phone @ 651-335-9145 or email at lois.vosika-weir@spps.org anytime. All staff are always on the AGAPE Student/Staff Schoology group and are available via email or even a face to face chat on Google Meet! Stay healthy and safe!
Mr. Brueggeman - Art Educator Extraordinaire
How has Distance Learning been going for you as a teacher?
Hello AGAPE! I have really missed seeing everybody- staff and students! One really tough part of our distance learning is the lack of daily face to face contact. Instead of watching a class or students’ progress (and giving feedback as we go) I only tend to see a student’s finished work. A big component of teaching in any studio art class is demonstration and modeling. That is harder to do with distance learning- using videos and tutorials are helpful, but they don’t respond to students’ questions. As the weeks of distance learning have gone on I have found my resourceful AGAPE students have stepped up, and I have really started to see more success.
What are some ways that you are reaching out to students?
I really enjoy seeing my students on GoogleMeet- after every meeting I have felt better and more connected afterwards. The quickest way to get in touch is through email (mark.brueggeman@spps.org) This email will ping me whatever I am doing, and if its important to get a quick response I will be on it.
What is the most important thing about your classes that you would like to share with your students?
One thing I want my students to get out of my classes is a new method of communication. I have been amazed at the personal stories and truth that is expressed in the artwork I see in class. Some stories are best described with words, some stories best told with music, and sometimes our personal stories are best communicated through visual art. I hope to guide our AGAPE sisters to the tools and skills they need to express themselves.
Share something that you are doing in your down time during Quarantine!
During this “stay at home” time I have worked to stay busy- My daughter and I go for a run or bike ride every day. We practice social distancing when around others, but it is important to get fresh air and to not feel cooped up. Before I allow myself to watch a show at night I make sure to do some artwork or music- my wife and I will play songs together (mandolin & guitar) or I will paint or work on a woodcut in my studio. Two or three times a week my grandson and his mother come for dinner- since my son is parenting with her every day, it is the one family that we have contact with. Andreas turned one year old during the quarantine- he loves cake, mango and dancing!
Ms. Glaspie - Social Studies Education Maven
Distance teaching is one of the most challenging things I've experienced in my 24 years as a teacher. I say that because one of the most important aspects of my work is creating positive and supportive relationships with students. Once I meet a student, I immediately get to work with trying to understand her likes, dislikes, challenges and strengths. Establishing a foundation for a connection beyond the classroom and class work, isn't truly possible during this time.
What are some ways that you are reaching out to students?
One of the ways that I've tried reaching out to students is by calling them on the phone. I've made some powerful connections that way since students are not expecting their teacher to be on the other end of the line. Every week I email students to check in on them to see how they are doing and to ask if they'd like individualized instruction. Google meetings has also been one of my favorite ways to connect with students. This by far has been the most beneficial ways that I've connected with students. Google meets is far more personable since it allows me to see a student, to ask direct questions, and to do one-on-one instruction. A student and I often times share our screens which help deviate confusion about assignments.
What is the most important thing about your classes that you would like to share with your students?
The most important thing about my classes is that I've tried to make lessons culturally relevant to what we're experiencing as a nation. I've also only given about 1-3 hours of work per week. If a student were to spend at least a day working on social studies lessons, she could easily pass my courses.
Any other information you would like to share?
One piece of advice I have for students is to pay attention to what the news is saying about social distancing. I've worried about students who are not staying aware of the dangers involved in working in their communities or believing that we will physically be in our learning spaces soon. When I learn that I student has been waiting to do work because she believes we're returning soon, it tells me that she's not reading the news.
Share something that you are doing in your down time during Quarantine!
During the pandemic, I've been teaching my son. I have established a schedule that works for the both us to work on school work at the same time. We begin our day at 8:00 am and conclude by 3:00. We also participate in a zoom book club with my mom and daughter. All four of us try to stay connected every day by doing a family activity. We also spend time bike riding and jumping on a super big trampoline in our backyard. I've been reading tons too!
News for Graduating Seniors!!!!
AGAPE 2020 SENIOR RECOGNITION Join AGAPE staff for our virtual senior recognition celebration on Friday May 29th at 1pm. Check your K12 email for an invite from Mrs. Weir!!!
GRADUATION IS JUNE 1st at 5:30pm!!! It will be a pre-recorded virtual ceremony hosted on ZOOM by LifeTouch. Graduating seniors will receive a link to the ceremony sometime this week!!!
Mary Gannon wants to make sure ALL GRADUATING SENIORS log into Naviance and do the Senior Survey - it is an assigned task for all Seniors. Did you apply for financial aid (FAFSA) or apply to colleges with Mary during the school year? Pretty sure you probably did, so ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS CORRECTLY, please!! After you are done, or if you have any questions, please email Mary Gannon!! This IS REQUIRED!!!
JUNE GRADUATES DON'T FORGET TO HOP ON GOOGLE MEETS AT 12:30 THURSDAYS FOR YOUR EMPOWERMENT GROUP! Together we are stronger and we are here to offer support, encouragement, motivation and a path to the finish line! Mary and Christy can't wait to see you! Check your K12 email for your invitation for group! :)
May 18th - May 22nd AGAPE Student of the Week was.......
At first she was unsure of how online learning was going to go but she reached out to AGAPE staff, and found out with support from them, she is able to complete the work. Her strengths are that she has a schedule for doing school work and gets it completed before Friday and she is able to play with her daughter and teach her new things.
Congratulations to our student of the week, Pae Pae!!!
Babies and Distance Learning
- Take advantage of nap time, meal times, after baby is asleep, etc!
- Do a little at a time, at different times, every day.
- EMAIL YOUR TEACHERS! We are all here to support each other. If you are having a hard time with your assignments, reach out and tell your teacher.
