Comet Connection
Kellogg Newsletter | March 20, 2020
Kellogg Pantry
The Basics
Teachers have been busy putting plans in place to begin Distance Learning, in the event we are not able to resume our normal school schedule on April 6. Distance Learning means that students will participate in lessons and practice from home each day using the Google Classroom platform. Kellogg teachers will plan lessons and post needed resources on Google Classroom.
Many students are already familiar with Google Classroom since several teachers use this platform to organize assignments, materials, and assessments on a regular basis. Kellogg students already have Google accounts that were issued from the school district, so there is no need to sign-up!
In the coming days, students may be invited to join Google Classrooms virtually and see assignments being posted. Please assure your students that no new assignments will be given until school resumes (either in person or virtually) April 6.
Parents are able to access Google Classroom through a parent summary email. To receive these summaries, please email teachers requesting access. You can send your request now to familiarize yourself or you can wait until we see what our next chapter will look like. If you prefer not to access Google Classroom as a parent but want to know what your child is up to, have them give you a Google Classroom orientation! You could also check out this video that shares a bit about what Google Classroom looks like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Iowi-gmbys
Getting A Device
If your child does not have access to a device at home, we are happy to supply your Kellogg student with one to use during the school closure. Most students completed a survey letting us know if they needed a device, but you are welcome to send a quick email to double check!
We will be making plans to distribute devices beginning April 6, in the event students do not return at that time.
Families will be responsible for
- repair and replacement of lost or damaged devices or chargers
- returning the device to school as soon as school resumes
Call Principal Angi McAndrews at 507-328-5817 or email anmcandrews@rochester.k12.mn.us to make sure your name is on the list!
Stay tuned to Skylert or social media (Twitter, Facebook or Instagram) to learn more about distribution plans.
Getting Connected
Your Kellogg students will need internet access in the event we move to distance learning. Don't wait until the last minute to get your household connected! Lots of companies are offering free or affordable support to get your home connected. Consider connecting with these companies.
FCC agreement stating that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
Comcast COVID-19 response: offers free WiFi for 2 months to low-income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time
AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families
Verizon COVID-19 response: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge (I expect others will follow).
T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge (I expect others will follow).
HBCi: TEMPORARY FREE INTERNET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (COVID-19)
Rochester Area Youth Tech Foundation
Have a device you can part with?
The Rochester Area Youth Tech Foundation is hoping to collect 250 more laptops, wipe the hard drives, and convert them to Chromebooks for students who do not have access to a computer at home.
If you have unused laptops in your offices or at home that you would be willing to contribute to this effort, please bring them to the following locations:
- RPS Superintendent’s Office at the Edison Building, M-F 8 am – 5 pm.
- Rochester Downtown Alliance, M-F 8am – 5pm
HONORS REGISTRATION
Because of our recent school closure, all Kellogg students have not had a chance to register for 20-21 honors class. Follow this link to learn more about registration and to submit the Honor Registration information for your Comet. https://forms.gle/jkcHrStGuNYeb8Xf9
- This form will close Thursday, March 26.
- HG students should NOT fill out this form.
- Honors classes are OPTIONAL. Not all students need to complete this form.
Ideas to Share
REGULAR NEWSLETTER CONTENT
Important Dates
Keep these dates in mind, in the event school resumes April 6. All dates will be updated as events change.
APRIL
- 6-10 MCA Science Testing
- 6 School Resumes (tentative)
- 8 Grade 6 Quarry Hill (Terhaar)
- 9 Grade 6 Quarry Hill (Quade-Wiedrich)
- 10 Grade 6 Quarry Hill (Erlandson)
- 10 Student School Board
- 13-17 MCA Reading Testing
- 13 PTSA Meetings 6:00pm @ Media Center
- 17 Activity Night (tentative)
- 20-24 MCA Math Testing
- 24 Dental Clinic
- 28 HG Grade 6 Orientation 6:00pm @ Kellogg Auditorium
- 30 Grade 5 Orientation 6:00pm @ Kellogg Auditorium
MAY
- 5 Grade 8 Panoramic Picture
- 6-7 Grade 6 to Capitol / Como Zoo
- 11-15 NWEA Reading Testing
- 11 PTSA Meeting 6:00 @ Media Center
- 18-22 NWEA Math Testing
- 25 No School (Memorial Day)
JUNE
- 2 Cool Comet Store (Q4)
- 5 Last Day (Grade 6 - Bowlocity, Grade 7 - MN Zoo, Grade 8 - Kellogg Party!)
Model UN
A few weeks ago, 7th & 8th graders spent time learning about Youth In Government and the Model UN programs. If you are interested in learning more, please use this link. Model UN Parent slides.pptx Students can register for Model UN using this link. https://www.ymcamn.org/locations/youth_in_government/programs/model_united_nations/model_un_registration or by completing this form MUN Student Registration Form… and turning it in to their Social Studies teacher.
Kellogg PTSA
Grading for Learning
A Message From Your Principal
Earlier this year, I began featuring the Search Institute's Developmental Relationships Framework. So far, we have looked at
- Expressing Care
- Challenging Growth
- Providing Support
- Sharing the Power
This month we will look at Expanding Possibilities.
This is our last month featuring the Developmental Relationships Framework. We hope you have enjoyed exploring these assets and you have found value in the resources provided by Search Institute.
Working With You,
Principal McAndrews
Mission Statement: Search Institute partners with organizations to conduct and apply research that promotes positive youth development and advances equity.
Element 5: Expand Possibilities
Here are ways you can Expand Possibilities with your young adolescent.
You can use these prompts as conversation starters with a spouse or friend. It might also be helpful as a journal prompt about your pathway as a parent.
Let's Connect!
Angi McAndrews, Principal
507-328-5817 anmcandrews@rochester.k12.mn.us
Mike Widman, Assistant Principal
507-328-5815 miwidman@rochester.k12.mn.us
Teri Linander, Associate Principal
507-328-5816 telinander@rochester.k12.mn.us
Student Support Services
Amy Carstensen, 6th Grade Counselor
507-328-5808 amcarstensen@rochester.k12.mn.us
Darren Saner, 7th Grade Counselor
507-328-5309 dasaner@rochester.k12.mn.us
Darlene DoBell, 8th Grade Counselor
507-328-5811 dadobell@rochester.k12.mn.us
Sara Rich, School Social Worker
507-328-5861 sarich@rochester.k12.mn.us
Akilah Sharif, School Social Worker
507-328-5861 aksharif@rochester.k12.mn.us
Health
Lori Dietrich, School Nurse, LPN
507-328-5813 lodietrich@rochester.k12.mn.us
Sara Gnagey, School Nurse, RN, LSN
507-328-5814 sagagney@rochester.k12.mn.us
Office Staff
Robyn Davis, Office Manager
507-328-5801 rodavis@rochester.k12.mn.us
Penny Ginther, Registrar & Attendance
507-328-5810 peginther@rochester.k12.mn.us
Amy Clark, Receptionist
507-328-5800 amclark@rochester.k12.mn.us
Tracy Malm, Receptionist
507-328-5800 trmalm@rochester.k12.mn.us
Kellogg Middle School
Email: anmcandrews@rochester.k12.mn.us
Website: www.kellogg.rochester.k12.mn.us
Location: 503 17th St NE, Rochester, MN, USA
Phone: 507-328-5800
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kellogg.Middle.School/
Twitter: @KelloggMiddle