November 18, 2020 | Volume 1 • Issue 13
Updated COVID-19 Dashboard
Please note that this week's COVID-19 Dashboard only includes data from the four elementary schools as the Middle School and High School started distance learning on November 16. With the elementary schools moving to distance learning on November 23, this will be the last COVID-19 Dashboard that is published until the District moves back to either the hybrid or in-person learning model.
Elementary and Early Learning Distance Learning Schedules
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 as well as Early Learning will return to distance learning on November 23. School leaders, teachers, and staff have been hard at work preparing schedules to maximize learning time. Families will receive information about their child/children’s schedule by the end of the week of November 20, as well as detailed information to begin distance learning on Monday. Early learners will be following the same schedule as the beginning of the school year. Letters were sent to parents/guardians on November 18 with the complete schedule. Parents/guardians with additional/specific questions should call their child’s school directly.
Oriole Study Nest: A Student's Home Away From Home
High School Students may sign up to come into school Monday through Friday. Whether it’s for a change of location, improved internet, one-on-one help, or needing the structure we can provide at school, students need to confirm with a staff member about the time they’re coming in so that we can continue to keep track of who is in the building for safety purposes. If too many students sign up, we will need to stagger attendance, because we will be very strict with safety precautions. Breakfast and lunch will be free for any student who attends.
 
Students can also sign up for office hours, set up a meeting time, or check teachers’ availability by using the Student Support App. If you follow this link, students can sign up directly for a help session with teachers! There are also opportunities to work with teachers in-person through small groups. This is the same app we used to schedule conferences.
  
Transportation is available Monday through Friday. Transportation can be requested by filling out this form by NOON the school day before you want to come in. Bus stops are not neighborhood stops, but are ‘hub stops’ or central locations like schools or community centers. Families will receive final information about the route by the email submitted in the request. 
District Hiring Critical Childcare Support for Children of Tier 1 Workers
The District is hiring critical childcare support for children of Tier 1 Workers. Positions are available at all four of our elementary schools as well as Central Early Learning Center. The pay rate for these positions is $15-19 per hour depending on qualifications. Apply online at www.bit.ly/workforslp.
Welcome Class of 2034! Students & Families...Get Ready for Kindergarten
Attend a virtual information session to prepare for kindergarten Fall of 2021:

December 3, 6:30 p.m., Immersion Information Night, Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School, More information and a Zoom link will be shared with families

Additional dates to be ANNOUNCED SOON for Kindergarten Information Nights at Aquila, Peter Hobart, and Susan Lindgren Elementary Schools. Visit the school district website at www.slpschools.org/kindergarten for the latest information about kindergarten registration.
Support Park Public Schools & Community Foundation
Show your Park Pride with this custom reusable mask! This full-size mask, with sublimated SLP imaging, includes a nose guard, adjustable ear straps, and chin flap. With every mask sold for $10, one additional mask will be donated to St. Louis Park Public Schools for families who need one.

The proceeds from the sales of the masks will support the Park Public Schools and Community Foundation to nonprofits supporting youth programs inside and outside of the classroom. Masks will be mailed to directly to purchasers within about one week from ordering.

Click here to purchase yours today!
Urgent Action Needed: Free and Reduced Applications
Dear Families: You can help generate state aid for your St. Louis Park Public Schools by completing the Application for Educational Benefits.

Students in households that meet the free or reduced-price meal income guidelines will generate compensatory revenue for the district. Schools must use compensatory revenue to meet the needs of students who are behind their peers, such as remedial instruction, instructional materials including digital learning and technology, bilingual programs and additional teachers and teacher aides. However, the household must complete and return the forms, or complete the online form, no later than December 15 so the district can calculate eligibility and report to the Minnesota Department of Education. This will not impact your students’ eligibility to receive free meals during the 2020-21 school year because meals are free for all students this year.
Free Meals Program Information
As the District begins to transition back to the distance learning model, free meals will continue to be available to students and families. The District will continue to utilize the six school sites as grab-and-go pickup locations on Mondays and Wednesdays between 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Please note that Wednesday, November 18 will be the last day that the Middle School will serve as a free meals distribution site due to the fact that the school kitchen is under construction. The High School and four elementary schools will continue to serve as distribution sites.

Elementary students who continue to attend school in the hybrid model the week of Nov. 16-20, will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch meals on their in-person learning days. Anyone with questions about the District's free meals program can call the School Nutrition Department at 952-928-6146.
District to Hold Annual Truth in Taxation Meeting On December 14
Minnesota's Truth in Taxation Law requires school districts to provide a Truth in Taxation public hearing before adopting a tax levy for the following year. This hearing includes a presentation about the current budget and proposed tax levies. The hearing will be held virtually by Zoom before the December 14 School Board Meeting. A link will be posted on the school district website closer to the meeting date.
PSI Holds Socially Distanced All-School Outdoor Dance
In the spirit of community and energizing and enhancing the spirit of students and staff, Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School held a socially distanced, all-school outdoor dance for students in Cohort A on Tuesday. The school will hold a similar event on Friday for students in Cohort B.