Bird's Word for October 31, 2024

NO SCHOOL – Monday, November 4 or Tuesday, November 5

Author Visit grades 3-6 – November 7

PTA mtg – November 11 6:30pm

Book Fair – November 12 - 14

Open House – November 14th 5:00-6:30

FFEJ Open Gym – November 20th 6:00-7:30pm

No School – November 28 & 29

As we approach this year’s presidential election, we recognize it’s a significant moment for our nation, our communities, and most importantly, our students. During such times, students may have questions, strong emotions, or even concerns. As a district, we’re committed to supporting our students in a way that honors their perspectives, respects differing opinions, and encourages civil discourse.

Here’s how we’re approaching this:

1. Open Communication
   Teachers will create space for students to express thoughts or feelings about the election. These discussions will be age-appropriate and carefully guided, encouraging respectful listening and open-mindedness.

2. Building Respectful and Inclusive Spaces
   Respect is the foundation of our classrooms. We’ll remind students of our shared commitment to treating each other kindly and respectfully, regardless of differing beliefs. This experience is a valuable opportunity to learn and practice empathy, critical thinking, and respect for all voices.

3. Addressing Heightened Emotions
   We recognize that emotions may run high for many students. Our staff will be present throughout the school day to provide additional support, encourage reflection, and ensure that every child feels safe and valued.

4. Encouraging Growth and Learning
   This election offers a meaningful moment for learning about civic responsibility and the power of our voices. We want our students to know they can make a positive impact in their families, schools, and communities, no matter the outcome.

5. Addressing Challenges Together
   Some students may have concerns or questions about the election. We’ll listen to and validate their experiences, provide a supportive environment, and remind them that they are part of a caring school community.
   
   

We believe these conversations help our students become compassionate, informed, and engaged citizens. Our focus is not on beliefs but on behavior; we emphasize that regardless of views, we all have a responsibility to treat others with respect, dignity, and kindness.

If you have questions about how we’re approaching these discussions or would like additional resources to support your student at home, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your partnership as we help our students grow into thoughtful, resilient, and respectful individuals.

Falcon Heights Elementary will be conducting a SECURE drill tomorrow, Friday, November 1st. Students and staff are NOT in danger when a drill is called. Students will be reviewing and practicing the Standard Response Protocols (SRP) for a SECURE drill in their classroom. Students will hear “Secure! Get Inside, Lock outside doors. Secure! Get Inside, Lock outside doors." over the PA system. We will continue business as usual. Then an “All Clear” will be heard over the PA system when the drill is completed.

Open House & PTA pizza dinner on November 14

Come to our open house on November 14 from 5:00- 6:30pm. The PTA will offer a pizza dinner in the cafeteria. Visit the classrooms! Scholastic Book Fair will be open. Lost & Found will be out on a table. Take a look while you're here!

We need some help serving the pizza dinner. Please look for a volunteer sign up next week.

Frequently asked questions about recess and cold weather

Can my child stay inside from recess when the weather is too cold? No, a doctor’s note is needed to be exempt from going outside and the doctor’s note needs to specify a temperature threshold at which your student must stay indoors. For example, “Jane has a diagnosis of xxx and therefore must stay inside if the weather is below xx*F windchill.”

I am concerned about my child being outside when it is 'too cold'. Is it okay for them? Yes, it is OK to go outside! It is good for everyone to continue to go outside throughout the winter. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are important for many reasons including benefits to mental and physical health. Exercise can improve memory, and recess offers an important movement break for students to move their bodies to be better able to focus through the afternoon. With shorter days in winter, exposure to midday sunshine is especially important in Minnesota. Sunshine helps set our circadian rhythms which helps us feel awake during the day and then sleepy at bedtime. Natural daylight can also improve your mood and help with symptoms of depression. Finally recess is an important social time for students! We do everything we can to provide a safe and fun recess time for all students.

Recess Protocols: Each day our recess supervisor assesses the weather and makes a daily determination prior to the first recess that the weather is safe for all students. Indoor recess is called when it is raining and when the temperature is below 0*F.

The Fall Book Fair will be on Nov 12, 13, 14 in the Gold Gym! We are open:

Tuesday, Nov 12: 2-6pm (classrooms will walk through during the school day)

Wednesday, Nov 13: 3:15-6pm

Thursday, Nov 14: 2-6:30pm (we will be open during the Open House event)

We cannot host a fair without our magical volunteers –sign up here!

Don’t forget to set up your students eWallet or shop online – start here!

