Welcome to McAuliffe Elementary
September 2020
About Us
Main Line: 651-480-7390
Attendance Line: 651-480-7391Health Office (Nurse): 651-480-7395
Kids' Campus: 651-480-7423
Hastings Bus Company: 651-437-1888
Website: http://mcauliffe.hastings.k12.mn.us
Location: 1601 12th Street West, Hastings, MN, United States
Phone: 651-480-7390
We are ready to start a new and exciting school year! Welcome back to all of our returning families and a special welcome to the new students and their families for the 2020-21 school year. Please contact us with any concerns you may have, as we want the school year to be a successful one for each of you.
Monthly newsletters are available to you online each month. Please check out our website as it is updated monthly with upcoming events and information.
DATES TO REMEMBER
September
22 - Parent Teacher Connection (PTC) Meeting @6:30pm
(Zoom ID: 504 244 5157 Password: PTC )
22 - Picture Day (Cohort 1)
24 - Picture Day (Cohort 2)
October
12- Evening Conferences (tentative, more details to come)
13 - Evening Conferences (tentative, more details to come)
14 - NO SCHOOL - Conferences
15 & 16 - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Association Days)
PICTURE DAY
Cahill Studios will be taking McAuliffe Elementary School Photos on
Tuesday, September 22nd (Cohort 1)
Thursday, September 24th (Cohort 2)
To ensure a clean and safe picture day environment, Cahill Studios is strongly encouraging online ordering for all photos this year. Paper forms will not be sent to students. If you need to order via a paper form, you can request one from your school’s office.
MCAULIFFE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PHOTOS!
All parents pre-ordering online will be emailed a free social media image.
All orders placed after the pre-order deadline will not be distributed at the school but mailed to your home so there will be a shipping/handling fee.
Your pre-order deadline is Saturday, September 26th.
WHAT TIME DOES SCHOOL START?
9:20am: Buses begin to drop students, classrooms are open, and breakfast is served. **Students may not enter the building before this time.**
9:40am: School begins.
3:25pm: Dismissal for all students.
CHANGES TO SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Effective Monday September 14, 2020 free meals will now be available to all children enrolled in the Hastings ISD 200 school district. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it will waive all fees for school meals through December 31, 2020, or earlier if funding runs out.
How will my student get their free meals?
When learning at school: Breakfast and lunch will be available at no cost to students when they are in school or an in-person or hybrid learning schedule.
Hastings Online Academy
A week’s supply of both breakfasts and lunches will be available for pickup on Monday (unless otherwise noted for holidays, etc.) from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Hastings District Office. Order Thursday at noon the week before.
Elementary Hybrid Learning
Order lunches for the days your students are not onsite only. Meals will be picked up by your student at their designated location at the end of the day.
Students in Cohort 1 (attending onsite Monday/Tuesday): Order lunch on Monday by noon for students to take at the end of the day on Tuesday for Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
Students in Cohort 2 (attending onsite Thursday/Friday) order lunches on Thursday by noon for students to take at the end of the day Friday for Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
Fill out those Free & Reduced Application forms!
Even though meals are free for the first few months of school, you still need to fill out your Free & Reduced Application form. This ensures you will have help paying for meals after December 31, and also helps you cover costs for other school-related activities. In addition, it grants our district access to federal funding to support our schools. Complete the 2020-2021 Free & Reduced Meal Application online or contact Food Service to request one.
Please Note: Families MUST fill out a new application for benefits at the beginning of each school year or benefits will expire.
LENDING LIBRARY CART
Need Books?
H.O.A. Lending Library Cart
Open: 8am-3pm
Located: outside McAuliffe Office doors (in the school entry way)
Contact-free option
Available to all HOA students
No book check out required!
Take what you need, return what you can, donate more books if able!
Always use the provided hand sanitizer on the cart before selecting books. If there is a family looking at the books on the cart, please practice social distancing and wait at least 6 feet away for your turn.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
In line with state requirements, schools will track attendance during their at-home days (distance learning days). We do this by having students interact with learning tasks & materials. If learning tasks need modifying or are not being completed, parent/teacher communication will be needed. Please feel free to reach out with your teacher on Flex days.
Although attendance is required, we value students thoughtfully engaged in their learning. Accountability for learning (completing assignments/assessments) will be separated from “showing up for distance learning” (attendance). For the purpose of accountability, students are expected to complete tasks daily and demonstrate evidence of their learning. This expectation applies for both the Hastings Online Academy and Hybrid Learning.
