Newsletter
Issue 8: April 2021
Hello Fridley Middle School Families:
I hope you and your family are healthy and doing well during this time. We were so excited to welcome students back into the building 4 days a week on March 15th! It has been wonderful having our scholars here more often! We still look forward to when we are able return back to school full time with all of our scholars. We are working hard to continue to connect with our students who are in distance learning and look forward to ending the school year strong!
Just a reminder that we have the FMS Learning Site that has up-to-date information for both distance learning and 4-day model students. Please check the site regularly. You can access learning and up-to-date information about FMS. This would be a great site to bookmark and check back often. It can be accessed by clicking here.
Most importantly, we want to do anything we can to continue to support you and your learner. If there is anything we can do to support you and your family, please reach out to your child's homeroom teacher or any of our student support service staff. All of the contact information for staff can be found on the FMS Learning site.
We appreciate your partnership in helping support your scholar during this time. Together our students will continue to grow and learn. Fridley Strong! We are in this together!
Go Tigers!
Dr. Cochran
Principal
Mark Your Calendar
March 29 - April 2: No School - Spring Break
April 7: No School - Planning Evaluation Day
April 15: Parent Teacher Conferences
Mid-Term Scores
Wednesday, April 7th is an Evaluation and Planning day for our teachers. They will have grades up to date through April 6th. These can be found on parent portal.
We will not be sending out mid-term grades during this time. However, please check parent portal for your students most up-to-date grades and contact their teachers if you have any questions or concerns.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Conferences for Grades 5 - 8 will be held on Thursday, April 15 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Conferences will be held remotely. You will receive information directly from your student's teacher about signing up for conferences.
MCA Testing
April 13 and 15: Science (Grades 5 and 8)
April 27 and 29: Reading
May 4 and 6: Math
Make Up: Wednesdays April 21 and 28
Online Academy Students
April 14: Science (Grades 5 and 8)
April 21: Reading
April 28: Math
Make Up: May 5
Online Academy families should have received a link via email to sign up or opt-out of the MCA tests. If you have additional questions regarding MCA testing, please contact Josh Thurston at 763.502.5506.
All students will need to bring their Chromebooks, chargers, and headphones to school on testing days. Please remind your student to bring these items along with them to school and to charge their Chromebook the night before testing. We have a limited amount of extra Chromebooks to loan students so it is critical that they bring them to school.
Black History Month Essay Contest Winners
Congratulations to the Black History Month Essay Winners. Students wrote an essay to answer the question "What would peace in the world look like today and how would you represent peace?”
Hanan Mohamed – 6th
Aubrey Grosbusch – 7th
Jazmyn Carothers- 7th
Yusuf Osman- 8th
Thank you to Ms. Sims for facilitating the Essay Contest, Ms. Purdy for helping with the reading and grammar of the essays and Ms. Beran for making a wonderful display case to acknowledge our winners!
College Exploration Activity - February - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Congratulations to this month's winner: Francis Paul
Featured Colleges: Florida A&M University, Claflin University, Morehouse College, Xavier University, Tuskegee University, Tugaloo College, Hampton University, Fisk University, Howard University, and Spelman College
5th Grade Distance Learners!
We had an awesome turnout for our first Google Meet session on Wednesday, March 24th. Students were able to hang out with the Principals and the entire Support Support Services team. We played Kahoot and got to chat with other 5th Grade friends! We look forward to having more students join us for the next session!
If you have a current 5th Grade Distance Learner, please encourage them to accept the invitation to the Google Classroom and stay tuned for discussion posts, fun activities, Google Meets, and more!
Incoming 5th Graders and Current 5th Grade Distance Learners
Incoming 5th-grade students/families will be invited into the building for an evening of fun activities, meeting 5th-grade teachers, touring the middle school, practicing lockers and more! This event was originally scheduled for April 7th and has been postponed to May 11th due to COVID. We hope by May 11th to be able to host this event in person. Stay tuned for more information! You won't want to miss it!
We will also be inviting our current 5th Grade distance learning students/families to join us on May 11th for a fun evening of activities, meeting the 6th-grade teachers, practicing lockers, touring the middle school and seeing the classrooms! We will be sending more information out soon!
A link will be sent out for a virtual tour of the middle school for those who are not comfortable coming into the building. We want to help all of our student's transition to middle school and become familiar with the building and staff prior to the fall.
