Panther Newsletter
Friday, August 23, 2024
Open House
First Day of School
We are excited to welcome our Panthers back to school on Tuesday, September 3. Any families that did not attend open house on August 28 (5:00pm-6:30pm) may check in at the office to receive classroom/teacher information.
New This Week
Conference Sign Up at Open House
NEW THIS YEAR - families will sign up for a Fall Conference time at Open House. Bring your calendars so you know when to schedule!
Classroom Snacks
As in previous years, some teachers will have snack time during the day and others will not. New this year, any class that has snack time will have community-provided snack only; no individual snacks from home. Teachers may ask families for snack donations for the whole class. Candy, cookies, chips and soda are not allowed. Watch for communication from your child's teacher at the beginning of the year.
SmartWatches/Cell Phones
We suggest that cell phones and other non-district devices not be brought to Palmer Lake. If brought to school, cell phones and SmartWatches should not be seen or heard in the school building, or when outside. Staff will collect cell phones at the beginning of the day, lock them in a secure place, and return them at dismissal time.
If a staff member sees or hears a phone or SmartWatch, it may be taken from the student. The first time a phone or SmartWatch is taken, parents will be notified and the device will be returned at the end of the school day. Any occurrences after that, parents will be notified and an adult will need to come pick up the device. If it becomes a chronic concern, PL staff will work with the student and parents to make a plan. Any device brought to school is the responsibility of the student. Palmer Lake will not be involved if a cell phone, SmartWatch or non-district device is lost or stolen.
If a parent ever needs to send a message to their child(ren) during the school day, please call the office and we will communicate the message to your student. Thank you in advance for partnering with us to ensure students are focused on their learning rather than distracted by their device.
Parent Pick-Up at Dismissal
Our #1 job is to ensure the safety of everyone at Palmer Lake. If your child will be picked up by a parent or other adult at dismissal, please follow the Parent Pick Up expectations.
- Students will be dismissed for pick up at 3:15pm. Please be on time and ensure students are picked up by 3:30pm at the absolute latest.
- Drive slowly and pay attention!
- Cross at the cross walk. Wait for the adult to signal it is your turn to cross.
- Handicap parking spaces are only for drivers who have a valid handicap permit. The permit MUST be easily visible each time you park there.
- Parents are encouraged to pick up their student(s) at the fence along the sidewalk in front of the building. You may also park and meet your child near the cross walk.
- Follow the expectations on the Parent Drop Off/Pick Up map (below and linked). Drivers who do not follow the expectations create unsafe situations and/or back up traffic.
Previously Posted
A Note from the Principals
Welcome Back!
We are excited to welcome the Palmer Lake Elementary community back for an amazing 2024-25 school year. Sarah Schmidt is the principal of Palmer Lake. This is her 24th year in education, and 9th year at Palmer Lake. Jen Zipf is the assistant principal; this is her 22nd year in education, and 4th year at Palmer Lake.
The theme for this school year is Everyone has a story to tell. We look forward to hearing the stories of our students and families so we can continue to build a community where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
We hope to see you at Open House on Wednesday, August 28th from 5:00pm-6:30pm!
Sarah Schmidt, Principal
Jen Zipf, Assistant Principal
School Supplies
School Hours
Dismissal of students who are walkers or parent pick up is at 3:15pm. Students who ride a bus are dismissed at approximately 3:20pm.
AM VPK: 8:35am-11:20am
PM VPK: 12:50pm-3:20pm
Back to School Forms
It is very important that we have accurate information for all students, especially phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts. Please take a few minutes before school starts to update Back to School Forms. They are available online through ParentVue.
Unfamiliar with ParentVue? Please click the link to get started: https://mn-oas-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login_Parent.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True
Bus Route Information
Bus route information will be available in ParentVue on August 22nd. It will also be sent through email and text to parents on August 23rd. Students who opted out of transportation last year will not be placed on a bus route. If your child was opted out for transportation last year, but they need it this year, call the Transportation Office at 763-391-7244 as soon as possible.
Parents/Visitors at School
Safety is our number one priority. ANY person wishing to enter Palmer Lake will be expected to wait in the vestibule and speak with office staff via doorbell camera and microphone. Please have your ID ready for office staff to scan. Forgotten items (lunch boxes, instruments, etc.) can be left on the table in the vestibule for a more efficient drop off. Again, ANY person wishing to enter Palmer Lake will be expected to wait in the vestibule and speak with office staff via doorbell camera and microphone.
If you would like to speak with an administrator or teacher, you are strongly encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Important Dates for the Year
September
Picture day: 26
October
Winter parent/teacher conferences: 7, 9, 15*
Panther Den parent meeting: 29 (5:00pm-6:00pm)
November
Picture retake day: 19
Family BINGO: 21 (5:30pm-7:00pm)
December
Winter break: 12/23-1/3
January
Panther Den parent meeting: 15 (5:00pm-6:00pm)
Family Science and Engineering Night: 28 (5:30pm-7:00pm)
February
Spring parent/teacher conferences: 19, 25, 27*
March
Spring break: 24-28
April
Panther Den parent meeting: 22 (5:00pm-6:00pm)
May
All school BBQ: 9
Multicultural Celebration: 15 (5:00pm-7:00pm)
*Conferences will be scheduled by your student’s teacher on one of the above conference dates for each season.
Educational Benefits
Why should I fill out the Educational Benefits Application if my child(ren) now automatically qualify for free meals?
Families who qualify may be eligible for a variety of other benefits. These include free or discounted prices for the following:
- Field trips
- Some Community Education programs
- Clubs, activities, and athletics
- Instrument rentals
- Fees, including for AP testing, graduation and more
- Device protection plans on school-provided devices
- Comcast internet for home
- Xcel Energy account assistance for electricity bills
Additionally, the state of Minnesota uses a school district’s percentage of qualifying students from applications completed and approved prior to October 1 each year to calculate each district’s funding level. This is incredibly important for Palmer Lake. School district funding impacts every student:
- Class sizes
- Number of support staff the district can hire to help scholars (counselors, social workers)
- Extra programming opportunities
Please fill out the Educational Benefits Application today to make sure your family can take advantage of these and other benefits!
From the Health Office
As you are preparing for your student(s) to start school, please make sure immunization records are up to date. If your child will need to have medicine administered during the school day, please contact our nursing staff (contact information below) and/or complete the correct district form below.
School nurse:
Tammy Bauer, RN
763-549-2401
Palmer Lake Website
Transportation
Transportation Office: 763-391-7244
BusQuestions@district279.org
Office hours-
School in Session: 6:00am-5:00pm
Non-Student Days: 6:00am-4:30pm