October 2015
upcoming events
Oct. 2
School Spirit Day/Team Jersey Day
Oct. 7
Picture Day
Oct. 8
Shannon Park Walk/Bike to School Day
Oct. 10
No School for Students—Data Analysis & Instructional Alignment Oct. 12
Fall Read-A-Thon final day
Oct. 15-16
Minnesota Educator Academy (MEA) - No School
Oct. 21
Site Council meeting - 8:00 AM Oct. 30
Fall Party and Parade - Parade is at 9:45 AM for Kindergarten and Grade 1 ONLY. Party times are 9:45-10:45 AM for K, 1, 2, and 2:00
--3:00 PM for 3, 4, 5
Nov. 4
Picture Retake Day
Shannon Park Walk/Bike to School Day is Thursday, October 8th!
Shannon Park Students have the opportunity to par ci-­‐
pate in Walk/Bike to School Day on Thursday, October 8th. Students are encouraged to walk or bike to school that day. We will be se ng up a “walking school bus” at Connemara Park. If you normally drive your child to school, we encourage you to drop your child off at Con-­‐
nemara Park at 8:45. Students and staff will walk and bike together to school. We are looking forward to a safe, fun way to get to school! In case of inclement weather, you will receive no fica on from Shannon Park with details.
Shannon Park Picture Day
Is Wednesday, Oct. 7th
Picture packets were sent home in Friday folders on Sept. 25. Please make your selection and include pay-­
ment (either online or by check payable to Lifetouch) in the envelope and send to school with your child on Oct. 7, our picture day. Retakes will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
School Attendance Guidelines
In the state of Minnesota it is the law that all children attend school until the age of 16. It is the parent’s legal responsibility to enroll their children in school until that age. For all children ages 5-16, it is their parent’s legal responsibility to make sure that their children attend school. Students in this age group who miss more than a combined total of 7 unexcused days of school according to the Minnesota statutes regarding education, are considered at risk for educational neglect and their parents are in violation of the state law on compulsory educa-­
tion. It should also be noted that three unexcused tardies may be consid-­
ered as one unexcused absence. Tardies are defined as being late for school or leaving before the school day is over.
Excused absences include:
 Illness (a note from a clinic may be required)
 Appointments for doctor, dentist, or mental health
 Religious holiday
 Extreme family emergency
 Planned family vacation
 Funeral
 Unique circumstances which are preauthorized by a school administra-­
tor
Unexcused absences include:
 Child overslept/parent overslept
 Child missed the bus
 Parents forgot to wake child
 Parents did not know school schedule
 Child did not feel like going to school
 Child was sleepy
 Child is having difficulty separating from parents
 Inclement weather
 Child thinks school is boring
 Child does not meet state immunization law requirements
 Child is babysitting a younger sibling
 Child does not have transportation to school
As of last school year we are tracking early dismissal of students. It is im-­
portant that students not leave school early unless absolutely necessary.
If you have any questions about these state mandated guidelines, please feel free to contact Jim Ciemny, School Social Worker, or Michael Guthrie, Princi-­
pal.
Grade Level News
Grade Level News
Kindergarten
Shannon Park Kindergarten is filled with excited chil-­
dren. The kindergarten team this year is Sue Franzen, Joan Bauer, Mary Snyder, Leah Silk, Dana Mueller, Sami Massey and Mallory Burnham. These first few weeks of kindergarten have been focused on building a community of learners. We have been learning about how we are all special and how we can be a good friend to others. We have been working together and independently. We have been reading many stories that teach us about friendship and have enjoyed learning about the story structure of books. The children have had many opportunities to dis-­
cuss the characteristics of letters to learn proper letter for-­
mation. In math our focus has been on patterns, numeral identification, and sorting shapes based on their attrib-­
utes. In October we will start our science unit on trees and weather. We look forward to having the Rosemount fire fighters come to our school and our fall party on October 30th. We thank our parents for their help in launching these kindergarten students on a great start on their edu-­
cational career!
Grade One
Our first grade classes are off to a terrific start. In read-­
ing the children are beginning small groups for reading and will have their very own book to bring home to share many days. In math we will begin patterning and computation. We will begin the study of addition and subtraction using a variety of manipulatives. In Social Studies, we will learn about getting along at school, and how other adults at school help us. We look forward to a great October together.
Grade Two
Second grade is off the launching pad, and we are set-­
tling in to our new schedules and routines. It was good to see so many of you at our parent and child meeting during workshop week. We are spending time building a community of learners through a variety of reading and writing activities. In math we are focusing on recog-­
nizing and extending patterns. We are reviewing what we know about addition and subtraction, and building on previous learning as we work on strategies for addition. Ask your child what strategy they would use to solve 6 + 9? Gaining mastery of facts to 18 is an important building block. This month in science finds us exploring Air and Weather and doing several experiments. Thank you for sharing your volunteer time and efforts through the year with our second graders!
