Westwood Intermediate/Middle School
October 21, 2020 Newsletter
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Westwood Families
I hope all of you had a wonderful break and had the opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s). Many teachers are continuing those conversations over the next couple of weeks. If you have not been able to connect with your child’s teachers, they will continue to reach out to you to engage in a conversation about your child, their learning, and their progress. We also encourage you to reach out directly to teachers with questions or information about your child at any time.
Last week we worked with staff on the use of rubrics as a tool to provide students with feedback on their next steps in learning, and to assess student learning. Staff reviewed highlights from the start of the year, assessed areas to focus on to improve student learning in the Modified Campus and Extended Flexible Learning Models.
Over the fall break, COVID-19 case rates in Anoka County continued to rise. We receive updates from the Minnesota Department of Health weekly and continue to monitor, the numbers, the 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.
Coming up:
- 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.
- November 26-27: Thanksgiving - No school.
- December 4: End of Trimester 1.
The fall weather has quickly turned to winter this week – all students on in school learning days go outside for a recess each day. Students should have appropriate winter gear for a 20-minute recess. Hopefully, the early winter is short and we get back to typical fall weather.
Tom Larson
Principal
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.
Lunch Bunch
Ms. Fritze’s EFL students in grade 5 attend weekly Lunch Bunch meetings together. Students sign-up to spend lunchtime with their teacher on Thursdays or Fridays. They eat lunch, chit chat and play different virtual games. This is a time for all of them to connect in a more personal way and helps create connections with students and families.
The next Westwood PTO Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
We are looking forward to working with all of our parents and families this year to support the staff and students at Westwood.
Visit the PTO Facebook page: Westwood Intermediate and Middle School PTO
- Click here to receive email notifications about Westwood PTO.
Register Now for Upcoming Youth and Adult Community Education Classes
Community Education has a number of youth and adult programs available now for registration. Visit the website to view availability and details or call Community Education at 763-600-5050.
Take-Home Art Activities
Instant Pot Cook-Alongs
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
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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.