November 5, 2020
An academic bilingual community fostering global citizenship
11-5-2020

Dear Park Spanish Immersion Elementary Families:

We hope that you are doing well. It is a beautiful day, and I have been watching so many of our classes learning outside today! While there have definitely been challenges this school year, our teachers and staff have worked hard to rethink student learning--both at school and at home. Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us!

Our teachers enjoyed meeting with families for our "connect times" on Monday. We thank you for your partnership!

As a reminder, please call the health office at 952-928-6570 if your child will be absent from school on "in person days" OR on days learning outside of school.  

Take care, and keep reading!

Most sincerely,

Corey
School News
From the Health Services Team
St. Paul testing site will offer free saliva COVID tests to anyone who needs it-
 
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering Minnesotans more and different options for COVID-19 testing by offering saliva testing in a growing number of locations across the state. The test is more comfortable than a nasal swab, and available at no cost to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test.
  • Saliva testing is free and available to all Minnesotans who believe they need to be tested, with or without symptoms.
  • Identification is not required. You do need to have an email address and phone number to receive your results.
  • Insurance is not required. If you do have insurance, you will need to show your card. The test is completely free whether or not you have insurance, and you will not receive a bill.
  • Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as children under age 4 or someone who has suffered a stroke

Roy Wilkins Auditorium, next to Saint Paul RiverCentre
175 W Kellogg Blvd St. Paul, MN 55102

  1. Skyway from the RiverCentre Parking Ramp, follow signs
  2. Doors by the main RiverCentre sign at 175 W Kellogg Blvd, follow signs
  3. Rice Park entrance on Washington Street near Herb Brooks statue, follow signs
  4. Monday - Friday: 12 - 7 p.m.    Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 
What to expect at the testing site
  • Wear a mask or face covering if you can.
  • If you made an appointment ahead of time, you can show either your confirmation email/text or tell staff your name, birthdate, and address. Plan to arrive close to the time of your scheduled visit.
  • If you did not make an appointment ahead of time, you can register at the event.
  • Bring your insurance card if you have health insurance. The test will be 100% free whether or not you have insurance. If you do, we may ask your insurance company to help pay for your test.

How the saliva test works
  1. You must not eat, drink, chew or smoke anything for at least 30 minutes before taking a saliva test.
  2. A health care professional will tell you how to take the test, but you will do it yourself.
  3. You will spit into a funnel attached to a tube. Producing the required amount of saliva usually takes 10-12 minutes.
  4. You will get your results in about 48-72 hours.
Come Work With Us!

When we move to full-day hybrid on November 16, PSI will need several additional part-time staff during lunch and recess.

Because we know we'll need coverage on Mondays/Tuesdays (Cohort A) and Thursdays/Fridays (Cohort B). Perhaps you or someone you know would consider working just on the hybrid days your child is at school? Help us creatively work to fill these important positions. Come work with us!

Click HERE for more information. Click HERE to link to the online application!
Cohort A and B Calendar
Like this week, and throughout the first semester there are several weeks that have fewer than five school days due to holidays, professional development days, and other no-school related days. To assist families in planning for which days their student(s) will attend school during the hybrid model, we have created the calendar (found HERE) that lays out the schedule for each cohort at the elementary schools.

Calendar subject to change if the District changes delivery models.
Reading Connection
Want to spend time with your youngster, build their reading skills, and help them learn to love books? You can do all three when you read aloud.

Click HERE for more tips for reading success!
Critical Outcomes
The SLP district website has access to Critical Outcomes for each grade level, K-5, in English, Spanish and Somali by clicking HERE.
School District News
Winter Weather and COVID-19
November is here and that means the possibility of winter weather and school closures. St. Louis Park Public Schools will do our best to make a decision about a late start or school closing by 5:30 a.m.; early dismissal and decisions regarding afterschool and evening athletics, events and activities will be made by 2 p.m. The District communicates a school closing, late start or early dismissal by:

  • Automated phone call to staff and families
  • Web posting to www.slpschools.org
  • Information will be posted on the District’s Facebook and Twitter accounts
  • Communication to WCCO Radio (830) and local TV Channels 4, 5, 9, and 11
  • Recorded message on School Closing Hotline (phone: 952-928-6055)

If school must close early, buses will take home regular riders. Younger students who walk will be kept at school if there is any uncertainty about whether a parent or neighbor is home to care for them.

