Panther Newsletter

Palmer Lake 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will be participating in MCA Testing. What are the MCA tests? The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are statewide assessments that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The MCAs assess students in reading, mathematics and science. Please see the schedule below. If you don't want your student to take the MCA tests, please fill out this form and return it to school.

Osseo Area Schools Community Education Program Advisory Council (CEPAC) is hosting a free Mental Health and Well-Being Adult Enrichment event. Please join us! The variety of enrichment experiences offered at this event will provide you with new learning, connection with others and you’ll leave feeling energized!

April 14: Last day to order yearbooks

April 16 & 17 - MCA Reading Assessment

April 19 - Asynchronous Day (learning at home with devices from school)

April 23 & 24 - MCA Math Assessment

April 25 - Kindergarten Orientation

May 1 & 2 - MCA Science Assessment (5th grade only)

May 6 - No school - Teacher Workshop

May 27 - No School - Memorial Day

June 6 - Last Day for students

April Menus (click here)

Our Boston Scientific Science and Engineering Night was a huge success! Thank you to everyone that participated.

Families should prepare children for preschool and kindergarten now, if they are considering a start in the fall. If your family has a younger sibling or if you know a neighbor interested in starting school this fall, use or share the following steps so we can keep you informed of important welcome events and information.

1. Verify that your child meets the requirements for school.

• Preschool: Your child will be three or four years old by Sept. 1, 2024.
• Kindergarten: Your child will be five years old by Sept. 1, 2024.

2. If you haven’t already, complete an early childhood screening. https://ce.district279.org/early-childhood/screening

3. Enroll online so we can save you a seat! Enrollment website: https://www.district279.org/services/enrollment-services

4. Make a plan to attend information sessions and welcome events. Kindergarten orientation: April 25, 2024 from 5:30-7pm

Once you enroll online, you will receive details via email from your child’s preschool or elementary school about registration and welcome events.

Hello, Heart Heroes! Are you ready?! Kids Heart Challenge is here! We have exciting things planned this year to get us moving, helping others and having fun. Sign up today and help your student choose a daily health challenge.

Last day to order is 4/14/24. Price does not include tax or handling fees.

Students are using their rocket flashlights to read in the dark for Blast off with Reading, one of the fun I love to read activities this month 🚀

Students will stay inside for recess if the “feels like” (wind chill) temp is -5 or lower. Students are expected to come to school in appropriate winter gear as they will be going outside for recess unless the wind chill is -5 or lower.

Please call the office at 763-561-1930 with any changes in afternoon transportation before 2:45 pm. While TalkingPoints messages and e-mails to teachers are helpful, we need to make sure the changes are communicated with the office!

A late arrival will be marked for students that arrive at school after 8:50am. Late arrivals can be marked as excused, or unexcused, based on reasoning. Arriving at school on time is incredibly important for your child so they are a part of all classroom community building and learning opportunities.

Out of respect for instructional time, family and religious choices, and many food allergies, birthday treats are not permitted in the classrooms. This is a district wide policy.

Talent Development, Academic Challenge and Gifted Support (TAG) services are available to Palmer Lake students in kindergarten through fifth grade to strengthen interests, extend grade-level content, and apply skills and concepts in authentic ways. To learn more about TAG services, please click on Palmer Lake TAG Services - Community Letter

Please make sure the parent/guardian contact information linked to your student(s) is updated and current! We need to be able to reach you in case of emergency or health concern.

Families are strongly encouraged to complete the Educational Benefits form. Families who qualify may access free or reduced prices for iPad and Chromebook repair and replacement, band/orchestra instruments (5th grade), home electricity bills through Excel Energy, and home internet from some providers, other benefits.

In addition, schools receive additional funding based on the number of students who qualify for Educational Benefits. Palmer Lake receives a significant amount of money that is used to hire additional teachers and ESPs to support students. Filling out this form will help to ensure Palmer Lake can continue to provide that additional support to students.

Educational Benefits application

Starting this fall, all students are receiving free lunch courtesy of the Free School Meals for Kids law. Each student can receive one free lunch meal each day. Students who would like to have a 2nd lunch, or just a milk, will need to pay for those items.

Breakfast will continue to be free for Palmer Lake students every day.

Parent Vue is a web application used by Osseo Area Schools for parents to access their child's report card, sign up for conferences, view health information, etc. It is critical that all parents/guardians have access to Parent Vue. To use, simply install the app on any smart phone and create your account. To ensure confidentiality, each student has their own access code. Call the office for assistance setting up your account.

The Palmer Lake parking lot gets busy and crowded during arrival and dismissal. PLEASE drive slowly, pay attention, and be patient and kind to others. Click on the parking lot map for details.

Students may arrive at 8:30 am. There is no adult supervision prior to that time; students should not arrive early. School doors will open at 8:35 am.

Morning Drop Off

Parents who are dropping off are encouraged to enter the drop off line and line up at the curb by the black fence. Students should leave their vehicles at 8:30 am and wait at the school doors; please do not have students wait in their vehicle until 8:35 am when doors open because it backs up traffic. Students should only exit their vehicle when the vehicle is stopped at the curb, not in the lane for vehicles to leave. Parents should remain in their vehicle except if a pre-k or kindergarten student needs assistance with the vehicle door.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Students who are parent pick-up are dismissed at 3:15 pm. Parents are encouraged to use the pick-up line rather than parking. Please remain in your vehicle. There are multiple staff who assist students to the correct vehicle. Students should be picked up from school NO LATER than 3:20 pm.

Parking

Parents may also choose to park in the morning or afternoon. Parking spaces are limited. Handicap spaces may only be used by vehicles with a handicap sign clearly displayed. Please use the designated walkway and cross walks. Wait for your child near your vehicle or near the cross walk. Please do not wait for your child by the doors of the school.

Bus stop information comes through an email from the Transportation Department with your child's bus number, bus stop, and pick up/drop off times the week before school starts. Bussing information for your child is also available on the Parent Vue app. If you have any questions regarding this, please call 763-391-7244. Changes or cancellations to transportation can be sent to busquestions@district279.org.

• Arrive 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to pick up
• Keep safety in mind (no horseplay, games, chasing, or pets)
• Wait on the sidewalk, boulevard or edge of the roadway. Stay away from houses, garages, and porches
• When you see the bus approaching, form a line to board the bus. Stay in line until the bus comes to a complete stop.