The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) is coming up at SPPS Online School in April 2025! You will be getting more information via US postal and email. Testing is done in-person at Como Park Elementary from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Your child is required to attend testing! Please complete the Parent Response Google Form to verify whether your child is or is not attending MCA testing.

Parent Response Google Form: Please, click here to access the Google Form

To help your child prepare for MCA testing, you can use the link(s) below:

• https://srt.testnav.com/mn/mn-srt.html

• https://minnesota.pearsonaccessnext.com/readiness-tools/

If your child does not come for testing, please complete the Non Participation Refusal Form for each child and email it to sppsonlineschool.testing@spps.org.

Non Participation Refusal Form:

Once the Parent response Google Form is completed and/or the Non Participation Refusal Form is completed we will stop communicating with you to complete these required forms.

If you have any questions, you can contact Belinda Vang at 651-744-2081 or email sppsonlineschool.testing@spps.org.

As of March 24, 2025, students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade will no longer be able to send or receive emails from their school Google accounts. This change will help reduce distractions, improve focus on learning, and enhance student account security.

Classroom teachers will continue to communicate with you through newsletters, classroom apps like ClassDojo or Seesaw, phone calls, parent-teacher conferences, Google text messages, and Google Voice. Please use these methods to stay informed and contact the classroom teachers.

If you have any questions and concern please reach out to Jeffrey Bush, Principal at 651-744-7586 or email at jeffrey.bush@spps.org and/or John Osorio, Assistant Principal at 651-744-6368 or email john.osorio@spps.org.

Thank you for your understanding.

Dear OES Parents,

Importance of Parents Teaching Vocabulary to Their Children at Home

Home Vocabulary Teaching Importance

• Essential for effective communication, reading comprehension, and academic success.

• Early vocabulary knowledge influences later learning and self-expression.

Strong Vocabulary in Children's Communication

• Strong vocabulary aids clear expression of thoughts and feelings.

• Parents' introduction of new words boosts children's confidence in communication.

• Accurate emotion descriptions enhance communication skills.

• Emotional intelligence is crucial in today's world.

Vocabulary Development at Home Enhances Reading Skills

• Rich vocabulary aids in better comprehension of books.

• Understanding new words in books, like "explore," aids comprehension.

• Daily reading and discussing new words are crucial.

• Parents can foster reading love by choosing age-appropriate books and engaging in story conversations.

Home Vocabulary Teaching

• Fosters love for learning through active parental involvement.

• Activities like word games, labeling, and word-based descriptions make learning enjoyable.

• Aligns with educational trends emphasizing interactive, playful learning.

• Makes vocabulary acquisition a fun, enjoyable experience.

Role of Parents in Vocabulary Teaching

• Crucial for children's communication, reading, and emotional understanding.

• Rapid changes in education necessitate an active role in vocabulary development.

• Strong vocabulary foundation for lifelong learning and success.

John Osorio

Assistant Principal

651-744-6368 / john.osorio@spps.org

It is important for your child to show up to class on time everyday. If your child will be absent from class please contact Belinda Vang via phone or email at your earliest convenience.

Attendance Line: 651-744-4707

Attendance Email: oes.attendance@spps.org

How to report an absence:

• Student Name

• Parent Name

• Student # or DOB

• Date(s) of Absence

• Reason for being absent

Save The Date: All Elementary Families: I am so excited to share that we will be hosting a Makers Night in person at our Como School location. We will have art supplies and guided Spring Themed projects.

When: Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm-6:00pm

Where: Como Elementary School (where we share in-person learning space)

Must register at this link by March 18.

New newsletter for February and March: 2/20/25 - 3/22/25 Newsletter

Our Kindergarten newsletter shares our theme, the lessons and goals we have throughout the theme, and important dates. It also has links to the Big Skills Document, where you can see exactly what your child should have mastered at this time and a link to our Kindergarten Weekly Photo Drops. Please reach out with any questions, comments or concerns to 651-447-8866.

Check out our First Grade Newsletter here. There is new information on this link weekly!

Click here for the Second Grade Running Newsletter. There is new information on this link weekly!

