Brookside Elementary news & events
In the Know- September 2023
September 28, 2023
Upcoming Events
Oct 2 - No school for elementary students
Oct 5 - PTO Meeting
Oct 10 - Picture Day
Oct 10 - Fall Conferences
Oct 12 - Fall Conferences
Oct 17 - Fall Conferences
Oct 18-20 - No school
A Message From The Admin Team
Hello Brookside Families,
Welcome back for the 2023-2024 School year. We are excited you and your child are with us for this school year. Students came back excited and ready to learn, they jumped right back in with building expectations and have helped new students to learn the Brookside way. It has been exciting to walk into classrooms and through the halls and see all the amazing learning that is occurring. Students are already pushing their thinking and learning so much. We have many fun and educational opportunities to look forward to this school year, and we invite you to join us on this journey. Helen Keller said it best when she said, “ Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Here’s to an amazing 2023-2024 school year!
School Highlights
Traffic Changes Coming - Starting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, we will be placing two cones towards the entrance of the school off of NowThen Blvd. This is being done to remind drivers that there are not two lanes of access that go right; only one. We have had a number of near misses with cars colliding coming from different directions. We understand that the line to pick up at the end of the day can get long but it also goes quickly when it starts (we are done in about 10 minutes).
Technology Use - A reminder that student cell phones and mobile watches are not allowed during the school day to make calls, text, or use the internet. If a student needs to make a call home, arrangements can be made here at school to use the phone. If a student brings a phone or watch to school it is to be turned off and silent during the school day. If a student is caught using a phone or watch during the day they will be reminded of the policy and a communication will go home. If a student is caught a second time the phone or watch will be taken and returned at the end of the day and a communication will go home. If a student is caught a third time the phone or watch will be kept with administration until a parent can pick it up. At this time a meeting would be held with the student, administration, and parent(s). Please note, if technology is used inappropriately and shared with other students this could result in a suspension/dismissal from school.
Attendance - Regular attendance in school is essential to the success of our students. Students who are well should be at school every day that school is in session. Students who are ill should not be in school. Generally, students don’t miss more than six days of school a year from illness. If there are chronic health concerns, consult the school nurse.
If a student is not at school and the school has not received notice of an absence, the school will call a parent or guardian. If the school does not hear from the parent or guardian, the student’s absence will be recorded as unexcused. Absence due to weather concerns will be excused only if reported by a parent or guardian.
A student is considered tardy if he or she arrives up to 60 minutes late.
A student is considered absent for a half day if he or she arrives more than 60 minutes late up to half of the school day.
A student is considered absent for a full day if he or she arrives at school and is picked up within 90 minutes.
A student is considered absent for a full day if he or she misses four or more hours of the school day.
If an elementary student is absent three days within a single school year without an excuse the student is considered a “continuing truant,” according to state law (section 260A.02). The school is required by law to notify a parent when a child is a “continuing truant.” Once a student is considered a “continuing truant”, parents and guardians are given an opportunity to explain their child’s absences.
When an elementary student is absent seven or more days within a single school year without an excuse, that student is considered a “habitual truant,” according to state law (section 260C.007). Anoka-Hennepin schools refer “habitually truant” students to the county attorney.
Attendance letters will be sent home when absences or tardies become excessive so families can take corrective action and address the issue. If a student will not be attending school due to cold weather or other concerns, a parent or guardian must call the school to report the absence. Absence due to weather or other concerns will be excused if reported by a parent or guardian.
Parent Drop Off - Please do not drop off your child before 9:10 am as there is no adult supervision outside until then.
Parent Pick Up - To help keep everyone safe we ask all parents picking up their child by door number 1 to park in a designated parking spot, use the crosswalks, and stay a foot away from the curb while waiting for your child.
The office will not accept dismissal changes after 3:30 P.M.
Meet Our New Administrative Intern - Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Liz Quinn, our new Administrative Intern. Mrs. Quinn joins Brookside with years of education experience from New York and most recently, the Richfield School District. We are excited to have her joining our team and supporting the work we do with students and families.
