Falcon Newsletter
May 2024
A NOTE FROM PRINCIPAL LOOBY
Good Afternoon, Falcon Families!
As we dive into Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10th, I wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continuous support and partnership in your child's education.
This coming week, we have the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedicated educators who pour their hearts and souls into nurturing and guiding our students. They go above and beyond to create engaging lessons, foster a supportive learning environment, and instill a love for learning in our children.
Your words of encouragement and acknowledgment mean the world to our teachers. Whether it's a simple thank you note, a heartfelt email, or a small token of appreciation, your gestures truly make a difference and fuel their passion for teaching.
As we honor our teachers this week, let's take a moment to reflect on the profound impact they have on shaping the future of our children. Together, let's show our gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence.
Thank you for being an essential part of our school community and for your continued support in recognizing and celebrating our amazing teachers.
Warm regards,
Sara Looby
Principal
Highlights from the past month
First grade family members joined students on Earth Day.
They spent time picking up trash outside.
They also had a chance to do a fun project inside
4th GRADE FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN OUR TOUR OF THE STATES!
Tour of the States!
Thursday, May 30th
3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Fair Oaks Media Center
Our fourth graders have researched and learned so much about the states and are excited to share their knowledge with you! Please join us to celebrate their hard work and see their final presentations.
Please check in at the front office when you arrive. We hope to see you on May 30th!
**TITLE 1 WILL BE PURCHASING COOKIES AND WATER FOR THIS EVENT.
PARKING LOT SAFETY
Just a friendly reminder that if you are dropping off your student in the morning for school and park in the parking lot, please walk your students do their designated door.
If you are dropping off at the curbside, pull up all the way to door 9, this will help avoid a traffic jam. Remember, you cannot let students out of your car In the bypass lane.
If you have any questions, please contact the office.
ARE YOU IN NEED OF FREE TUTORING FOR YOUR STUDENT?
HOMEWORK STARTS WITH HOME INFORMATION
DEVICE COLLECTION
THURSDAY, MAY 30TH WILL BE THE LAST DAY THAT STUDENTS USE THEIR DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM.
ALL DEVICES WILL BE COLLECTED ON FRIDAY, MAY 31ST.
****PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR STUDENT HAS THEIR DEVICE, CHARGER AND ANY HOTSPOT DEVICES THAT WERE BORROWED FROM THE DISTRICT TO RETURN THIS DAY!
Field trip for 4th and 5th grade Hmong students
Hmong Student Lunch Groups @ Fair Oaks Elementary School
Hmong Village Field Trip Information
4th and 5th graders (only)
Dear Parents of 4th and 5th graders,
We are excited to have our Hmong students in 4th and 5th grades from Fair Oaks School in our Hmong Student Lunch Groups to go on another field trip to the Hmong Village in Saint Paul on May 9th, 2024, from 10:00AM to 1:30PM. This is an opportunity for our students to explore and learn more about our Hmong culture, clothing, food, language, and materials.
We are welcoming parent chaperones now. If you’re interested in being a chaperone, please use the 279 District Website link https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/Nzg0OmVuLVVT to go fill out the Volunteer Application for a background check. You will need to pass the background check before you can chaperone. I will be sending permission slips and sharing more information sometime in the beginning of March.
NOTE: Students are welcome to bring cash to purchase food for lunch and/or any items for themselves since this is a cash only market square.
If you have any questions, please contact Kou Vang at (612) 394-3358, or email her at vangk@district279.org from Fair Oaks Elementary School.
Important Dates
Monday, May 6th - No school for students
Thursday, May 9th - 4th & 5th grade Hmong student field trip
Friday, May 10th - 5th grade NVMS students to NVMS
Monday, May 27th - No school for students or staff
Wednesday, May 29th - 5th grade celebration /2-3:30pm
Thursday, May 30th - 5th Grade field trip to Fish Lake
Thursday, May 30th - 2nd Grade field trip to Orchard Park
Thursday, May 30th - 4th Grade tour of the states - 3:00-3:45
Friday, May 31st - Super Kid's Day
Friday, May 31st - All Ipads and Chromebooks are being collected
Monday, June 3rd - 1st Grade picnic
Monday, June 3rd - 4th grade to Orchard Park
Friday, June 7th - Last day of school
Here is your chance to voice your opinions!