To report an absence, parents/guardians can notify the school's attendance line at 651-480-7391.
MESSAGE FROM THE NURSE
Please continue to monitor your child every morning for symptoms of COVID-19 that could indicate that they are not well. If your child has any COVID-19 symptoms or they have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, please keep them home and call the attendance line. Symptoms of COVID-19*
● Fever or chills (T = 100.4 or higher)
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
● New loss of taste or smell
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
*This list does not include all possible symptoms (see Symptoms of Coronavirus for more information).
We learn more about COVID-19 every day, and as more information becomes available, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) will continue to update and share information with us. As our knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 evolves, this guidance may change.
During the school day if your child develops illness symptoms we, the school, will notify you and help you and your family take needed actions. Students who develop illness symptoms during the school day will be sent home.
DOES YOUR CHILD NEED EYEGLASSES?
The eyeglass program helps individuals that would find it a financial hardship to purchase eyeglasses. This would be a person without insurance for eye exams, lenses and frames, or they may have a high deductible that prevents them from utilizing their coverage. Contact your school nurse for information.
'19-20 YEARBOOKS
BOX TOPS
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR DAYCARE
If during the school year your address or daycare changes and this requires a change in transportation, please contact the school, not the bus company. If you give us the information we will work with the bus company to make the changes. The only changes that can be made are those that are permanent or for an extended length of time. During the 20-21 School year, transportation changes are not guaranteed. It is very difficult for the bus company to make brief or sudden changes in the routes. Thank you for your help in this matter.
EARLY PICK UP FOR STUDENTS
In order to minimize interruptions to the classroom, students should not be picked up early unless it is an emergency. On those occasions when it is necessary to pick your child up during the school day, please go to the school office to sign your child out. The office secretary will call the classroom and have the student sent to the office. Teachers will not release students unless the office gives prior approval. This practice has been established to help protect your child.
NEW MCAULIFFE STAFF
KINDERGARTEN
Hello, my name is Christi Opseth, and I am excited to be your child’s Kindergarten teacher this year! This will be my sixth year teaching. I have experience teaching first grade and Early Childhood Family Education. It is a privilege and joy to work with young children, and I am so excited to get to know your child and spend the year with them. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy going for walks around our beautiful state cheering on Minnesota United. I am so looking forward to meeting you and having a great year together!
FIRST GRADE
Hi my name is Liza Niedermayer! This year will be my second year teaching and my first year in Hastings. I am so excited to be a part of the Hastings school district and working at McAuliffe! I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College and I am in my second year of my Masters program at Mankato State University. I grew up in New Prague Minnesota with my parents and three siblings. In my free time I love to go rollerblading, kayaking and hiking. My favorite time to read is on a rainy day. This year will be filled with new adventures and discoveries. I can’t wait to see where the year takes us!
SECOND GRADE
Hi, I am Hannah Duke and this is my sixth year teaching. I grew up in Schaumburg, Illinois and attended Carthage College. I moved to Minnesota about two years ago and I currently live in Lakeville, MN. I have a wonderful niece and nephew who I love to spend time with. I enjoy reading, gardening, camping and fishing. I look forward to this school year and joining the Hastings Community.
FOURTH GRADE
Hello! My name is Aimee Ferguson and I am so excited to join the 4th grade team at McAuliffe Elementary! I come to Hastings from Wyoming Elementary (Forest Lake Area Schools) where I taught for 15 years. I have spent time in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades, but the majority of those years were in 4th grade. I grew up in Blue Earth, MN and went to college in River Falls, WI. My husband Jim and I live in Inver Grove Heights with our two children. Vinnie is 5 and will be attending Kindergarten here. Our daughter, Ruby, is 7 months old. When I am not at school, we love to go mini golfing, watch the Twins and the Vikings and spend time with our extended family. I can’t wait to meet all of you!
MUSIC
Hello! My name is Jonah Conway and I am the new music teacher at McAuliffe! This is my first full year of teaching, and I couldn’t be more excited to spend it in Hastings. I grew up in Ellsworth, Wisconsin and went to college at UW-River Falls. I student-taught last fall at Pinecrest Elementary here in Hastings and at Red Wing High School. I then had a long-term substitute position in Somerset, Wisconsin for the spring. I live in River Falls with my fiance, Miranda. I love to sing and play guitar in my free time as well as in the classroom. I also love watching and playing sports like baseball, football, and basketball. I am a huge Minnesota Twins and Green Bay Packers fan. I am so excited to learn and grow with the staff and students of McAuliffe Elementary this year!
