Normandy Park School

Please note that Wednesday is the last day of classes before the winter break. Instruction will resume on 1/4/2021.

MSD will continue to share important information on the Coronavirus Update Center and on our MSD Forward pages. Please know that I am here to help and support in any way that I can. Feel free to reach out to me directly at christopher.miller@msdk12.net.

I would like to take this time to thank everyone for their continued support and partnership. Together, we faced the challenges of 2020. I am looking forward to a great 2021! Please have a restful and enjoyable Winter Break!

Mrs. Schwamm has prepared a virtual sing-a-long of holiday/winter songs for our NPS students and families!

Feel free to watch, sing, and dance along as a family!

This part of the newsletter will have a question or a topic for you to discuss with your child(ren). This can be done on the way to school, on the way to sports practice, before dinner, at bedtime, etc.

Each week there will be a “something to think about” question and a “something to talk about” question. The “something to think about question” is for you as a parent to reflect on for yourself. The “something to talk about” question is for you to discuss with your child. These exercises are meant to stimulate a conversation on race, equity and inclusion in America.

Week Fifteen

Parent Reflection: Last week, you spoke to your child about their experiences in school. This week, reflect on the race of your teachers that you had. Have you ever had a black teacher or another teacher of color? If so did you feel you were able to make a connection with your teachers? Why or why not?

Child Question: Do you think it matters to have had a teacher that looks like you? Why? Do you think it is important for children to have teachers of color? Why or why not?

Thank you to everyone who supported the School Spirit Store! The orders are available for pick-up at the school this week (Monday-Wednesday) between the hours of 8:30 - 2:30 (weather permitting). If you have not already done so, please pick up your orders from the school in the next few days.

Any questions or issues with picking up your orders, please reach out to Angela Finlay at akfinlay13@gmail.com.

Thank you to our students and families for participating in our NPS Virtual Spirit Week last week!

On account of our snow day last week, we did not have the opportunity to have our Holiday/Winter Sweater Day! Feel free to wear a holiday/winter sweater and/or hat on Wednesday!

The MSD K-2 art teacher has created a Winter Art Showcase, including the work of our young NPS student artists. Click here to check it out.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held virtually over a three week period.

All parent/teacher conferences will be held between November 30 - December 21.

All conferences will be 20 minutes in length and be conducted virtually. Teachers will provide each family with a completed conference sheet either prior to the meeting or immediately after that will reflect an academic snapshot in the areas of strengths, goals for growth, and ways can provide support at home.

We had a great turn out for our first Kindergarten Information Session.

I will be hosting another information session at the end of January for prospective K 2021-2022 parents, who were not able to attend last session.

Please click here for additional information.

Message from Ms. Cohen:

It was great to see everyone enjoying spirit week!

This is the final counselor’s note of the 2020 school year. In spite of all of the challenges parents, guardians, students and staff have shown grit and determination. I know it may not be easy but make sure to take some time for yourselves. Try to shut off the computer, put down the remote, and turn off the phone. Even with lots of activities shut down, there is so much to do at home: play board games, make up games, make a fort, cut out paper snowflakes, draw, have a singing contest or a family talent show, read a book alone or together, make playdough, bake, make musical instruments out of recycled materials, tour the neighborhood to look at lights...the list goes on and on. Most of these ideas don’t cost a penny and they are positive ways to build family time. Please reach out to me if you need more ideas!

I will continue to host the social lunch groups this week:

Mondays: 4th and 5th grade

Tuesdays: Kindergarten

Wednesdays: 1st grade

Whatever you celebrate or whatever you do during this break, have a happy, healthy and safe holiday/vacation.

Ms. Cohen

cheryl.cohen@msdk12.net

Grab & Go meals will be available for all students, who wish to receive them. The Federal Department of Agriculture has extended waivers that will allow MSD to serve ALL students meals for FREE through June 2021.

More information about School Breakfast & Lunch is available on the MSD Forward homepage under "Back to School Resources for Families."

Please see the menu below for meals offered each day:

*For when we return to in-person schooling:

• If there are changes in your child's dismissal plans (e.g. you are going to pick them up that day, instead of taking the bus), please use the attached form or call the main office.
• For written communication between you and your child's teacher, please utilize Class Dojo and/or e-mail, rather than hand-written letters (when possible).

• December 24th to January 1st: Winter Recess School Closed