Parent Newsletter May 21, 2020
Teacher Planning Day Teacher Planning Day on Friday, May 22. Students continue with eLearning on Canvas and Seesaw.
End-of-Year Celebrations The safety of all our students, families and staff continues to be our first priority and in order to stay in compliance with state guidelines surrounding COVID-19, the decision has been made not to hold any end-of-year parties, parades or other celebrations across the district. I know this is extremely disappointing. Our teachers will be creating virtual experiences that will provide opportunities for all of us to bring closure to the school year. We miss our students more than you know and greatly appreciate your understanding as we continue to do our very best to connect with your child and keep everyone safe during this challenging situation.
Grading and Report Cards Distance Learning has changed the learning environment, and–in response–our report cards will change, too. This spring, elementary report cards will be marked only in the following areas of focus: reading, writing and math. Student learning is enhanced through student engagement and personalized feedback. While there may not be official grades in some content areas or in personal management skills, teachers have provided and will continue to create engaging activities and provide this personalized feedback to students. Thank you for your continued support in having your child engage in their learning activities as we wrap up the 2019-2020 school year. Your partnership is greatly appreciated.
Did You Know? Last Call: Request for Student Items in Classrooms Please fill out this form if your child has a specific item in their classroom you would like retrieved and "bagged and tagged" for parent pick-up on May 28-29. Please note, we are not creating bags for pencils, rulers, crayons, etc. unless specifically requested. It would be helpful if you would be willing to "donate" those items for classroom communal use, and/or for students in need next school year. Requests for specific items must be made by noon on May 22.
Volunteers Needed for Year Book Distribution If you would be willing to be a hub for your child's classroom yearbook distribution, please note that below. Our yearbook coordinator, Abbey Baker, is requesting at least one volunteer per classroom. Volunteering involves picking up the yearbooks from Abbey's house, and then coordinating a timely pick-up or drop off of those yearbooks using appropriate social distancing guidelines. Abbey will follow up with all people who express an interest in this unique volunteer opportunity to let you know next steps.
Reminders It's time to order your school supplies for next year This helps you save time and money when back-to-school shopping. Parents that use EPI School Supply Packs save up to 40% compared to the same supplies from a national retailer.
Supply packs will be shipped directly to your home August 3-8. Shipping costs are $8 for the first pack and $1 each additional pack. Even with the shipping costs, it is still a significant savings over retail shopping. For questions, contact Kari Abood at kari_abood@hotmail.com.
Are You Planning to Move? Please let us know if your family will be moving between now and the end of the school year or during the summer of 2020. If so, please fill out the Students Moving form. This is very important as it will allow us to transfer student records in a timely manner. This will make your students transition to their new school go smoothly. It will also help us to plan staffing for the 2020-2021 school year. Please return all library and text books to school before your move. Note: If you have more than one student at Kimberly Lane, please fill out the form for each student.
Dr. Wehrmann's YouTube Channel The Kimberly Lane Elementary daily announcements are posted on students' Seesaw and Canvas classroom pages. Missed an announcement? Check out Dr. Wehrmann's YouTube channel and stay up-to-date.
PTA News
Volunteer Needs
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. Stay Creative While You Stay At Home! We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Summer of Creativity and hope you’ll join us for this historic, one-time-only event! Learn more on the Global Finals website.
Calendar School Events District Events School Board Meetings |