Grade Level News
Grade Three
We are off and running in third grade! Student are excit-­
ed to have met their kindergarten buddies. At our monthly meetings, we will be doing a variety of activities that include sharing of reading and writing. Thank you to all who have signed up to volunteer this year. We appreciate your help. The students are enjoying learn-­
ing cursive. Ask them for a demonstration. Thanks for encouraging your child to read each night especially with our Read a Thon fundraiser. The math concepts covered will be subtraction, place value and multi-digit computation. We are continuing to establish routines for Reader's and Writer's Workshop. We are enjoying the books for our Community Unit that has helped us build our community as well as working on story structure. Our next unit will be Sound and Light. Flint Hills is sponsoring a field trip for our students on Wednesday, October 28. Information was in their Friday Folder. Thank you always for your continued support.
Grade Four
Our fourth graders are off to a great start! We are busy work-­
ing on reading strategies that will build comprehension skills so that we start strong with reading book goals this year. Students should make sure to set aside 20 minutes of reading time at home every night (please document in as-­
signment notebooks). Our health studies focus on social/
emotional well-being and nutrition. Map skills are being intro-­
duced in social studies and soon we will be studying about the mid-west region in America. We continue to reinforce the importance of practicing math facts (subtraction especially) so that speed and accuracy are strong. Thanks so much to our parent volunteers! We are so grateful for your willing-­
ness to share your time and talents with us!
Grade Five
This year’s fifth graders are settled in and are looking forward to an exciting year. Thanks to all of you for do-­
ing such a terrific job of preparing your child for the school year. Thanks also for setting aside time for read-­
ing and math facts practice in your daily routines. Sci-­
ence is especially exciting right now. The monarch but-­
terfly larvae have arrived, and students are eager to wit-­
ness the metamorphosis cycle. It is truly an amazing experience for all of us. The year has gotten off to a great start!
Volunteering at Shannon Park!
Thank you for responding so positively to our annual request for volunteers using the online form that you completed last month. Shannon Park’s parent and grand-­‐
parent support system is tremendous. Thank you for be-­‐
ing so generous with your time and talents to bene it the students at Shannon Park. The following is a list of this year’s coordinators:
T-shirts/Apparel*
School Directory
School Pictures
Fall Conference Dinner
Winter Book Fair
Welcome Desk
Library
Literacy/Math Connection
Misc. Art/Music
Winter Conference Dinner
Art Adventure/Art Night*
Gardening*
Barnes & Noble book fair
Twins Game*
Silent Auction Irish Pro Shop/Heather Boyum
Beth Johnson Julie DeGroot
Alicia Westbrock
Kelly Youker
Jennifer Timmerman
Lynn Peterson
Sandy Nordquist and Kindergarten teachers Kathleen Radspinner
Amy Schulz
Heidi Green
Mo Bartz
Rachel James
Mo Bartz
Jennifer Timmerman
You will be contacted by the above coordinator for any area(s) you offered to assist with. Thank you!
* = We are in need of a coordinator for next year.
More Volunteer Opportunities!
Still looking for Parent Volunteers! We LOVE our VOLUNTEERS! We appreciate all you do! We have an on-line sign-up process and the following link is a list of op-­‐
portunities we have for you this coming school year. Please check any areas you would like to volunteer for and complete the online registration. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4baeac23a75-201520161
If you do not have access to a computer, please call the of ice at 651423-7670 to request a paper version of the volunteer form.
Chris Hollenbeck, Volunteer Coordinator
christine.hollenbeck@district196.org
Fundraising News
Money raised from school fundraisers is an important part of our school. These funds have helped the school provide extra staffing and technology over our school’s history. This year we eliminated “door to door” sales of gift wrap and other items. In addition to our Read-a-thon we have a few other opportunities to help:
Give to the Max Day—November 12, 2015
Barnes and Noble Book Fair - November 21, 2015
Scholastic Book Fair—February 9-11, 2016
Silent Auction at the spring picnic—May 19, 2016
All year long, we ask you to collect Box Tops for Educa-­‐
tion (to be collected in January). If you use your Target card and designate Shannon Park, it will earn money for our school until May 14, 2016 when the Target Take Charge of Education program ends.
Visitors
Visitors are always welcome at Shannon Park. We love our visitors and volunteers! Please remem-­
ber to sign in at the main office and wear a name tag while in the building.
Classroom Volunteers
District policy requires classroom volunteers working directly with students to have a volunteer information form filled out and on file at the school. If you plan to volunteer in your child’s class, and have not already filled this out, we have them available in the office.
