December 2013
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 3
CogAT Testing Verbal Battery
Grade 3-9:45 to 10:45
Grade 5-11:30 to 12:15
Dec. 4
CogAT Testing Quantitative Battery
Grade 3-9:45 to 10:45
Grade 5-11:30 to12:15
Dec. 5
CogAT Testing Non-verbal Battery
Grade 3-9:45 to 11:45
Grade 5-11:30 to 12:15
Dec. 6
Report Cards go home
Dec. 6
Hat Day
Dec. 10
Da Capo Concert 8:40 AM for parents and
friends
Dec. 11
NNAT 2 Testing
Grade 1-9:45 to 10:45
Dec. 12
Da Capo Concert- 2:10 PM AND 2:50 PM
for Shannon Park students
Dec. 17
5th Grade Band Concert 2:30 & 6:00 PM
Dec. 18
Site Council meeting—8:00 AM
Dec. 20
Winter Party—9:45-10:45 K, 1, 2
2:00-3:00 K, 3, 4, 5
Dec. 23—Jan. 5
Winter Break—No School
Kindergarten
2014-2015 Timeline
Please keep these important dates in mind:
December 2013:
Kindergarten (ex. ½ day option) and Magnet School lotteries
No Later than January 10, 2014:
Parents notified of placements for Kindergarten and Magnet
School options
February 12 and 13, 2014:
Kindergarten Registration at Shannon Park
February 12, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
February 13, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hand Washing and Health
Studies have shown that effective hand-washing is an
integral tool in the fight against a multitude of illnesses.
From the common cold and flu, to food born illness, the
frequency of illness dramatically decreases when students and families practice good hand-washing technique.
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Teach your children to wash their hands before eating, after using the restroom, after playing outside,
and after playing with pets. Hand-washing should be
more frequent during illness.
Monitor your child’s hand-washing technique. Proper hand washing involves using warm water and
soap.
Lather and scrub all over hands and under finger
nails for twenty seconds (about the time it takes to
sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.) then rinse with
warm running water, and dry.
Of course, disease is not always preventable. But by encouraging your
family members to practice good hand
-washing, you may see less illness in
your family this winter.
Great Gift Ideas!
 We have Shannon Park T-shirts
for sale in limited adult and
children’s sizes. They can be purchased for
$12.
 We have more copies of the Shannon Park
cookbook available for purchase. If you
would like one, either for yourself or for a
gift, they can be purchased for $5.
Both items can be purchased in the office.
Grade Level News
Grade Level News
Grade Level News
Kindergarten
Grade Three
The Kindergarten students continue learning with the theme of Holidays Around the World. We will be discussing different celebrations.
These celebrations include Hanukkah, Christmas, Eid ul Fitr, Diwali,
Kwanzaa, and St. Nicholas Day. We love learning! The holidays are
filled with projects, songs and gift giving. We will also learn about
holidays around the world. Our 3rd grade buddies will have a bingo
party with us. We are developing reading and writing skills each day
and continue to create books to share with our families. In math we
continue to build and break apart numbers. We are also focusing on
coin worth. We are enjoying our number corner lessons. It is exciting to hear the math discussions taking place. Every day is magical
with the enthusiastic kindergarten children. Enjoy the season!
Thank you for all the Moms & Neighbors donations that will
help us buy grocery certificates for those less fortunate. The
students will continue learning geometry in math. We encourage the students to continue reading each night. In cursive,
most students have finished learning lower case letters and
are practicing using these letters. Have them read cursive
writing to you. In science, we are continuing to learn about
light through investigating how light travels and seeing colors. In social studies the students will continue working on
the unit entitled "What is the Geography of Our Community?" Students are learning about how geography affects communities, how maps are made, and practicing using map
grids and scales. They'll also focus on identifying physical
features, climate and natural resources of a community by
creating a brochure. Kindergarten Buddies are an exciting
time for our third graders. We have met twice and look forward to our December time together. Have a Happy Holiday
Season!