Dear 3rd Grade Families,

This week in Math, the third graders have been reviewing telling time. We introduced the concept of reading thermometers as well. Help your student practice at home using analog clocks and thermometers around your home.

In reading, we are learning about the author’s purpose of writing books. You can also help your child practice by reading books together at home and helping them determine the author’s purpose of each book.

Students have begun a new writing unit. We will be writing informational paragraphs on the students’ animal topic of choice. This unit’s writing will be a group project. We are very excited about it!\

Conferences will be next week on March 27th and 28th. Please do not forget to sign up if you have not already done so. I look forward to meeting with you and discussing your child’s academic progress. https://calendly.com/msmoua/moua-spring-conferences-2025

Thank you, as always, for supporting your child in their learning.

Ms. Moua

612-564-9783

baokou.moua@spps.org

Dear 4th Grade Families,

In writing this week, students were to choose a woman in their lives to interview and share with the class! I hope you enjoyed the conversations you had with your child! An alternative to this interview was to research a famous woman for Women’s History Month.

We will begin a new math unit next week on angles, rays and degrees of a circle! Every math lesson begins on Seesaw, and then your child’s assignments and independent practice are on HMHEd. They log into HMH through Clever on their ipads. Please check their assignments there to make sure they are keeping up with their math work.

In reading, we’ve been learning about Historical Fiction, and we will transition to learning about Biographies next week. Students have been learning about how historical context is part of the setting and can impact characters and the choices they make.

Please contact me any time:

612-314-9961

michelle.smith2@stpaul.k12.mn.us

Hello 5th grade families!

This week student’s performed their poetry they have been working on. We have been studying poetry, both reading and writing it!

Students are still mastering multiplying fractions - please continue to work on multiplication of basic facts at home - this is the biggest help you can give your student in math!

Please make sure you have signed up for Spring conferences: https://calendly.com/doyle-eustice/spring-conferences

MCA testing will take place right after spring break - can’t wait to see you all in person!

Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Ms. E

jackelyn.doyle@spps.org

‪(651) 456-8606‬

This week in Kindergarten we were practicing features built into Google Meet. To support your students at home please make sure they can share their screen, spilt screen, and access the chat to open links.

Here are some links to help at home- Access the chat and How to Share your Screen

Third Grade was working on Would You Rather Google Slides studying notable women for Woman’s history day.

Kelly Jenson

Kelly.Jenson@spps.org

‪(651) 764-8082‬

2nd Grade Artists are learning about continuous line drawings and they studied works by two female identifying artists who made it possible for other women to become accepted as painters. They were both known as “animaliers” a special name for artists who make work with animals as the main subject.

5th Grade Artists look at works by Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keefe. They designed their own nature inspired drawings and flower art. We talked about “Macro” and “Micro”.

Save The Date: All Elementary Families: I am so excited to share that we will be hosting a Makers Night in person at our Como School location. We will have art supplies and guided Spring Themed projects.

When: Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm-6:00pm

Where: Como Elementary School (where we share in-person learning space)

Must sign up at this link by March 18.

Ms. Haug

jenna.haug@stpaul.k12.mn.us

612-568-5355

It has been a joy teaching PE Class this year to the Online Elementary School! The students are a joy to have! This week we had the 2nd Graders and the 5th Graders in PE Class. We have been doing our workouts and fitness to improve our strength, endurance, balance, and coordination! This upcoming week I will have the 1st Graders, and the 4th Graders in class.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at 651-603-4652 or shaw.wiczek@stpaul.k12.mn.us

Contact me:

Dr. Magalenn Cotton

magalenn.cotton@spps.org

612-615-2145

Hello families! A reminder that special education services with Ms. Deacon are provided in the morning (before lunch) - having your child on time and present is the best way to maximize resource room services. Ms. L. also provides support throughout the afternoon, with homework support from 2 - 3 using the same code as services. Progress reports on IEPs will be shared in November around conference time. brooke.deacon@spps.org

Click here for the class newsletter for March: Zallaps' New Class Newsletter

Ms. Claudia Perez Inzunza (Ms. P.I) and Ms. Sherri Silva work with all English Language Learners in OES Kinder- 5th grade. If you or your child needs support, please contact them via email, calls or text at claudia.perezinzunza@spps.org 651-419-6605

sherri.silva@spps.org 651-252-4470

The OLS MLL Team is continuing to administer the Spanish Language Proficiency evaluation: STAMPS to LCD eligible Spanish speaking students at OES in person at Como Park Elementary School.

