Park Terrace Elementary
January 6, 2021 Newsletter
Greetings Park Terrace families!
I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break and has had a great start to the new year. My break was filled with quiet family time with my husband and three kids, as well as lots of virtual game nights with extended family. While part of me missed the hustle and bustle of the typical winter break, I must admit, I enjoyed the quiet quality time with my kids.
Before winter break, all Minnesota schools received updated guidance from the state on re-opening schools for grades preK-6. This week, we have been working on plans to return as many students as possible to at-school learning as soon as possible. We will have more information and an update for all SLP families before the end of the week.
There are many factors we need to consider as we make plans to return to at-school learning, including assessing the status of our staff and working through updated health and safety guidance. The earliest we can begin this transition is sometime during the week of January 18. Our intent is to bring students in grades preK–6 back to at-school learning five days per week. Please note, we will also continue to operate our Extended Flexible Learning (distance) model for those who have chosen it. Please keep your eyes open for additional information regarding this transition later this week.
Amid all the challenges that 2020 presented us (and there were many), there were opportunities to learn and grow. We hope to take the things we learned in 2020 and make 2021 the best year ever for each of our students and their families.
Warmly,
Mona Perkins
Principal
For Extended Flex Learning Families: The New Year
Happy New Year! I am excited to welcome your families back to Extended Flexible Learning and I am also looking forward to the exciting things 2021 has to bring. I hope each of you and your families had an enjoyable winter break that allowed for good health, relaxation, and fun. I did! I am rested, recharged, and hopeful for the future.
Spring Lake Park Schools is actively planning to re-open our school buildings for grades preK-6. As we move through the next few weeks, you will be receiving updates on the re-opening plans. I encourage you to read these updates thoroughly, so you don’t miss information that may be important to you. As this transition takes place, SLP will continue to offer distance learning (Extended Flexible Learning) for those who choose it.
Should you have questions or need clarification, pleases feel free to connect with me. I am looking forward to our continued partnership in 2021.
Kim Fehringer
Principal on Assignment
K-4 Extended Flexible Learning
Quarantine guidance updated for COVID-19 exposures
Kindergarten enrollment is open, register for a Kindergarten Connection virtual meeting
Join us for Kindergarten Connect conversations on January 14, 19, 20 or 21. Kindergarten Connect are virtual, small group conversations with no more than 10 families and the school principal. The hour-long sessions are ideal for families new to the school experience who want to learn more about the school, meet members of the team and get answers to questions. Register online for the session that works for you and a link will be provided the day before each event.
Calendar approved for 2021-2022 school
The calendar for the 2021-2022 school year was approved at the December 15 regular school board meeting. View the detailed calendar.
Important dates include:
- Tuesday, September 7 – First day of school for grades K-8 and Lighthouse students, orientation for grade 9 students and grades 10-12 students new to the high school
- Wednesday, September 8 – First day of school for returning grades 10-12 students who are not new to the high school
- October 18-22 – Fall break
- November 24-26 – Thanksgiving break
- December 23–December 31 – Winter break
- March 11-21 – Spring Break
- Thursday, June 9 – Last day of school
Help us stock the Panther Pantry…and have some fun along the way
The Panther Foundation is kicking off Panthers for a Purpose this month with fun for all ages in service of a worthy cause - raising much-needed financial (and food) resources for the Panther Pantry and Weekend Food Pack program. These district programs supply food for children over weekends and breaks when school is not in session. They keep kids fed and ready to learn.
Get involved
- Tune in to the virtual giving event February 27: In place of its annual gala, the Panther Foundation is producing a unique, first-of-its kind Panther experience on Saturday, February 27, 2021, premiering at 7 p.m. Mark your calendars and plan to participate. Everyone is invited! The event will be virtual, enjoyed from home, is FREE and 100% of the proceeds will support the Panther Pantry and Weekend Food Pack program. There will be an online auction and several surprises. Don’t miss it.
- Participate in three Panther Challenges: In the weeks leading up to the virtual giving event, students and families are encouraged to get involved in three Panther challenges. Challenge #1 kicks off today and runs through the month of January. Collect “Pennies for Packs,” monetary donations, for Weekend Food Packs or collect food to contribute to the Community Food Drive. On January 26 and 27 food and monetary donations will be collected at each school and at the District Services Center, 1415 – 81st Avenue, NE, Spring Lake Park.
As you collect food, search for pennies and engage in the Panther Challenges, we want to see your efforts. Share your photos and videos at pantherfoundation@district16.org. All submissions you share will be entered into a drawing for prizes.
Find more information about all of the fun activities planned and all the ways you can support the cause on the Panthers for a Purpose event page.
Firehouse Tour
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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