Big Bad Musical
SYDNEY GRIMM: Varney Kiawu
FAIRY GODMOTHER: Corrine Pichler
LITTLE RED: Alicia Spano
GRANDMOTHER HOOD: Kamaria Austin
ONE: Sophia Estlund
TWO: Ethan Berger
THREE: Pluto Peel
BILL WOODCUTTER: Chase White
SHEPHERD: Raymond Nelson
BOY WHO CRIED WOLF: Reece Powell
BIG BAD WOLF: Liam Callahan
The WOLFETTES: Ceci Fellner, Emma Rogich
JUDGE WISE: Nathan Gonzales
EVIL STEPMOTHER: Amera Husein
MISS MUFFIT: Coral Bode
Health Office
*This is a reminder of Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control recommendations regarding travel, as well as district procedures for student self-quarantines following Spring Break.
Fridley Public Schools is not in a position to monitor family and staff travel decisions, and the district will not require a quarantine upon returning for anyone who travels. MDH and CDC do not have specific requirements regarding staff and students returning to school following travel, but both recommend no domestic or international travel at this time given that travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 (Review: CDC Travel During COVID-19).
If you do choose to travel, the CDC recommends individuals get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if the test comes back negative. If you don’t get tested, they suggest to stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days following travel. Minnesota offers several COVID-19 testing options for families, including free at-home saliva tests: COVID-19 Testing Options.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
Common questions?
What are some differences between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2), and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer.
Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19 | CDC
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/flu/basics/fluparent.html
Influenza (Flu) Information for Parents - Minnesota Dept. of Health
651-201-5000 Phone 888-345-0823 Toll-free. Information on this website is available in alternative formats upon request.
Should children get their routine vaccinations during COVID-19?
*Children who are not protected by vaccines may be more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. As communities are opening up, it's important for parents to work with their children's doctor or nurse to make sure their children stay up to date on routine vaccines.
For additional information on vaccines for children, please click on link below:
Routine Vaccination During the COVID-19 Outbreak | CDC
A CDC report released in May 2020 found a troubling drop in routine childhood vaccinations as a result of families staying at home. While families followed public health warnings about going out, an unfortunate result was many missed routine vaccinations. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend every child continues to receive routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Immunizations
We are missing a lot as a result of the pandemic. As a school, we are required to collect school immunizations on each student. Please connect with your child’s clinic for reassurance that it is safe to return to your clinic for vaccinations and well-child check. Per our district policy, all immunizations must be current. Please call the health office at (763-502-5426) if you have questions.
COVID-19 Resources for Students and Families
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that all school-age youth returning to school youth sports, or extracurricular activities, and their families, to get tested every two weeks through the end of the school year. Students involved in any extracurricular activities or sports should get tested every week.
Testing, plus wearing masks and taking other precautions like social distancing and staying home (quarantining) when needed, are some of the best tools we have to limit the spread of COVID-19. By getting tested regularly until the end of the school year, we can help limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open and sports operating.
Anyone could have COVID-19 and not know it. Getting tested regularly is the best way to know you are still healthy. If you don't have symptoms and have not been close to someone with COVID-19, you do not need to stay home while you wait for your test results.
· CDC Post-Travel Recommendations
· COVID-19 Prevention Measures
· COVID-19 Close Contacts and Tracing
· COVID-19: If you are feeling sick
COVID-19 Testing for Students and Families
While it is not a requirement, regular testing complements other safety measures already in place, such as masking and social distancing.
Getting tested every two weeks from now until the end of the school year can help keep schools open and sports operating, and ensure we are limiting the spread of COVID-19.
· Order an at-home test at no cost
· Find testing location for in-person options
Student COVID-19 Testing Update
At Governor Walz’s direction, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is working with school districts to make it easier for students to send off their saliva test kits. Students will now be able to send their Vault-at-Home tests back to the lab through their schools.
How this works:
- Students or families order tests through the Vault-at-Home program (remember tests are free to Minnesota residents).
- Students complete their test at home.
- Students seal their sample tube and place it in the biohazard bag. The biohazard bag then gets sealed in the shipping bag that came with the test. The shipping label sticker is attached to the bag.
- Students bring their sealed shipping bag with the shipping label to school on designated onsite testing day.
To help students comply with MDH’s bi-weekly testing guidance and use at-home tests as a screening tool:
- Students should test on the same schedule as staff (see dates below)
- Students will need to have a Vault-at-Home kit on hand at home to complete and bring to school on staff testing day. Click here to order one.
- Once students receive notice that their sample is being processed at the lab, they can order another Vault-at-Home kit for the next screening day.
Saliva test drop off dates for Fridley students
Any student who has taken a saliva test can drop off the test kit at any of our schools’ main office on the following dates:
· April 5, 2021
· April 19, 2021
· May 3, 2021
· May 17, 2021
· June 7, 2021
6th Grade News
After spring break, 6th graders will begin working on creating their own inventions and preparing for the Inventor’s Fair. This year’s Inventor’s Fair will be held on Thursday, May 20th from 5:00 – 6:30. Your scholar’s science teacher will be in contact soon with details about the project and ways you can help support your scholar.
