News from the Nest

Classroom & Field Trip Contribution Directions

Breakfast and Lunch Menu

Lunch Account Balance Directions

Blue Heron Parent Hub

IXL Student Log-in Info

IXL

Technology Help

Our second grade students performed for our school in the morning and for their families in the afternoon. It was a special time to pause and appreciate their talents and for our community to come together.

Join us at our next PTO meeting on 1/29 at 6:30 in the Media Center as we start planning for the annual Family Fun Night in May. Your help is essential in planning this exciting event, and we'll be forming groups to brainstorm and organize. Childcare will be available, and we'll have complimentary snacks while contributing your ideas. If you can't make it in person, feel free to reach out – your input is valuable. The small sacrafice of time is an investment in our kids. We all have a common bond and that is we want the best for our kids. I look forward to seeing you at Blue Heron on Monday night!

Jan. 29: PTO Meeting 6:30pm - Media Center

Feb. 16: No School / Staff Development

Feb. 19: No School / President's Day

Feb. 22: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-8pm

Feb. 26: PTO Meeting 6:30pm - Media Center

Feb. 29: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-8pm

February 22 In-Person Conferences 4:00 - 8:00 PM

February 29 In-Person Conferences 4:00 - 8:00 PM

If you feel the need to meet with the teacher outside of the building conference dates and times, please coordinate with the teacher. Thank you for partnering with us. The sign-up link will be sent to families on Thursday, February 8th.

Attendance: please submit all attendance matters by 9 am. This includes absences, tardies, and early releases. It can be difficult for the office to reach teachers in the afternoon. We do not like to interrupt instructional time, and teachers are often unable to check their email in the afternoon. Frequent dismissal changes can also be confusing to students.

This is typically the time of year where we need to send out a reminder to everyone about our student drop-off and pick-up process. As you can imagine, with the colder weather upon us the number of families choosing to drop off and pick up students before and after school has increased. This process goes well for most families on most days. The success of this process depends on people following the directions shown.

Before and After School Procedures: VIDEO

2 Options for Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:

1. Parking Lot: Please Park in the parking lot and use the crosswalk. It is preferred to use the parking lot during pick-up.
2. Curbside: Please form a single lane (closest to the school building). One lane will be blocked off so a single lane can be formed. It is important that while in the drop off and pick up lane, you do not leave your car unattended. Traffic needs to flow smoothly. Also, please do not pull around the car in front of you. Instead, continue to stay in the single lane. The entire length of the curb needs to be used as a drop-off zone. Parents must stay in their car. If you need to get out of your car to assist your student, please use the parking lot.

The Blue Heron Elementary PTO is seeking donations for silent auction and raffle at our Family Fun Night in May.

· Check if your company accepts Donation Requests or if an instructor/artist can offer services.

· Small businesses can contribute products to support the school.

· Donors will be acknowledged with business displayed at Family Fun Night!

· Email: bhptopresident@gmail.com - OR - Facebook: BlueHeronPTO.org

by Olivia

Read on about a fantastic opportunity you shouldn't miss... You can donate your no longer used eyeglasses to help people of all ages who can't get any glasses to help their poor vision. You can be the person to help someone get the glasses they need to have a better life.

People who need glasses but don't have the resources to get the glasses they need have trouble learning at school or performing at their jobs. These people wish they could see better, and with your help, their wish will come true. Donating your no longer used eyeglasses can help one person, maybe more. What you will do with your donation shows you care about people who can't get eyeglasses. Donating that pair of old eyeglasses to someone in need gives people a new opportunity in their life.

Mr. Gutbrod's Grade 5 class and the Circle-Lex Lions' Club are working together with you to get those needed eyeglasses to people in developing countries. This is an opportunity you should think about participating in this year.

Please send your no longer used eyeglasses to Blue Heron Elementary c/o Mr. Gutbrod's Grade 5 Classroom. We'll do the rest. By taking the time to do this, you are making wishes come true. Thank you.

Order your 2023-2024 yearbook today. The yearbook cost is $20.50 through January 26th. On January 27th, the price increases to $22. See below for order information.

Students are to ride their assigned bus to and from school. Thank you for your cooperation!

Make a Difference and Substitute in our Schools!

Don’t miss this chance to get involved and make a difference in the Centennial School District! No experience necessary; training provided!

This is a great opportunity to:

• Be involved in your child’s education and help out in the schools.
• Turn your volunteer hours into extra income.
• Work a schedule that fits with your student’s schedule.
• Get paid weekly and take advantage of bonus opportunities.

Available positions:

• Substitute Teachers (To qualify, you must have bachelor’s degree with MN Teaching or Substitute License; you can obtain a Short Call License if you have a bachelor’s degree.)

• Substitute Paraprofessionals (To qualify, you must have a HS Diploma/GED.)

Apply at teachersoncall.com; 800-713-4439

Substitutes are also needed for Kids Club, food service, custodial, administrative assistants, and nurses. More information can be found on the Centennial website.

A Change in Reporting Student Absences

Student absence requests will be submitted through Campus Parent Portal for students in grades Pre-K through 12 beginning January 22, 2024. An “Attendance Request” link will be found on the Parent Hub on your student’s school website for easy access to the Portal and includes resources to assist. Attendance requests can also be submitted through the Campus Parent Portal mobile app.

Included below are a few links you may find helpful. Please contact your student’s school office with any questions. Thank you.

Helpful links:

Parent Portal Login Assistance

A Guide on How to Submit Absence Requests

Celebrating Black Artists (Day Camp)(ages 5-12)

Create artwork inspired by some amazing Black American artists. We’ll paint, cut, explore collage and other new techniques, create our own self-portrait and more. This camp is held Saturday, Feb. 17 at Centennial Middle School.

Here’s what’s happening soon:

Feb. 1- Winter Soccer Skills (gr. K-2)

Feb. 3- Cougar Cub Basketball Camp (gr. 1-3)

Feb. 4- Cougar Soccer Academy (gr. K-5)

Feb. 10- Canvas Fun: Heart Tree (gr. K-5)

Feb. 15- Skyhawks Basketball Camp (ages 5-11)

Feb. 16- Spark Equestrian Camp (ages 6-12)

DASH Multi-Sport Non-School Day Camp (gr. K-5)

Feb. 19- Ninja Day Camp (ages 6-13)

Feb. 24- RevSports Basketball (ages 2-9)

RevSports Ninja Warrior (ages 2-9)

Feb. 26- Scooter City (gr. K-5) After school at CTE!

Mar. 3- Advanced Conquer Ninja Rec Team (ages 6-13)

Go online to view all activities and to register, communityed.isd12.org.

Welcome to the Digital Backpack, the district’s central posting place for community flyers. If you have questions regarding these programs, please contact the organizations directly. Browse the Digital Backpack.

Email: apalmsteen@isd12.org
Website: www.isd12.org/schools/elementary-schools/blue-heron-elementary
Location: 405 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN, USA
Phone: 763.792.6200