A Message from Mr. Fredrickson Dear Families,
Thank you for your continued support of your child and their distance learning. As I talk with teachers and hear from families it sounds like Governor Walz' announcement last week was hard to hear. Perhaps it was expected, but the reality of not being back at Birchview as a community carries with it many emotions. If your family is struggling with the knowledge that we won't be back at school this year you may want to check out this week's Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Tips about embracing change. Our staff is here to help make this spring as successful and positive as we can. If you are in need of specific support, reach out to our Student Support Team. We meet daily to make sure we are responding to the needs of students and their families. While we won't be together in the building, our community is still important to us and we want to keep it strong. The need for connection is as strong as ever. Though teachers are taking multiple actions to support classroom communities, our student council members want to do something to create connections across the entire school community.
For the remainder of the school year, Student Council will be sponsoring spirit weeks to provide a shared experience for all students. Next week, our theme is Read Anywhere! Each student can share one photo of themselves reading in a unique or special place during Distance Learning. All photos submitted by 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 will be shared as part of a special segment on our Birchview Bobcat News.
Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade will be able to submit their photo through the "Bobcat Connection" class where they view the daily announcements in Seesaw. The assignment will go live tomorrow morning (Friday). Students in 4th and 5th grade can submit their photos via email to Scott.Sykes@wayzataschools.org. The student council appreciates your participation and support! Of course, to Read Anywhere! one needs books. With the stay at home order in place, getting to the library is not an option. However, this won't stop Mrs. Robertson in her role as media specialist. She has put together information on ways students can get ebooks. It will take some adult help to get students set up for this including getting a library card from the Hennepin County Libraries. But if you follow the directions in the button below, you should be set up in no time at all. Lastly, we are looking to get some feedback from our families on what we are offering during Distance Learning. Please take a moment to complete the survey below. As always, we are here to support you and your child. Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or needs.
Warmly, Mr. Fredrickson
Supporting Our Community Birchview Padlet It looks like Spring weather is finally here to stay. With the warmer temperatures, make time to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer. This week's BV Padlet (password: bobcats) is a great opportunity to see how others are taking advantage of the warmer weather. It's amazing what the sun and a little fresh air can do.
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 Mindful Kids: Managing Stress During Hard Times Being stuck at home and away from school and friends is difficult for many kids and teens. Relate Counseling Center is offering online Mindfulness and Stress Reduction groups to students ages 7-11 to manage emotions during COVID-19. Groups will incorporate discussion around feelings about the current pandemic as well as provide tangible tools to help manage stress and anxiety. Kids will also engage in movement and relaxation strategies throughout group. The cost is $10 per week and meets Tuesdays from 1:00-1:30 p.m. Participants can register for individual weeks or the full eight weeks. Contact Kelly Smith, LGSW at knsmith@relatemn.org for more information. Wayzata Education Fund’s Thank a Teacher Program We have the best teachers and staff around, and never has it been clearer than during these unprecedented times. Whether they’ve helped make a difference in person or virtually this year, show your appreciation by participating in our Thank a Teacher program. From May 4 to June 3, any donation you make to the Wayzata Education Fund honoring a teacher or staff will come with a certificate of appreciation from your student. Additionally, if you donate $25 or more, they will also receive a bundlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes Minnetonka. Say thank you and support a good cause at the same time! Certificates will be sent via email. Bundlets will be delivered at a later date when it is deemed safe to do so, and when teachers and staff are back on school property. What can I do to protect myself and others?
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. Financial assistance is available or call 763-745-5200 for more information.
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