SPECIALIST TEACHER
Hello! My name is Ursula Rumann. I consider myself a creative person with a love of Pinterest, bright colors and all things educational. I believe that we all learn differently and shape my teaching style to address the needs of all students- no matter what those needs are! In my personal life, I enjoy the outdoors, long hikes, concerts and being with friends and family. I’m excited to get to know each of you!
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
My name is Kate Adams and I am so excited to be the school social worker for McAuliffe Elementary! I live at home with my husband, daughter, and 2 dogs! My dogs are very energetic and love to be outside playing. When I'm not at McAuliffe, I enjoy safely spending time with friends and family, going for walks, and exercising. Volleyball is my favorite sport. We are also big MN sports fans in our home, especially the Vikings! Even though this school year might look different, it is going to be a great year. We will work together in making an unfortunate situation the best it can be. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns about your child. I am looking forward to getting to work with you and your child!
SPECIAL ED RESOURCE TEACHER
I want to introduce myself to you. My name is Breanna Gilbertson, and I will be working in the classroom this school year as a Special Education Teacher at McAuliffe Elementary School. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire with a double major in Special Education and Elementary Education. I enjoy spending quality time with family, friends, and my dogs. I love being outdoors and finding new trails to hike. I also like cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. I am eager to begin this exciting adventure at McAuliffe Elementary, while getting to know and work with each student!
L.E.A.P TEACHER
I am starting my 10th year teaching and am so excited to be joining the Hasting’s family! I live in Apple Valley with my husband, 2 daughters (ages 18 and 15), and 2 dogs. I am originally from Chicago, so you may see me wearing blue and orange during the football season:). My oldest will be attending St. Kate’s this fall and will be continuing her soccer journey. My youngest has been cheerleading for the past 8 years; however, it is taking a break this season. I am finishing up my Master’s degree in Curriculum Development: Trauma and Resilience. I will be done at the end of October. I have taught in the resource setting, k-3 for 5 years, and in a setting 4 program for the last 4 years (middle school and high school). I am excited to be back working with the “littles,” setting 3 is going to be a great fit. In my free time, I like to read, walk my dogs, and attend my kid’s sporting events. My husband and I also love football and hockey and look forward to the start of each season. I have been healing from an injury and can finally participate in kickboxing and pound class.
I look forward to a new chapter in my life and am happy it is with ISD 200!
SPEECH
My name is Kelly Kolles! I was born and raised in Elk River, MN. I then went onto college at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and received both my Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Over the last 6 years studying all things Speech and Language, I developed an absolute love for working with children and helping them grow in their communication skills!
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family; I grew up with an older brother and an older sister, and I am so lucky to be called auntie by my Niece and two Nephews! I also enjoy rollerblading, hiking, drinking a good cup of coffee, and playing volleyball!
I am so excited to begin my journey with Hastings School District and help contribute to educating our students so they are able to reach their full potential.Right to Know
Parents have the right to request and receive information on the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teachers.
Parents Right to Know Act Concerning Use of Pest Control Materials:
(M.S. 123B.575, Subdivisions 1-14)
Our district utilizes a licensed, professional pest control service firm for the prevention and control for rodents, insects, and other pests in and around the district’s building. Their program consists of:
1. Inspection and monitoring to determine whether pests are present, and whether any treatment is needed;
2. Recommendations for maintenance and sanitation to help eliminate pests without the need for pest control materials;
3. Utilization of non-chemical measures such as traps, caulking and screening; and
4. Application of EPA-registered pest control materials when needed.
Pests can sting, bite, cause contamination, damage property, and spread disease; therefore, we must prevent and control them. The long-term health effects on children from the application of such pest control materials, or the class of materials to which they belong, may not be fully understood. All pest control materials are chosen and applied according to label directions per federal law.
An estimated schedule of interior pest control inspections and possible treatments is available for review or copying at each school office. A similar estimated schedule is available for application of herbicides and other materials to school grounds. Parents of students may request to receive, at their expense, prior notification of any application of a pest control material, should such an application be deemed necessary on a day different from the days specified in the schedule.
Community Education Recreational Opportunities for Kids
https://hastingscommunityed.com/ or 651-480-7670
Community Education's Fall catalog was recently sent out to the public. You can also view the wonderful classes they have by clicking on the link above. They have a large selection that you will find appealing. Check the catalog out.