Grade One
Our first graders are becoming fluent readers. They are excited
about all of the reading they are able to do. In science, we are learning about rocks-an important earth material. We will study properties
of rocks. We will continue working on addition and subtraction strategies in math, and move on to place value. December is a busy
month for first graders in anticipation of the holidays and winter
break. Have a happy holiday season!
Grade Two
December finds second graders showing enthusiasm for the holiday
season as well as practicing service as we collect donations for our second grade holiday kits to be prepared by the Community Action Council!
Students are practicing the comprehension strategies of making connections and mental images as they read. Our social studies unit on neighborhoods, communities and maps has begun. Basic addition and subtraction facts should be reaching mastery – thanks for encouraging them
to practice at home. Place value concepts, money values, linear measurement and problem solving strategies are being worked on in math.
Second grade wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!
MUSIC SHARING
All Shannon Park students in grades 1 through 5 are invited to participate in music sharing between Dec. 16 and
Dec. 20. Music sharing provides an opportunity for students to sing or play a musical instrument for their classmates. Music sharing is optional. It is meant to be fun and
informal. Sharing selections should be practiced at home.
In the past, students have enjoyed showcasing what they
have learned at private piano lessons, guitar lessons, community choirs, etc., or simply singing songs they created at
home. Please contact Mrs. Radspinner if you have questions (kathleen.radspinner@district196.org).
See Friday folders and/or the SP vocal music Moodle page for specific sharing dates for each class.
Grade Four
Fourth graders are busy making new book goals for the second
trimester (please encourage at least 20 minutes of silent reading
time at home each night). In math, we will begin units using doubledigit multiplication. Students should continue to work online
(xtramath program) and with flashcards to improve speed and accuracy on their math facts (especially multiplication). In social studies,
we will be focusing our studies on the Midwest region. In science,
we are studying about energy and electromagnetism. Thank you for
your generous donations for the Moms and Neighbors project
(money donations are due Friday, December 6). Best wishes for
health and happiness during this joyous holiday season!
Grade Five
It is hard to believe that we have completed the first trimester The fall
is passing very quickly and soon the wonders of winter will be gently
falling upon us. The last month has been filled with excitement in fifth
grade as students created their own ecosystems in science, studied
ancient civilizations in social studies, and donated blankets from our
fall service project. We have another busy few weeks before our
Winter Break. The first week of December, fifth graders will have
their CogAT Testing. Report cards will also be sent home the first
Friday of December. Your child will participate in the annual fifth
grade volleyball tournament in physical education from Dec. 9-13.
The championship game is the final day, and students will test their
volleyball skills against some teachers during this lively competition.
A friendly reminder that mastering basic math facts is critical for fifth
grade students if they are to continue to make progress in the math
curriculum. Please continue to encourage your child to study these
basic facts at home, as needed.
Thanks so much for your support. We greatly appreciate it! A special thank you to the volunteers who helped with the fleece blankets
during the fall service project party. It was a great success and was
enjoyed by all.
Site Council Meeting Minutes
November 20, 2013
Secretary Report-Alba Nowlin
October Site Council Meeting Minutes were shared. Minutes Approved.
Treasurer Report-Jessica
Checking Balance = $64,762.22
Savings Balance = $34,265.69
We still need to pay the Chip Shop for the fall fundraiser
Parent Leader Report-Jessica
November Meeting was cancelled.
October Meeting Report -
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The district is building a new ECFE building by the old district office.
A video regarding the upcoming levy, that has since passed was also
shared with parents.
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FeePay – Has shown to be successful and the feedback from families
has been positive.
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2014 All Day K – In October 1/3 of families with children entering
Kindergarten for the upcoming school year indicated their preference for
all day Kindergarten with only 8 families indicating that they preferred
half day Kindergarten.
As of October 1, enrollment numbers for this year show that we are up by
34 students in the district from our projected enrollment.
Volunteer Coordinator Report-Chris
Still Looking for volunteers – Specifically, Coordinators for the Picnic
& other spring volunteer opportunities.
