We had a really great first week! The kids seemed happy to be back and the teachers were back in their element! The first couple days were about learning all the new classroom routines and safety protocols, we welcomed our littlest Blues on Thursday when the preschool and kindergarten children started, and by today we were getting in the groove.
Our goal is to be here with in-person learning every day. To do that, we all need to remain vigilant about the safety protocols. Please make sure your children have a clean mask every day and a ziplock baggie to keep it in during lunch and outdoor activities. We discovered that face shields are great in the classroom, but not so great anywhere else. At lunch and recess, and during gym class, they become a nuisance for the kids. So even if your child prefers a shield, please also send a mask.
Water bottles are key this year, as we have capped the drinking fountains, and only have bottle fillers available. Please help your children to get in the habit of packing a water bottle every day.
Our Curriculum Nights, originally scheduled for next week, will be pushed back one week to Tuesday, September 22 for K-5, and Thursday, September 24 for 6-8. We will have virtual meetings for K through 5 families at 6:00 on Tuesday, September 22. These will be held via Zoom or GoogleMeet, and invitations will come from each classroom teacher. The teachers will present on expectations for curriculum and instruction, classroom behavior, and will highlight special grade level traditions. It will be a chance to get to know the teachers and learn about grade level specifics.
The middle school teachers will each record a video highlighting their content areas: middle school behavioral expectations for a safe, positive and productive learning environment, and some special middle school traditions.
Tomorrow, September 12, is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary always points us to God, reminding us of God’s infinite goodness. She helps us to open our hearts to God’s ways, wherever those may lead us. Honored under the title “Queen of Peace,” Mary encourages us to cooperate with Jesus in building a peace based on justice, a peace that respects the fundamental human rights of all peoples. We prayed the Hail Mary this morning for justice and peace in our world.
Congratulations to Mr. Ryan Olson, 2nd grade teacher, who completed his first week as a teacher today! And to Mr. Erik Amundson, 4th grade, and Ms. Breanna Raske, 1st grade, who both completed their first weeks as teachers in the US. We are thankful for our entire faculty and blessed to have them here at St. Michael!
God bless your families this weekend, and virtual hugs to our teachers, and to the Prior Lake public school teachers starting next week. Please hold all educators in your prayers.
Go Blues!
