The AGAPE Times
a weekly newsletter for students and families - Vol V (5)
AGAPE staff have a message for students - click the video below!!!
Week 5
Welcome to week 5 of the AGAPE Times newsletter!! We've got a lot of good stuff in here this week so check it out and click the links! Keep up the great work and keep communicating with your teachers!
Though we are now going to be apart for the remainder of the school year, we are still the same strong, caring AGAPE family; always there for each other! Please check out the links in this newsletter and reach out if you are in need - we care about you all! Mrs. Weir is available via phone @ 651-335-9145 or email at lois.vosika-weir@spps.org anytime. All staff are always on the AGAPE Student/Staff Schoology group and are available via email or even a face to face chat on Google Meet! Stay healthy and safe!
Ms. Brott - English Support Educator
1) How has Distance Learning been going for you as a teacher?
Distance learning, for me, has been a rollercoaster of emotions and work. It has been exciting and fun to be with my family more, but I miss my students terribly. I like being challenged by new things, and have learned a lot from distance learning. It is really fun, but also very draining to juggling working from home and parenting!
2) What are some ways that you are reaching out to students?
I want to connect with students as often as possible! Please e-mail me at molly.brott@spps.org and we can do a google meet anytime from 8:30-4:00! If you are in my daily connect class, I will post announcements of google meet times.
3) What is the most important thing about your classes that you would like to share with your students?
As the English support teacher, I work with many students in many classes. I can support anyone needing help in ANY class! If you just want someone to read through a text or help you talk through an assignment, just let me know!
4) Any other questions or information that you think students should know?
A great tool some students are using is having Siri read to them on the i-pad! Siri can read any texts on a website or a document. Here is a link to show you how to get Siri to read to you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stxW_kGJmjw!
5) Share something that you are doing in your down time during Quarantine!
In my quarantine down time, I play with my 5 year old and my 2 year old. We have been going on lots of hikes in different parks near our house. We have been collecting a lot of sticks to play with! I also wake up early each morning to read a book for enjoyment. Right now, I am reading The Shadow in the Wind, a mystery that takes place in Spain. I miss seeing all of you each day! I hope you are finding a balance between parenting and school work, and that you are safe and happy at home!
Ms. Storvick - Parenting/FACS Mentor
1) How has Distance Learning been going for you as a teacher?
I think that learning online was a challenge at first to understand how to run all these programs. I felt like my head was going to explode the first few weeks of training. Now that we are in the middle of the quarter it is going much smoother. What I like about this style is, that I can adapt assignments for students and that we only need to do one topic per week. I have had great feedback from students that they like this slower pace and that they can log in at any time to do it.
2) What are some ways that you are reaching out to students?
I can be reached by email michelle.storvick@stpaul.k12.mn.us or michelle.storvick@spps.org I have reached out to students by emailing them and calling them. Students, please connect with me if you have any questions or concerns. I love seeing those babies in our class discussion groups and when you just want to share them in your emails. It has been a joy watching them learn new skills.
3) What is the most important thing about your classes that you would like to share with your students?
In our Child Development classes we have been exploring how children develop and change through the week to week sections. In the Nutrition class we have been exploring the different food groups and understanding how they benefit our bodies. I learned that half your plate should be covered by vegetables 2 times a day.
4) Any other information you would like to share?
Helpful information for my class. Please log in everyday to answer the Question of the Day. Those questions build on the weekly topic. Also all assignments are posted on Mondays and due on Sundays. That gives you 7 days to work on one thing. If you find that you missed a few questions, go back and do them. Many students were surprised that their grade went from a “D”to an “A” just because they did this. Helpful websites for parenting information is Zero to Three and Just in Time Parenting and for nutrition Myplate.
5) Share something that you are doing in your down time during Quarantine.
During this stay at home time, I have been busy going through each corner, closet, and room and downsizing things we don’t need. I also have been taking long walks on the country roads which are very quiet now because there is less traffic. My dogs and I are staying fit. Now if I could just spread that enthusiasm to my children.
