Social Worker News
Kindness Retreat
On October 23rd, our fourth graders participated in their Kindness Retreat at Hayes Community
Center in Apple Valley. The retreat was facilitated by Youth Frontiers, a nonprofit organization
based in Minneapolis that has been delivering programs to build positive school communities since
1987. The fourth graders, along with 17 Apple Valley High School mentors (some of whom were
former Cedar Park students), their teachers, and the Youth Frontiers Staff enjoyed an exciting,
energy-packed day. There was singing, dancing, storytelling, and brainstorming sessions about
respect, kindness, and being bully-free. If you haven’t already, ask the fourth grader in your life
about the highlights of this exciting day. For more information check out this link, Kindness Retreat:
http://www.youthfrontiers.org/schools/kindness-retreat/parent-video/.
Bully Prevention Lessons
Thanks to the generosity of the P.T.O., we were able to purchase a new bully prevention curriculum
called Second Step by Committee for Children.
This fall, all staff participated in a 90-minute online training. The training will help Cedar Park
School Staff all be on the same page in responding to bullying. It will also help kids understand the
difference between bullying and a one-time mean moment, or conflict.
The lessons in the classroom consist of 30 minutes lessons for 4 weeks in a row. The lessons contain
videos, information sharing, class participation and role-plays. There are also take home link papers
to share with families to practice and review what was learned that day. I taught lessons in grades 3
– 5 in September. Most of the classes in grades 1 and 2 are finishing up now in October and
kindergarten and a couple other primary classes will start in November. If you have any questions
please let me know.
Thank You!
Thank you so much for the generous donations of winter gear for the Coats for Kids program. We
appreciate your donations to help keep people in our school and community warm and dry this
winter!
Winter Gear
The temperatures are dropping, and soon the snow will be falling. At cedar Park, we know how
important it is to get out and get fresh air during the day. Children are out at recess daily and
regularly doing studies and observations in one of our outdoor classrooms. Are your kids ready with
their winter gear? They need a winter coat, hat, and gloves. Soon they will need snow pants and
boots to keep warm and dry. If you have gently used gear that your children have outgrown,
consider passing it onto another family that can use it. If you are unable to purchase new gear for
your kids, there are many second hand places where you can outfit your kids. These items always
get picked up quickly, so it’s best to start shopping now. If you have questions, or need assistance,
please give me a call.
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Social Worker News (continued)
United Way 211
Do you have questions about where to find services that are available in your community or
surrounding communities? All you have to do is dial 211 from a landline or 1-800-543- 7709
from a cell phone. A United Way operator will answer and be able to assist you in finding the
information that you are looking for. This service is free, confidential, multilingual, and available
24/7.
Pennies for Patients
Our student council will be running the Pennies for Patients campaign this year. A flyer and a box to
collect money will go home in Friday folders on November 5th. This campaign raises money for the
Leukemia and Lymphoma society that fights blood cancers. Last year we raised $620.00. We will be
collecting money from November 10th – November 21st. Thanks you much for supporting Pennies for
Patients!
I am in school Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. If you have questions or concerns, feel
free to stop in, give me a call, or send and email. My confidential voice mail is 651-683-6969, ext.
18795. My direct line is 952-431-8795, and my email is diane.johnson@district196.org. Diane
Johnson, Cedar Park STEM Social Worker 
A Note from Our Instructional Assistant
It has been great fun to watch this year’s first session of after-school classes in action. Students are
engaged in amazing classes: iPad Math, reading, science exploration, computers, singing, dancing,
and much more. Even knitting is included! This, of course, takes a dedicated staff to put into action.
Many teachers and support staff willingly extend their teaching day to create these valuable and
creative learning experiences. This is just one more example of our devoted staff working to do the
very best they can for our Cedar Park students.
We would like to thank the staff and families who have supported our September and October
Community Days at Culver’s! In September, we received a check for $221.91. Many thanks to Mrs.
Johnson, Mrs. Knutson, Mrs. Struble, and Mrs. Van Guilder for delivering food to tables on
September 8th. Our October check was $116.92! We would like to thank PAWS, Mr. Erickson, Mr.
and Mrs. Fritz, and Mrs. Youngberg for delivering food to tables on October 13th. Our November
Culver’s Day is on November 10th. Mark your calendars now!!! We appreciate your support of our
Culver’s Community Days.
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