MDE Redesigning Assessment Reports – Your Voice Matters!
April 2024
Parent/caregiver e-newsletters at all schools
RE: MDE Redesigning Assessment Reports – Your Voice Matters!
Do you have ideas about how the statewide assessment results, like the MCA, could be shared with the public and school and district staff?
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is beginning the process of redesigning the statewide assessment reports. This includes evaluating how student results are organized and communicated (including the labels like "does not meet” or “exceeds" the standards, and what the reports will look like for new academic standards). The redesigned reports will be seen for the first time in summer and fall 2025.
Please take the survey to share your experience: tinyurl.com/state-testing-survey. It should take no longer than 15 minutes. Responses are completely anonymous and needed by May 19.
Your voice is important to this process. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Please reach out to mde.testing@state.mn.us with any questions or concerns about the survey or feedback process.
Middle school social media (Facebook and/or X)
Parents/caregivers and eighth graders: Please speak up and take the Statewide Assessment Redesign Survey. Your voice can influence how assessment results, for tests like the MCAs, are reported for our school: tinyurl.com/state-testing-survey. Responses are needed by May 19.
High school social media (Facebook and/or X)
Parents/caregivers and students: Please speak up and take the Statewide Assessment Redesign Survey. Your voice can influence how assessment results, for tests like the MCAs, are reported for our school: tinyurl.com/state-testing-survey. Responses are needed by May 19.
Volunteer corner
Our volunteer coordinator is Sophie Castruita. She can help you with any and all questions regarding volunteer work at Fair Oaks. There are many events though out the year that we need volunteers to help make a success! If there is a chance that you will chaperone your student's field trips at all this year, we ask that you please fill out this application as well. You can reach Sophie at: CastruitaS@district279.org
Free Little Library!
Did you know Fair Oaks has its own Free Little Library! Students and community members are welcome to grab a book to enjoy. We are grateful to the Impact Library Program for donating the Free Little Library to our school community! Take a book or leave a book!
A note from our school social worker and counselor
Consistent school attendance is important for student learning! Even missing 2 days of school per month impacts a student’s ability to learn at their fullest potential. Fair Oaks wants to support our students in getting to school as much as possible. If it’s been difficult to get your child to school, please contact the school social worker or your child’s teacher for more help. To learn more, check out this flyer from AttendanceWorks: Help Your Child Succeed in School: Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early
If your student will be late for absent for any reason, please call our attendance line at 763-549-2353. You can leave your voicemail in either Spanish or English. Thank you!
CARES CHAMPIONS
At Fair Oaks, we believe in CARES!
Cooperation
Assertion
Responsibility
Empathy
Self Control
The Fair Oaks team works hard to create a united community that utilizes CARES to support all students in their learning! Students can earn badges for demonstrating CARES behavior. If your student comes home wearing a CARES badge sticker, please ask them about it!
PLEASE HELP US CONGRATULATE OUR APRIL CARES CHAMPIONS!
Bryson Lezama
Dylan Elvira Cardona
Aran Parenta
Sundus Arale
Charles Roberts
Rowan Yang
Avianna Williams
Juan Sanchez
Isaac Mulsumo
Jaynielle Barclay
Christian Felix
Jasiah McCoy
Ava Anderson
Abrianna Wreah
Ethan Xiong
Na’imah Akbar
Flower Lee
Royce Lee
Arianna Banuelos Aguilar
Elysia Bloodworth
Anthony Pedersen
Roman Thepbanthao
Nick Vang
Carlos Ventura
Carlos Vera
Zymere Cooper
Amir Parker
Fanta Kamara
Giselle Kollie
Ka’Niya Shegog
Ja’Hari Myers
ShaVaeh Barnes
Ashley Salvidar Rivera
Neveah McKinney Chavarria
Alex Ponce
Jamarion McCoy
Maykel Cholango (Joel)
