![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-62e01263c30d9b60d90d1cd3-1d71b946b00e.jpg)
Brookside Elementary news & events
![Brookside Elementary news & events](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/ed07/thumb-cb50f224acf61ceee7ab581d5518957e.jpeg)
In the Know- November 2023
November 7, 2023
Upcoming Events
Nov 7 - Raising Cane's Fundraiser
Nov 9 - Picture Retake Day
Nov 17 - PTO Bingo Night
Nov 22-24 - No School
Nov 30 - End of Trimester 1
Dec 1 - No School
Dec 2 - Brookside Craft Fair
Dec 4 - No School
A Message From The Admin Team
Hello Brookside Families,
With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we have been reflecting on the many things we have to be thankful for. Everyday we drive to work we are thankful for our students, staff, and parents at Brookside. Everyday we are impressed by the students’ eagerness to learn, kindness they demonstrate towards one another, and positive attitudes. Everyday we are thankful for getting to work in this school community. Happy Thanksgiving.
Dr. Anissa Cravens,
Mr. Jim Potthoff, and
Mrs. Liz Quinn
Lockdown Drills - We have successfully completed 4 out of 5 of our practice evacuation drills. During the months of November and December, we will be practicing our lockout drills (threat outside the building) and lockdown drills (threat inside the building) for a total of 5 all together. So far we have practiced one lockout drill and the students did an amazing job.
Parent Drop off in the Morning - Please remember when dropping off a student in the morning the student is to exit the car quickly and drive away. By doing this, it allows the line to flow smoothly, quickly, and safely. Thank you.
Report Cards
Elementary school report cards will be available to view online only beginning Trimester 1
New for the 2023-24 school year, elementary school report cards will be available online and will no longer be sent through postal mail or student’s backpacks. Families will be able to access report cards by logging into A-HConnect or viewing it on the ParentVUE mobile app.
The switch to online report cards means that information is available to review at the conclusion of each trimester. Schools will notify families when the report cards are available to view. Parents, guardians and any person with educational rights to a student will be able to access the student’s report card online.
To ensure access to the report cards when available at the conclusion of Trimester 1, families are encouraged to make sure they have their login information now. Currently, report cards from last school year are available for viewing.
How to view report cards from A-HConnect (view detailed instructions):
Login to A-HConnect.
Click on the ‘My Student Information/ParentVUE’ icon.
Select a student from the dropdown menu.
Select ‘Documents.’
Select and view the applicable report card from the ‘Documents’ window.
The report card will open in a new tab where the capabilities to download or print will be available.
View from the ParentVUE app (view detailed instructions):
Go to the AppStore or Google Play and search for the ParentVUE app.
Enter your zip code when prompted, and select “Anoka-Hennepin School District” from the menu options.
Confirm ‘yes’ and select ‘Already Activated,’ if prompted.
Use login/password to login.
Select a student from the student list.
Select ‘Documents.’
Select and view the applicable report card.
Click the share button to save or share the PDF.
If you need assistance logging in or forgot your password, call 763-506-HELP (4357) or email 506help@ahschools.us. For questions about the report cards, please contact the main office at your child’s school.
School Highlights
Traffic Changes Coming - Starting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, we will be placing two cones towards the entrance of the school off of NowThen Blvd. This is being done to remind drivers that there are not two lanes of access that go right; only one. We have had a number of near misses with cars colliding coming from different directions. We understand that the line to pick up at the end of the day can get long but it also goes quickly when it starts (we are done in about 10 minutes).
Technology Use - A reminder that student cell phones and mobile watches are not allowed during the school day to make calls, text, or use the internet. If a student needs to make a call home, arrangements can be made here at school to use the phone. If a student brings a phone or watch to school it is to be turned off and silent during the school day. If a student is caught using a phone or watch during the day they will be reminded of the policy and a communication will go home. If a student is caught a second time the phone or watch will be taken and returned at the end of the day and a communication will go home. If a student is caught a third time the phone or watch will be kept with administration until a parent can pick it up. At this time a meeting would be held with the student, administration, and parent(s). Please note, if technology is used inappropriately and shared with other students this could result in a suspension/dismissal from school.
Attendance - Regular attendance in school is essential to the success of our students. Students who are well should be at school every day that school is in session. Students who are ill should not be in school. Generally, students don’t miss more than six days of school a year from illness. If there are chronic health concerns, consult the school nurse.
If a student is not at school and the school has not received notice of an absence, the school will call a parent or guardian. If the school does not hear from the parent or guardian, the student’s absence will be recorded as unexcused. Absence due to weather concerns will be excused only if reported by a parent or guardian.
