“Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.”

– Anita Krizzan

Spring is a time of renewal and hope. The sun is shining, birds are chirping and soon we will see flowers bloom. Winters in Minnesota are difficult but we get through them. Covid brings its own winter into our lives. Just like the longer days and warmer weather bring hope for summer, there is hope that we will soon be through this winter of Covid. Vaccinations are on the rise and numbers are down. We have to remain vigilant, but there is a light we can hold onto.

Thank you for the strength you have exhibited and the support you have given your children. None of us expected or were trained in dealing with a pandemic, but you have done it. Be proud of yourself, be proud of your family. Spring is almost here.

Visit Three Rivers Park District! There are many activities beyond just visiting the parks and trails, and equipment rentals are free or low cost with fee assistance if needed (there may be limitations on equipment rentals due to Covid-19).

https://www.threeriversparks.org/page/free-enter-full-adventure

Burnsville Parks and Recreation has their spring information guide available that includes park maps, information about each of the parks, and information about upcoming programs and events for youth, families and adults. Check out the local parks and the activities offered at each, like disc golf, skateboarding, and fun at the beach. Financial assistance is also offered for families who qualify.

https://burnsvillemn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12663/Spring-Recreation-Times_sm

Savage also has many great parks and playgrounds to explore. Visit the Savage Parks and Recreation website to learn more about each of the parks and programs available. They also have summer programs and events listed on their website and offer financial assistance to families who qualify.

https://www.cityofsavage.com/parks-recreation/city-parks

The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has reopened! Reservations and masks are required to visit, and additional information is available on their website: https://comozooconservatory.org/

Our summer program is designed for students currently in grades K-7 and focuses on reading, writing, and math development through scientific discovery.

Students qualify for the program by meeting one or more of the following criteria:

1. The student requires additional instruction to meet grade level expectations in reading, writing, or math

2. The student speaks English as a second language and/or has limited English proficiency

3. The student needs additional Social/Emotional Support (e.g., if the student has experienced homelessness and/or has mental/physical health needs)

4. The student missed a significant number of days of school during the regular school year

5. The student is, or has a sibling who is, being treated for a life-threatening illness.

***Please speak to your student's teacher about their eligibility. Registration forms are available via a link from your child’s teacher***

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society, and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s history is full of trailblazers who have fought for equality in the United States. From Abigail Adams advising her husband to “remember the ladies” when envisioning a government for the American colonies, to suffragists like Susan B. Anthony fighting for women’s right to vote, to Rosa Parks who helped initiate the civil right movement, American women have long fought for a voice in the United States.

We want to celebrate and thank all those mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts who work so hard for our students everyday. We know it is not easy but we want you to know we appreciate all you do.

A new program called COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance is available to assist eligible renters with overdue rent since March 2020, up to three months of upcoming rent at a time, and related utility payments. The program will be open for applications in a matter of weeks, with an anticipated launch in late March.

Eligible renters will include households that earned 80% or less of area median income in 2020 or in the most recent month. Landlords will be able to apply on behalf of their eligible tenants as well. Detailed guidance will be published on Minnesota Housing’s website as it becomes available.

Please click the button below to access all past family newsletters as well as virtual calming room resources.

Thank you for all you do to help support your children! We look forward to continuing to connect and share resources with you each month. In the meantime, please reach out to your child's teacher if you need any additional support or have any questions. Your child's teacher can also help to connect you with your building's student support team, who can help with needs such as clothing, transportation, behavior supports, mental health, technology, accessing food and supplies, and many other areas of need.