School Newsletter
April 3, 2020
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Dear Presentation families,
Mission Control we have a problem! The Seesaw site is down during the first hour of distance learning
. You have got to be kidding me.
No, sorry to report, we are not
. Okay, monitor and keep us posted.
Will do, over and out.
(pause)
Mission Control the issue has been resolved, I repeat the issue has been resolved
.
Praise God!
The huge sigh of relief was so strong around 1695 Kennard Street (figuratively) that you would have thought there was a wind storm rushing through Kansas City during the heat of the summer. Yes, praise God, Seesaw was only down for about 30 minutes on our first day of distance learning. We ached for those schools and districts that were not so fortunate and continued to struggle for days. Not what you want when you roll out a new program.
Since then teachers and students are off and running with this new way of doing education. We hear that many of the kids liked learning how to use the microphone, record a message and send it back to their teacher. Some learned how to make a video and send it back. Little did they know that the teacher had to learn how to send the student that video and practiced many times so it would be just right. Oh, and that camera can take photos of all of the student work so the teacher can assess it. How cool is it to return assignments with a click of a button. Yes, technology is wowing the littles. Middle Schoolers on the other hand were just glad to join a meeting where they could “hang out” with their classmates. Online learning: got this, but they miss socializing with their friends. Yes, some asked if they could “hang out ”with their teacher and we are working on the ins/outs of that.
It looks like we will be engaged in distance learning for a while so the progress is encouraging thus far. Behind the scenes, teachers have embarked on a steep learning curve as well. One day they were pointing to a flip chart or white board and the next they were recoding lessons via a platform that many had never heard of before. They are remarkable, amazing and true pioneers. They have viewed many “how to” videos, reviewed apps that may make learning easier and resourced each other so everyone is not reinventing the same wheel. Online faculty meetings have allowed us to discuss new policies or procedures and to share successes and challenges. Yes, like you they are facing challenges as they try to balance personal and professional and adjust to working and teaching from home amidst husbands, children and other family or friends. Days are long but your feedback has been encouraging and keeping spirits high.
As noted in the last newsletter, teachers will formally assess the roll out of distance learning at the two week mark but are doing regular check-ins. Middle School teachers are engaged in that process now and have already found some great solutions to better meet the needs of their learners. In the meantime, teachers are communicating regularly with families and we encourage you to contact them with any questions, comments or concerns. They are copying the principals on all communications so we can stay attuned on how best to assist them, trouble shoot or find the necessary resources to make distance learning a huge success.
If there is anything we, as principals, can do to assist you as you too figure out how to balance personal and professional, home and school, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is an honor to serve you.
Panther Pride!
Mary and Gary
Here’s what to expect:
Teaching:
- Next week we welcome our specialists to the distance learning platforms. We are still assessing the band platform so know that may be delayed.
- There will be no Distance Learning next Thursday-Monday in observance of Holy Week and Easter. Please see the Pres Facebook page to see how to celebrate the Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday and of course Easter Sunday!
- Activities will be posted between 8AM and 9AM as technology and bandwidth allow.
- Teachers have offered sample schedules or time allotments for each subject but that is only a guideline as there may be other variables at home that need to be considered.
- As like many schools, teaching will involve a host of pre-recorded lessons, messages, assignments and activities.
- Father Peter will celebrate all-school mass on Friday mornings. Please visit the Presentation Facebook page for details.
Learning
- Students will complete some assignments/activities as part of the learning process where the teacher can monitor, coach and reteach if necessary. These activities are not graded as they are practice for using new knowledge, understandings or skills.
Following a reasonable amount of practice time, the teacher will use assignments/activities/projects to assess learning. During this time of distance learning it was highly recommended by the Archdiocese that we use a pass/fail grading scale. Keeping in mind our former grading scale, “pass” will mean a student has exceeded, met or partially met the standard or I can statement. “Fail” means the student did not meet the standard.
Communications
- The newsletter will go out weekly on Fridays; classroom letters will go out during the week as needed.