A student is considered tardy if he or she arrives up to 60 minutes late.
A student is considered absent for a half day if he or she arrives more than 60 minutes late up to half of the school day.
A student is considered absent for a full day if he or she arrives at school and is picked up within 90 minutes.
A student is considered absent for a full day if he or she misses four or more hours of the school day.
If an elementary student is absent three days within a single school year without an excuse the student is considered a “continuing truant,” according to state law (section 260A.02). The school is required by law to notify a parent when a child is a “continuing truant.” Once a student is considered a “continuing truant”, parents and guardians are given an opportunity to explain their child’s absences.
When an elementary student is absent seven or more days within a single school year without an excuse, that student is considered a “habitual truant,” according to state law (section 260C.007). Anoka-Hennepin schools refer “habitually truant” students to the county attorney.
Attendance letters will be sent home when absences or tardies become excessive so families can take corrective action and address the issue. If a student will not be attending school due to cold weather or other concerns, a parent or guardian must call the school to report the absence. Absence due to weather or other concerns will be excused if reported by a parent or guardian.
Parent Drop Off - Please do not drop off your child before 9:10 am as there is no adult supervision outside until then.
Parent Pick Up - To help keep everyone safe we ask all parents picking up their child by door number 1 to park in a designated parking spot, use the crosswalks, and stay a foot away from the curb while waiting for your child.
The office will NOT accept dismissal changes after 3:30 P.M.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 37: Free school meals, educational benefits and nutrition
New this school year, every student is able to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year due to the state’s Free School Meals program. While the program is new, students will still have access to the same nutritious meals they have come to expect in Anoka-Hennepin.
In the latest Parent Engage 360 Podcast, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin child nutrition leaders Noah Atlas (director) and Callie Neumann (assistant director) to learn more about the state’s Free School Meals program, educational benefits and the importance of balanced nutrition for youth.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The podcast is also available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
Episode highlights
The state’s Free School Meals program began in the fall of 2023, allowing every student to receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost during the school year.
In order to receive a meal, students must take a complete meal. Learn more about what makes a “complete meal.”
Learn more about why it's important for families to continue to apply for educational benefits even though school meals are now offered at no cost.
Neumann discusses the nutritional requirements from the federal government for school meals and the importance of a balanced diet for youth. Learn more about how to eat healthy with MyPlate at myplate.gov.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.
Family School Safety Tips
Discuss what is ok to bring to school
As the school year begins, now is a good opportunity to connect as a family and review what items are appropriate to bring to school. Families may tell their children that they should ask permission from their parent/guardian if they would like to bring an item to school from home other than school supplies.
There are instances where students may use tools or toys at home under the supervision of families (such as NERF, gel-blaster or squirt guns, pocket knives, fishing lures, or camping/scout kits) and bring them to school without parents being aware. These items are not allowed at school. If a student has these items in their possession at school, they are subject to consequences consistent with school district policy.
Whether an item resembling a weapon is a toy or real, any of the items listed above and others are not allowed at school. A general rule to follow is; if and when it could cause fear and alarm to others, it is considered a weapon.
Please take this opportunity to talk with your children about what is ok to bring to school and how their actions can keep our school safe for all of us.
Lunch Guests
Here is the Lunchroom Sign-Up Links for each month. You can also sign up through the Brookside Elementary Home page. Please see directions below.
* FYI, due to field trips and other events, we will not be having lunch guests in June.
Directions to Sign-Up to have Lunch with your Child
- Go to the Brookside Elementary Home Page: https://www.ahschools.us/brookside
- Click on "About Us"
- Click on "Daily Schedule"
- Click on the link "Sign up to have lunch with your child in December"
Directions to Add Funds to Your Student's Meal Account
- Log in to your A-H Connect parent account at ahschools.us.
- Click on the My Student Information/Synergy icon.
- Once in ParentVUE, click on the "Fee" tab.
- Click on "Pay Fees" to enter the SchoolPay payment system.
- Click on "Food Services" to add funds to your student's meal account.
Character Strong
We began rolling out our Character Strong social emotional curriculum this fall. Students are receiving daily lessons with an emphasis on conflict resolution, emotion regulation, and executive functioning skills. Below is the family newsletter for each grade level. Please take a peek to see what your child is learning.
Student Council
We had over 100 students apply to be a Student Council member this year! It was not an easy decision, but we were able to select 35 representatives from our 3rd-5th grade classrooms to make up our 2023-2024 Brookside Elementary Student Council. We are excited to watch these student leaders in action!