Mary and Christy News
2020 Senior GRADS! Please answer these questions and upload a nice photo of you in your cap AND gown here so that it can be included in our district graduation ceremony video! Also please join Mrs. Weir and Mary for a meeting on Wednesday, May 20th at 1pm to take a video picture for our grad wall. Check your K12 email for an invite from Mrs. Weir!!!
Mary Gannon wants to make sure ALL GRADUATING SENIORS log into Naviance and do the Senior Survey - it is an assigned task for all Seniors. Did you apply for financial aid (FAFSA) or apply to colleges with Mary during the school year? Pretty sure you probably did, so ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS CORRECTLY, please!! After you are done, or if you have any questions, please email Mary Gannon!! This IS REQUIRED!!!
JUNE GRADUATES DON'T FORGET TO HOP ON GOOGLE MEETS AT 12:30 THURSDAYS FOR YOUR EMPOWERMENT GROUP! Together we are stronger and we are here to offer support, encouragement, motivation and a path to the finish line! Mary and Christy can't wait to see you! Check your K12 email for your invitation for group! :)
Thank you Aye Myint for sharing your beautiful poem- and to Maddi for sending it in to us!
The Flower I saw Yesterday - an original poem by Aye Myint
Let me tell you about the
flower I saw bloom yesterday,
Mother Nature let in thin fresh air
The Green leaves, that calming feeling,
Breezing light rain that makes the
bird sing,
Its beauty blooms through thin air,
As I was walking away,
Happy feelings,
What a good old day,
Nature is green,
green as it could ever be.
May 10th - May 15th AGAPE Student of the Week was.......
This week would like to celebrate Maritza G. as Student of the Week. Although Maritza is new to Agape High School starting 3rd Quarter, it is as if she has always been a part of our community. Mariza is goal oriented and focused on her academic success. She has adapted to distance learning and is even taking Mr. B's college Art class through this new virtual platform of learning. She is kindhearted, encouraging and friendly to all of her classmates. She maintains a pleasant demeanor even though she is juggling parenting an active child like so many of our students during this pandemic. Her husband serves in the military and will be deployed soon which will take him away from his family for a long period of time yet Maritza is actively planning her future as a college student to fulfill her dreams. Maritza you are a wonderful addition the our Agape Community. Congratulations on being student of the week!
Congratulations to our student of the week, Maritza!!!
Congratulations to Vangmee on the birth of her baby boy August T. Phang on April 29th! He was 6lbs, 11oz and 20.5 inches long!
Babies and Distance Learning
- Take advantage of nap time, meal times, after baby is asleep, etc!
- Do a little at a time, at different times, every day.
- EMAIL YOUR TEACHERS! We are all here to support each other. If you are having a hard time with your assignments, reach out and tell your teacher.
- Read your schoolwork out loud to your baby.
- Make a routine and stick to it! Treat yourself!!
- Be patient with yourself and give yourself some GRACE - we are all doing the best we can.
Emergency Housing Resources
- If you are a family experiencing homelessness and need additional supports:
- Many resources are available on our REACH website. This site will be updated regularly.
- Please contact our Homeless Liaison Anne McInerney if you need additional support (anne.mcinerney@spps.org (651) 231-0404)). https://www.spps.org/reach
- Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter:
- To obtain a housing assessment, contact Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter (651) 215-2262
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, the following Crisis Text Services and hotlines are available 24/7:
Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 741 741
Call ** CRISIS from a cell phone to talk to professionals who can help
Calling from a landline? See the directory of local mental health crisis phone numbers.
Free help for people across Minnesota who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide. Video
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7, 365-day-a-year hotline for people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional crisis.distress. Call 1-800-273-8255 or click here to chat.
