News from the Nest
February 9, 2024
News from Mr. Hartmann . . .
As we continue our journey towards success and excellence this school year, I want to remind you of one of the most helpful ways we can stay connected: checking your child's backpack, folder, planner, and communication sheet daily.
I know it's not always easy to keep up with the papers shuffling back and forth each day. But staying in tune with your child's school materials is one of the best ways you can support their learning and growth. When you make checking their backpack a consistent routine, you'll be able to celebrate their successes, assist with any struggles, and partner with their teacher and me to help them thrive.
With parent-teacher conferences coming up soon, I encourage you to take some time to review your child's work and progress. Let their teacher know what's going well and if there are any concerns you want to discuss as a team. Conferences are a valuable chance for us to recalibrate and make sure we're all on the same page when it comes to meeting your child's needs.
We're all in this together! Consistent communication and teamwork between home and school is so important for your child's education. I know that with your support, we're going to make this school year the best one yet for your student. Let's keep the momentum going!
Important Dates:
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
Mar. 11-15: No School / Spring Break
This is a quick reminder that registration for Spring Conferences is now open. Please note that both nights will be in-person conferences. Our goal is 100 percent participation, so please check out the dates listed below, and thank you in advance for making every effort to attend. If you have any difficulty signing up, please call our main office number at 763-792-6200 or email twikstrom@isd12.org.
As in the past, BHE is requesting families to honor our goal of having one conference per student unless it is legally necessary to have two conferences. We have found it beneficial for the parents to work together. If you need an accommodation, please contact Mr. Hartmann.
Conference Details:
- Thursday, February 22nd
- Thursday, Feburary 29th
- Registration for conferences CLOSES on Sunday, February 18 at 10pm.
- Follow this link to the MyConferenceTime online platform to sign up for conferences.
Helpful Links:
- Help with signing up: https://www.myconferencetime.com/info/help/video-how-to-sign-up/
- Canceling a conference: https://myconferencetime.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/48000236886-cancel-a-registration
Kids Heart Challenge
Our Community counts on lifesavers like you. Can we count on you to help us hit our goal of getting 50% of our kiddos participating? BONUS: your student will get this awesome wristband just for joining at Blue Heron Elementary Heart Challenge or using the KHC app.
Attendance Matters
- Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
- Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.
- Students can still fall behind if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.
- Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
- Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.
"EYE"tastic Opportunity
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.
Blue Heron Elementary Yearbook
Yearbook Photos Needed
We are looking for your pictures to put in our yearbook. Click on the link below to add your pictures. Please make sure the pictures only feature students from Blue Heron Elementary. Thank you.
LINK - https://images.jostens.com/0TXbkr6X9Dd-4tY5ni64eHQ
USER ID - 0TXbkr6X9Dd-4tY5ni64eHQ
District News
Centennial Preschool Registration Opens March 1
The Centennial School District offers high-quality part-day and full-day preschool experiences. Preschool classes are designed to prepare students, ages 3-5, and families for success in kindergarten, practicing both academic and social skills in a “learning-through-play” philosophy. Full-day classrooms are located at each of the elementary schools in the Centennial School District; part-day classrooms are at the Early Childhood Center. Our preschool has earned a 4 Star Parent Aware Rating. Registrations received between March 1 and March 22 will be included in the placement lottery. Registration will remain open after the lottery for remaining seats. Program and registration information can be found on the district’s website.
District Survey Reminder
We want to hear from you! Reminder to parents/guardians to complete the annual survey—look for an email send on February 1 with the survey link. The survey is short—takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. The survey is open until Sunday, February 18.
Community Education
Youth Spring Volleyball League (gr. 4-5)
Try this fun and social sport in a supportive environment; join our recreational volleyball league! Learn and develop skills including passing, setting, serving and more. Enjoy bonding with your teammates during games! Teams are formed by school. A T-shirt is included with registration. Register now-the season begins the week of March 17!
Here’s what’s happening soon:
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)
Mar. 3- Advanced Conquer Ninja Rec Team (ages 6-13)
Intro to Ninja (ages 6-13)
Mar. 19- Winter Soccer Skills (gr. K-2)
Mar. 21- Volleyball Intro Skills and Games (gr. 3)
Mar. 23- Spring Open Swim schedule begins!
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.
Blue Heron Elementary
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