Parent Newsletter May 21, 2020
Message from Dr. Thompson
Dear Plymouth Creek Parents, Students, And Staff,
Much Love and Appreciation, Dr. Thompson
Have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Panther Network News
Don't Forget to Order Your 2020-2021 School Supplies Online!
Please note, the supply packs do not contain all of the items needed for your student. Please see the 2020-2021 School Supply List for a list of items that need to be purchase separately.
End-of-Year Celebrations As we get closer to the end of the school year, I wanted to provide some information about 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.
Information About Food Distribution Wayzata Public Schools is providing meals for students who need them every Monday for as long as schools are closed. Seven breakfast meals and seven lunches will be available for pick up each week. Meals are available for anyone 18 years old and younger at no charge. No identification or paperwork is required to receive food. If your family is in need of assistance but are unable to pick up food, please contact Dr. Thompson for delivery assistance.
Did You Know? 5th Grade Graduation T-Shirts If any student would still like to purchase a 5th Grade Graduation t-shirt for $5.00, we still have a few shirts left in various sizes (youth small – youth XL, adult small – adult XL). Please contact Amy Edwards to place an order. Social-Emotional Learning Resource Our social worker and student support specialist have been working hard to create some helpful resources for our families and students. A special shout out to Sunset Hill Elementary for being willing to share their ideas and to the staff at Plymouth Creek, especially, Mrs. Thoma, Mrs. Shoultz and Mr. Worth for making this resource available. We hope that you will have a chance to take a look. Here is what you will find:
Our hope is that your child will find at least one (hopefully more!) activity that encourages them to challenge themselves, try something new and continue to grow social and emotionally.
There is also a section just for parents. Please check it out—you will find some resources to help you and your child during distant learning. Above anything, we hope you find this resource helpful. Please let us know if there is something you are looking for and just can not find---we would love to help. And if you have found a resource that has made a difference for you—would you please take a moment and share it with us?
Reminders Reporting Attendance in Skyward Family Access A reminder that all absences (vacations, religious holidays, doctor appointments, illnesses, family emergencies, etc) should be entered via Skyward Family Access. Families will no longer need to complete a Travel Plan Form when they go on vacation, as all absences are now entered via Skyward Family Access. A few reminders when it comes to attendance:
Emergency Information Form For a variety of reasons, there is often a need to contact you throughout the course of the school year. Parents/Guardians are asked to keep their contact information up-to-date in Skyward Family Access Emergency Information Form. Watch the Skyward Family Access video guide and to complete the form.
PTO News Box Tops are Going Digital! If you still have a collection of the traditional clippings, please continue to turn those into your child's teacher, the office, or the container by the gym door, but be aware that the physical Box Tops are being phased out. Plymouth Creek's lifetime earnings from Box Tops is almost $38,000! This is a fantastic program that has benefited our children greatly over the years. Please take a minute to download the new Box Tops app, scan your receipts after each shopping trip, and watch our school earnings increase thanks to you!
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 |