Greetings families!

I can't believe I'm saying this, but we are halfway through the school year. Time sure does fly!

We had a successful movie night to wrap up the first half of the year. Thank you to the PTO for putting it on and to all the families that joined us, a huge thank you to you for supporting Red Oak. Our next opportunity for building fun is Bingo night later in February.

As I walk the halls and pop into classes, I am so impressed with the connections and community that has been built. The students are thriving in all aspects of school. From math, to reading/writing and science and social skills/social-emotional skills, I can say with 100% confidence, each and every student at Red Oak has made progress since day one.

This past Friday, teachers took the time to complete report cards so you can see the progress they're making. Student report cards will be available in Infinite Campus by 4pm on January 31, 2023. Tips on how to access your child’s report card can be found here.

We’ve created a new online resource hub to assist with student report card detail. The online rubrics serve as a companion to your child’s report card and are intended to provide additional detail by language, grade and subject. We invite families to review the resources/rubrics.

If you have any questions about a grade, please connect with the teacher that teaches that class/subject with any questions.

The last thing I want to remind you of is that we have spring conferences coming in March. They will follow the same format as the fall conferences; with the first day being all virtual conferences and the last two days being held in person. The dates of the spring conferences are listed above in the "Dates to Remember" section of the newsletter. Our fabulous Mrs. Hammerschmidt will be getting the sign up ready in the next few weeks here.

Please be on the lookout for that as our teachers are eager to meet with you in March.

In the mean time, stay warm! These frigid temps are tough to power through.

Have a wonderful week and month!

Your partner in education,

Krysten Ellis, Principal

If you are in need of warmer clothes or winter gear for your child(ren), please contact our social worker, Liz Ammerman: (952) 496- 5956 or email at eammerman@shakopee.k12.mn.us

District Information/Winter Weather Guidelines and Information:

In the event of a weather-related school change, please look for communication from the YMCA on information related to delays and/or cancelations. Please see the outline below on general winter weather schedule adjustments for the 2022/23 school year.

https://www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/Page/8643

A few reminders worth noting to the beginning and end of the day structures and procedures:

• All doors open at 8:55 a.m. (walkers and bikers, door E unlocks at 8:55). Students should remain in their cars or on the Saber Paw prints outside until the doors open
• Breakfast for all students will be in their classroom. This will allow students to be in class and be a part of the morning activities without having them rush through breakfast.
• Drop off/pick up will continue to be in the upper lot. We ask that parents/guardians remain in the car for a more safe and efficient process. There are adults to help get students out of cars in the morning and into cars in the afternoon. Please pull forward to help keep the line moving. Please do not park and get down to drop off your children. This is for their safety.
• Our drop off/pick up line is secondary to getting the busses in and out of the lower lot. Please be mindful of where you line up to allow for large and small busses to maneuver through.
• Families arriving after 9:05 MUST walk their child(ren) into the building and sign them in.
• School ends at 3:45, which means students will not be called for the car line until approximately 3:48. Again, please remain in your car in the line and we will help get your child in the car.

Thank you for your attention to detail on these for the safety of our children.

Health Services Resources

Health services resources for the 2022/23 school year can be found online here: bit.ly/SPSHealthServices22. Optional COVID-19 self reporting details and a form are available here.

Attendance

Parents/guardians should call the attendance line when a student will be late or absent 952-496-5953.

Students arriving after 9:05 will need to be walked in by their parent/guardian and will be marked tardy.

Lunch Money

Please remember to include your child's first/last name and student ID number, with any lunch money that comes in.

Visitor Reminders

All visitors are required to check-in at the front office and must be screened through the Raptor system during normal school hours.

Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer in the classroom or attend a field trip or volunteer with students, you must have a completed, cleared background check. Click here to fill out the form.

Change in PM transportation

If your child has a change in how they are getting home, please call the office no later than 3pm so we can get the correct information to the classroom teacher. If you pick up your student, prior to the end of the day, we will call your student to the office when you arrive, so please allow yourself ample time.

Free meals are no longer provided by COVID federal funds.

Breakfast is no longer free for students in grades 1-5. Kindergarten students are the only grade that has free breakfast.

Student meal accounts will need to be funded in Infinite Campus. Free or reduced meals can be offered to families that qualify. Applications also impact school funding. Digital applications can be completed in Infinite Campus. Printed applications are also available in our main office and at the district office. For tips on how to fund meal accounts in Infinite Campus, click here.

Family Resource Centers of Scott County: When times are tough, it's hard to know where to go to get the help you need. The Family Resource Center (FRC) are here to help families get connected to support and resources. If you're feeling stuck, visit a FRC. Click here for more information (in multiple languages)

Do you need food on the weekends?

If you need help with meals on the weekend, please sign up here for free meals. There are 5 different types of meals to sign up for. Students who sign up for these meals will take them home on the last day of the school week.

For more information, please email our Social Worker, Liz Ammermann: eammerman@shakopee.k12.mn.us