How do we get more volunteers? Some suggestions were to:
chunk out the volunteer needs by month, teachers send out a request to their
students families, Mr. Guthrie could send out a list serve message, and place the
link on the homepage of our web site.
Winter Community Service Project-Ann – Keep our giving local.
Information flyers will be sent out Friday regarding our Winter Project. We are focusing on supporting those in our community, school district and county. Your donations will be given to 360 Communities Armful
of Love, Moms and Neighbors, and the Rosemount Neighborhood Family Resource Center. The Winter Community Service Project runs
from November 25 – December 6.
Rachel put in a plug for our Barnes & Noble fund raiser on Saturday, November 30,2013. They have set a goal of trying to raise $1700.00.
GiveMN Update-Amy
$1355 in donations + 1200 in matching donations + $1000.00 Golden
Ticket = $3555.00
Golden Ticket winner is invited to a luncheon and Amy will contacting the
press to do a story on this event.
Financial Request-Alba
Recommended purchasing a backpack blower to keep small rocks
off the playground. Safety (children slipping on rocks & tracking
them inside the school.
Motion was made, seconded and approved.
Financial Request-Michael
Michael has added two support teachers to help our students.
Motion was made, seconded and voted upon favorably to give
$25,000.00 to the school for staffing.
Art News
Thank you to all who ordered from the Square 1
Art fundraiser. I just love seeing the students’
artwork on stickers and other products. It’s
such a great way to celebrate our talented artists here at Shannon Park. You can still order
online if you wish. Current orders are expected
to be here the first week of December and will
be sent home with students that Friday. Funds raised this year will go towards buying new supplemental resources and frames so we can display
Art throughout the school and hopefully in local spots in Rosemount.
Thanks and have a great December!
Mrs. Stahl
Dress for the Weather!
Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather
this winter. You can assume we will be going outside
every day, unless the wind chill and/or temperature
is 0 (zero) degrees or below. Children will need
hats, mittens, jackets, snow pants, boots etc. every
day.
Label Your Child’s Clothing
Colder weather brings more items for lost and found. This is just a
friendly reminder to label all your child’s clothing. It is
also a good idea to check with your child to make sure
they have not lost any items. Several times a year any
unclaimed items are gathered up and brought to Goodwill.
Staying Inside for Recess
The general rule is if you are well enough to go to school, you are
well enough to go outside for recess. Please notify the school nurse
if you have a note from your child’s doctor.
Music News
Da Capo Choir Concerts
Dec. 10 - Da Capo Concert 8:40 a.m. for parents and friends
Dec. 12 - Da Capo Concert- 2:10 p.m. AND 2:50 p.m.
for Shannon Park students
Other Music News:
Grade 2 and Grade 5 Music Program Dates and Times:
Grade 2 - Jan. 30th at 6:00 p.m.
Grade 5 - Jan. 30th at 7:30 p.m.
Dress Rehearsal Dates and Times for Grade 2 and Grade 5:
Grade 2 - Jan. 29th at 2:15 p.m. and Jan. 30th at 9:40 a.m.
Grade 5 - Jan. 29th at 9:40 a.m. and Jan. 30th at 2:15 p.m.
5th Grade Band Concert
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 PM
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6:00 PM
For the evening performance, students
should arrive at 5:30 p.m.
NNAT2 & CogAT Testing
time is coming soon!
The NNAT2 and CogAT assessments will be given on
December 3, 4, 5, and 11.
Grades Three and Five on December 3, 4, 5
 Grade Three from 9:45 – 10:45 each day
 Grade Five from 11:30 – 12:15 each day
Grade One - December 11 from 9:45 – 10:45
Tests:
NNAT2 – Grade 1
CogAT - Grades 3 and 5
To prepare your child for the assessment:
 Make sure your child has No. 2 pencils. NO mechanical pencils are allowed.
 Make sure your child is at school on time on those days as testing will begin right
away in the morning.
 Please refrain from scheduling appointments or vacations on these testing days,
as make up tests are limited and very difficult to administer.
 Have your child well rested and fueled with a healthy breakfast.