Author Chris Grabenstein is coming to Falcon Heights! (grades 3-6) Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, SMARTEST KID, and DOG SQUAD series.

He will come and talk to our 3rd-6th graders about his newest book and the writing process on November 7th from 9:50-10:35! Help us to secure more author visits by purchasing one of his books. The purchased books will be signed and personalized to your child! Use the QR code below to purchase online or print the PDF and send in with your child. Students will also be getting a paper version this week.

An author visit for grades K-2 is in the works for the near future! Be on the lookout for more information.

Show your Falcon pride and raise money for the school by purchasing some hoodies, t-shirts, sweatpants and more! We've got a new hoodie design this year as well as Falcon gloves and hats! We even have the super popular insulated tumbler back this year!

Both adult and kids sizes are available!

You can shop the online store through November 25th at noon. Paper forms will be sent home next week. Cash or check (to Falcon Heights PTA) accepted for the paper forms.

NOTE: our online vendor (Zeffy) doesn't charge any processing fees but likes to assume a contribution to support the service. You are able to change the percentage (even to 0%) when entering in your payment information.

Please reach out the PTA if you have any questions! Thanks to Alex Maland for all of her work setting up our Spirit Wear!

Hello Falcon Families!

We have a lot of fun events coming up this year and we are excited to tell you all about them! Below is a list of events and a link to our website where you can subscribe to our calendar. First up we have an open gym night and a chance to learn about Every Meal a great organization right in our community. You can learn about their program and how to volunteer there as well!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

🗓️ Thursday, November 7, 2024

⏰ 5:30-7:30 p.m.

📍 Aŋpétu Téča Education Center • 1910 County Road B West in Roseville

If you have a child turning 5 by September 1, 2025, join us for a fun *free* evening of information and entertainment! Your child can ride a real school bus 🚌, be a star in our Raider photo booth ⭐️, dance with the Teddy Bear Band (bring your own bear as a dance partner!) 🧸, enjoy a "super snack" from our Nutrition Services Department 🍎, get their own Class of 2038 t-shirt 👕, and much more!

Beginning November 1, applications will be accepted for 2025-2026 option school and open enrollment. Families of new students who have older children already enrolled in an option school or program have preference but must apply to ensure space availability.

Requests received November 1, 2024-January 15, 2025 will be processed late January and status with next steps will be sent to families the week of February 3.

Contact Central Enrollment (651.635.1626 or enrollment@isd623.org) with questions. If you are interested in more information or a tour at any of our option schools, please contact the schools.

Mark your calendar and get ready for the Raider Book Fair hosted by Do Good Roseville! It’s happening on Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Har Mar Mall!

Bring the whole family for a day filled with:

• Read-alouds
• Music performances
• Craft stations
• Student demonstrations & more!

In addition to purchasing books for friends, family, and yourself 😉, you’ll have a chance to purchase books from our schools’ wish lists A percentage of your entire purchase in-store on November 16 and all week online (use code 12813853) will go toward supporting Roseville Area Schools. See you there!

If your child is a fan of cuddly animals and funny cartoons, this drawing workshop is especially tailored for his or her needs. Over the course of five days, our students will learn how to draw animals of all shapes, sizes, and colors. They will learn how to personify ordinary animals, transforming them into fully realized cartoon characters. Be a part of something fun and special.

Open to grades K-6. Offered at most elementary schools this fall, with classes starting in November! ⏰

CLICK HERE to register, or call 651-604-3770 📲

Unleash your inner wizard at this magical science camp! Experience the thrill of defying gravity with your very own hovercraft, amaze your friends with secret messages written in magical ink, and create wands that light up with enchantment. Join us on this captivating journey, where you'll witness the seemingly magical results of your experiments and unravel the scientific secrets behind each spellbinding phenomenon. Get ready for a blend of learning and fun where every child becomes a wizard of wonder!

Open to grades K-6. Offered at all elementary schools this fall, with most classes starting soon! ⏰

CLICK HERE to register, or call 651-604-3770 📲

Registration starts Monday, November 4th for Adult Enrichment classes in January - May 2025! We have a lineup of exciting classes that you won't want to miss this winter, like:

🌀 Traditional Italian Cuisine

🌀 Mandala Rock Art

🌀 Calming Stress & Anxiety

🌀 Practical Chat GPT Training

🌀 Nuno Felted Scarf

🌀 Floral Resin Trays

Find all classes online here starting on Monday! 📲