- Faculty online office hours are 8:00 AM – 1:00PM. During this time teachers will engage with students through the two platforms and parents by email. Given the high volume of responses to students and families required each day, know that they will respond as soon as possible but within 24 hours, Monday-Friday. If an online response is not adequate, they will call parents and guardians as needed. For the rest of the work day, teachers will plan for the days and weeks ahead. Faculty Meetings are on Wednesdays from 1-3PM.
- Principals’ Office Hours are 8:00AM-4:00PM and can be reached by email or phone.
School Secretary Office hours are 8:00AM-2:00PM and can be reached by email or phone.
- Staff will contact the families of those students who have not yet responded to the distance learning platform.
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Registration for 2020-21 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dear parents:
I know that there are many difficult decisions going on within the family during these trying times. We, the principals, are reaching out to you to help you in deciding to register your child(ren) for the coming school year.
The following is the most current information about registering for school year 2020-21.
There is no deadline date to register and the registration fee has been waived for the coming school year.
We also asked TADS not to apply any late fee for payments this year. We encourage you to register as soon as possible so that the school budget can be finalized in addition tuition assistance can begin to be given to families that have a need.
We want to remind all that before any assistant can be giving, parents must have a signed agreement. By registering now, it will help to determine final student numbers but also helps in having knowledge of need so that a fair and equable distribution of assistance can be determined.
Thank you in advance for registering you child(ren). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. It is our desire to assist you in anyway that will help you in registering for the coming school year.
It is important to register as soon as possible; it will help to solve a number of questions for school year 2020-21.
Please keep yourself and families safe and know that you are in our prayers.
Gary and Mary
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The Grunch
Attention Grunch Families:
Ashland has decided to move to a digital curriculum. You should have started receiving emails Monday, March 30
th
directly from Ashland with instruction.
If you haven’t received them, please let us know.
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Presentation's 4th Annual Beer Bust!!!
Please note that the 4
th
Annual Beer Bust has been postponed.
The new date has yet to be determined but we will announce it as soon as we know.
If you have already purchased tickets, just hang on to them as they will still be valid for the rescheduled date!
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Speaking with Children About Tragedy
Unfortunately, our school community has experienced a number of tragic happenings in the past couple of months. Each child handles news like that in a different way, and we want to support you and your children in processing what can be difficult and confusing emotions and topics. Below are some helpful suggestions and resources from our middle school counselor, Andrea Kaltved.
Parents should definitely use their own judgement to respond the way they think is best based on what they know about their child's personality. But in general, the following tips are healthy ways to discuss the topic of death.
1. Be truthful - Although the choice of words based on the age of the child is important, answers to children's questions should still be accurate and based in fact. Parents should avoid using euphemisms such as "He/she is sleeping forever" or "God needed another angel in heaven", as it can be scary for children to wonder if they will wake up when they go to sleep or if God might randomly "pick" them to be an angel on a whim.
2. Talk about emotions - It is okay for parents to let their children know that they are sad or angry about someone's death or whatever else they are feeling. That helps children normalize their own feelings and feel more comfortable verbalizing them.
3. Talk about what comes after death - Parents can talk with their kids about their beliefs regarding what happens to someone after they die. Often kids have questions about where our bodies go or what it is like to die. While no one who is living can know exactly what death is like, parents can talk about what their own beliefs are and why they believe that.
4. Be patient - Kids don't always ask all of their questions at once. Questions might come out over a series of days or weeks, or they might not come out as questions at all, but rather as statements or as part of their normal course of play. Parents should continue to answer questions as they come up, even if they are the same questions the child has already asked.
These are some websites that have additional resources:
There are also a number of good books that can help parents talk about death when they don't feel comfortable starting the conversation themselves. The librarians at the local libraries should also be able to direct parents to other good books that are in their libraries' collections. Here is a link to some titles:
If a parent feels that their child is not coping well and they have exhausted their own abilities to help the child deal with this, there are many professionals who specialize in therapy with children and Andrea would be happy to provide more information for that as needed. She is also willing to connect with any parents that may have additional questions or ongoing concerns. Please contact the school office if you would like to be put in touch with her.