Book Fair During Conferences
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair. Hosted by our staff, this event is an opportunity for students of all ages to build their home libraries and further their love of reading. As always, all purchases benefit our school. Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from October 10th - October 17th (during media classes and conference times).
Our Book Fair offers eWallet, a safe and secure alternative to cash. Simply create a free account to add funds and/or invite family and friends to contribute so your child can select their own books. Any unused funds can be spent at The Scholastic Store Online or to fund a future eWallet.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/brooksideelementary1
We’re excited to celebrate our love of books together at the Book Fair. We look forward to seeing your child there!
Parent Engage 360 Podcast
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 32 Part 2: A districtwide approach to school safety
The latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast is the second of a two-part series focused on school safety. In Episode 32 Part 2, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin Chief Operations Officer Greg Cole and Tim Fournier, the district’s Security & Emergency Operations Manager to learn more about the district’s approach to school safety.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools' first priority is the safety of its students and staff, and everyone plays a role in keeping schools safe.
In this episode, parents/guardians and community members can learn more about improvements that were made districtwide thanks to the 2017 Fit for the Future referendum, where voters approved the plan to address facility needs to create safe and secure learning environments for students and staff. You will also learn more about the district’s safety plan, including the terminology LOCKOUT, LOCKDOWN, and more on safety procedures and practices.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The Parent Engage 360 Podcast is also now available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.
Parent Engage 360 Podcast Episode 32 Part 2: A districtwide approach to school safety
The latest episode of the Parent Engage 360 Podcast is the second of a two-part series focused on school safety. In Episode 32 Part 2, host Liz Burgard was joined by Anoka-Hennepin Chief Operations Officer Greg Cole and Tim Fournier, the district’s Security & Emergency Operations Manager to learn more about the district’s approach to school safety.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools' first priority is the safety of its students and staff, and everyone plays a role in keeping schools safe.
In this episode, parents/guardians and community members can learn more about improvements that were made districtwide thanks to the 2017 Fit for the Future referendum, where voters approved the plan to address facility needs to create safe and secure learning environments for students and staff. You will also learn more about the district’s safety plan, including the terminology LOCKOUT, LOCKDOWN, and more on safety procedures and practices.
Tune in to the Parent Engage 360 Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, or at ahschools.us/parentengage360. The Parent Engage 360 Podcast is also now available on Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible, iHeartRadio and Samsung Podcasts.
The Parent Engage 360 Podcast aims to provide parents and guardians with knowledge from experts in chemical health, mental health, internet safety and more, as well as the tools needed to support their children. Anoka-Hennepin hopes that providing timely and helpful information through the Parent Engage 360 podcast series will strengthen the bond between school and home with resources parents and guardians can use and share with others.
Family School Safety Tips
Discuss what is ok to bring to school
As the school year begins, now is a good opportunity to connect as a family and review what items are appropriate to bring to school. Families may tell their children that they should ask permission from their parent/guardian if they would like to bring an item to school from home other than school supplies.
There are instances where students may use tools or toys at home under the supervision of families (such as NERF, gel-blaster or squirt guns, pocket knives, fishing lures, or camping/scout kits) and bring them to school without parents being aware. These items are not allowed at school. If a student has these items in their possession at school, they are subject to consequences consistent with school district policy.
Whether an item resembling a weapon is a toy or real, any of the items listed above and others are not allowed at school. A general rule to follow is; if and when it could cause fear and alarm to others, it is considered a weapon.
Please take this opportunity to talk with your children about what is ok to bring to school and how their actions can keep our school safe for all of us.
Lunch Guests
Here is the Lunchroom Sign-Up Links for each month. You can also sign up through the Brookside Elementary Home page. Please see directions below.
* FYI, due to field trips and other events, we will not be having lunch guests in June.
Directions to Sign-Up to have Lunch with your Child
- Go to the Brookside Elementary Home Page: https://www.ahschools.us/brookside
- Click on "About Us"
- Click on "Daily Schedule"
- Click on the link "Sign up to have lunch with your child in December"
Directions to Add Funds to Your Student's Meal Account
- Log in to your A-H Connect parent account at ahschools.us.
- Click on the My Student Information/Synergy icon.
