Phoenix Family News
May 21, 2021
Important Dates Ahead...
May 24 - Virtual PTA Meeting, 4:30-5:30 pm
May 27 & 28 - Device return day for Dial Model students.
May 31 - No School
June 2 - Last day of school
- June 2 - Device return day for VLA students 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Calendar and Schedule Updates
The latest calendar updates are available at sowashco.org/calendar.
A Note from the Principal
We have many things happening at Valley Crossing as we begin to wind down the school year... though our end-of-year celebrations will look a little different this year as we continue to follow our social distancing and safety mitigations throughout the school.
First and foremost, we will be having team goodbye ceremonies instead of coming together to celebrate the accomplishments of our 5th graders in the gym as we usually do, as we are not yet allowed to have families and visitors at school. Instead, each team will be scheduling a time in their neighborhood for students who are leaving us at the end of the year to walk through the arches, and our 4th and 5th grade in-person and VLA students will have an opportunity to view the 5th grade slideshow that they've been working on this year. Plus they'll be receiving a team certificate (and maybe something else that's special as well!) Be watching for more information from your child's teacher about how we are making the end of the year special for our students returning and our students who will be moving to new schools for the 2021-22 school year.
We also want to update you on the exciting news regarding our Outdoor Classroom! You know all of the brown grass that looks like it's been overrun by weeds? That's actually part of our turf to prairie conversion that is happening in partnership with the South Washington County Watershed District. They shared that year one always looks the roughest, but in year two we'll start seeing the natural plantings of grasses and wildflowers start to emerge! They'll also be working on an outdoor classroom space that will overlook our Peace Garden, and that should be finished by the end of July! It will be a welcome addition for our students and staff!
Kelly Corrigan - Virtual Author Visit
Digital Signing Pages for the Yearbook!
Since we will only be able to have students in the same bubble sign yearbooks this year, families are invited to create a digital signing page for each of their students. Once created, students will receive a link to share with their classmates and other friends within our school. This is a free service, all are welcome to participate whether or not a physical yearbook was purchased.
Funny messages. Sweet scribbles. Heartfelt notes. All of the typical yearbook signing customs get to live on for the rest of time. And they’re all just a click away. Get signing today!
Here is the yearbook signing page link: Yearbook Digital Signing Page
Yearbooks for Sale!
Dial Model Device Turn In
K-5 Dial Model students will be turning in their district issued devices on May 27th and May 28th. Please make sure your child has their device and charging cord with them at school on the above dates so we can successfully check them in to our system. Thank you for your help with this. Device Check-in Sheet
Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) Device/Material Turn In
- When: Wednesday, June 2nd from 10am-2pm
- Where: Front Sidewalk (in the front of the building) of Valley Crossing Elementary
- Details: Please park your car in the school parking lot. You will then walk to the designated table to turn in your students device and any other materials outlined by the classroom teacher. Tables will be designated by grade level (K/1, 2/3, 4/5 and Gateway). Staff will check off that you turned in your device and materials. All staff will be following recommended safety guidelines (masks and social distancing). We ask our students and families to please do the same. Device Check-in Sheet
- Note: If the designated time does not work for your family please reach out to your classroom teacher and an alternative plan will be determined. In case of rain, drop off will move to front entryway for rain coverage.
PTA News
VNN Registration 2021-2022
Are you Moving?
Now Hiring Reading Corps Tutors for 2021-22
Tutors are needed for the 2021-2022 school year at Valley Crossing Elementary to help our students succeed. Can you help us spread the word? Reading tutors help our students gain the confidence and skills they need to be successful learners.
Tutoring isn’t just a meaningful way for people to give back to the community; it also helps create bright futures! Tutors work one-on-one or in small groups with students in grades K – 3. No experience is necessary as Reading Corps provides great training in strategies proven to help students build skills and become better readers.
Valley Crossing has 2 part time positions available that have flexibility with committing to serve 25 or 18 hours a week during the school year. Tutors can choose to begin in August, September, or October.
Tutors Receive Great Perks!
Learn reading strategies to apply with their own children/grandchildren
Receive a paid stipend every two weeks
Earn up to $4,441 for college tuition or student loans. Tutors 55 and older may gift the award to their child, grandchild, stepchild or foster child.
