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As spring arrives and schedules fill up with sports, activities, and longer days, I want to take a moment to encourage you to maintain consistent bedtime and morning routines for your children. At Blue Heron Elementary, we prioritize not only strong academics but also the social-emotional health and development of our students. This happens best when students get adequate sleep and have healthy routines to start their day.

While the excitement of spring can make bedtime challenging, consistent evening routines help children's growing brains recharge and be ready for learning and engagement during the school day. Aim for the same bedtime each night and calming activities leading up to lights out. In the morning, a routine of getting dressed, eating a healthy breakfast, and arriving at school on time sets children up for success. Partnering together, we can set our Blue Heron students up for growth, not just academically but in all aspects of their development. I appreciate your commitment to their education and wellbeing. Please reach out if you need any support in making bedtime and morning routines work for your family this spring.

Apr. 16-17: Reading MCA Grades 3-5

Apr. 16: Wear a red shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

Apr. 18: Kindergarten Round Up for Incoming Kindergarten 6-7pm

Apr. 19: Classrooom request process closes

Apr. 23-24: Math MCA Grades 3-5

Apr. 23: Wear a red shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

Apr. 25: 4th Grade Concert at Centennial Middle School 7pm

Apr. 29: PTO Meeting 6:30pm

Apr. 30: Science MCA Grade 5 only

Apr. 30: Wear a red shirt for Autism Acceptance Month

May 6-10: Staff Appreciation Week

If possible, please avoid scheduling appointments on MCA testing days.

All our 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students will take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) in Reading and Math. 5th-graders will also take the Science MCA. Tuesday, April 16th is our first day of state testing. Please know that the test is just one data point and that this test does not define your child. The test does provide us with a systematic view of how to best support students.

Please help us out:

• Please have your child arrive at school by 9:17 so that your child and the testing environment are not impacted.

• Ensure your child gets plenty of rest the night before each test.

• Remind your child to read each question carefully and to answer to the best of their ability.

• Talk to your child about the importance of the test without adding too much pressure.

• Encourage your child to do their best, but also remind them that it's okay to feel nervous.

• Provide a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test.

• Double-check with your child that they do have headphones at school, as they will need them for the MCA test.

We ask that students have a good night's sleep and breakfast on the day of the test.

If you have an incoming Kindergartener for the 24-25 school year, please join us at Blue Heron's Kindergarten Round Up!

Thursday, April 18th 6:00 - 7:00 pm - session starts in the cafeteria (Please plan on attending the entire hour)

For your student to get the most out of this experience, we ask that only parents and the incoming kindergartener attend this event. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Blue Heron office at 763-792-6200 or twikstrom@isd12.org.

Please review the additional information provided below.

• Be aware that the list of teachers in each grade level is subject to change before school begins. If a teacher assignment changes, your child will remain in the assigned classroom grouping.
• Please make a separate request for each of your children.
• Due to the complexity of enrollment and staffing in kindergarten, parent requests for students entering kindergarten are not accepted by any elementary school in our district.
• All teacher/classroom assignments are tentative and subject to change.

Please join us for our 4th Grade “Our Favorite Things” concert! We will perform on the evening of April 25th at 7:00pm in the Centennial Middle School auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 and students should be at CMS no later than 6:40. The concert is typically 30 minutes long. Your 4th graders have been working hard and are excited to see you there!

5th Grade Track and Field Day will be held on May 22nd at the Centennial High School Track. Families are welcome to attend. More details to come in the following weeks.

• Thank you to all who joined us at Boulevard to support our 5th graders. It was fun to see so many families! If you were unable to join us but would like to make a donation, please Venmo @BlueHeron-PTO or use QR Code.
• Party Information went out in an email on Thursday, April 11th. The Party Flyer and Urban Air waiver will come home with your student Friday, April 12th.
• Dates to remember:
• 4/19 – Complete THIS form to sign up for the party and provide T-Shirt sizes.
• 5/10 – Payment for the Party & T-Shirts are due (Venmo: @BlueHeron-PTO or use QR Code provided)
• 5/29 – 5th Grade Party (3:45PM – 7:30PM)

by Olivia

Read on about a fantastic opportunity you shouldn't miss... You can donate your no longer used eyeglasses to help people of all ages who can't get any glasses to help their poor vision. You can be the person to help someone get the glasses they need to have a better life.

People who need glasses but don't have the resources to get the glasses they need have trouble learning at school or performing at their jobs. These people wish they could see better, and with your help, their wish will come true. Donating your no longer used eyeglasses can help one person, maybe more. What you will do with your donation shows you care about people who can't get eyeglasses. Donating that pair of old eyeglasses to someone in need gives people a new opportunity in their life.

Mr. Gutbrod's Grade 5 class and the Circle-Lex Lions' Club are working together with you to get those needed eyeglasses to people in developing countries. This is an opportunity you should think about participating in this year.

Please send your no longer used eyeglasses to Blue Heron Elementary c/o Mr. Gutbrod's Grade 5 Classroom. We'll do the rest. By taking the time to do this, you are making wishes come true. Thank you.

Order your 2023-2024 yearbook today! The yearbook cost is $22.

Online orders will be delivered to students on May 28th. We will have limited copies for sale on May 29th. When yearbooks are gone, we cannot order more so order your copy online today!

Make a Difference and Substitute in our Schools!
Centennial is also hiring for the 2024-25 School Year!

Don’t miss this chance to get involved and make a difference in the Centennial School District! Positions and information can be found on the Centennial website.

Summer Recreational Soccer (entering gr. K-5)

Join our recreational soccer league where basics are taught in a fun and supportive environment. Learn key skills and experience playing in games against other teams. Registration includes a soccer jersey. The season begins June 9.

More activities happening soon:

Apr. 20- Tenicity Parent/Child Beginner Tennis (ages 5-12 with adult)

Tenicity Tennis Match Play (ages 9-16)

Apr. 23- Skyhawks Baseball Camp (ages 8-12)

Apr. 27- Cougar Cup Soccer (gr. K-6)

May 4- “Try Tennis” Clinic with Tenicity (ages 5-17)

May 5- Learn with the Bald Eagle Water Ski Team (all ages with adult)

May 6- DASH After School Baseball Camp (gr. K-5)

May 14- Raptors of Minnesota (family/all ages)

Jun. 2- Track and Field Camp (ages 4-12)

Jun. 5- DASH Multi-Sport Camp (ages 6-12)

Go online to view all activities and to register, communityed.isd12.org.

Welcome to the Digital Backpack, the district’s central posting place for community flyers. If you have questions regarding these programs, please contact the organizations directly. Browse the Digital Backpack.

Email: apalmsteen@isd12.org
Website: www.isd12.org/schools/elementary-schools/blue-heron-elementary
Location: 405 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN, USA
Phone: 763.792.6200