- Once in ParentVUE, click on the "Fee" tab.
- Click on "Pay Fees" to enter the SchoolPay payment system.
- Click on "Food Services" to add funds to your student's meal account.
Character Strong
We began rolling out our Character Strong social emotional curriculum this fall. Students are receiving daily lessons with an emphasis on conflict resolution, emotion regulation, and executive functioning skills. Below is the family newsletter for each grade level. Please take a peek to see what your child is learning.
Student Council
The Brookside Student Council is seeking applicants for the 2023-2024 school year. The Student Council is composed of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students committed to being role models in and out of the classroom. Our student leaders look for opportunities to lead and strive to support, serve and improve Brookside Elementary. Student Council members are responsible and respectful members of our school community. Applications are due October 9.
Please reach out to any of the Student Council Advisors with any questions.
Julia Stock - julia.stock@ahschools.us
Meghan Murray - meghan.murray@ahschools.us
Cindy Houle - cindy.houle@ahschools.us
Brookside PTO
Happy Fall Brookside Families,
We are excited to be back working hard to make things happen at Brookside!
Here is some news and updates from the PTO!
Dine out night - Our first "Dine Out Night" will be on October 3 at Texas Roadhouse in Coon Rapids from 3:30-10:00 pm. Enjoy a night off from making dinner for a great cause.
PTO Meetings coming up!
Thursday Oct. 5 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Thursday Nov. 2 from 6:30-8:00 pm
Please join us at 6:30 in the Media Center at Brookside! We would love for you to join us and learn more about how you can get involved in our school! We are always looking for new ideas and ways we can support our school community!
Parent/Teacher conferences are coming up soon! Can you help with conference meals for our amazing staff? Check out the link below!
Conference Meals Sign-up Genius Link
Storm Chase Fun Run - We are excited to announce we are having our first ever Brookside Storm Chase Fun Run fundraiser. The PTO is working hard on planning this event so ALL money raised will go straight back to students but we can use your help! We are looking for more people that are willing to help us in our final stages. Please consider joining our team! Email brooksideelemschoolpto@gmail.com if you are interested in finding out how you can help!
The Storm Chase Fun Run Fundraiser begins October 16 and will run through October 27. We are hoping to raise $25,000 to purchase computers for student use. Watch for more information to come home with students mid-October.
The Fun Run will be on October 27, and we will be in need of volunteers! Watch for a signup genius to come out soon. Parents are welcome to watch their child at the fun run if you choose to do so. Look for the upcoming schedule to see when your child's grade will be outside.
Fall Bingo will be happening on November 17: Stay tuned for more information coming in November!
Volunteer Update
Volunteers play an important role at Brookside Elementary School. If you would like to learn more and help out our students and staff during the school year, please complete the volunteer paperwork for this school year. Check out https://www.ahschools.us/domain/11288 for more information.
EXCITING UPDATES:
We are excited to start up our K-Skillbuilders program for our littlest learners. Currently, we have 4 dedicated volunteers who will start working with our students on this in October. We are also starting a Math Plus Enrichment class to a handful of our second grade students for 6 weeks.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEERS:
- Conference Meals: Conference Meal sign-up
- We would love to provide Brookside staff with a meal during Parent-Teacher conference night on Thursday, October 12th. We will be offering a taco bar in the staff lounge. If you would like to donate items for this event, our staff would be so grateful for your love and support.
- Book Fair: Book Fair volunteer sign-up
- Brookside is looking for volunteers to help work at our book fair during conferences. If you are interested in helping, please check out a date and time slot that works for you.
- Storm Chase Fun Run: Storm Chase Fun Run volunteer sign-up
- Brookside will be having its "Storm Chase Fun Run" on Friday, October 27th. We are looking for several volunteers to help make this event successful. If you are interested in helping with this event, please sign up with the grade level that interests you. Events will include: Bubbles, Fog, Obstacle Course, Wacky Walk, Set-up, Clean-Up, and other miscellaneous tasks as needed. By signing up, you are agreeing to volunteer your time to help with a grade level and will be assigned to a stationed event on the day of. Please note that this sign up is subject to change due to scheduling.