Woodcrest Spanish Immersion
March 31, 2021 Newsletter
See translation information below / Consulte la información de traducción a continuación.
Del Escritorio del Sr. Franke
Spring is in the air!!!
Greetings Woodcrest Families,
WOW! We came back from Spring Break, and in addition to being back together and exciting opportunities for learning, within a week we were gifted a day that hit 70 degrees. Spring is in the air!!! Unlike the strong wind blowing every which way, I am proud to say that the important work of teaching and learning appears to be “smooth sailing” here at Woodcrest.
Despite there being routines and protocols in place, we continue to uncover ways to streamline and personalize the learning of each student. If you have any insights from your family’s experience that you would like to share, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 763-600-5801. I am always curious and appreciate hearing from you.
Below are a few pieces of information that I would like you each to be aware of:
- No school Friday: Please remember it’s a short week and there is no school on Friday, April 2.
- MCA/MTAS testing: In the spring, students across Minnesota take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) or the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS). Woodcrest students in grades 3 and 4 take these tests. The tests measure how well schools are doing in advancing state standards for reading, math, and science. This year, we are being required to administer the tests in person, and we will do so in April and May. Families with students in the identified grades, received a message earlier today with more information about the tests and the process to opt-out if you choose.
- SLP Schools Online: Spring Lake Park Schools is expanding our full-time school for online learning for the 2021-2022 school year. We’ve offered a full-time online high school experience for many years and we are now expanding it to all grade levels, K-12. You can learn more about the unique components in today’s newsletter. Please note that Spanish Immersion will not be available through SLP School Online for next year.
As always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or curiosities you may have. It is always nice to connect with families and I look forward to opportunities to do so.
Thank you,
John Franke
Second free meal pick-up location now available for families
Centerview Elementary School has been added as a second location for families who participate in the free meal pick-up program. Spring Lake Park High School continues to be a pick-up location. As a remnder, free meals are available to all children in our community ages 1-18.
At Spring Lake Park High School, free meals are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10 a.m. at door #33. On Tuesdays, families will receive two-days’ worth of meals. On Thursdays, families will receive three-days’ worth of meals.
At Centerview Elementary School, free meals are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the front entrance of the school. On Tuesdays, families will receive two-days’ worth of meals. On Thursdays, families will receive three-days’ worth of meals.
When you arrive at these locations, please stay in your vehicle as the meals will be delivered directly to you.
Questions? Contact Jane Sweney, SLP Nutrition Services Program Assistant via email or call her at 763-600-5041.
Interested in learning more? SLP Schools Online expands to K-12
Spring Lake Park Schools is expanding its 13-year-old online school from grades 9-12 to all grade levels for the 2021-2022 school year. A year of learning through the pandemic has created an interest in the next phase of our Spring Lake Park Schools approach to online learning.
Students who choose SLP Schools Online will cover the same concepts as their in-school peers but tailored to an online environment. The focus is on helping students develop both academic and life competencies aligned to state standards. Learning advocates (SLP teachers) are connected to each learner to help guide and support the learning.
Read more about SLP Schools Online K-8 and 9-12 learning models. Interested or have questions? Please complete this brief interest form. We’ll be hosting information sessions in the coming weeks for families who express interest in SLP Schools Online as an enrollment option for 2021-2022. Student and family interest will guide next steps.
El Ciclo del Agua
Los estudiantes de segundo la Sra. Schulz han estado aprendiendo sobre el Ciclo del Agua en ciencias. ¡Excelente trabajo amigos!
Second grade students from Sra. Schulz's class have been learning about "The Water Cycle" in Science class. Excellent work friends!
Spring Family Activity Bags
Thanks to a generous donation by WCSI parents, each student will be receiving (or already brought home) two new books as part of the read-a-long last month. WCSI PTO wanted to add to this fun by giving each student a Cozy Up and Read Activity Bag. Distribution of these bags will be on Thursday of this week! They include tips on reading with your student(s), star gazing info, a flashlight, and a snack for at home. We hope you enjoy this special time with your child(ren).
FREE Digital Games Available
Free Digital Family Game Night for all via Breakout EDU! New puzzles have been released for the month of March. Complete one to be entered into the monthly prize drawing. Sign up online with code OQXAW6
Scholastic Book Club
Woodcrest PTO is offering Scholastic Book Club. Please visit Scholastic and enter class code NJ89V. All purchases will help earn FREE books which will be used to support children's literacy at Woodcrest. Questions about Scholastic Book Club can be emailed to PTO.
PTO Meeting and Board Nominations
Our next PTO meeting is Monday April 12 via zoom at 6 p.m. We will be collecting nominations for the 2021-2022 WCSI PTO Board, which will be voted on during our May 10 meeting. Information about positions including President, Secretary, Treasurer, Volunteer Coordinator, and Social Media Coordinator can be found on facebook and Konstella. The full agenda for the meeting can also be found on Konstella.
Dine to Donate Night at Culvers
Save the date for our next dine to donate night, which will be Monday, April 19 at Blaine Culvers from 5-7 p.m. If you order food during this time, a percentage of sales will be donated by Culvers to our PTO to support our activities of student support, staff appreciation, and community engagement.
PTO Contact Info
If you have ideas or questions at any time, contact us via email.
- April 2 - No school for students at Woodcrest Spanish Immersion
- April 12 - PTO Meeting at 6 p.m.
In case you missed important information from last week's newsletter, check out the topics below and click to learn more.
Resources for families: Responding to current events
- Resources to Help Educators, Adults Respond to Racism, Violence and Trauma (MDE)
- Talking to Children about Tragedies & Other News Events (AAP)
- Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide for Fighting Hate (Parents)
- Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism (PBS)
- Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Parents and Educators (NCTSN)
Other Topics:
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