SES Friday Field Notes
September 18
First Week of School
The Senior houses have been sampling biodiversity in plots on the school grounds. Some groups are looking at insect diversity in prairie versus lawn, and others are looking at plant diversity in forested area with buckthorn versus areas where buckthorn has been cleared.
The Junior houses have been focusing on connecting themselves with water in nature through seeing, feeling and thinking. They read an essay and did a "solo sit" and those at school even had the opportunity to do a little canoeing on Birch Pond, all in an effort to explore and appreciate nature through all their senses.
Non-House courses have also had a lot of fun this week. The mini-classes with Cohort A/B groupings have created an especially exciting classroom dynamic.
Masks, Mics and sometimes goggles... the new Teacher look!
Want to receive updates from SES via text?
Text Y to 67587 to receive text messages from the School of Environmental Studies.
Upcoming Important Dates
Student Picture Day Cohort A: Monday, September 28
Student Picture Day Cohort B: Tuesday, September 29
Student Picture Day Cohort C: Wednesday, September 30 (bussing will be provided)
ACT for Seniors - Tuesday, October 6
Pre-ACT for all Juniors - Wednesday, October 7
Fall Parent/Guardian & Teacher Conferences - October 7-14th (Virtually, by appointment- more information coming)
PSAT option for Juniors - Wednesday, October 14
Picture Day is Coming!
Order school pictures on mylifetouch.com before Picture Day and get a free Shutterfly gift with purchase. Picture Days at SES are:
Monday, September 28, Cohort A & Tuesday, September 29, Cohort B
Wednesday, September 30, Cohort C (bussing will be provided)
School of Environmental Studies
Picture Day ID: EVT3FPHTR
Register NOW for the PSAT Test!
The PSAT is an optional timed exam for juniors and will be given at SES on the morning of Wednesday, October 14. The PSAT is similar to the ACT and SAT and is a low risk way for students to gain experience on college admissions testing. Scores are not sent to colleges, but students who receive high scores may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. During September, Mr. Nelson and Mr. Thompson will be talking to the juniors about the PSAT and how colleges use admissions testing (ACT and SAT) as one of several factors to evaluate the strength of college applicants.
- SES students must take the PSAT at SES.
- The cost for the exam is $25.
- Registration through MyPaymentsPlus is available through Wednesday, October 7.
Equity and Anti-Racism Advisory Group
Parent Involvement Requested: SES is committed to reflecting on and improving our actions and words dedicated to equity and anti-racism. We are looking to create a statement that verbalizes this message.
We will be holding several Zoom meetings to begin co-creating this statement starting in late September. It is important we have multiple perspective contributing to this project. We would like teacher, student, parent, and faculty voices. If you are interested in participating please email Principal Trainer at Lauren.trainer@district196.org.
Student Organizations and Clubs
Yearbook Information
SES has our own unique yearbook and the 2020-21 edition is available for pre-order through the Jostens website for $40. Additionally, we are also ready to start collecting Senior Pictures for the Yearbook.
Please reach out to Stephanie.Steinbron@district196.org with any questions.
Co-Located Therapy Services available at SES!
Emotional ups & downs are to be expected during this time of COVID crisis, but if your child is experiencing any of the following, please consider reaching out for some extra support:
- Increased problems in multiple areas of life: academic, social, family relationships, etc.
- Excessive worry
- Crying, hopelessness, or feeling sad
- Significant changes in sleeping or eating habits
- Feeling bad about themselves
- Withdrawal from activities or relationships they used to enjoy
- Engaging in negative behaviors
- Self harm behaviors or statements like “I wish I weren’t here”
At SES, we partner with the Associated Clinic of Psychology (ACP) and Both/And Resources. ACP was awarded a grant by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide school and community based therapy to students and their families throughout Dakota County. All services are conducted by qualified mental health professionals and practitioners.
Through the grant program, we are able to offer services to students in Dakota County regardless of insurance coverage. We will work directly with the insurance plan on your behalf to answer any questions. You can make a referral:
- By Phone: During regular business hours, you may call our school and home-based Client Coordinator at 612-455-8643.
- Or by contacting Terri Cairns, the school psychologist at SES – terri.cairns@district196.org or 952-431-8750 – to discuss referral options and what services look like.
SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT SCHOOL, AT HOME “yard” VISITS AND VIA TELEHEALTH
A Note from Nurse Jenni
I just wanted to shear some important prevention messages about COVID-19. Please watch these video resource and reach out to me if you have any questions. 952-431-8750
We are excited to partner with The Sheridan Story this year to offer a free weekend food program to all our students. The Sheridan Story is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. They strive to make a difference in children’s lives by focusing on food gaps like weekends, school breaks, and summer when they can’t receive food in school.
- Free for all families
- No qualifications required for enrollment
- There is no enrollment during the our current hybrid school model, just let us know that you need a bag of food
- 4-5 pound bag of nutritious, non-perishable food each week
- The Sheridan Story does not collect information from families; privacy is protected
- Families may choose from a variety of different weekend food bag options (Ready-to-Eat for homeless families/youth, East African dietary preferences, Latino dietary preferences, or Southeast Asian dietary preferences, or the Basic which contains a wide variety of food items bag)
If your family needs a bag of food during a week of school, please contact: Karen.Maunu@district196.org.
Student Parking Permits
* Students that travel to their home high school for a class ONLY need to purchase a parking permit through SES. The other schools will honor the SES parking permit in their student lots.
Technology Information and Updates
- Technical Issues: https://www.district196.org/techhelp
- Schoology Issues: email: school@district196.org
Email Communications/Announcements
SES Enrollment for the 2020-21 School Year
More, now than ever, we are understanding the value of a supportive community. SES strives to offer this support to our students as they learn, grow, and become the leaders of tomorrow. We accepting students throughout the school year and ask that you please pass this on to any friends and neighbors that might find SES to be the educational opportunity they are looking for! Visit https://ses.district196.org to apply.