Free health insurance and child care assistance for those who qualify
Click Here to Apply at VCES! Have a question? Know someone who would be a great tutor? Apply at the link above, contact join@servetogrow.org or call 866.859.2825. You can also contact Rachael Marrier, VCES Reading Specialist, at rmarrier@sowashco.org for more information.
A Note from Dr. Gervais, School Social Worker
Greetings Valley Crossing Families:
It is with great sadness I share with you that I will be leaving Valley Crossing at the end of this school year to pursue a career in higher education. I have been honored to be a part of the Valley Crossing community for the past five years bringing mindfulness and movement into our community, teaching social-emotional skills 1-1, in groups, and in the classrooms, and offering parent education classes to our community. I have treasured the relationships I have built over the years.
Ranger and I hope you have a wonderful summer and hope to see you out on a trail somewhere in Woodbury or at one of our wonderful state parks practicing mindfulness!
Thank you for embracing my skills and talents as your social worker.
All my best,
Dr. Gervais
Looking for Summer Camps and Classes?
Community Ed has so many to choose from.
Here are links to a few elementary camps you do not want to miss.
Skill School with Coach Spring, June 8-July 1, LRES, Ages 4-6
Kealy Volleyball Academy (KVA), June 14-16, LMS, Grades 3-5
How to Draw, June 21-24, OMS, Ages 5-12
Intro to Game Coding, July 5-8, OMS, Grades 1-4
Jr Engineering: Crazy Gears and Wheels, June 14-17, ERHS, Grades K-3
Park High School Boys/Girls Tennis Camp, July 26-29, PHS, Ages 5-10
Soccer Shots – Empower Program, Fridays, June 25-Aug 27, ROES, Ages 4-8
ERHS Soccer Academy Skills Camp, July 26-30, ERHS, Ages: 5-12
Camp Invention, July 26-30, OMS, Grades K-5
Mini Raptors Summer Soccer Camp, July 26-30, ERHS, Ages 5-9
Hip Hop Dance Party, August 9-12, ERHS, Grades K-5
And so many more! Sowashco.ce.eleyo.comSummer Fun
Illnesses, Absences and Quarantines
Please be sure to call in to our attendance line to report absences or illness: 651-425-7506
Any sick student who is sent to school, or is determined to be sick during the school day, will immediately be sent home.
- The 14-day quarantine period will remain in place. If staff or students had close contact with an infected person, the Minnesota Department of Health may direct us to keep them out of school for a minimum of 14 days.
- If your student is in quarantine due to a school-related exposure and you received a district quarantine letter, you do not need to call attendance every day.
If a family member has symptoms, please keep your child home from school. You can call the office to report the absence and our school nurse will explain the next steps based on your situation.
If anyone in your household has a pending Covid test due to having symptoms, we ask that everyone stays home until the results come back.
Please do not enter the building if you or anyone in your household is ill or tested positive for Covid. We can provide contactless delivery of materials or walk students out to be picked up, if need be.
We ask that families be prepared for the possibility that their child’s class could move to distance learning at any time due to a potential COVID-19 exposure.
We acknowledge that families may be frustrated, but we ask that our staff be treated with respect. They cannot change a student’s quarantine period.
If you have questions, please call our Health Office at 651-425-7502.
Vacations and Other Extended Absences
VCES Information Links
- Family Technology Support Line: 651.425.HELP (4357) - M-F 7:30-4:00
- VNN Channel Page - Tune in each morning at 9:15 am as your Morning Meeting starts!
- Resources for Families: https://www.sowashco.org/about/fall_2020/family_resources
VCES Contact Information
Connha Classon, Principal: cclasson@sowashco.org / 651.425.7503
Kristine McDonald, Assistant Principal: kmcdonal@sowashco.org / 651.425.7523
Merita LaPlante, Office Coordinator: mlaplant@sowashco.org / 651.425.7501
Jen Gackstetter, Office Assistant: jgackste@sowashco.org / 651.425.7507
Jen Gervais, Social Worker: jgervais2@sowashco.org / 651.425.7542Valley Crossing Elementary
Email: cclasson@sowashco.org
Website: vces.sowashco.org
Location: 9900 Park Crossing, Woodbury, MN, USA
Phone: 651.425.7500