For more information on the tests being given, please read the parent letter that
went home on Nov. 22 or look on the SP webpage…Parent Connection – Student
Assessments.
Our grand total for the 2013 Give to the Max Day was $3,555! We thank all Families and Friends of
Shannon Park for spreading the news about Give to the Max Day and for all donators to our wonderful
school. Shannon Park is always committed to providing quality staffing and all fundraising efforts helps
reduce Shannon Park class sizes, which positively effects all students at Shannon Park.
Winter Community Service Project
“Nothing can give greater JOY than doing
something for another.”
We would like to take this opportunity to invite you and your family to
consider contributing to our Winter Community Service Project.
This endeavor focuses on supporting:
360 Communities Armful of Love
Moms and Neighbors
Rosemount Neighborhood Family Resource Center
We are accepting donations for this service project beginning Monday,
Nov. 25 –Friday, Dec. 6.
Each grade level is looking for specific donations to help brighten someone else’s day. Below is a listing of what each grade level is collecting.
 Grade Kdg.
Non-perishable Food Items
 Grade One
Non-perishable Food Items
 Grade Two
Holiday Kit Items
Refer to letter sent home on 11/22/13
 Grade Three
Money to purchase grocery gift cards
 Grade Four
Money to purchase Target gift cards
 Grade Five
Money to purchase Target & Gas gift cards
**THE HEARTBEAT NEWS**
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
WINTER NEWSLETTER
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Tennis Shoe Reminder: Please help your child remember that they need tennis shoes that are nonmarking and are secure on their feet. During winter months when they are wearing boots, it is easy to
forget tennis shoes. If they can leave a pair here at school or in their back pack, that can be very helpful.
We want to thank the 3rd grade students and parents who attended our Third Grade Activity Night. We
appreciate you taking time to come and spend time with your son/daughter and learn about what we
do in Physical Education here at Shannon Park. We truly had a great night!
What’s next? Students will be participating in some of these activities:
 Volleyball
 Bowling
 Jump Ropes
 Floor Hockey
 Basketball
Our Physical Education beliefs…..
 We believe in cooperation. We teach students how to get along with other kids in a friendly, safe,
fun, learning environment while being physically active.
 We feel sportsmanship is very important. We teach the importance of sharing positive feedback to
teammates and opponents.
 Showing respect to yourself and others is emphasized. This starts with listening to the student’s
classmates and teacher.
 We rarely keep score in a game situation. One of the reasons we don’t keep score is because we believe it’s the personal effort one puts forth that’s important.
 We do not have students pick teams. The teacher will randomly pick teams to make them as fair as
possible. This also eliminates the old idea of never wanting to be the last one picked for a team. A
majority of the time we have coed teams. Sometimes, we have girls play against girls and boys
against boys.
 We don’t make students exercise because they are misbehaving. Why should someone have to exercise if they are not following the guidelines? We believe enjoying exercise is an important life
skill.
 When teaching class, not only do we strive to keep the students physically active, we also believe in
teaching students to think on their feet. Thinking about game strategy, how and what skill should
be used, and analyzing the results of the choices are all vital to being active and finding purpose and
meaning in being active.
**THE HEARTBEAT NEWS** (Continued)
INDOOR H.E.A.RT. COURSE!!
Students in Grades 3-5 have the opportunity to be active on indoor recess days by using the indoor
H.E.A.R.T. cards. Students can perform exercises from various H.E.A.R.T. cards. Listed below are
two sample cards, we encourage you to give them a try with your student!
40 Pogo Springs
1 Minute Jog in Place
30 Mountain Climbers
20 Crab Push Ups
30 Second Plank Stand
40 X-Motion Jumps
1 Minute March in Place
30 Push Up Object Transfer
20 Burpees
5 Curl Ups
WAYS TO BE ACTIVE IN THE WINTER MONTHS
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Go sledding
Walk the dog
Build a snowman/snow fort
Play tag in the snow
Shovel the driveway
Try snow shoeing
Try cross country skiing
Try down hill skiing
Go ice skating