Middle School- Week of June 2
Middle School News
Hello Students and Families,
I looked at my own kids' grades yesterday and I almost cried.
My kids both have some missing assignments to get done, and I can't do the homework battle one more time.
I emailed teachers and asked, "If my kid needed to prioritize their time, what is one assignment that they should definitely not skip doing?" My own children's teachers understand that we are at the end, and not everything will get done. Your children's teachers understand too.
My advice to you as a fellow parent and educator: Be calm, make a list with your kid, sit them down at the table for 15-30 minutes at a time, and just get a one thing done. You are not alone as we finish this difficult year. My goal as a parent is to model problem solving and prioritization. More important than getting everything in, is to to find something to be proud of your kid about. EVERY SINGLE KID out there has done something awesome this year. Your kid is amazing. Let them know that you know how great they are.
Maybe this isn't the year that you are celebrating perfect attendance, or having no missing assignments or any of the traditional milestones, but you are celebrating that your child has lived through a pandemic and the weirdest school year in the history. Your family adapted and changed. We learned a lot about communication, what works, and what doesn't.
On June 14th the school board will have the option to lift the mask requirement in schools. The message from the state is to no longer require masks, but instead recommend them (after June 13th). Summer school starts on June 15. I really believe that we can do some good work with students in June. Class sizes will be small (spread out) and students will be allowed to have masks off if they would like. Kid's in school will get to see each other's faces, and find joy in learning. There are only about 20 more spots remaining in the June Session, so sign up FAST. The sign ups are linked under this message. Feel free to call or email me if you have questions. If you are planning a family vacation, and will be gone for a week, you can still sign up.
Please scroll down to see information for current 6th graders who will take Band Next year, as well as info about summer theater and announcements from the health office.
Reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Leah A. Bourg
Principal, South St. Paul Middle School
Office: 651-306-3659
Cell: 651-503-4846
Summer learning for Current 6th and 7th Graders
Session 1: June 15-July 1(Monday-Thursdays)
8am-12pm
4 core subjects per day
High Interest, hands on activities
Focus on Social Emotional Learning and Having fun with friends
Session 2: July 12-July 29
8am-12pm
Students will have 2 elective courses
Courses Offered:
Cooking- Full
Fishing- Full
Mythical Creatures and Pottery
Building Websites/ Environmental Justice
Intro to Theater
Hands on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
MN Backyard Science and River Study
Born a Crime, Role of Identity in Society (book by Trevor Noah)
Computer Applications
Team Sports
If you are planning a vacation, don't let that keep you from signing up. You can miss up to 5 days, and we will still be funded.
Sign up HERE
Contact Julie Ries for help getting signed up: jries@sspps.org
12 Mornings in July, and your HS student starts out ahead of the game.
Just Added- Summer Program for Current 8th Graders!
8th graders can start High School by having .5 elective credits if they take July Session Summer School! This is stellar, engaging, high level learning!
July 12-July 29th (Monday-Thursday)
8 am to 12 pm
Transportation, breakfast, and lunch provided
FREE
Students will Take two of the following:
Intro to Theater
Building Websites about Environmental Justice
Born A Crime/ Social Justice (A study of Noah Trevor's Book and the role of Identity in Society)
Computer Applications and Gaming
Use this Sign up Link. Contact Julie Ries for help getting signed up: jries@sspps.org
Current 5th and 6th Graders who want to be in band next year,
Health Office Announcements
Medication Pick-Up
We ask that all medications not needed the last few days of school be picked up ahead of time. Controlled substances cannot be sent home with students at any time; parents must pick them up. No medications can be sent home with students the last day of school. Please contact the health office (klefferts@sspps.org ) to make arrangements for picking up your child’s medication. All medications left in the health office after Friday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. will be disposed of.
Physicals
Students planning to participate in sports in 7th grade need to have a sports qualifying physical exam. Clinics
book up quickly over the summer so you may want to schedule an appointment now. Turn forms in to the Activities Office.
Eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club
The Health Office is collecting eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club. Drop off any unused glasses you may have at the High School Health Office. They will recycle the glasses to help others in need. Thanks for your support of this worthy project!
Questions and Answers about Immunization Requirements for 7th Graders
What shots are 7th graders required to have?
Hepatitis B – 3 doses
DTap or DT (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis) –3 doses INCLUDING 1 dose Tdap booster at age 11-12 years
Polio – 3 doses
MMR (Mumps/Measles/Rubella) – 2 doses
Meningococcal – 1 dose
Varicella (chicken pox) – 2 doses
What happens if my child does not have the shots done before the first day of school?
We are a “No shots, No school” school district. Your child will not be admitted to classes if we don’t have a record of the shots. He/she will be sent home. You may bring your child back to school after the shots are done and bring the shot record to the school nurse.
What if I object to having my child get the shots?
You may give us a “conscientious objection” signed by the parent/guardian and notarized listing each of the shots you wish your child to be exempt from receiving.
What if my child has a medical condition that prevents him/her from getting a shot?
You may give us a “medical exemption” signed by your child’s health care provider listing each of the shots your child cannot medically receive.
If I have already turned in a conscientious objection or medical exemption do I have to fill out another one for my 7th grader?
Yes. A new form is required in 7th grade.
Is there a form I should use for the immunization requirements?
We accept immunization cards and records from your health care provider. You may use the Minnesota Department of Health’s “Immunization Form.” Copies are available at the school and online at
https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/imzform.pdf. This form is to be used for a conscientious
objection or medical exemption.
Kristin Lefferts, MS, RN, LSN
Licensed School Nurse
South St. Paul Secondary School
700 2nd Street N.
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Direct phone: 651-457-9449
Summer Theater
We have some exciting theatre opportunities coming up this summer for students in grades 4-12, and I'd appreciate if we could get the following information into an upcoming newsletter to help our students know about them:
South St. Paul Jr. Players will be presenting Space Princess Wars during the summer of 2021. This play is an awesome sci-fi/fantasy adventure spoof with Wars among the Stars and Brides who are Princesses. Auditions for this show will be June 7th and 8th, and performances will be on July 15th and 16th. Questions can be addressed to Kris Holsen at sspjrplayers@gmail.com. The participation fee for this production will be $75. Audition information, forms, and signups are available at: https://sites.google.com/site/ssppstheatre/space-princess-wars
South St. Paul Community Theatre will be presenting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat during the summer of 2021. This fast, fun, family-friendly musical has been a Broadway hit for years - and now it's coming to SSP! Auditions for this show are open to children (grades 4 and up) through adults. Auditions will be on June 14th and 15th, and performance dates will be July 29-Aug 1. Questions can be addressed to Eric Holsen at eholsen@sspps.org or 651-457-9430. The participation fee for this production will be $75. Audition information, forms, and signups are located at: https://sites.google.com/site/ssppstheatre/joseph
Please communicate any attendance issues
Email: secattend@sspps.org
Phone: 651-457-9415