**HEARTBEAT NEWS**
PHYSICAL EDUCATION FALL NEWSLETTER
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Welcome to our FALL edition of HEARTBEAT NEWS. This newsletter will give you information about what is hap-­
pening in our Physical Education classes here at Shannon Park.
SOME P.E. SPECIFICS...
PHYSICAL EDUCATION ATTIRE
Tennis shoes must be worn for ALL Physical Education classes. For your child’s safety, shoes should cover the foot, must be laced cor-­
rectly and securely or have Velcro closures. Slip-ons are not allowed. Please be certain the tennis shoes have non-marking soles.
Dress in comfortable clothes and anticipate the weather outside. We try to go out as much as possible during the fall and spring.
If you are wearing a dress or skirt, shorts should be worn underneath to avoid any uncomfortable situations.
MEDICAL EXCUSES
Parental excuses must be given to the school nurse at the start of each day. They will then be given to the P.E. Specialists before classes begin on that day. Let your child know if you want them to be excused from P.E. class.
Excuses for more than 1 week should have a Doctor’s note accompanying them.
Should your child’s activity be limited or restricted in any way, please inform the school nurse, P.E. teacher, and the classroom teacher. Examples might be asthma, allergies, broken bones, etc.
If you have any questions regarding your child and Physical Education, please direct them to the appropriate Physical Education teacher.
Mrs. Lervick’s Classes: Olson, C. Anderson, Feldhaus, Kowlessar, Mott, Ice, T. Snyder, Shaw, Rutt, Sonsalla, Denysenko, Grothe, Kop-­
perud, Massey, Silk and Mueller
Mrs. Kvittem’s Classes: Kersten and Fredrickson
Ms. Fairbank’s Classes: Larson, Conroy, L. Anderson, Plowman, Hayward, Kerndt, Evenocheck, Diaz, Derosier, Zanter, Schneibel, Nordquist, Schwab, Bauer, M. Snyder and Franzen.
Mark your Calendar...
Fall Fitness Testing for students in grades 1 – 5 will begin October 14th and continue until November 4th. The curl up test (3-5 only), sit and reach test and static arm hang test will be given any time during that window of time. Exact dates cannot be scheduled, as weather is a factor in deciding what day to administer a test. Due to picture day, there will be NO TESTING on Wednesday, October 7th. The PACER test will be administered October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. This test is for grades 3, 4 and 5 only. The exact day of the test will depend on your child’s Physical Education day. Third Grade Activity Nights will be November 16th and 17th. Fifth Grade Activity Nights will be January 11th and 12th. Look for more information to come at a later date.
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART is scheduled for WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17th, 2016. Please mark this date on your calendars. Jump Rope For Heart is for students in grades 3 – 5. This event will take place during the school day.
TEN WAYS TO MAKE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PART OF YOUR CHILD’S LIFE
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1.
2.
3.
Make fitness a habit. Exercise at the same time each day.
Be a good role model. Let your children see you being active.
Get involved in family sports. Hiking, biking, and swimming are all examples of things you can do as a family.
4. Learn a new sport with your child. You each can motivate each other.
5. Have your child stretch every morning. This is an easy way to help them maintain and increase their flexibility.
6. Talk to your child about what goes on in Physical Education class. This is a great place for children to experience a variety of activities.
7. Be creative! Try new activities, sports, and ways of exercising.
8. Look for family-oriented community programs. Family swim nights and family open gym times are opportunities to take part in activity.
9. Don’t pigeonhole your child into one sport or activity. Give them opportunities to experience a wide variety of activities and let them choose.
10. Show children that activity can be FUN and SPONTANEOUS. Try playing tag in the house or set-­
ting up an obstacle course.
Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being,
while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. ~Plato
ACTS OF CHARACTER
“Character is the real foundation of all success”
The Shannon Park Acts of Character Program revolves around teaching, promoting and recognizing positive
character traits in students. The purpose of this program is to help shape students into individuals who can make
a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.
Each month we will be focusing on a character trait that is part of our Shannon Park Expectations.
During the month of October we will be focusing on the character traits of Respect, Justice, and Empathy.
Respect is caring about others belongings and treating them in a kind way. Respect is following the rules
at home, school, and in the community. Through our care and use of other people’s property we can show
respect.
Justice is seeing with your OWN eyes and NOT judging something or someone by what other people tell
you.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy is seeing with the eyes of
another, hearing with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.
For more information about this program, please visit the Shannon Park web site. Click on Student Activities where you will find the link to the Acts of Character Program.
