From the Principal As you know, Superintendent Chace Anderson shared a message yesterday about additional guidance received from Governor Walz focused on bringing back our PreK-5 learners, who would benefit the most from in-person instruction. As a reminder: - We will remain in distance learning in grades PreK-12 through January 15. Tier 1 school day childcare will also continue for K-5.
- We are committed to bringing back our youngest learners as soon as possible, but nothing has been finalized at this time. The earliest possible date that the transition of PreK-5 students would begin is January 19.
- Additional details about shifting to PreK-5 in-person learning will be shared with families on Monday, December 21.
Thank you for your continued patience. We are working hard to get everything in place to be able to share more information with you on Monday. We have missed our students so much and are looking forward to seeing all their smiling faces! Gifts For Seniors One of the most impactful actions you can take is to make a donation to Gifts for Seniors. Every dollar donated means another isolated senior receives a thoughtful gift and the gift of human contact. Currently faced with a health crisis that disproportionately affects older adults, Gifts for Seniors has launched new initiatives to respond to and support the ever-changing needs.
This year Kimberly Lane will be doing contactless/shop/ship. Let's make 2020 extra special for "Our Forgotten Seniors" by visiting and donating to the following sites: Items can be shipped directly to the distribution center: Gifts For Seniors 2300 Kennedy Street NE, Suite 40 Minneapolis, MN 55413 Below are High Priority Items (new/unwrapped): - Personal care gift bundles – daily hygiene & pampering items.
- Activity gift bundles – puzzles, books, movies, music, puzzle books (word finds, crosswords, sudoku, etc.) adult coloring books with colored pencils or pens, arts & crafts, and other hobbies.
- Heated electric blankets, throws, and pads with auto shut off.
- Winter coats & boots – all sizes, men & women.
- Sweaters & loungewear sets - sweats, fleece, comfy tops & bottoms (full zip, cardigan, & bigger sizes are most popular but all styles and sizes are needed for both men & women).
- Men's hard soled, nonslip house slippers – all sizes.
- Bedding sheet sets & pillows – all sizes (twin & queen are popular).
- K Cup coffee makers & supplies.
- Instant Pots & other "all in one" appliances.
Study Hall with Mr. Worth If you are wanting/needing additional support for your child, Mr. Worth will be hosting optional grade level Zoom study halls to help support students as they transition into distance learning. This time can be used for homework completion or to receive additional academic support. Monday-Thursday: - Grade 4: 9:00-9:30 a.m.
- Grade 1: 12:30-1:00 p.m.
- Grade 5: 1:10-1:40 p.m.
- Grades 2 and 3: 1:40-2:10 p.m.
Fridays: - All grades: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
- All grades: 1:00-2:15 p.m.
If you have questions please reach out to Mr. Worth at 763-745-5640. Staff Appreciation During the Holidays We know that many families would like to show our teachers and staff how much they appreciate all of the time and energy they have put into making this a successful year. Because some of our teachers are working from home and some are in the classroom, we are trying to think of creative ways to show our gratitude. This year we are unable to provide a teacher brunch during the holiday season, so you are invited to: - Send a teacher a thank you through email. Maybe your student could write a letter, draw a picture or do a voice recording thanking the teacher or staff for all they do. A note of holiday cheer is always greatly appreciated.
- We also understand some families would like to show their appreciation with a holiday gift or gift card. This is by no means expected, but we realize some parents would prefer to send something in as well. For this option please feel free to address it to the teacher or staff member and send it to Kimberly Lane.
- We will also be having a table set-up in the vestibule of the school the week of Monday, December 14 for gifts and items to be dropped off for the teachers and staff. If you plan to drop-off a gift, please be sure to have it clearly labeled so that we will be able to identify who the recipient is.
- Here is a list of the teachers' and staff members' favorite things as a great way to know exactly what they may like.
Media Center Wishlist Readers are looking for many popular new releases. Want to donate a book to the library media commons? Visit this Amazon Wishlist. Naomi Shadis, media specialist, would love to add a bookplate honoring your donation. January PTA Meeting Thank you to everyone who attended our December PTA Meeting and to Erica Reina, our guest speaker, for joining us! Mark your calendar for our next meeting on Thursday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m. Please use this Zoom link. Semester 2 Calendar Approved The semester 2 calendar was approved by the Wayzata School Board at its December 14 meeting. PDFs of the calendars are available to download and print on the District Calendar webpage.
COVID-19 Resources for Support We Want to Hear from You About Wayzata Learns On Tuesday, December 15, all parents/guardians received an email from “WPS Surveys”. We are committed to providing high-quality education to all students. Based on your feedback from last spring, we implemented several changes this fall to how we deliver instruction. We are collecting feedback from families and students on the learning experience we have provided so far this school year. Your honest feedback will help us understand what is working well and which areas need improvement. The survey will be open until Tuesday, December 22. Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. Elementary Virtual Calming Room You and your family are invited to check-out the Elementary Virtual Calming Room. This new resource is meant to support students who may be struggling with stress or other negative emotions. With that in mind, we have created this webpage to allow easy access to a variety of stress-reducing activities, including sounds and music, visual and guided relaxation, brain breaks, journaling, puzzles and games, coloring, stretching and movement, live animal cameras, sensory activities, and iPad apps. December Wayzata Legislative Action Committee Update The Wayzata Legislative Action Committee (LAC) held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 9. Stacie Vos, Executive Director of Human Resources, and David Muscoplat, Staffing Manager, provided an update to the committee on what their department is doing to ensure classroom coverage during Hybrid and Distance Learning in addition to all of their regular work supporting and staffing Wayzata Public Schools. The Wayzata LAC is a non-partisan group of citizens that monitors legislative activity as it affects K-12 education and advocates positions on behalf of the district. For more information, please visit the Wayzata Committees webpage or contact Aradhana Goel, your school’s Wayzata LAC representative. Destination Imagination We are so excited to officially kick off a brand-new season of Destination Imagination! Challenges have been adapted so students can participate virtually. Start forming your team today! Find out more on our registration site. More Youth Classes Space available in Wayzata Kids Full-Day Preschool Children attend five days per week engaging in academic and social-emotional curriculum. Children must be age 4 by September 1, 2020. Learn more and register! Fall ECFE classes are available at the Wayzata Early Learning School The Early Learning School is offering a variety of online classes for parents and families to participate in! Fall Parent Ed classes on topics ranging from helping your kids with routine & flexibility to technology use strategies have openings to sign up for. The Early Learning School is also offering fun online family activities ranging from online dance parties to storytime with favorite authors. Learn more about all these events happening on the Wayzata Early Learning School website! Financial assistance is available or call 763-745-5200 for more information. Tuesday, January 26, 2021 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Monday, February 8, 2021 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 9, 2021 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 10, 2021 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Thursday, February 11, 2021 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Friday, February 12, 2021 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM Thursday, January 14, 2021 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Tuesday, January 19, 2021 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Wednesday, January 20, 2021 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Thursday, January 21, 2021 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Tuesday, January 26, 2021 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Monday, December 21, 2020 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Monday, January 11, 2021 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 17405 Old Rockford Road, Plymouth, MN 55446 | 763-745-5600 |