Northpoint Elementary
September 16, 2020 Newsletter
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Hello to our Northpoint Families!
Our first round of A/B learning at school days and first learning at home days are in the books and I’m proud to shout, “We did it!” It feels wonderful to have the 2020-2021 school year underway. A big shoutout to our students, staff and families for everyone’s flexibility, patience, grace and good humor as we get everything rolling in this unusual year.
During the first learning at school days, our children are already settling into routines, including those in the classroom, lunch and recess. “At Home” learning days are gearing up, and teachers are working hard to create experiences which can bring our A and B students together virtually. Teachers are focused on creating relationships, building community and practicing safety.
At school each day, we are continuing to refine our arrival and dismissal processes. With each passing day, these routines are becoming more efficient. We will continue to focus on our improvement efforts. In the meantime, thank you for your understanding, flexibility and willingness to help us implement our plan and any revisions that have been communicated to you. A few reminders worth mentioning again include:
- When lining up for parent arrival or dismissal, please DO NOT BLOCK any of the entrances to our neighboring businesses.
- Follow the flow of traffic; do not pull in front of other vehicles.
- Drive as far forward as you can in the line before dropping off or picking up your student.
- Ensure your student exits and enters curbside at all times.
- Do not exit the vehicle to help your student in or out; please have student enter and exit the vehicle independently; there will be staff available to help your student if needed.
For families of our students doing Extended Flexible Learning (distance learning), please see an update just below from Kim Fehringer. Kim is a principal on special assignment, dedicated to working with our K-4 distance learning team. While we miss seeing our distance learners in the school building, we’ll keep sharing photos and stories from Northpoint with you to stay connected as a Northpoint community.
I have so enjoyed being back in the building with so many children and staff! We are also blessed to have the means to connect virtually, and for that, I am thankful. And, there is still nothing like a school full of children.
As usual, please let me know of any questions, celebrations and concerns. We appreciate our partnerships with families and look forward to continued collaboration this school year.
Judi Kahoun
Principal
For Extended Flex Learning Families: First Week and Materials Pick Up
Greetings Extended Flexible Learning Community,
The first official week of Extended Flexible Learning is off to a great start. The first few days of school are always about relationship building and routine setting. This is true even in distance learning. Relationship building may look and sound different in this setting, but the feeling of community and belonging is still there.
Teachers had many rewarding virtual visits with students and families last week. These conversations are a great first step in building a strong and trusting relationship between home and school. We appreciate the time you were able to spend with us. As the week progresses you should start to feel more comfortable with routines and schedules being established.
Three quick announcements and clarifications this week:
- Material Pickup: On Wednesday, September 23, we will have a supply pick up for K-4 Extended Flexible Learning students from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the District Services Center. We will be using a drive thru format. Please do not exit your vehicle and make sure to follow signage. If you have any questions or are unable to make the distribution, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
- Technology: Technology plays a big role in Extended Flexible Learning. If you still need a school-issued iPad or have technology questions, please reach out to our technology team by email, techsupport@district16.org, or by phone, 763-600-5555. The Technology Tools, Resources and Log Inspage also has helpful information. We highlight some specifics in this week’s newsletter.
- Specialists: You may not recognize the name of your child’s music, art, or physical education teacher. Our K-4 specialist staff is working as a district team to provide the specialist experiences for our students. Each building team of music, art and PE teachers is designing learning experiences for specific Extended Flexible Learning grade levels for the year. For example, Park Terrace specialists will be providing experiences for Extended Flexible Learning grades 3 and 4. We hope you enjoy getting to know staff members who may be unfamiliar to you.
Please feel free to reach out when you have questions or need clarification. Our Extended Flexible Learning teachers and I are here to assist. Have a great week!
Kim Fehringer
Principal on Special Assignment
First Days of School of the 2020-2021 School Year
Classroom and Student Behavior Expectations Forms
Technology Resources To Help You Right Now
Having trouble remembering your parent passwords? Not sure how to log in to Schoology? Wondering how to fix an iPad that isn't working properly? We’ve gathered links and information in a hub for you on the Technology Tools, Resources and Log Ins page. This week, based on questions our technology team is receiving, you may want to check out these specific resources:
Parent Passwords
Our troubleshooting tips on the Technology Tools, Resources and Log ins page include information on parent passwords. Here are a few tips:
- If you don't have a district parent username, please contact techsupport@district16.org
- In many cases, you are using a district created username and password, which means clicking a "forgot my password" links on pages within Campus and Schoology will not work. To change your district password, go to the SLP Password Portal. The link and other information is located under Troubleshooting tips on the Technology Tools, Resources and Log ins page.
- Seesaw is a parent-created account. If you need to change your Seesaw password, you will reset your password through the Seesaw website.
Student Usernames and Passwords
- All students grades K-6 should have received a password card from their child's teacher. Please contact your teacher if you have not received your login information.
- Usernames and passwords are the same for students as last year. If you are having issues with your username and password, please contact techsupport@district16.org.
iPad Tips
- If you are having issues with your iPad not working, visit the iPad Support page.
- If you are missing any needed apps, go to Self Service to download the apps. Learn about using Self Service on an iPad: https://youtu.be/2ct5F7WYFEs
Schoology Tips
- If you are logging into Schoology from a computer, use this link. Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/nw5fGcE3V30
- If you are logging into Schoology from the app, make sure to select Log In through your School and type in Spring Lake Park Schools. Watch this video to learn more:https://youtu.be/2uKgxgdQuRU
- Check your parent settings and preferences for the year to receive Schoology updates. Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/sspti8sls4Y
Seesaw Tips:
- To log into Seesaw, click on the Clever app, scan the QR code and click on Seesaw. (The QR code you got from the district will not work on the Seesaw Class app - only the Clever app)
- Students need to be logged in through the Seesaw Class app to see and submit work. The Seesaw Family app is for parents to view completed work and communications.
Find this information and so many more tips and video tutorials about these applications and others on the Technology Tools, Resources and Log Ins page.
Important COVID-19 Procedures Information
Daily Health Self-Screening
Staff, students, parents and visitors of Spring Lake Park Schools must self-screen for symptoms at home daily before coming to school (also called passive screening) using the Daily Health Self-Screening Checklist. If a person is sick or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, they MAY NOT come to school.
1. Daily Health Self-Screening Checklist
2. Chequeo diario para los síntomas de COVID-19
Procedures for Close Contact, Illness and Notification Fact Sheet
We are following guidance provided by the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our schools and programs. We work directly with MDH on any potential close contacts and positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 and follow their direction for contact tracing, notification and other critical actions. The Procedures for Close Contact, Illness and Notification Fact Sheet defines the specifics and explains the process for our schools in more detail.
The Northpoint PTO would like to welcome families to the 2020-2021 school year. Our first official PTO meeting of the school year will be Monday, October 5. This meeting is later than normal in order to allow families to get in the groove of the school year. This meeting will be held virtually. More details will be shared on how to join the meeting closer to this date. At this meeting we will be having our board elections. We currently have the following positions open:
- Vice President or Co-Vice Presidents
- Co-Secretary
- Volunteer Coordinator or Co-Volunteer Coordinators
- Social Media or Co-Social Media Coordinators
If you have any interest in these positions or any other questions for the PTO please email nppto.president@gmail.com.
- October 5 - NP PTO Meeting (Virtual)
- October 19-20: Northpoint Picture Days
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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