- SAFE, case management and support for African American women and their children experiencing domestic violence. Case managers assist clients access resources including housing, shelter, food, counseling. Case managers support women wherever they are on their journey. Led by an African American team, services are culturally-specific. Case managers work in the community, so clients can discreetly and easily access services. Contact: Carla.mcpipe@180degrees.org or Akello.Alay@180degrees.org More info at www.180degrees.org
- Casa de Esperanza Confidential 24 Hour Bilingual Domestic Violence Crisis Line 651.772.1611
Thank you Ms. Brott for sharing these meaningful words and beautiful image with us!
'Strong Women' Documentary of the Week!
Nurses Corner
Attn Seniors (who are graduating in June or August):
Are you wondering how to continue getting Childcare Assistance through either Think Small or Ramsey or Hennepin County?
Here is the advice I was given:
If you have MFIP, please contact your Public Health Nurse or Social Worker or HIRED Job Counselor to connect and coordinate for services through your MFIP transfer.
If you have Think Small, please contact Connie Bateman at 651-641-6614 or in Hennepin County, your Child Care Assistance worker.
Here is a power point that Connie Bateman from Think Small put together for you: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PhARhbDukh1gLTR4tYFDpYy4IrK5OdV9VZQOErvHn_8/edit#slide=id.g8551872d8d_0_72
We would like to share some tips on Infant Massage - click the button below!
Effects of Touch:
Touch is the first sense to develop - it is how the baby experiences the world.
Touch contributes to development - physical, social, emotional & intellectual.
Touch strengthens the immune system.
Touch soothes the baby and promotes the sense of trust.
Benefits of Infant Massage:
Massage helps babies to sleep better, be less fussy, and experience less colic.
Massage improves circulation, the immune system, deepens respiration and promotes neurological development.
Full-body massage stimulates all the senses and helps reduce problems such as gas and constipation.
Massage promotes parent-child attachment and relaxation. Dads should do it too.
(Advance for Nurse Practitioners, Feb. 2002, pg. 59-60)
If your baby has constipation, colic or gas, let me know (amy.buck@spps.org) and I will send you specific tummy massage techniques.
Here is a link through WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/video/infant-massage
Gordon Parks High School Health Start clinic (1212 University Ave. W.) is open to all students ages 11 and up for urgent:
- in-person mental health care
- medication management for depression and anxiety
- sexual health concerns
- check-ups and vaccines
- non-respiratory illness
- injuries
- asthma follow-up
If you have respiratory symptoms, a fever or known exposure to coronavirus, we will refer you to affordable testing and care but will not see you at Gordon Parks.
Hours as of April 27, 2020: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Please call 651-793-2234 for an appointment or walk in for care.
New! Telehealth Line - Students ages 11-22 can get mental health counseling and essential medical assistance via phone by calling the telehealth scheduling line at 651-412-8445. The telehealth line will take calls from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Students who have questions or need assistance from a school nurse can call the health office phone number - 651-888-7602. We are checking it each morning and each afternoon and we promise to answer voicemails promptly!
AGAPE End of Year Meeting
See you there!!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 01:00 PM
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Front Desk News
Hey everybody - we need your help! We having an online Spring AGAPE Family Meeting on Wednesday, May 27th at 1:00pm!! We will talk about our 2019/2020 year documents and get feedback for the 2020/2021 school year documents! All of these documents are included in the 2019/2020 AGAPE Family Handbook, but we have included links below to the documents on the AGAPE website!
- School Comprehensive Improvement Plan (SCIP)
- Family Engagement Plan (FEP)
- Family/School Compact (Compact)
- And we will have a conversation about our budget to discuss all the ways that we use Title I funds to help and work with you!
GoogleMeet link is in the event notice below! We would love to see you!!!
Also, please connect with Maddi with issues you may be having with your iPad or borrowed Hotspot. Her email is maddi.mcdonell@stpaul.k12.mn.us
I have been watching too many TikTok videos, y'all. Reminder: AGAPE will be here for you when you're ready.
AGAPE High School
Email: lois.vosika-weir@spps.org
Website: agape.spps.org
Location: 1037 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-744-7970
Twitter: @AgapeSpps