Tiger Tales

Stevenson Families,

In November, we celebrated Native American Heritage month. Our scholars learned about tribes, traditions, and celebrations. Our school community also engaged in projects and a culminating assembly where we participated in a traditional dance.

It is winter and getting colder! Please send students to school with winter gear. If you are in need of winter clothing, please reach out to Cait Ostman at 763-502-5310. Outdoor play is so important with less daylight. We do go outside if the wind chill is above zero degrees. When it is above zero degrees there is not an indoor recess option because it's important for students to get movement and fresh air.

Kindly,

Veronica Mathison

Stevenson Elementary Principal

763-502-5301

veronica.mathison@fridley.k12.mn.us

December 6- Butter Braids Fundraiser is due

December 7- 4th Grade Concert (5:30 p.m. at Fridley High School)

December 19- Butter Braid pickup at RLS (4:00-6:00 p.m.)

December 20- PTO Meeting (5:30 p.m.)

December 21- 1/2 Day of Play & Pajama Day

December 22-January 1- No School (Winter Break)

We are so very grateful to Officer Nico, Officer Dave and the entire Fridley Police Association for kicking off Facial Hair for Field Tips for Stevenson. The $1500 raised is incredibly generous and will fully fund an annual field trip for 150 Stevenson scholars! This is nearly one third of our entire student body.

Field trips provide meaningful and engaging experiences our scholars will remember for years. We currently do not charge any of our families for field trips and rely solely on donations and fundraisers. We were afraid we were going to have to charge a fee this year. Due to this donation, we will not need to. Our staff, our students, and our families thank the Fridley Police Association!

• $850 in grant money will increase math picture books in our library
• Kindergarten scholars will participate in "March Mathness"
• Growth in math is directly connected to feeling success and mindset relating to math

Students are experimenting with ramps from the Science House.

Your school is participating in the Minnesota School Sealant Program, where students receive free or low cost dental services provided at school. Dental sealants and fluoride varnishes are often provided in a public health setting due to the amazing benefits they provide at a low cost.

The School Sealant Program not only provides dental care to children, but also increases learning opportunities. Instead of missing a few hours of school to go to a dental office, we can provide sealants in 15 minutes just down the hall. By preventing cavities with sealants, kids will also avoid frequent tooth pain that can be a huge distraction from learning.

This is just a reminder as the cold weather is here, we go outside everyday unless the temperature with wind chill is below 0 degrees. There is not an indoor recess option because it's important for students to get movement and fresh air. Please send your child with the appropriate winter gear every day. Here is what we call the Frosty Five that are required to keep kids safe and warm.

1. Winter Jacket
2. Hat
3. Gloves
4. Snow Pants
5. Boots

After the snow falls, without boots students need to be on the sidewalk to avoid wet and super cold feet. If you need any help with warm gear, please contact our school social worker, Cait Ostman, at 763-502-5310.

Our student resource room is in need of:

• Warm mittens
• Snow pants
• Boots

Items can be dropped off in our front office and will be available to our scholars in need of items.

The 7th annual Black & Gold Gala 2024 will be on January 25, 2024 at Jax Cafe from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Jax Cafe is at 1928 University Avenue NE Minneapolis, MN 55418.

The Fridley Schools Foundation awards educator innovation grants across the school district, provides post secondary scholarships to graduating seniors, and supports district initiatives.

Get your tickets

Individual-$100

Gala table for 8-$750

Gala Sponsership-$1500

Stevenson Elementary is now a drop off site through TerraCycle for juice pouches. Students can recycle theirs in the lunchroom and you can drop off juice pouches at the front office anytime! Our school does receive funds from TerraCycle based on how many we recycle. Please consider bringing us any Caprisun/KoolAid/Honest juice pouches.

Student arrival begins 8:55 a.m.

Free breakfast is served 8:55 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.

School day starts at 9:10 a.m.

Dismissal is 3:45 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/RLSElementary/

WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

The safety of children on the school bus depends not only on the bus driver, but others on the road as well. Please pay attention to the following winter safety tips to students, parents and motorists:

• Don’t Rush to Catch the Bus. When roads and walkways are slippery, rushing to catch the bus or driving faster to make it to your destination can have disastrous results. Children need extra time to get to the bus stop in cold, windy or snowy conditions. Encouraging them to leave a few minutes early and take their time can reduce the number of falls on slick pavement.
• Bundle Up like Randy from “A Christmas Story.” Students need to keep warm at the bus stop, but they also must still be able to see and hear what’s going on around them. When bundling up your child in the morning, make sure he or she still has an adequate line of sight and can hear traffic and other noises. And make sure your student can put his arms down.
• Put Down the Phone. As highlighted by the “Pokémon Go” craze, not looking where you are walking can have disastrous results. When walking on snow or ice covered surfaces, watch where you are walking, take shorter, more deliberate steps or do the “penguin shuffle.”
• Get a Grip. Wear footwear appropriate for conditions. Avoid footwear with slick (no-tread) soles when walking on wet surfaces, snow or ice.
• Just a Little Patience. School bus drivers are very well trained on driving in inclement weather; however, snow and icy roads can slow down even the most experienced driver. Safety is each driver’s top priority and extra time may be needed to get from stop to stop.
• The Last Step. The seemingly simple task of getting on and off the bus can be taken for granted. Always use the handrails!
• Pay Attention to Weather Alerts and School Messages. As hectic as mornings can be, parents should be aware of weather alerts and school cancellations or delays. Bad weather also can lead to early dismissals or a change in bus routes. Make sure your school has your contact information to receive late-breaking alerts, and be sure to check your school website or local media when inclement weather is expected.

School attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunity for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student.

Examples of EXCUSED Absences

Illness (ex. strep throat, fever)

Please note: After 10 or more days of excused illness absences, students will be required to present a provider note for ongoing absences

Medical, dental or orthodontic treatment or counseling appointment

Physical emergency condition such as a fire or floor

Family Emergencies

Religious Holidays

Death or Funeral of immediate family member or close friend

Examples of UNEXCUSED Absences

Overslept / Alarm Failure

Missed the bus / Car trouble

Staying home to babysit

Needed at home

Shopping / Errands

Please contact our school social worker with any questions!

Cait Ostman, MSW, LICSW

Phone: 763.502.5310

Email: caitlin.ostman@fridley.k12.mn.us

Text: 612.424.0478

Campus Parent Portal is a required account for families to add money to your child's lunch account, apply for financial assistance, and access transportation information. You will also be using Parent Portal to update your phone number and any other personal information such as approved emergency contacts.

Nutritional Services provides one free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of meal status. To receive a meal at no charge, the student must take a complete meal including at least ½ cup fruit or vegetables. Students cannot just come and get a milk; they must have at least three items on their lunch tray. We encourage all students to come and try a meal with us. We offer a variety of student favorites including hamburger on bun, pizza and spaghetti with meatballs. We are continuing to expand the cultural dishes we offer, so please check out the monthly menu. Nutritional Services does not serve any pork products on the menus.

Please check your child's lunch account for any outstanding balances from the 2022-23 school year. These balances need to be paid, if you have any questions, please contact Kathy Backstrom at 763-502-5021 or Renee Arbogast at 763-502-5022.

Stevenson Elementary is an International Baccalaureate World School dedicated to nurturing students to show curiosity, be lifelong learners, and give back to their communities. Our exceptional teachers and support staff provide a welcoming environment where the classroom becomes a learning community!

Email: Veronica.mathison@fridley.k12.mn.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/isd14.org/stevensone-learning/home
Location: 6080 East River Road, Fridley, MN, USA
Phone: 7635025300