SHANNON PARK ELEMENTARY
September 23rd, 2015
Site Council Meeting Minutes
Parent Members Present: Stephanie Charpentier, Stefanie Kelly, Alba Nowlin, Cyndie Sikorski, Jessica Theisen
Parent Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Michael Guthrie, Ann Kvittem, Chris Hollenbeck, Naomi Plowman, Kathleen Radspinner, Roxann Rutt
Staff Absent: None Others Present: Rebecca Habel-Student Teacher and Heather Boyum
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Michael Guthrie called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
2. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
3. APPROVAL OF THE MAY 20, 2015 MEETING MINUTES: MOTION to approve minutes of the May 20, 2015 meet-­
ing. SECOND. Motion passed.
AUDIENCE INPUT: None
DISCUSSION: (Response to Audience Input): None
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:  All returning Site Council Members and new member were introduced.  Our new Site Council Members are Stefanie Kelly (parent member) and Kathleen Radspinner (staff member).
 Heather Boyum, Spirit Wear Coordinator/Silent Auction Backpacks Coordinator, gave an update on t-shirts sales and Silent Auc-­
tion backpacks purchased.  Heather Boyum requested $219.50 reimbursement for Silent Auction backpacks. MOTION by Theisen to reimburse Heather Boyum $219.50 for Silent Auction backpacks. SECOND by Nowlin. Motion Passed.  Meet the New Site Council Officers Elected:
Stephanie Charpentier – Chair
Stefanie Kelly – Co-Chair
Alba Nowlin – Secretary
Jessica Theisen – Treasurer
Cyndie Sikorski – appointed Parent Leader Liaison 8. TREASURER REPORT: Jessica Theisen
Checking - $35,394.70
Saving - $9,302.18
Total - $44,696.88
Next Meeting, she will share document listing our annual fundraising expenses. 9. PARENT LEADER REPORT: Cyndie Sikorski
 There was a big discussion on vote early by absentee ballots on Bond Referendum. Absentee voting begins September 18 for voters in District 196. For more information on how to vote absentee go to the District196 website.  Parents United for Public Schools goal is to help the public understand and affect the quality of public education in Minnesota for the benefit of our kids and our society. The organization invites parents to the Parent Leadership Summit “The Imperative for 21st Century Learning” will be Saturday, Oct 2nd, 2014, 11:00 am – 2:00pm, Larpenter Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55108 registration re
quired. More information, go to www.parentsunited.org. 10. VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR REPORT: Chris Hollenbeck
 Picture Coordinator Julie De Groot organizing all volunteers for Wednesday, October 7 th Picture Day
 Opening Doors to Learning display up and functioning as planned.  Looking for more volunteers for Welcome Desk and library.
11. STATE OF THE SCHOOL – Michael Guthrie
 Reading Testing Scores – Shannon Park #1 out of 18 elementary schools in District 196 on the MCA Reading assessment for 3 rd, 4th & 5th Grades.
 Math Testing Scores – Shannon Park #1 of 18 elementary schools in District 196 on the MCA Math assessment for 3 rd, 4th & 5th Grades.
 K-2 Grades Shannon Park #1 with highest percentage of students at or above grade level on the BAS reading assessment.
 This year, we have lots of new staff members. Please welcome them.
12. FUNDRAISING NEWS - Michael Guthrie
 Kicked Off Opening Doors to Learning Read-a-thon
 The Read-a-thon funds will support staffing.
13. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00am.
14. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 21, 2015.
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5.
6.
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NURSE NOTES
HANDWASHING – HANDWASHING – HANDWASHING
It has been a busy first few weeks in the Nurse’s office. A respiratory virus, pneumonia, and lots of colds and sore throats have already sickened many students. Please report these illnesses and any other absences to the school at 651-423-7670 during school hours or the absence line after hours at 651-683-6969 ext. 95095 as soon as possible so we can notify the class: Strep throat Influenza Pink eye Ringworm
Lice Scabies Chickenpox Impetigo Fifth Disease
These general practices should also be followed:
-If a student has had a fever of 100 degrees or more, the student should stay home for 24 hours after a normal temperature returns without medication. -If a student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode.
-If a student has any rash that may be disease related or you do not know the cause, check with your family doctor before sending the student to school.
-If a student has been prescribed an antibiotic, ointment, or cream, the student should stay home for 24 hours after the medication has been started.
If cough drops or cold medicine are needed during the school day it is requested that a parent or guardian drop off the medication along with a permission note to the nurse’s office or main office, if nurse is not in the building. Cold medication and antibiotics must be supplied in original labeled bottle. A Physician’s order is needed if the medication will be administered for longer than two weeks. A full listing of the Health Policies are listed in the Shannon Park Parent Calendar on pg. 18. If you have any questions please call the school nurse, Bobbie Bjergo, at 651-423-7673.
We want to provide a healthy environment for all of the children and being aware of what is mak-­
ing our students ill is important for everyone especially our medically fragile students.