A Message from Mr. Fredrickson Dear Families,
Welcome to the end of our second week of Distance Learning. Like you and your child, our staff has been navigating all of the ins and outs of how to best do Distance Learning. I hope you are finding some sense of a "new normal" now that everything is up and running.
As we set up for Distance Learning, a vast majority of our focus was on academics. However, we are to beginning to see the need for more social interaction with our students. This week many teachers set the goal of connecting with each and every student via Zoom, Google Hangout or phone call. We are now looking at several ways to grow our connections between students and teachers while also maintaining the Birchview Community as a whole. Below are several items we would like you to be aware of so your child can access more social and emotional support from the school. Trojan Pride Challenge #1 Now's our chance to really show our pride outside of Birchview with Trojan Pride Bingo! Be sure to download your BV Bingo Board. You can print it or mark it digitally. When you've earned a bingo, send a picture to Mrs. Hansen to get your reward. Also, post a picture of your Trojan Pride on our BV Trojan Pride Padlet. Spirit Week Throughout the year, Student Council has hosted different days to show school spirit. Maybe you remember Moustache Day or Hat Day from the past. Mr. Sykes met with the student council earlier this week. They are planning a few spirit weeks that are coming soon. Look for details next week. Whole Class Meetings Teachers will begin to offer whole class meetings using Zoom or Google Hangouts. This will be a way for students to connect with their classmates at least once a week. Scheduling these meetings will take some work because we know some families are sharing devices between children. We certainly don't want your children to argue about who gets the device if they both have a meeting scheduled at the same time. Look for details from your child's teacher next week.
I hope your child will enjoy these opportunities to reconnect with their class and the Birchview Community.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Mr. Fredrickson
Supporting Our Community Staff Appreciation Week! Next week, April 20-24, was designated by the Birchview PTA as Staff Appreciation Week. In the past the PTA has celebrated the staff in various ways, from little gifts and notes to a barbecue lunch and free massages. Because our building is closed, we need your help more than ever in showering the Birchview staff with our thanks! Please consider having your child record a video message, e-mail artwork or write an e-mail to their favorite teacher, para, custodian, anyone. Let's celebrate all those who make our Birchview community so special!
Did You Know? Parent Input Information Although we are focused on Distance Learning right now, we are also starting to plan for next year. Teachers will soon begin the process of building class lists. If you would like to give input into this process for your child, please fill out the form below and email it back to me at sam.fredrickson@wayzataschoosl.org.
Reminders Emergency Contact Information It is very important that we have accurate emergency contact information for each parent/guardian. Please take a moment to verify and update your family information in Skyward Family Access.
Birthday Book Program Our popular birthday book program will be back this year. This program helps grow our library collection while formally commemorating a special day in the lives of our students.
PTA News
Around the District Getting Ready for Distance Learning We know that you and your family are still adjusting to this new normal and it's been challenging for everyone in different ways. Please remember that we are here for you and we will do our very best to support you. Distance learning will take place on Seesaw (K-3) and Canvas (4-5) beginning April 6, after spring break. If you have technical questions:
What can I do to protect myself and others during Cold & Flu Season?
We've had so many great Ask Ali questions in our inbox – thanks to all who have submitted! Ali, along with her network of local experts, has been working hard to answer these questions. Responses are posted every Monday on her blog at partnersinpreventionmn.org/askali. Parents, you've got to check out the responses to these questions! There are some interesting ones that have been asked; chances are you might be wondering some of these things.
Community Ed New Online Classes We welcome you to our online classrooms! Our online classes ensure that you are able to gain valuable information, stay on track with your fitness routine, learn new skills, and connect with others during the next month. Our buildings may be closed, but lifelong learning never stops. We are offering a variety of online classes for adult and youth. You can find all the online options on our registration site. Upcoming youth art options: Check out our youth summer camp preview! Financial assistance is available or call 763-745-5200 for more information.
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