Christopher Olivera Marin
Brianna Pilco Quinatoa
Jefferson Romero Novay
Christopher Gbollie
Lexi Johnson
Mason Vang
Jacob Vonghalath
Jasmine Thao
Jonathan Europa Rincon
April Lee
Matt Zamorano
Kendall Nyanplu
Janiyhla Miller
Yasser Fuentes Campos
Jason Lopez Garcia
Elsie Nyanplu
Mohammed Kamara
Zoe Martinez Munoz
Ryu Moua
Lluvia Rosendo Pinda
Rosa Saavedra de la Rosa
Alexa Allen
Milly Avila Reyes
Charlice Lewis
Ian Lopez Garcia
Chase Sykes
A Note From Nurse Lila
**ALLERGY SEASON IS UPON US.
We are coming into peak season for allergies and unfortunately the nurse cannot give ANY medications, such as Benadryl, Eye drops, Cough syrups, or Tylenol without a DR order. Therefore, if your child has allergies and displays symptoms such as itchy red eyes, runny nose, headaches, etc, its best to obtain orders or give necessary medicines at home to control symptoms.
**Important reminder
If you need to give your child medication for fever, they may not return to school until they have been fever-free without any fever-reducing medications for 24 hours.
***If your student has been diagnosed with something contagious by a physician, please give the school a courtesy call so that we can send appropriate notice home with any other students in class.
GENERAL EXCLUSION GUIDELINES FOR ILL CHILDREN/STAFF
Certain symptoms in children may suggest the presence of a communicable disease. Excluding an ill
child may decrease the spread of the disease to others in childcare and school settings.
Recommended exclusion varies by the disease or infectious agent. Children with the symptoms listed
below should be excluded from the childcare or school setting until symptoms improve; or a health
care provider has determined that the child can return; or children can participate in routine activities
without more staff supervision than usual.
NOTE: It is recommended that childcare/preschool providers and schools have policies that are
clearly written for excluding sick children and staff. These policies should be placed in the student
handbook or on the childcare or school website. Parents/guardians and staff should be given or
directed to these resources at the beginning of each school year or when the child is enrolled or the
staff member is hired. This will help prevent problems later when the child or staff member is ill.
Exclude children with any of the following:
Illness
Unable to participate in routine activities or needs more care than can be
provided by the childcare/school staff.
Fever
An elevation of body temperature above normal and accompanied by
behavior changes, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, rash, sore throat,
and/or other signs or symptoms of illness; or is unable to participate in
routine activities. Measure temperature before giving medications to
reduce fever.
Axillary (armpit) temperature: 100° F or higher
Oral temperature: 101° F or higher
Rectal temperature: 102° F or higher
Ear temperatures are not recommended because of inconsistent and
inaccurate results. Each manufacturer may have different temperature
ranges, which makes setting standards difficult.
Signs/Symptoms of Possible severe illness:
Child is unusually tired, has uncontrolled coughing, unexplained irritability, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or other
unusual signs for the child. Exclude until a health care provider has done
an evaluation to rule out severe illness.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as an increased number of stools compared with a
child's normal pattern, along with decreased stool form and/or stools that
are watery, bloody, or contain mucus. Exclude until 24 hours after
diarrhea stops or follow specific disease exclusion if the pathogen is
known; or until a medical exam indicates that it is not due to a
communicable disease.
Vomiting
Child has vomited two or more times in the previous 24 hours. Exclude
for 24 hours after last episode of vomiting, unless it is determined to be
caused by a noncommunicable condition and the child is not in danger of
dehydration.
Mouth Sores with Drooling
Exclude until a medical exam indicates the child may return or until
sores have healed.
GENERAL EXCLUSION GUIDELINES FOR ILL CHILDREN/STAFF
Rash with Fever or behavior change Exclude until a medical exam indicates these symptoms are not those of a communicable disease that requires exclusion.
Eye Drainage
No exclusion, unless the child has a fever or is not healthy enough to
participate in routine activities. Antibiotics or a note from a health care
provider are not required.
Unusual Color of Skin, Eyes, Stool or Urine
Exclude until a medical exam indicates the child does not have hepatitis
A. Symptoms of hepatitis A include yellow eyes or skin (jaundice), gray
or white stools, or dark (tea or cola-colored) urine.
See following pages for specific disease exclusion guidelines for childcare settings and schools.
There are specific guidelines for “sick childcare” programs. See the Minnesota Department of
Human Services licensing rules for those requirements.
For more information, call Hennepin County HSPHD-Epidemiology at (612) 543-5230 or call your
local health department.
