The past two weeks have reminded us how quickly the weather can change in Minnesota. This is the time of year when the weather can be chilly in the morning, but warm in the afternoon. Many times students come to school with cold weather gear on, but leave with just a T-shirt on. This leads to a fast-growing LOST & FOUND. If you believe your child has lost something, please check the lost & found. All items will be donated during Spring Break.

There are a few dates to make note of during the month of March.

March 11: NO SCHOOL

March 21: EARLY RELEASE (Students released at 1:45)

March 28 - April 4: NO SCHOOL for Spring Break

I also want to highlight our Music program. This month begins our music concerts with 1st and 4th grades performing on Thursday, March 20. See specific times below.

All the best,

Mr. Bell

Principal

Mar 4 - Conference 4-7pm

Mar 11 - No School Students

Mar 19 - Grade 3 Orchestra Hall 10:40am - 1:30pm

Mar 20 - 1st Grade Music Concert @ 6pm

Mar 20 - 4th Grade Music Concert @ 7pm

Mar 21 - 2 Hour Early Release (students released at 1:45pm)

Mar 22 - All District Band Festival - (Grades 5, 8 and 12)

Mar 27 - 3rd QTR Ends

Mar 28 - No School for Students

Mar 31st - April 4th - Spring Break - No School Students and Staff

Apr 7 - 4th QTR Begins

Apr 14 - Yearbook Order Deadline

Apr 15 - PTO Meeting @ 5:30pm

Apr 18 - No School Students & Staff

Apr 22 - Kindergarten Round Up 5:30pm-7:00pm

Apr 24 - Kindergarten Music Concert @ 6pm

Apr 24 - 3rd Grade Music Concert @ 7pm

Apr 25 - No School Students

Consistent school attendance is foundational to a student's overall success. Shakopee Public Schools is dedicated to partnering with families to ensure all students have the opportunity to fully participate in their education and maximize student learning outcomes.

This below guide includes attendance resources that are also listed in each school’s online handbook. School Board Policy 503 outlines additional elements related to student attendance.

Together, we can cultivate a supportive environment that prioritizes daily school attendance, empowering each and every student to reach their greatest potential.

Online Attendance Submission: Families can also enter absences into Infinite Campus.

Sweeney Attendance Line: 952-496-5833

Students in Grades 3-5 will be taking the upcoming Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) and alternate Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) state tests.

The MCA and MTAS tests are scheduled to take place in March and April.

These assessments serve as a tool to support the academic progress of your student and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Each school and the district may also use the results to guide decisions about programming.

Families with students in Grades 3-5 will receive future communication with specific testing information as the date approaches.

Official student results will be distributed at Check & Assess in Fall 2025 and during Conferences in the Fall of 2025.

If a parent/guardian would like to view their student's preliminary results, they will be available in the Parent Portal of Infinite Campus in the middle of June.

While the results of the MCA and MTAS are very important, we understand that there may be occasions where a parent/guardian chooses to refuse state testing for their child. If that is the case, please click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to fill out the Minnesota Department of Education's official "Parent/Guardian Participation Guide and Refusal Information" form and return it to your school's main office at least one week before your student begins testing.

It is the time of year that we begin the process of creating classes for the 2025-26 school year. This is an intricate process that involves teacher teams, specialists, administration and support staff. Our goal is to provide a safe, secure, supportive environment for each and every student to reach their greatest learning potential. We also seek to create balanced classes, considering size, diversity, learning needs and individual circumstances. With a focus on every student's success, staff are committed to continuous learning and growth, ensuring they deliver the highest quality education.

Optional Feedback - Student Input Form

Help us build the best class for your child by completing the optional student input form below. Teacher feedback from this form will be used for 2025-26 class assignments. Please note, this optional form should be used to share information about your child's learning, not to request a specific teacher. Feedback is due by March 14, 2025; paper copies are available in the front office.

Future 2025-26 Connect & Assess Feedback OpportunityWe encourage families to share important student information directly with their child's teacher during the 'Connect and Assess' days at the start of the school year (Fall 2025). This is a chance to discuss your child's specific learning needs, emotional or social goals and anything else that would be helpful for a teacher to know. We'll send out details on how to schedule your appointment with your child's 2025-26 teacher closer to the start of school (August 2025).

Students in the Human Services Academy - CAPS Program are working with the Shakopee City Engineer, Alex Jordan, to obtain a grant that would provide Shakopee Schools with safer routes for students who walk or bike to school. Below is an optional K-12 survey to complete by March 14, 2025. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Did you know Sweeney has its own Saber Nation Station? This is an area where families in need can come to get donated clothing, shoes, coats and toiletries that their child(ren) may need throughout the year.

We have a great collection of clothing items right now as well as winter coats, snow pants, hats and mittens! To set up a time to come and check it out please contact Nurse Samantha at 952-496-5834 or ssweeney@shakopee.k12.mn.us

Each of Shakopee's five (5) elementary schools will host a fun-filled Saber event that allows families and children to tour an elementary school, meet teachers, engage with specialists, take a bus ride, grab a snack in the lunch line and much more!

2025-26 Kindergarten Roundup Event Dates
April 15, 2025: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Eagle Creek & Red Oak Elementary Schools

April 22, 2025: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Sun Path, Sweeney and Jackson Elementary School

No RSVP is necessary and all family members, including siblings, are encouraged to attend. FREE future Saber bag, while supplies last.

If your student will need any prescription medications while at school, please send updated doctor's orders for the 2024-2025 school year. We will NOT be able to administer any medications without updated orders.

Orders can be faxed, emailed or dropped off in the health office. If your student will need over-the-counter medications, including cough drops, please fill out a Medication Administration Form. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the health office.

Looking for ways to improve your family's eating habits? The link below provides a wealth of resources, including healthy recipes, budget-friendly tips, goal-setting tools and monthly email updates with new ideas.

Arrival: Please drop off your student between 8:55am and 9:05am. We want to avoid opportunities for students to gather. Our supervision begins at 8:55am.

Dismissal: Please be patient and stay in the lane provided along the curb when picking up your child at the end of the day. If the Sweeney parking lot is full, please line up in the parking lot next to Lion's Park and move into the school lot when spaces become available.

Website
Location: 1001 Adams Street South, Shakopee, MN, USA
Phone: (952) 496-5832
Twitter: @sweeneyelem

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