Northpoint Elementary
May 4, 2022 Newsletter
See translation information below / Consulte la información de traducción a continuación.
Hello Northpoint families:
Our staff has been busy planning for next year, and we have some exciting news. After tremendous success in eight classrooms this year, we are expanding multiage classrooms to all grade 1-4 classrooms for the 2022-2023 school year. Kindergarten will remain a single grade.
This design for learning is an intentional choice that fits with our focus on personalized learning. Teachers of multiage classrooms tailor learning experiences to where each student – whatever their formal grade level – is in their learning. Through this model, our staff are excited to provide students with a differentiated experience based on interest, strength, and needs.
I’m including information about the multiage model today and I hope you will also mark your calendar and plan to join us for one of two informational meetings to be held on May 18 at 10 a.m. (online via Webex Meeting) or 6 p.m. at Northpoint Elementary.
A multiage classroom is one in which children from two traditional grades are placed with one teacher. In our model at Northpoint, students will use core reading resources from both grade levels and will learn math using resources from their current grade level, with personalized instruction allowing for modifications to the learning experiences as needed.
Flexible classroom learning experiences support children as they learn and grow at varied times and rates. A child’s progress is assessed by looking at their own growth rather than by comparing them with others in their age group.
This year, a group of eight teachers have led four grade 1-2 and four grade 3-4 multiage classrooms. In this model, teachers are with homeroom students for two years, similar to looping. These teams mapped our core resources and learning targets and taught the following in multiage groupings: language arts, science, social studies and health. Math continued to be taught in grade level groupings.
Our teachers have found that students in these classrooms have been deeply engaged in their learning. Students of all ages are emerging as leaders, and we have seen evidence of increased student achievement. Student and parent feedback has also been very positive.
Our findings align to studies of multiage classrooms that reveal children perform just as well or better on achievement tests than those from a single-grade setting and excel in study habits, social interaction, self-motivation, cooperation and attitudes toward school.
Seeing the benefits of this configuration, as we worked on our design for next year, our single-grade classroom teachers expressed interest in the multiage model after. All of our grade 1-4 teachers indicated an interest in teaching in a multiage classroom for next year. At the April PTO meeting, parents in attendance indicated an interest in this model as well.
Please take time to learn more and ask questions in these coming weeks. Join an information session on May 18 or reach out with questions.
It promises to be a busy May. Please continue to complete a health screening each day and keep your student home if any symptoms are present. We are seeing a slight increase in COVID-19 illness and related absences. We are monitoring and continue to publish the numbers each week on the COVID-19 hub. Thanks for your help making these final weeks smooth ones.
As we conclude staff appreciation week, I want to recognize our Northpoint team. They work hard with care and compassion each day to truly know each student and create the conditions for each student to learn. If you’d like to join us in sharing appreciation, consider sending a note. Words of appreciation go a long way.
Happy May!
Judi
Native American Parent Advisory Committee celebration - May 25
Save the date for the Native American Advisory Committee community meal and graduation celebration event. This event will feature a blessing from Hope Flanagan, indigenous food and a drum group. Please RSVP with the number of family members attending this event to apierc@district16.org by Wednesday, May 11.
- When: Wednesday, May 25, 5:30-7 p.m.
- Where: Woodcrest Spanish Immersion
Grade 4 Westwood Intermediate visit - May 10
4th grade students from Northpoint will be visiting Westwood Intermediate next Tuesday, May 10, to meet staff, take a tour of the building and have the opportunity to ask questions. They will be leaving Northpoint at 9:30 a.m. and will return by 11 a.m. Please reach out to your child's teacher with any questions regarding the visit.
David Moren Memorial Bench Dedication
Families are invited to join us Monday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. in the Northpoint media center to share memories, sign the bench & honor this amazing teacher who was gone too soon.
Northpoint PTO Spring Spring Carnival
When? Friday, May 13, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Where? Northpoint Elementary
What's the big deal? Northpoint PTO's MOST FUN evening of the year needs many volunteers to make it function! and WE NEED YOU!
Activities will include:
Inflatables
Dunk Tank
Photo Booth
Sandy Candy
Fire Engine
DJ
Crazy Hair
Games
AND MORE!
Pizza, snacks & beverages for sale in the cafeteria!
Admission cost is $5 per child (maximum $20 per family)
***CASH ONLY***
Volunteers are still needed!
Please consider signing up via the QR code or here at this link. Older siblings, 6th grade & older, also welcome to sign up. Sign up for a short shift & enjoy the rest of the evening with your family!
Summer SPARK!
Ignite the SPARK in your child, your family or yourself this summer! Try a new sport or activity, strengthen your skills, meet new friends and make the most of your summer! View this week's highlights below and see all summer program options here.
- Girls Volleyball Camp (grades 3-12)
- Boys Basketball Skills Academy (grades 1-12)
- Youth Track Club (grades 1-9)
- Steaming up Young Rembrandts (grades 1-6)
- City Shapers with Stem Builders (grades 1-6)
- Discovery Days (ages 3-5)
- Summer Trek (Learning Ventures) grades 1-7
Family Program
- Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tour (June 17) - Come explore one of Minnesota's best hidden gems, Taylors Falls! Take a trip down the majestic St. Croix river on paddlewheel boat while learning about the unique history of the area
- Kayaking Adventure on the St. Croix (June 30) - Join the experts at Wahoo! Adventures for a guided "Herons & History" kayak paddle on the beautiful St. Croix River.
- Saints Game Family Outing (July 17) - Bring your whole family for a day filled with baseball, hotdogs, and fun!
Adult Program
- Intro to Bonsai Workshop (June 13 and 20) - This hands-on course will take away the mystique of the ancient art of Bonsai and show you how to create, maintain and shape your tree.
- Healthy Eating for One or Two (June 20) - Batch cooking, shopping tips and how to plan meals for one or two people all with healthy food options.
- Meal Prep Made Easy (August 15) - Learn how to optimize your budget for healthy meals, prepping and batch cooking tips, kitchen organization and basic culinary skills.
Maggie Lee selected as Minnesota Teacher of the Year Candidate for 2022
The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, now in its 58th year, is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program in Minnesota to honor excellence in education. Peers, school personnel, parents, community members and students may nominate teachers.
Congratulations to Maggie for this outstanding achievement and making Northpoint Elementary proud!
- Monday, May 9 - NP PTO Meeting 6 - 7 p.m. in the NP media center (DATE CHANGED FROM MONDAY, MAY 2)
- Friday, May 13 - NP PTO Sponsored Spring Carnival, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
- Friday, May 13 - Grade 4 Track and Field Day at Panther Stadium
- Monday, May 16 - David Moren Memorial Bench Dedication - 6 p.m. in the Northpoint media center
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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