The AGAPE Times
a weekly newsletter for students and families - Vol IV (4)
Week 4 and Happy Mother's Day (a little late!)
Welcome to week 4 of the AGAPE Times newsletter!! We've got a lot of good stuff in here this week so check it out and click the links! Keep up the great work and keep communicating with your teachers!
Though we are now going to be apart for the remainder of the school year, we are still the same strong, caring AGAPE family; always there for each other! Please check out the links in this newsletter and reach out if you are in need - we care about you all! Mrs. Weir is available via phone @ 651-335-9145 or email at lois.vosika-weir@spps.org anytime. All staff are always on the AGAPE Student/Staff Schoology group and are available via email or even a face to face chat on Google Meet! Stay healthy and safe!
Ms. Lund - Language Artist
1) How has Distance Learning been going for you as a teacher?
I have to say, Distance Learning has lots of challenges from this teacher’s perspective, but I’m so glad to be going through it with all of you! I miss seeing all of your faces and watching your amazing children grow and develop. I think that’s the hardest thing. I miss seeing all the other AGAPE staff too, because like learning, teaching is better when you can do it with your friends. I am so proud of all of you, though! You’re strong and persistent problem solvers. Stay the course, and finish the quarter strong!
2) What are some ways that you are reaching out to students?
I’ve found that the easiest way to connect with most of you has been to set up a one-on-one Google Meet appointment so that we can pick a time that works for both of us. If you want to meet, please email me at erika.lund@stpaul.k12.mn.us and include one or two times that would work for you to meet, and I’ll make it happen. It’s been so fun to see so many of you this way, and even meet a couple of new babies! I can also call if that works better for you, just let me know, and include a best phone number. I’m here for you, and would love to coach you through any and all of the challenges that you’re facing right now.
3) What is the most important thing about your classes that you would like to share with your students?
f you’re taking English this quarter, just remember that the expectations and structure of the class don’t change from week to week. There are 4 or 5 assignments to complete each week, and you can work on them as you have time. Try to get the week’s work done by the end of the day on Friday so that you can spend some time over the weekend reading your Independent Reading book and begin the next week all caught up.
4) Any other questions or information that you think students should know?
Anyone that wants or needs a book to read can download something awesome by going here: https://ebook.yourcloudlibrary.com/library/stpaulpubliclibrary Just log in with this number: 22091600+student ID.
5) Share something that you are doing in your down time during Quarantine!
Speaking of reading, I’ve been doing lots of it during Quarantine. I’ve also given my dog 142,544 walks and played about that many board games with my family. Hang in there, everyone! We’re so close to the end of the school year. You can do this!
Ms. Halvorson - Science Problem Solver
1) How has Distance Learning been going for you as a teacher?
I feel inspired to try new things and use technology in ways that help students learn. I worry about all the ways that distance learning is a challenge for students and spend a lot of time considering how to help students meet that challenge.
2) What are some ways that you are reaching out to students?
My email jeniferhalvorson@stpaul.k12.mn.us is posted to the top of my Schoology classes, and it is the best way to get personalized help. I notify classes about GoogleMeet times in the updates section of classes, these should also display on your Schoology home page feed.
3) What is the most important thing about your classes that you would like to share with your students?
I'm starting a no zeros policy, the worst grade that you can get on my assignments is 50% of points. This is important to me because I don't want students to get so far behind that they give up. Passing my classes requires 60% therefore you still must do something to earn credit but students won't find themselves in a hole too deep to dig out of. This policy celebrates the work you do and allows for forgiveness if you aren't getting this full time parent full time student thing perfect from the start.
4) Any other information you would like to share?
If anyone out there is feeling like they aren't being successful or distance learning is too hard, I would just like to say, don't give up, it's not too late to start, you can turn it around.
5) Share something that you are doing in your down time during Quarantine.
I've been enjoying completing the New York Times Mini crossword, it is small so it doesn't take too much time, I feel smart when I finish it and I've decided looking up an answer is not cheating it's learning. https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini
Mary and Christy News
JUNE GRADUATES DON'T FORGET TO HOP ON GOOGLE MEETS AT 12:30 THURSDAYS FOR YOUR EMPOWERMENT GROUP! Together we are stronger and we are here to offer support, encouragement, motivation and a path to the finish line! Mary and Christy can't wait to see you! Check your K12 email for your invitation for group! :)
ALSO - Mary Gannon wants to make sure ALL GRADUATING SENIORS log into Naviance and do the Senior Survey - it is an assigned task for all Seniors. After you are done, or if you have any questions, please email Mary Gannon!! This IS REQUIRED!
May 4th - May 8th AGAPE Student of the Week is.......