Other important 6th grade reminders:
· Recess – outside for 15 minutes, unless it is raining (dress accordingly!)
· Cell phones – off and put away from 8AM-3PM
· Attendance – please make sure to call-in if your scholar will be absent for the day, even if it’s an “at-home” day
· Water bottles – our water fountains are off, so please make sure that your scholar is packing a water bottle!
AVID
The AVID Elective is a college and career preparation class that students in 7th and 8th grade can choose to apply for and take as an elective course in their Encore schedule.
In April, students in 6th and 7th grade will be given the opportunity to apply to be in this class for next school year. We're looking for self-motivated students that want to gain academic skills as well as increase organization and collaboration skills. This class is not for everyone, we expect a lot from students and students do have additional homework to complete.
If you have any questions about the AVID program, please reach out to Ms. Gruhlke (gruhlke@isd14.org). Applications and information will be given to students in April during one of their core classes.
Boys and Girls Track
Boys and Girls Track:
· Practices will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 4:30.
· Start Date: 4/5
· Open to grades 7 and 8.
Sign Up Instruction:
1. Log into Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
2. Click on School Store Tab.
3. Click shop Fridley Middle School
4. Choose Activity add to cart and check out.
5. Add payment method and submit.
*If you have any questions please contact Josh Thurston:
Phone: 763-502-5506 Email: Joshua.Thurston@Fridley.K12.MN.US
Yearbooks
If you are interested in ordering a yearbook for the 20-21 school year follow the link below to order:
http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A04023830
The cost is $20. The deadline for ordering yearbooks is April 30.
Nutritional Services
- There will be no distance learner meal pick up the week of March 29 due to Spring Break.
- Wednesday distance learner meal pick up time is changing to 10:15-11:45 am at Fridley Middle School effective April 7th till the end of the school year.
- Tuesday distance learner meal pick up is 4:30-6:00 at Fridley High School door 15
- In person learning students can pick up a 1 day meal pack on Tuesday from 3:00-3:15 in the Middle School cafeteria to eat on Wednesday when they are at home.
- All breakfast and lunches are free this school year due to USDA funding. We hope that your children will take advantage of this and see what great food we offer.
- If your income has changed please complete an Application for Educational Benefits and you might be eligible of P-EBT money.
- Any questions about meal service or meal pick up please contact Renee Arbogast at 763-502-5022.
Help Is Available
Are you staying with a friend or family member? Currently in a hotel, shelter, or car? Are you displaced and not sure of what to do next? We have resources for you! Under the McKinney-Vento Law, your student is eligible for transportation provided by the district. Please reach out to your school social worker via phone or email to connect about next steps.
- Even during distance learning, our district-wide backpack program is up and running! If you are in need of additional food resources, please reach out to Ms. Beran and she will coordinate getting items to you. It might look a little different this year, but please do not hesitate to reach out. If you have students in other buildings, please feel free to reach out to the school social worker as well!
Jaimie Beran – Fridley Middle School Social Worker
Phone: (763) 502 – 5400 ext. 5575 | jaimie.beran@fridley.k12.mn.us
Parent Portal Mobile App
Download the parent portal mobile app for up-to-date information on your child's progress. See the attached flyer for more information.
Help Raise Money for FMS with Shutterfly
It’s easy to support us:
1. Visit our Shutterfly Storefront at: fridleymiddleschool.ShutterflyStorefront.com
2. Click through to start shopping!
3. Purchase thoughtful gifts and keepsakes for friends, family and especially yourself.
4. That’s it! For every purchase made, 8% of the proceeds will go toward helping our organization.
It’s that easy. Plus, you can even use applicable Shutterfly discount codes to save on your entire order.
Please feel free to share this email with your friends, family and co-workers—the more orders we receive through our Storefront, the more our organization earns!
Peachjar
Fridley Public Schools uses Peachjar, an online flyer management service to share flyers to Fridley families. School approved flyers are now sent to parents electronically and posted on the school website. Parents can simply click flyers they receive through email or click the Peachjar button or icon on each school's homepage.
This 'green' initiative will save our schools tons of paper and reduces copy costs by thousands of dollars. In addition, posting school flyers in this electronic backpack removes a significant administrative burden from teachers, office staff, and volunteers.
Fridley Middle School
Email: amy.cochran@fridley.k12.mn.us
Website: www.fridley.k12.mn.us
Location: 6100 West Moore Lake Drive Northeast, Fridley, MN, USA
Phone: 763.502.5400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FridleyMS
Twitter: @FridleyMSTigers