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Coronavirus Info
Please click
here
for helpful information on the coronavirus outbreak and helpful preventative tips.
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Macalester Basketball Youth Camps
Macalester College
will host 2 youth basketball camps this summer. They will take place June 22-26 and August 3-7 for boys entering grades 4-8. There is a discount for families that sign up on or before March 1st.
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Reminder for Box Tops collectors! The Box Tops for Education program is transitioning into a digital-only format. Box Tops is changing to fit today's families. The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online.
Visit their
website
to learn more and download the app today!
Please note that if you would prefer not to install the app once the program is fully digital you can still raise money for Presentation. Simply turn your receipts into the school office noting that they are for the Box Tops Program and we will scan them for you!
Have some Box Tops that you have clipped? Attach them to
this
fun collecting sheet and turn them in!
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The Old Box Tops Clips
Traditional Box Tops clips are being phased out of production, but may continue to be found on many products throughout the store. You can still clip and send them to school.
Every valid Box Tops clip is worth 10¢ for your school.
Make sure each one has a clearly visible product acronym and expiration date.
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The New Box Tops Labels
Eventually the Box Tops program will become digital-only. Participating brands are starting to change their packaging from a traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Top label.
If you see this label, use the new Box Tops app to scan your receipt. Box Tops are still worth 10¢ each for your school. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to your school's earnings online.
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Please keep your lunch account current.
Log into:
All money for lunch accounts must now be entered online, cash or checks will no longer be accepted.
Please contact the school office if you are having trouble logging in.
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4HG SPORTS CAMPS ARE HERE!
4HG is excited to announce our summer camps for 2020! Open to 3rd - 8th graders, our second annual
"Faith and Football Camp"
returns August 4 - 6, 2020 to be held daily from 9:00 - 3:00 at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in New Brighton, Minnesota. Only 100 spots available! Discounted camp fee: $99*
In addition to our hallmark football camp, 4HG will host a
"Faith and Volleyball Camp"
July 13 - 15 to be held daily from 9:00 - 3:00 at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul. The camp is open to 4th - 8th graders and is limited to the first 125 students to register. Discounted camp fee: $149*
Also new this year is our 4HG
"Faith and All Sports Camp"
to be held at Mendakota Park in Mendota Heights. This twice weekly camp will be held on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, June 9 - July 30. Registration is open to the first 200 students in grades 3 - 8. Camp fee: $349
Register with confidence! If for any reason the 4HG Summer Camps must be cancelled, you will receive a full refund.
All camps are co-ed and include a camp t-shirt and assorted 4HG swag. During each camp, student-athletes will not only develop skills to help them on the field, they will have multiple opportunities to listen to inspiring mentors and to practice their Faith, which will help them grow closer to God and excel in life. Registration is as simple as
clicking the photo
above. Register soon to secure your child's spot!
*If you are a Catholic United Financial Member or would like to learn more about CUF, you qualify for a $50 discount on this camp!
Our school participates in 4HG (For His Glory), a movement to create a healthy sports culture in our Catholic schools. To learn more about 4HG and its essential mission, please sign up for the quarterly newsletter by visiting
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First Grade - Glue Sticks, Clear Scotch Tape
Office - Large, clear plastic totes
Please bring donations to the school office with a note labeling who they are for. Thank you!
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Our Mission: The purpose of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School is to provide a Catholic community that fosters the religious and academic development of the individual student in a safe and welcoming learning environment.
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Our Philosophy: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School creates a supportive Catholic community committed to the Gospel message that calls us to faith, service, and worship. An environment of respect, peace and justice fosters an appreciation of God’s gift of life in all people. Each student is empowered to develop their own potential, which will lead to excellence in academics, athletic activities and the fine arts.
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