Hayla has been working incredibly hard, and she is doing an amazing job juggling the demands of distance learning and parenting. She has completed Daily Connect every day this quarter, which means she has perfect attendance for 4th quarter so far! On top of that, she has been getting her work in on time, and she is reaching out to her teachers for support and clarification when she needs it. She is also showing empathy and kindness by reaching out and helping other classmates. We are so lucky to have you as part of the AGAPE community, Hayla! Congratulations!
Congratulations to our student of the week, Hayla!!!
Congratulations to Vangmee on the birth of her baby boy August T. Phang on April 29th! He was 6lbs, 11oz and 20.5 inches long!
Babies and Distance Learning
- Take advantage of nap time.
- Do a little at a time, at different times, every day.
- EMAIL YOUR TEACHERS! We are all here to support each other. If you are having a hard time with your assignments, reach out and tell your teacher.
- Read your schoolwork out loud to your baby.
- Be patient with yourself and give yourself some GRACE - we are all doing the best we can.
Emergency Housing Resources
- If you are a family experiencing homelessness and need additional supports:
- Many resources are available on our REACH website. This site will be updated regularly.
- Please contact our Homeless Liaison Anne McInerney if you need additional support (anne.mcinerney@spps.org (651) 231-0404)). https://www.spps.org/reach
- Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter:
- To obtain a housing assessment, contact Coordinated Access for Housing and Shelter (651) 215-2262
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, the following Crisis Text Services and hotlines are available 24/7:
Crisis Text Line: Text MN to 741 741
Call ** CRISIS from a cell phone to talk to professionals who can help
Calling from a landline? See the directory of local mental health crisis phone numbers.
Free help for people across Minnesota who are having a mental health crisis or are contemplating suicide. Video
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24/7, 365-day-a-year hotline for people experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional crisis.distress. Call 1-800-273-8255 or click here to chat.
- SAFE, case management and support for African American women and their children experiencing domestic violence. Case managers assist clients access resources including housing, shelter, food, counseling. Case managers support women wherever they are on their journey. Led by an African American team, services are culturally-specific. Case managers work in the community, so clients can discreetly and easily access services. Contact: Carla.mcpipe@180degrees.org or Akello.Alay@180degrees.org More info at www.180degrees.org
- Casa de Esperanza Confidential 24 Hour Bilingual Domestic Violence Crisis Line 651.772.1611
Nurses Corner
Attention AGAPE Students:
You have an opportunity to receive a Garden Kit delivered to you. It will include seeds, soil, and a handout on planting. Whether you have gardened before or not, this is for you. Any container can be used - even the bag the dirt comes in. Please let us know if you want a Garden Kit; here is a survey for you to sign up.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNgx7UmRdyRoDEbprNwwXEmhbKQXrEJBOfsQ8YOgzxemkcWg/viewform
Here is a link to the reading of "Anywhere Farm" by Phyllis Root
Gordon Parks High School Health Start clinic (1212 University Ave. W.) is open to all students ages 11 and up for urgent:
- in-person mental health care
- medication management for depression and anxiety
- sexual health concerns
- check-ups and vaccines
- non-respiratory illness
- injuries
- asthma follow-up
If you have respiratory symptoms, a fever or known exposure to coronavirus, we will refer you to affordable testing and care but will not see you at Gordon Parks.
Hours as of April 27, 2020: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Please call 651-793-2234 for an appointment or walk in for care.
New! Telehealth Line - Students ages 11-22 can get mental health counseling and essential medical assistance via phone by calling the telehealth scheduling line at 651-412-8445. The telehealth line will take calls from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Students who have questions or need assistance from a school nurse can call the health office phone number - 651-888-7602. We are checking it each morning and each afternoon and we promise to answer voicemails promptly!
Front Desk News
Hey everybody - we need your help! We are going to have an online Spring AGAPE Family Meeting where we will talk about and get feedback for the 2020/2021 school year documents! All of these documents are included in the 2019/2020 AGAPE Family Handbook, but we have included links below to the documents on the AGAPE website!
- School Comprehensive Improvement Plan (SCIP)
- Family Engagement Plan (FEP)
- Family/School Compact (Compact)
- And have a conversation about our budget to discuss all the ways that we use funds to help and work with you!
More details to come in future AGAPE Times newsletters, but we are looking to have the meeting in mid-May!
Also, please connect with Maddi with issues you may be having with your iPad or borrowed Hotspot. Her email is maddi.mcdonell@stpaul.k12.mn.us
AGAPE High School
Email: lois.vosika-weir@spps.org
Website: agape.spps.org
Location: 1037 University Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-744-7970
Twitter: @AgapeSpps