Tiger Tales
September 2021
Principal's Message
Stevenson Families,
We are thrilled and ready to welcome students back to school! As the proud principal at Stevenson Elementary, I am incredibly grateful to serve our beautiful scholars and the Fridley community. We have a passionate staff ready to make this a great year for each and every one of our students. We embrace each child and celebrate their many talents. We prioritize well-being, happiness, and nurturing a love for learning!
Orientation days continue Tuesday, Sept 7th and Wednesday, Sept 8th. Students all start school on Thursday, Sept 9th. The orientation days have been a wonderful way of preparing students for school and building relationships. Thank you to all who have already come in and we are looking forward to meeting the rest of you at your upcoming session. If you are not signed up, use the link below.
https://www.myconferencetime.com/stevenson/
We will navigate school during the pandemic together. As a precaution and to mitigate risk, we will not have parents in the building for lunch. Our kindergarten teachers will be meeting families outside the first two days of school. Thank you for your understanding.
Your partnership is valued and appreciated!
Kindly,
Veronica Mathison
Stevenson Elementary Principal
763-502-5301
Check out our 2021-2022 Family Site!
- Click on names of staff to hear introductions
- Find contact information
- View newsletter and updates
- See resources for grade levels
Important Dates
Lifetouch Picture Day 9/30
Thank you PTO for Johnny Pops and Target Gift Cards!
Our new STEAM Lab!
Lifetouch Picture Day
Twice a year, our scholars have the opportunity to have their photograph professionally taken by Lifetouch. Our first picture day is Thursday, September 30th. Your student will go with their class at a designated time and have their photo taken, one at a time.
Please know that parents are not permitted to accompany their child to have their photo taken. However, we will be looking for 2 parent volunteers to help children through the line and these volunteers receive a free photo package from Lifetouch.
To order photos please go to the Lifetouch Website at any time.
Teacher of Excellence!
Our teacher of excellence has ferocious humility. She’s curious, is not afraid to admit what she doesn’t know, she says sorry, gives students time to think, feel, process, and make things right. Abby Jensen is passionate, has a huge heart, and is dedicated to our students. She continuously seeks out resources and strategies that embrace and mirror our scholars.
In her classroom, scholars engage in daily circles to build community and problem-solve together if needed. She gives students voice and agency. During academic blocks, students talk with their peers, work together, engage in content specific to what they need. Ms. Jensen runs small groups or works 1:1 to help her scholars grow.
Abby Jensen is a true IB teacher and an equity builder. She is dedicated to seeing and valuing each of her students, teaching through a whole child approach, and guides students through meaningful learning experiences. Congratulations, Abby. This recognition is well earned. Fridley is proud of you and to name you our Teacher of Excellence.
Thank you Fridley!
Change of Address or Contact Information?
School Hours for 2021-2022
Student arrival begins 8:55 a.m.
Free breakfast will be served in classrooms 8:55 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.
School day starts at 9:10 a.m.
(Students entering after 9:10 will be marked tardy.)
Dismissal is 3:45 p.m.
Masks will Keep Students at School!
Volunteering is Back!
All Volunteers must fill out the volunteer application and clear a background check through human resources. All information is confidential and at no cost to our volunteers
Please note-All volunteers must re-apply this year even if you have previously been cleared as a volunteer.
Transportation
The 2021-22 School year is fast approaching; Transportation Department wants to make sure we are assigning all students on the school bus, if eligible for the first day of school. All students are required to sign up for transportation, to assure efficiency.
· Any 2020-2021 transportation requests for home, alternate address, or daycare will be honored and maintained during the 2021-22 school year.
· We have created just one form Click here to complete the Transportation Request Form.
In late August you will receive a message that the transportation information is set for the first day of school. Once you receive this notification, please log into your Parent/Student portal to access your information.
· If you move, change phone number or email please let us know so we can update your new contact information.
Please call the Transportation Department if you have any questions of concerns (763) 502 5151
Nutritional Services Updates and Changes
Nutritional Services Information
Welcome back families and students. We are looking forward to having you back in the café for breakfast and lunch daily. We hope that your students enjoy our new menu items along with their favorite items.
Completion of Application for Educational Benefits
The school district mailed each household an Application for Educational Benefits in mid-July. If you did not receive one, they are available on the District Website at https://www.fridleyschools.org/about-us/departments/nutritional-services/meal-applications , can be completed online at https://fridleymn.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/fridley.jsp (you will need your Parent Portal username and password), by contacting Kathy Backstrom at 763-502-5021 or your School Main Office. An Application for Educational Benefits must be completed every year. If you received free/reduced priced meals last year a new application must be completed for the 2021-22 year and applications submitted prior to September 3, 2021 may be eligible for summer P-EBT benefits if approved for free/reduced price meals. If your income has changed due to job loss or change, please complete an application. These applications also help the district receive additional funding for support staff and teachers, so please complete the applications. When completing the application, please include all people living in the household including infants or young children, college students, and older adults who may be living with you.
Use of Bar Codes at Breakfast and Lunch
The district will be using bar codes to record student purchases in all schools. Elementary students will have a bar code on a lanyard that they will bring to lunch with them. Students will not be entering in their lunch pin on a key pad and it is important that all students have a bar code for the safety of the Nutritional Services staff.
USDA issues waiver for free breakfast and lunch for all students
The first full breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge to all students regardless if they have been approved for free or reduced priced meals. The meals will be free due to the USDA issued a waiver allowing school districts to provide free meals following the Seamless Summer Option.
Additional Milk or Milk for Cold Lunch
Students purchasing just a milk will be charged $0.55 and must have money in their lunch account. Students are not allowed to have negative lunch balances to purchase these items. Students who are bringing lunch from home or want an additional milk can purchase them for $0.55.
Online Meal Payments
To add money to your student’s meal account please go to Infinite Campus Parent Portal https://fridleymn.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/fridley.jsp Money can also be sent to school with your student if you choose to pay with cash or paper check. Please include your student’s name, teacher’s name and lunch pin on the envelope. . If you are having trouble accessing the parent portal please email Campus.Parenthelp@fridley.k12.mn.us or contact your School’s Main Office for someone to assist you.
Monthly Menus
Monthly student menus will be available on the Nutritional Services website at https://www.fridleyschools.org/about-us/departments/nutritional-services/lunch-breakfast-menus. Our menus will look different this year, we will continue to purchase locally grown produce, provide student favorites, and school prepared meals. We are continuing to return to more school prepared meals. We are committed to providing your children with health meal options for them to be successful in the classroom.
Menu Options
We will continue to use more individually wrapped items and pre-portioned items for our students. Students will be allowed to take their own pre-portioned items from the fruit and vegetable bars. Condiments will be pre-portioned for their safety.
Food Allergies
If your student has a medically diagnosed food allergy or is lactose intolerant, please contact Sara Supplee RD, Nutrition Coordinator, at 763-502-5028 to discuss your child’s needs. There is some additional USDA forms that must be completed.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for Elementary Schools
Both Hayes and Stevenson Elementary Schools will participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program. This grant provides a fresh fruit or vegetable as a snack to students 3 days per week. We try to provide students with new and different fresh produce including papaya, mango, jicama and kohlrabi. Besides the snack, student receives some education about the produce. This grant program will start in September, 2021.
If you have any questions regarding Nutritional Services please contact Renee Arbogast at 763-502-5022 for assistance
R.L. Stevenson Elementary
Email: Veronica.mathison@fridley.k12.mn.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/isd14.org/stevensone-learning/home
Location: 6080 East River Road, Fridley, MN, USA
Phone: 7635025300