"Donut" worry! Pop Up Shops are back! Our 1st Pop Up Shop and Spirit Day will be on November 17. Pop Up Shops will be held in the K, 1st and 5th grade flex areas. All items are $1, with a limit of 2. Please send the exact amount needed. November 17 is the 50th day of school so our Spirit Day theme will be 50's Day!
Save the date...our 2nd annual Santa Shop will be held on Saturday, December 2 during the Brookside Craft Fair. We have BIG things planned this year - including double the inventory!
Each February we partner with a local, non profit organization with strong ties to our Brookisde community. In 2022 we partnered with The Potato Head Project. In 2023 we partnered with Cinderella Kenya. We are currently looking for a new organization to partner with in 2024. Please reach out to julia.stock@ahschools.us if you have any leads!
Brookside PTO
Happy Fall Brookside Families,
A HUGE SHOUT OUT to all who have made Storm Chase Fun Run Fundraiser so successful! We were able to surpass our goal of $25,000 and raise almost $34,000. WOW! Way to go Brookside Storm community! We can’t wait to slime our principals this month! Watch out for fun photos in next month’s newsletter.
We had so much fun at our Fun Run last Friday! We braved the weather and a last minute location change to have a great celebration of our fundraising efforts! Special thanks to DJ Molly and to our teachers/staff for stepping up to get pied in the face for our cause. Even Stormy made an appearance!
Join us on November 2nd at the PTO meeting for more updates and to share your thoughts as we think about how to improve our Storm Chase Fundraiser in the future.
Upcoming events!
November PTO Meeting: Thursday Nov 2nd, all are welcome!
Please join us at 6:30 in the Media Center at Brookside! We will discuss past event updates and review upcoming events! We would love for you to join us and learn more about how you can get involved in our school! We are always looking for new ideas and ways we can support our school community!
Join us for our November Dine Out night!
We hope to see you at Raising Cane’s in Coon Rapids on November 7th from 4-9 pm for our next Dine Out Night. Enjoy a night off of making dinner and join us for a great cause.
We are excited to host our first PTO Family event this fall!
Mark your calendars! November 17 from 6-7:30 pm we will be having a fun night of BINGO!
Doors open at 5:45 and Bingo will start right at 6:00. It is a free event with fun prizes to win! Concessions available for purchase! We hope you can join us!
Our second Brookside Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, December 2nd!
Are you a vendor? Do you know someone who makes or sells some pretty cool things? Please send us an email and we can send you some more details! brooksideelemschoolPTO@gmail.com
Do you like to shop? Check out this great event! Grab some friends and come and shop! Concessions will be available and the Student Council will also be hosting a Secret Santa Event!
Want to connect with us? Join us at a PTO meeting whenever you are able or email us at brooksideelemschoolPTO@gmail.com.
Discover Community Ed
Questions about Community Ed? Please contact Tricia Josephs at tricia.josephs@ahschools.us or 763-433-5212.
Link to all upcoming classes at Brookside:
Link to all youth classes:
https://ahschools.ce.eleyo.com/courses/category/133/youth-activities-and-classes
Volunteer Update
November 10th: Veterans Day Program - Veterans Day program volunteer sign-up
- Brookside will be hosting a program to honor our Veterans on Friday, November 10th. The program will begin at 9:15am with coffee, donuts, and juice for breakfast and end with an outdoor program that all are invited to. We would love volunteers to help support this program.
November 17th: PTO Bingo Night - PTO Bingo Night volunteer sign-up
- Brookside's PTO is looking for volunteers to help support our fall Bingo Night! It will be on Friday, November 17th from 6:00-7:30pm. If you are interested in helping with this event, please sign up in your area of interest.
December 2nd: Brookside Craft Fair - Brookside Craft Fair volunteer sign-up
- Brookside will be hosting its 2nd craft fair event! It will be on Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00-2:00. There will be several craft vendors to shop from, concessions to enjoy during the lunch hour, and a Secret Santa event for our youngest shoppers (students) to go and buy Christmas gifts at great prices. The Secret Santa event will have our very own Santa visiting while our students shop in secrecy from their families. Our Student Council members will help them shop and even wrap up their gifts. This is a fun family event for all! The craft fair takes many hands to put on. We could not do this without wonderful volunteers helping to make it happen.
Ongoing: Craft Fair concessions donations - Craft Fair concessions donations
- We will be serving concessions at our craft fair on Saturday, December 2nd. We are looking for food donations to have for our concession booth. If you are able to donate an item, please sign up using the link above. All items need to be brought to Brookside by Thursday, November 30th - 3pm. We will leave a cart inside the vestibule to set the donations on. Any refrigerated items will be brought to the fridge right away. Thank you for considering helping in this way.