The school district is in contact with the National Weather Service, St. Louis Park Transportation, and leaders from other school districts to provide the best response to keep students and staff safe in severe weather conditions.

The school district will not communicate that school is open as scheduled. If a school closing, late start or early dismissal is not announced, staff and students should attend as usual.
Emergency school closing information is also provided to the following media outlets: WCCO 830 AM; WCCO Channel 4; KSTP Channel 5; KMSP/FOX Channel 9 & KARE Channel 11.

Important Update: The Minnesota Department of Education recently issued new guidance that allows school districts to adjust their Safe Learning Plan in order to respond to inclement weather and possible school closures. This means that if St. Louis Park Public Schools is engaged in the hybrid learning model, the District could choose to remain open during a winter weather event by providing all instruction on that day in a distance learning format.
Consent for Release of Information -
from the Elementary Family Handbook found HERE
Certain "directory information" about students is considered "public" under state and federal laws as well as St. Louis Park Public School Board Policy 515, "Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records." Unless parents give specific instructions to the contrary, student information may be published in building newsletters, music and sports programs, district publications and the local community newspaper.

"Directory information" means information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.

Click HERE: Consent for Release of Student Information form
Click HERE: Consentimiento para la divulgación de información del estudiante
Click HERE: Oggolaanshaha Siideynta Macluumaadka Ardayda

Please note: ONLY complete this form if you wish to EXCLUDE your child from
school publications, class pictures and yearbooks,

Completed forms should be returned to the school office.
Upcoming Listening Sessions with Superintendent Osei
As a part of the process to hear stakeholder perspectives, Superintendent Osei will be hosting Listening Sessions over the course of this school year for students, parents/guardians, and staff to better understand the impact of the implementation of the District's educational delivery models. 
 
November 2 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | StudentsZoom Link | Meeting ID: 918 6822 7793 | Passcode: 965140
 
November 2 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Staff Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 989 7710 1566 | Passcode: 409260
 
November 17 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Parents/Guardians - EnglishZoom Link | Meeting ID: 934 2061 5183 | Passcode: 520346
 
November 17 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Parents/Guardians - SpanishZoom Link | Meeting ID: 967 9287 9471 | Passcode: 029610
School Board Listening Sessions
All stakeholders are invited to attend St. Louis Park School Board Listening Sessions to ask questions and have a conversation with school board members.

Up to three school board members will attend to listen to stakeholders. It is not an official meeting and no official action will be taken.

Please be aware that the school board members will end the listening session 30 minutes after the posted start time if there are no stakeholders in attendance.
 
The School Board recently scheduled the following Listening Sessions:
 
  • November 16, 2020 | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 924 4653 8467 | Passcode: 802979
  • February 16, 2021 | 6:30 p.m. | Location TBD
  • April 20, 2021 | 6:30 p.m. | Location TBD
PTO News
Spiritwear: Order Deadline Nov. 19
The first order deadline is quickly approaching- Order by November 9 to receive items by December 11.

Final deadline for all orders is November 19 to receive by December 25.

All items shipped directly to you. Proceeds support PSI and the Amity Intern program.

PTO Update and Happenings
Like our kids, teachers and staff, we’re busy doing all we can to make this school year a success. Part of that includes rethinking familiar events, adding new connections and making sure old favorites continue however they can.

Room parents: If you’re interested in serving as a room parent, volunteer directly with your child’s teacher. 
 
Spirit wear: Online sale NOW until November 19!
 
Directory: Each year, the district provides updated contact information in November. Volunteers will update the directory as soon as we receive the data. In the meantime, please visit psipto.membershiptoolkit.com to add your student(s) and access the existing directory information.
 