****** If you need to give your child a fever reducing medicine, you may not send them to school for at least 24 hours.
Important reminders for families
Here are a few important reminders from our Fair Oaks staff....
Attendance Reminders
If your student(s) are ever late or absent from school for any reason, please be sure to call our attendance line at 763-549-2353 (this is different than our main office number). You can leave a voicemail in either English or Spanish, 24 hours a day on this line. We ask that you please let us know about your child's absence or late arrival by 10am whenever possible to avoid receiving one of the automated calls from the district about your student's attendance.
Extra Clothing
If possible, we ask that you please send an extra outfit with your student(s) to keep in their locker or backpack at all times. We regularly have students needing a change of clothing for various reasons and our school nurse does not always have items that fit all students. It can be uncomfortable for students to have to remain in wet/soiled clothing. Thank you for your help with this!
Phy Ed Shoes
Please make sure that your child has appropriate shoes for gym class each day. Students should be able to tie their own shoes, and/or have velcro or something that they are able to secure independently. Thank you for your assistance! We want to keep your child safe!
Clothing Donations
Our nurse's office is in need of pants donations in all sizes from toddler to adult! Pants with an elastic waste band are preferred, but all pants donations are welcome! Please drop off new or gently used pants donations here in the office at Fair Oaks. Thank you!
Updated Contact Information
It is very important that we have updated contact information for all students. Lately, we have had outdated address and phone numbers for several students. It is important for the nurse, teachers and other staff to be able to reach parents and guardians during the school day. Please report any new work/home/cell phone numbers to the main office immediately.
It is also very important that we have updated addresses for each family. Addresses can be updated on ParentVue or at the district enrollment center.
Mud On The Playground
Due to all of the melting snow, all of our playground and recess areas have become very muddy. Our recess staff does their best to keep kids out of muddy areas, but kids will be kids and there are very few dry areas at this time. Please know that until things dry up, your student may come home with muddy clothing or outdoor gear. It is always best to keep a spare outfit in your child's locker in case they need to change. Thank you for your understanding and assistance!
Follow us on Facebook to keep up with everything Fair Oaks!
Hmong families are also welcome to follow our Hmong FB page!
KOU VANG
ML Community and Communication Specialist
Educational Equity Department
Osseo Area Schools
11200 93rd Ave N. Maple Grove, MN 55369
Work Cell: (612) 394-3358
Brooklyn Middle School (T/W/F)
Fair Oaks Elementary (TH)
Palmer Lake Elementary (M)
Helpful links
ParentVUE access instructions
https://mn-oas-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login.aspx
- Takes you to the login screen - do not enter anything here.
- Scroll down to activate account - click and accept user agreement.
- Enter your name (has to match what we have in our system)
- Enter activation key - this is case sensitive and is all caps.
To get started using ParentVUE if you do not yet have an active account, follow our Getting Started guide HERE.
- Getting Started SOMALI
- Getting Started VIETNAMESE
- Getting Started SPANISH
- Getting Started OROMO
- Getting Started HMONG
FIRSTview bus tracking
The FirstView mobile app helps you to keep track of school buses going to and from school each day. Support is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm ET for existing FirstView users with app-related questions or concerns.
Email:support@firstviewapp.com Phone:1(888) 889-8920
**Click blue button below to get started with set up.
Important contacts
Principal - Sara Looby-Morris Loobymorriss@district279.org
Resource Manager - Chris Marinac Marinacc@district279.org
Administrative Assistant - Heather Hausladen Hausladenh@district279.org
Counselor - Caitlin Carlson CarlsonC3@district279.org
Social worker - Krysta Sather Satherk@district279.org
Psychologist - Megan Monette Monettem@district279.org
Nurse - Nikki Terry - TerryN@district279.org
Volunteer Coordinator - Sophie Castruita Castruitas@district279.org
Behavior Intervention Teacher - Brian Thul ThulB@district279.org
Fair Oaks Main Line - 763-533-2246
Fair Oaks fax number - 763-549-2350
Attendance - 763-533-2246 (press 1) and leave your child's name, grade, parent's name and phone number and the reason for your child's absence.
Transportation - 763-391-7244 or Busquestions@district279.org