- Read your schoolwork out loud to your baby.
- Make a routine and stick to it! Treat yourself!!
- Be patient with yourself and give yourself some GRACE - we are all doing the best we can.
"When you find you are stressed, overwhelmed or anxious, a strategy that can help us is mindful breathing. Focusing our attention on our breathing is an excellent way to rid the mind of mental noise and worries about past or future events and allow us to be aware of the present moment. The easiest way we can do mindfulness breathing is to simply focus on inhaling and exhaling by "watching" our breath. It can be helpful to set aside a certain time to practice deep breathing exercises every day. Not only will you feel more calm you will find it is easier to focus. You can use to help you sleep or when you start your day before your child wakes up. Click on this link or watch the video below for a 10 minute guided mediation to practice mindful breathing."
Emergency Housing Resources
- If you are a family experiencing homelessness and need additional supports:
- Many resources are available on our REACH website. This site will be updated regularly.
- Please contact our Homeless Liaison Anne McInerney if you need additional support (anne.mcinerney@spps.org (651) 231-0404)). https://www.spps.org/reach
- Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter:
- To obtain a housing assessment, contact Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter (651) 215-2262
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, the following Crisis Text Services and hotlines are available 24/7:
Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 741 741
Call ** CRISIS from a cell phone to talk to professionals who can help
Calling from a landline? See the directory of local mental health crisis phone numbers.
Free help for people across Minnesota who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide. Video
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7, 365-day-a-year hotline for people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional crisis.distress. Call 1-800-273-8255 or click here to chat.
- SAFE, case management and support for African American women and their children experiencing domestic violence. Case managers assist clients access resources including housing, shelter, food, counseling. Case managers support women wherever they are on their journey. Led by an African American team, services are culturally-specific. Case managers work in the community, so clients can discreetly and easily access services. Contact: Carla.mcpipe@180degrees.org or Akello.Alay@180degrees.org More info at www.180degrees.org
- Casa de Esperanza Confidential 24 Hour Bilingual Domestic Violence Crisis Line 651.772.1611
'Strong Women' Documentary of the Week!
Nurses Corner
Nature & Yoga Activities to try with your toddlers and pre-schoolers:
We know that being in nature is vital for our overall well-being.
Taking time to get outside and breathe fresh air as we move our bodies can really change how we feel by decreasing stress, improving mood and increasing our feeling of connectedness to the world around us. Try these simple practices with your family this week.
Take a Mindful Walk
Mindfulness can easily be incorporated into our outdoor time. Next time you go for a walk, notice all the sounds that you hear around you – like the wind blowing or the sounds of birds chirping. Notice what you see around you. Can you spot little green leaf buds on tree branches or little green sprouts growing up through the ground? Notice what you feel around you – like the warm sunshine on your skin or a gentle breeze on your face. When you get home, write or draw about everything you witnessed on your walk.
Nature-Themed Yoga-Based Movement
All of these moves have wonderful connections to the natural world.
Seed to Tree:
Kneeling on the floor, fold your body over your legs and make your body tiny like a Seed. Imagine warm sunshine and gentle rain getting you ready to grow (adult helper can press hands on child’s back for warm sunshine and tap fingertips on their back for gentle raindrops). Slowly grow into a Tree by pressing one foot into the floor and propping the other foot against your leg, or placing it below or above your knee. Stretch your arms like branches up to the sky. Drop another Seed to the ground and grow into Tree again, this time balancing on your other leg.
Eagle:
Next, fly like an Eagle. Cross one leg over the other (both feet can be on the floor) and give yourself a big hug. If you feel like it, uncross your leg and send it behind you to fly like an Eagle. Now try on the other side.
Butterfly:
Sit down on the ground to become a Butterfly. Press the soles of your feet together and put your hands on your shoulders. You have two sets of wings like a butterfly. Take time to write or draw about your Tree, Eagle and Butterfly.
Experience Nature-Themed Rest
Picture yourself in nature. Choose a favorite place to visit and experience it with all of your senses – what you would hear, see, feel if you were there right now. Write or draw about your experience after.
Here’s a short guided visualization about a Monarch Butterfly. Enjoy this calming story about spending time on a beautiful Spring day with a Monarch Butterfly and see how it makes you feel. Try listening to this story when you need a break between activities during the day or just before bedtime. Notice how listening to this story makes you feel at different times during the day. Write or draw your own nature visualization to share with your family.
Credit: Chrissy Mignogna - 1000 Petals https://1000-petals.com/earth-day-routine/
Students who have questions or need assistance from a school nurse can call the health office phone number - 651-888-7602. We are checking it each morning and each afternoon and we promise to answer voicemails promptly!
AGAPE End of Year Meeting
See you there!!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 01:00 PM
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Front Desk News
Hey everybody - we need your help! We having an online Spring AGAPE Family Meeting on Wednesday, May 27th at 1:00pm!! We will talk about our 2019/2020 year documents and get feedback for the 2020/2021 school year documents! All of these documents are included in the 2019/2020 AGAPE Family Handbook, but we have included links below to the documents on the AGAPE website!
- School Comprehensive Improvement Plan (SCIP)
- Family Engagement Plan (FEP)
- Family/School Compact (Compact)
- And we will have a conversation about our budget to discuss all the ways that we use Title I funds to help and work with you!
GoogleMeet link is in the event notice below! We would love to see you!!!
Also, please connect with Maddi with issues you may be having with your iPad or borrowed Hotspot. Her email is maddi.mcdonell@stpaul.k12.mn.us
AGAPE High School
Email: lois.vosika-weir@spps.org
Website: agape.spps.org
Location: 1037 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-744-7970
Twitter: @AgapeSpps