ACCESS testing in person at Como Park Elementary School continues for OLS students in English Language Development. If you receive a call or text message from our team, please make sure to schedule your child to be tested before the March 21st deadline.

SPPS Board of Education Resolution

At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, the Board of Education adopted a resolution that reiterates the rights of all children to access education and learning opportunities regardless of immigration status. The resolution is available on pages 117-118 of the February 18th Board Book..

Hello everyone! I’m Ms. Steph and I support families that work with Ms. Zallaps and Ms. Deacon. Please call, text or email me with any questions: stephanie.abbas@spps.org or ‪(612) 548-1841‬

Reading groups are in full swing! If your 3rd - 5th grader has a reading group with me, please help them attend daily.

My contact information is: molly.brown@spps.org or 612-568-4212 (call or text).

Please contact Kim Stout for support around family, community, or school stressors. kim.stout@spps.org or (651)401-5595

I'm Maki Love, the school counselor. From now until spring break, students will be learning about colleges and careers.

Have a question or need support?

Email: maki.love@spps.org

Google Voice Text or Call: 612-405-8056

I’m Ms.McConnell, I’m the Navigational Intervention Specialist in the Online Elementary school. Check out my newsletter here.

If you have needs, and may not be sure where to go, contact me at 6126994177 or at Kiowona.mcconnell@stpaul.k12.mn.us.

I’m Ms. Shanaz, the onboarding specialist. If you have questions, please call or text me at (612)568-6624.

Did you know that students above the age of 6 should be getting a minimum of 60 minutes of exercise each day? It is also important that they do things to work on bone and muscle strength at least 3 days per week. Outdoor playgrounds are great places for kids to naturally reach these recommendations. Click on this link to find a St. Paul park near you.

Resources:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/physicalactivity/pabasics.html

Please contact Contact Nurse Jenny if you want more information on any other health related topic at 651-419-1219 or Jennifer.martineau@spps.org.

Parenting a child with a disability can feel isolating, and our peer-led virtual support groups provide a welcoming space for connection and understanding. https://familyvoicesofminnesota.org/parent-groups/

If any additional needs, please reach out to Kim Stout our school social worker (651)401-5595 or kim.stout@spps.org

A reminder to families that SPPS Online has partnered with EveryMeal. You can pick up a bag of food with shelf staples once a month starting in March at Como Park Elementary between 11:00-1:30 at the small parking lot entrance of Door 6. Pick up will be the following days:

-April 25th

-May 16th

Families can fill out this survey at any time to be included. There are no requirements that need to be met. Food is available to all families. Bags will not be available other days of the week unless there is an appointment scheduled with an SPPS Online staff member. Below are photos and a list of items typically available in each bag.

For quick at home fixes, call

Joshua Thao, iPad Manager: ‪

612-699-4161 / joshua2.thao@spps.org

For in person appointments to change out or fix technology, make an appointment below. ‬

Title I: Online School Annual SCIP Meeting for Parents

Title I Resources and Important Links for Parents:

• Title I

• Family Engagement Plan 2024/25

• K-12 School Compacts 2024/25

• Parents Right to Know

• Online School SCIP Plan

• Needing Docs Translated?

• Resources for Parents

• Parent Volunteer Request

• MDE OES School Report Cards

Feel free to contact John Osorio at john.osorio@spps.org with any questions about Title I or any of these documents and services.

March 27th - Conferences from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

March 28th - No School, Conferences from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

March 31 - April 4 - No school, spring break

April 8 - Picture Day

April 8 - MCA Reading Test for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

April 9 - MCA Math Test for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

April 10 - MCA Science Test for 5th grade

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