Math Night: Mathnasium will not be hosting these events for the ‘20-21 school year, but hopes to return next year. Any ideas, suggestions or volunteers for an alternative event are welcome!
 
Imagination & Inventor’s Fair: While this will not be an in-person event this year, we’re hoping to explore alternative options. Any ideas, suggestions or volunteers welcome!
 
Amity Interns: Should the COVID situation allow, we hope to invite 4-5 amity interns into our community this January. If you’re interested in hosting an Amity in your home, being an aunt/ uncle family or have any questions, please reach out to psiamity@gmail.com. More updates to come as the details evolve!
 
Future PTO meetings: We’re in the process of scheduling a PTO meeting in late November or early December featuring a speaker on racial equity. Date and details to be announced soon!
 
Volunteers: Yes, volunteers are still needed! Please review the following needs and offer your time and talents wherever you can. Some positions will take place next school year (e.g., Leer-a-tón, Math Night) but it’s never too early to make sure needs are covered! Need more info on what these involve? Happy to chat! Want to volunteer but not sure how or what position? Let us know and we’ll find something that works for you, whether it’s a quick, one-time task, ongoing leadership or anything in between.
 
  • Yearbook
  • Carnival
  • Spring fundraiser
  • Adults Night Out
  • 4th Grade Families: School picnic
  • 5th Grade Families: Celebration of Learning
  • Corporate donations appreciation
  • Ongoing, small volunteer tasks (list of volunteers that can pitch in on small one-off tasks here and there as needed)
  • Math night (‘21-22)
  • Leer-a-tón (‘21-22)
  • Book Fair (‘21-22)
Reminder- Leer-a-tón: It’s time to submit your minutes!
That’s a wrap on Leer-a-tón 2020!
 
To make sure your student has a chance to win a fun prize, please submit your student’s total minutes no later than Sunday, November 8th here: https://forms.gle/1DZwA66K7n8fouXf9

Leer-a-tón donations can be made online here: https://psiparents.com/give/
Join us Nov 24 for PTO Updates & Hope Speaks!
On November 24th at 6:30pm, join us online for a brief update on what's happening with the PTO and what to expect for upcoming events and activities. Stick around to engage in the first stage of a meaningful conversation around racial equity in our school from HOPE Speaks Project creators, Kristen Pehl and Meghan Malone. 
Community News
City of St. Louis Park - Corona Virus Response and Resources
The City of St. Louis Park has been working with local, county and state partners to help protect the health and wellness of both the community and employees during the rapidly changing coronavirus outbreak. 

City hall is open for required in-person business. Whenever possible, conduct business online including contacting staff by phone or email.

The Municipal Service Center is open 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday for required in-person business. Whenever possible, conduct business online including contacting staff by phone or email.

The police station lobby is open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Fire stations 1 and 2 remain closed to the public.

The Rec Center and ROC are open on a limited basis for ice rental and for in-person program registration.

The new interpretive center at Westwood Hills Nature Center is open to the public. Trails and outdoor areas are also open.

The City of St. Louis Park has introduced an interactive COVID-19 resource, with links to maps and a variety of other information.

Updates from the city
The city will continue to keep residents updated through a variety of communications tools. Be sure you are signed up to receive information.

Click HERE for more information.





Dr. Corey Maslowski, Principal
Follow me on Twitter @PSIPrincipal

Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School
9400 Cedar Lake Road
St. Louis Park, MN 55426 
 
School Hours: 7:45 am - 2:15 pm
School Office Hours: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

PSI Main Office: 952-928-6555
24Hr-Attendance: 952-928-6570
Health Office: 952-928-6554
PSI Fax: 952-928-6556
School Nutrition: 952-928-6567
SLP Family Tech Help: Call 952-928-6056 or by email to: familytechhelp@slpschools.org
St. Louis Park Public Schools Transportation Department (Bus) 612-437-4719
Connect with us!