Washington Technology Magnet School
Family Newsletter September 2020
Message from Principal Bonnick
Dear Washington Families,
Welcome to the new school year! In my 25 plus years as an educator I love kicking off a new school year. The excitement and buzz that a new school year brings is exhilarating. I missed that this year! Although this is an unprecedented way to open a school year I am extremely proud to say it has been an amazing start. It is so wonderful to be back in the business of connecting with students and seeing the learning that can still happen in a distance learning format.
I want to extend a huge that you to the Washington staff for all of their hard work in preparing for the launch of distance learning 2.0. Their dedication to making this the best experience for our students and families is remarkable. I also want to say thank you to our students and families for their grace and patience and we figure things out. This challenging time in education and in life has been referenced as “building a plane while it is flying”. This rings so true for me as I it probably does for many of you as well. As a parent of a junior in high school who will be experiencing distance learning for the entire school year I truly understand how challenging this time is for you and for your learners. I know how confusing and frustrating technology can be so we are going to be offering online Technology Support Classes for families online, more information is below under Technology Support.
Next Thursday September 24, 2020 we will be hosting our annual Title One Meeting and Open House online from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Details on how to join the meeting are below. I look forward to meeting students and families at this event.
We are in this together and we will get through this! Team Washington! I will leave you with a quote from Albert Einstein “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Please know that we are here for you so please reach out if you need anything. Please be well and stay safe.
In Partnership,
Principal Bonnick
Washington Daily Schedule and Weekly Calendars
ONLINE Title One Annual Meeting and Open House
Agenda
6:00-6:15 p.m. Overview from Principal Bonnick
6:15-7:30 p.m. Visit with Washington teachers and staff
iPad Help
If your iPad is not functioning, damaged, or needs to be replaced, please have your student report the issue to their Foundations/Advisory teacher or email Kurt Schiebel at kurt.schiebel@spps.org (iPad Manager). Email is preferred and provides quicker response, but you can also call 651-744-1437 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please leave a detailed voicemail including student name, CIF/student number, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
If you are having problems with your iPad, you may also contact your student’s teacher for that class who may be able to provide specific app support. There are also support tips here, spps.org/ipadhelp but please contact your Foundations/Advisory Teacher or Mr. Kurt if there is an actual issue with the functionality of the device.
What is Schoology?
Schoology is an online Learning Management System that helps you stay informed about
your student’s classes, assignments and grades. You can use Schoology to:
● View your student’s Courses and Groups
● Monitor school and course announcements
● View your student’s upcoming, current and overdue assignments
● Stay involved in your student’s education
How do I login to Schoology? Information on how to log into Schoology can be found here
Need to reset your username and password? Want to learn how to use Schoology? SPPS Schoology Help Page If you have questions please email Eric Gunderson at eric.gunderson@stpaul.k12.mn.us or call 651-395-7450.
We will be hosting online classes for families to learn more about Schoology and get help with other technology concerns. Click here for dates and times for Online Technology Classes.
News from the Library
Do you have library books and textbooks that you want to return? If so, grab your books and come to the Curbside Book Dropoff on Tuesday, October 13th from 1:00-4:00 pm. We'll be set up outside Door #3 in the parking lot. Thanks! If you're looking for eBooks, audiobooks, or podcasts at home, please check out this handout for families. It will show you how to access books on your phone, iPad, or computer. Any questions about the library or resources? Please contact our library media specialist at: kathleen.kraemer@spps.org
Grade Level Newsletters
2020 Census Information
Have you been counted on the 2020 Census? Our community is best when we look out for each other and work together as one nation. The Census data determines resources for the schools and parks in our neighborhoods and the money that funds programs that keep families healthy and fed. Census data also determines political representation in Congress and in our state. That’s why SPPS is helping spread the message about the 2020 US Census and to help make sure every child is counted. To take the 2020 Census and make sure your family is counted, you can respond by mail, online, or by phone (844-330-2020).
Anas Mohamed is a junior League of Women Voters St. Paul Student Leader at Washington. He produced the following two Census outreach videos. Take a look:
Census project video English version Census Project Somali version
More Information: Census Flyer United States Census Bureau
Future Voters Club
Hello and welcome back to Washington. The Future Voters club will be working with students to register friends and family members who are eligible to vote. Many of our seniors will be able to vote this fall and they are excited for the opportunity to make their voices heard. All voters must register to vote - registration may be completed before the election or on election day at your polling place. If you plan to register to vote online the deadline is October 13, 2020. For more information on voting and registration please visit: https://www.lwvmn.org/for-voters
Voting Information from MN Secretary of State’s Offices
ELECCIONES EN MINNESOTA (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - SPANISH)
KEV POV NTAWV HAUV MINNESOTA (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - HMONG)
CODBIXINTA MINNESOTA GUDAHEEDA (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - SOMALI)
BỎ PHIẾU Ở MINNESOTA (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - VIETNAMESE)
在明尼苏达州投票 (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - CHINESE)
ການອອກສຽງໃນລັດມິນນິໂຊຕາ (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - LAO)
MINNESOOTAA KEESSATTI FILUU (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - OROMO)
ការបោះឆ្នោតនៅរដ្ឋ MINNESOTA (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - KHMER)
ምርጫ በሚኖሶታ (VOTING IN MINNESOTA - AMHARIC)
MN Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) Online Opportunities
Academic Adventures for Curious and Motivated 5th-7th Graders
Online ExplorSchool provides bright students with the opportunity to explore a topic of interest with similarly motivated peers. The goal is to keep students challenged and engaged as they build, create, and solve real world problems. Each class features weekly activities that take students away from a screen as they use their hands to design and construct. Importantly, students will also have opportunities to socialize with their peers through non-academic activities.
Expand Your Mind Online for Students in Grades 8–12
Online Expand Your Mind (EYM) brings together talented students from across the world for 5-week intensive learning experiences that provide meaningful academic challenges within a stimulating and safe environment. We offer classes in STEM, humanities and the fine arts, each taught by master teachers who are dedicated to stimulating young minds.
Washington Health Start Clinic
The Washington Health Start Clinic is still open for care!
The scheduling line is 651-412-8445, the Washington Health Start Direct number is 651-487-8531 Click here for more information.
Flipside Afterschool - Fall
Girls Getting Ahead in Leadership Program (GGAL)
Family Engagement
Do you have ideas or suggestions for Washington? If you would like to become more involved at Washington please contact:
Michelle Leba
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
651-744-1469
Contact Information
If you have questions, please call our school and leave a voicemail. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Phone: 651-293-8830
Interpreter and Translation Services
For more information contact:
Michelle Leba
Family and Community Engagement Coordinator
651-744-1469