Red Oak Reader
MARCH 2023
Red Oak Elementary School
Dates to remember
March 6: 4pm-7pm In person conferences
March 10: Student Council Dress Up Day: Beach Day
March 13-21: Student Council Food Drive
March 24: 2 Hour Early Release (school ends at 1:45)
March 31: No School; Grading Day
April 3-7: Spring Break
April 10: School resumes
Principal Updates
Greetings families!
I know I say this every month, but time does really fly by. It's already March! We will soon be changing our clocks and prepping for warmer weather. Believe it or not, we have many upcoming events on our calendar from March to June! Please watch for announcements to get those events on your calendars. Our 5th graders have registered for middle school and our 4th graders are in the processing of signing up for band. We are in that silly time of the year where we have one foot in this year and one foot in next year already.
We had another successful PTO event; bingo night. The cafeteria was filled with students and families having a great time making new friends and memories. 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 the spring block party and silent auction later in April. Be on the lookout for more information.
We have wrapped up two out of three conference days for the year. We have one more on Monday, March 6. If you haven't signed up for conferences, please call the main office to schedule a conference. Even though we do not have any more formal times to connect with teachers for the rest of the year, I always encourage you to reach out to them if you have any questions, concerns or celebrations.
There are 3 weeks remaining in the month of March before we get to Spring Break. Our last day of school for quarter 3 is Thursday, March 30.
Thank you for all your support with your child's education and your dedication and trust with Red Oak.
Have a wonderful weekend and month!
Your partner in education,
Krysten Ellis, Principal
Music Programs
Spring is quickly approaching, which means it's time to showcase our students.
Our music staff, Mrs. Alrtinger and Mrs. Isles have set dates for grade level music programs for students in 1-4 and 5th grade band students.
They will be held during the day with a chance for families to watch the talent that has evolved over the course of the year.
Your child's music teacher will be sending more information as we get closer to the program dates.
Music Program Dates:
1st grade- 4/20
2nd grade- 4/28
3rd grade- 5/4
4th grade- 5/9
5th grade band- 5/30
MCA (State Test)
Upon returning from spring break, our students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade will be participating in the state assessments. They are called the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA). Throughout the course of the year, your child has been learning skills, strategies and concepts that align with the Minnesota State Standards. The MCAs are a way for your child to demonstrate their understanding of the standards. Your child's teacher will be sending out more information about the test dates as we approach them.
Dress Up Days
It's that time again, Student Council invites students to dress up for "BEACH DAY".
Time to break out the flip flops, shorts, and sunglasses! Who says we can’t enjoy some beach time in the winter?
***Make sure weather appropriate clothing is at school for recess.
Community Feedback Requested
Community Feedback Requested for the Naming of Shakopee's West Middle School Pool Complex
During the November 21, 2022 School Board Meeting, a Committee was formally appointed to explore the naming of the West Middle School Pool Complex per School District Policy 908.
Community input can be provided by submitting feedback via the below link by 5pm on March 10, 2023. All community members, students, staff and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback.
click here to provide your input
Kinder Kamp (new)
NEW for incoming Kindergartners!Our incoming kindergartners will now have an opportunity to get the school experience before school begins! Our Kindergarten team will be supporting incoming K students on Aug 14 & 15 to help them get acclimated to school.
This free, unique experience is a great way for incoming Kindergarten students to get excited about the upcoming school year while also building relationships and comfort within the school community.
The Shakopee Saber Kinder Kamp Experience
- Make new friends
- Build relationships with teachers & staff
- Ease into full-day learning & family separation
- Tour the building & identify key areas
- Practice arrival & dismissal procedures
- Experience a class meeting
- Learn a classroom cheer
- Participate in centers/carpet time
- Take a short bus ride with a teacher
- Enjoy a snack & learn how to go through the lunch line
- Participate in recess & gym time
- Practice key kindergarten skills
- And most importantly, have fun!
Click here to register your incoming kindergartner (this is for the 23-24 school year)
Click here for more information
Winter Weather
The colder weather months are upon us, please remember to send your child(ren) with clothing that is appropriate for the weather. Head/ear coverings, hand coverings, snow pants, snow boots and winter coats are what we want all students to go to recess with. We will have outdoor recess when the air or "feels like" temperature is 0 or above. It is helpful when their clothing is clearly labeled. Please remind your child(ren) of the importance of wearing their outdoor clothing when they go outside for recess.
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
Systems and Procedural Reminders
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.
Front Office Information
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.
Communication Reminder
We encourage families to download the Seesaw app on your smartphone or bookmark on a computer to gain access to important school communications and teacher messages.
Meal Reminders and Updates
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.
For additional details on free and reduced meals,
click here.
Need Support? We've Got Resources!
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
Red Oak Needs You!
Red Oak (and other Shakopee sites) have a critical need for
special education paraprofessionals, kitchen staff and substitute teachers!
If you're interested (or know someone who might be interested or would be a good fit) in working at Red Oak (or in Shakopee Public Schools), feel free to call me, Principal Ellis at 952-496-5952 so we can talk about options for various jobs. We would love to have you join our team and support our students. Training provided, job share responsibilities and weekend/summer/school breaks off.
Do you love working with kids? Do you need a job that will work around your schedule? Click here for a list of positions and to apply.
Saber Way Expectations
In our
student/parent handbook, you will find the Saber Way Expectations for our school. If you have been at Red Oak in the past, this will look very familiar to you. If you're new to Red Oak, this are the expectations we have at school. Please review and reinforce these expectations with your child on a regular basis. These expectations are also frequently reviewed at school. Supporting these expectations helps to make the school environment safe and conducive to learning and also increases the success of your child.
Have a Fabulous February!
