Bird's Word for August 22, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am so excited to welcome you to the new school year. The team is busy finishing our phase 2 construction. Once complete we will have updated much of the facility. This summer's work was done in the gymnasiums, kindergarten rooms, office, cafeteria and kitchen. It is coming together and looking wonderful.

We are looking forward to another great year together at Falcon Heights Elementary School and in Roseville Area Schools. What follows are important details you need to know about the start of school.

With the construction once again our traditional Meet the Teacher and Connections Night will not happen. Instead, we will be hosting a Back to School Family Event on Wednesday, September 11th from 5:00-6:30pm. There will be food, activities, a chance to visit the classrooms, and time to connect with staff. All families are encouraged to attend as it fits your family schedule.

Kindergarten Meet and Greet - Thursday, August 29th 9:00-10:00AM

Due to our construction this year we are not able to hold our typical Orientation. Rather, we will have a Meet & Greet outside the classrooms in front of school. This will be an opportunity for families to bring their child to meet their teacher and leave school supplies before the first day of school. Please plan to bring your child to the Garden Ave entrance areas. The kindergarten classroom doors are located just east of the main entrance. There will be staff outside to greet you and your child with tables to leave all supplies.

School Hours - Falcon Heights hours are:

Grades K – 6 8:55 - 3:20

Office Hours 8:00 - 4:00

First Day of School – School starts for grades 1-6 the day after Labor Day (Tuesday, September 3rd) with Kindergarten students beginning the following day (Wednesday, September 4th). The earliest bus arrival at Falcon Heights is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Due to supervision we ask that all walkers and students being dropped off not arrive before 8:45 a.m. Children who are dropped off in the morning or picked up at the end of the school day use the East Entrance. The main entrance is the bus lane.

Student Supplies - Grade level student supply lists can be found on our school website under Student & Family Resources.

Bus Notification Cards - These cards were mailed out from the District Transportation Office this week. The card indicates the bus number, stop times, and stop location. You can anticipate as drivers learn the routes that the times may be off the first few days. Thank you for your patience as routes get established.

School Meals - With the passing of Free School Meals Bill both breakfast and lunch will be provided FREE of charge.

Do I need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits (AEB) for my family?
Yes! We encourage all families to complete the AEB each year. The application is used to determine funding for your child's school. It is also needed for reduced district activity fees, utilities, cell phone rates and transportation discounts. Here is the link to complete the AEB or you can find it on our website under Student & Family Resources.

Does my student need to enter a PIN at meal times?
Yes, all students will still need to enter their PIN number in meal lines. Each students' PIN number is the same as their student ID.

Friendship Connection - Is a before and after school program for school-age students located on campus. Families interested in more information may contact the Friendship Connection office at 651-724-6557 or visit https://falconheights.isd623.org/student-life/school-age-child-care to register.

Arrival/Dismissal - Safety of all students and staff is a top priority. We do have safety patrols on buses and assisting kindergartners at the end of the school day. If you drop off/pick up your child, please use the east parking lot and pull up as far as you can around the curve to assist in moving the car line along efficiently. Or you can park on the south side of Garden Ave and assist them crossing the street.

For more information about our school including the Falcon Heights Student Handbook, please visit our school website at falconheights.isd623.org under the About Us tab.

Please enjoy the last days of summer and maybe even a trip to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. See you soon.

Mrs. Beth Behnke

Principal

All students will have access to a complete breakfast, lunch, and afterschool super snack at no cost. We ask ALL families to fill out the Application for Educational Benefits form (previously called Free/Reduced Meal Application) EVERY year. This form determines funding for your child’s school and provides direct benefits for your child if you qualify. Benefits include funding for:

• Waived fees for athletics, testing, and transportation for your child

• Reduced internet fees

• Social workers, paraprofessionals, and counselors

• Decreased student-to-instructor ratios

• Increased technology

• Early childhood education

To apply today, CLICK HERE!