ACES Newsletter
November/December
Message from the Principal
Happy Holidays!
It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Thanksgiving and now the holiday season is upon us; where does the time go?
Mother Nature has been so gracious to bless us with snow over the last month; the students have been so excited! It’s fun watching the students play in the snow; there is something so innocent about it. They have been busy building forts, snowman, and making snow angels.I would like to thank all the families for their support in making sure your child is equip with the appropriate winter apparel for recess. It is reassuring to know that they will be kept warm and dry when enjoying the outdoor recreation.
I also hope this upcoming holiday break provides you and your family the opportunity to relax and enjoy each other. I want to thank you for sharing your greatest gift with us, your child. I am very proud of the education we provide at University Avenue and hope you and your child share the feeling as well.
Happy Holidays,
Dr. Cravens
Bango for Books
Hour of Code Week
STEM Fair & Family Night
Nurses Note: Influenza (flu)
What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory disease caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. The virus can result in mild to severe symptoms. It is not the same as the “stomach flu.”
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, and body aches. These symptoms come on quickly and can be severe keeping you in bed for several days.
What can I do to protect myself and others?
· Get vaccinated
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue available, cough into your sleeve instead of your hand.
· Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. If you get the flu, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
· Practice other good health habits; eat well-balanced meals, exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest.
With flu season upon us, please help us in preventing the spread of influenza. When calling your child into our absence line please say what their symptoms are - examples being sore throat, cough, fever, strep throat, etc.
Refer to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for additional resources
Cold Weather & Student Drop Off
Recess will be held indoor only if the temperature is below 0 or -10 degrees wind chill.
These same temperatures are used to determine if students are to wait outside before the morning bell rings. If the temperature is above zero, even just 2 degrees, students are expected to be outside. It is critical for all students to dress appropriately, and to be
dropped off as close to 9:15 am as possible. Parents PLEASE, do not drop your child off at school before 9:15 am, as there is no supervision for them outside.
Parents, if your work schedule does not allow you to drop your child off between
9:15-9:25 am in the morning, or be here to pick them up between 3:55-4:05 pm in the afternoon,
please contact Adventures Plus before/after school child care, to see if there is space in that
program. Thank you
Attendance
· If your child is absent three days within a single school year without an excuse they are considered “continuing truant” (state law section 260A.02) and will receive a letter.
· If your child is absent seven or more days from school within a single year without and excuse they are considered “habitually truant” (state law section 260C.007) and will receive a letter. Anoka-Hennepin schools refer habitually truant students to the county attorney.
· At the elementary level, attendance letters will be sent home when absences or tardiness become excessive so families can take corrective action and address the issue.
Family Vacation – In last winter, early spring we tend to see a rise in students who are absent due to a family vacation. Please remember to contact Dr. Cravens at 763-506-4500 to discuss any trips exceeding three days. This is a proactive step to make sure you are aware of major events at school and how the absence might affect your child’s attendance. Thank you
Report Cards
• Which grade are you most proud of and why?
• What is one area that you could improve on during the second trimester?
• Which subject could you put more effort towards?
• How can we support you in a certain subject, so that you are able to do your very best?
• Which subject is the most interesting to you & why?
A simple conversation about a child's report card is a perfect example of parental involvement. It shows that we, as parents, are interested in our children, their progress in school, and their ability to achieve to their highest potentials.
Remember this, it is all about growth and improvement. Each child is different, and so our expectations for each student must fit with each individual. I encourage parents to use the report card as a way to encourage and motivate students to do the very best they can each day.