Bird's Word for October 10, 2024

We have had a few incidents of students bringing items to school to trade or sell with peers. This is becoming a problem so I wanted to share out our expectation related to non-school items. If items are brought to school, teachers may hold the item and then arrangements will be made with family around next steps. This is listed in our Student Handbook that can be found on the school webpage - https://falconheights.isd623.org/about/student-handbook

Students can be responsible by coming to school ready to learn and by bringing belongings that are only used for learning. That would mean students wouldn’t bring electronics, toys, trading cards or other such items. Cell phones are to be switched off while on the bus or at school. If a family needs to contact their child, they should call school. Students may use their cell phones if they have permission from a staff member. If a student uses a cell phone inappropriately, it will be confiscated and kept until an adult from the family claims it. We will not accept responsibility for damage or loss of these items. Students may roller blade, skateboard, bike or ride scooters to and from school with their families’ permission. These items are to be stored at the outdoor bike racks. Students are encouraged to lock these items to the bike rack and wear appropriate safety gear (e.g., helmets). Neither the school nor the district assumes liability for such items.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Fall Conferences

It has been wonderful to see families and students popping in for Fall Conferences. Our goal is to have connections with 100% of our families. So if you haven't yet set a time to meet, please give us a call. Educating students is a partnership between home and school. Formal conferences may happen two times during the year but the lines of communication are ongoing. Please know that your child/ren's teacher is here to partner with you. So reach out with your thoughts and questions as we work together to help your child grow academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Also, if you have questions for me, do not hesitate to reach out.

Come look for items that have been left behind! The tables will be up inside the front doors until next Tuesday, October 15th and then items will be donated.

Author Chris Grabenstein is coming to Falcon Heights! (grades 3-6) Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, SMARTEST KID, and DOG SQUAD series.

He will come and talk to our 3rd-6th graders about his newest book and the writing process on November 7th from 9:50-10:35! Help us to secure more author visits by purchasing one of his books. The purchased books will be signed and personalized to your child! Use the QR code below to purchase online or print the PDF and send in with your child. Students will also be getting a paper version this week.

An author visit for grades K-2 is in the works for the near future! Be on the lookout for more information.

We are looking for volunteers to help supervise lunch and recess. You could volunteer one day/week, one hour/day, it is up to you! The hours would be within the window of 11:30am-1:45pm. Please contact Louise or Jill in the front office if you are interested in volunteering (651-646-0021). A background check will be required and can be completed at this link.

If you still need to order your student's pictures, visit mylifetouch.com. You can create an account using your student's student ID number. Our school's picture day ID is EVTJTQ2XV. If your student needs retakes, Lifetouch will be here on October 24th for retakes.

Those ten minutes at parent drop off and pick up at the east entrance are busy times! To help keep the traffic flowing smoothly, please pull all the way up around the circle drive and stay in your car. Have your child(ren) exit on the right side of the car, where there are staff to help open and close doors and assist them getting everything out. When they are out, keep traffic moving so the next car can drop off their child(ren). Thanks for your cooperation!

If you plan to volunteer at school or on field trips, all parents, guardians, grandparents and community members need to submit a background check through the district. To complete the background check, click this link, fill out the google form; at the bottom of that form, you will then click another link that takes you to Trusted Employees website, where the actual applications is filled out and an $8 fee is required. Background checks are good for one calendar year. If you have questions, please call the school office (651-646-0021) or reach out to your child's teacher.

Our school offers healthy meals each day. We are continuing the Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program. All students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. Additional items such as extra milk, entrees or meals (Breakfast- $2.25, Lunch-$4.95) will need to be purchased. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help our schools to fund resources such as paraprofessionals, social workers, reducing class sizes, discounts on fees for activities to name a few. Every household is encouraged to complete the application. Apply online using the qr code.

HOLY GUACAMOLE! Thank you to everyone who helped us raise money by dining at Chipotle last night. We raised $371. Thank you to Carol Brill for organizing!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the PTA meeting on Monday. We approved adjustments to our standing rules, our September meeting minutes and a teacher purchase. We heard from Principal Behnke about the strategies the school uses to help students who aren’t testing at benchmark in reading and math. We’ll have a full summary in our meeting minutes that we will share out before our November 11th meeting. We also got a preview of the Spirit Wear options that will be announced after the MEA break.

We are looking for 3-5 volunteers to join the Read-a-thon Committee. The Read-a-Thon is a fundraiser we do in February where students read to raise money. You will develop a theme, organize the pledge sheets, decide on prizes for the top readers, and schedule a celebration assembly and/or events. Time commitment is 1-2 hours a month October through February with a little more time during the read-a- thon dates (which the committee will decide). Please reach out to falconheightspta@gmail.com if you are interested.

Looking into November, the Book Fair is November 12-14 and will be open during the school Open House on the 14th. You can volunteer for a shift to help and earn scholastic dollars for every hour you work.

All our best,

Lindsay, Maria, Deidre and Katie

FH PTA Board

Starting Monday, October 21, 2024, Roseville Area Schools will enforce the Minnesota immunization law. This is crucial for maintaining healthy and safe school communities. Here's what you need to know:

Students must meet one of the following criteria to continue attending school:

• Have received all required immunizations
• Have a scheduled immunization appointment
• Have submitted a notarized exemption form

Starting October 21, 2024:

• Students who do not meet the immunization requirements will be instructed to stay home until the requirements are met.
• These absences will be marked as unexcused.

Why this matters:

• This policy helps protect our most vulnerable students, who are unable to receive vaccines.
• It minimizes the time students miss due to disease outbreaks, as those not immunized may be required to stay home per the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

If your student is missing any immunizations, you will receive a notice from the school's health office. Please respond promptly to ensure your student can remain in school.

For questions or concerns, contact your school’s health office.

All students in grades 2 and 4 will take the Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®). This test helps us identify students' strengths in reasoning and problem-solving, and if they need advanced academic opportunities.

The testing will take place from late October to November, over three different days.

CogAT evaluates students’ reasoning abilities in three areas:

Verbal → Using words for reasoning and problem-solving

Quantitative → Using numbers and patterns for reasoning and problem-solving

Nonverbal→ Using shapes and figures for reasoning and problem-solving

Teachers will guide students through practice problems to prepare them for questions they will see on the test. Families can support their children by making sure they get enough sleep and encouraging them to do their best.

We will use the test results to understand your child’s strengths and needs for advanced learning. Families will receive CogAT results in February.

If you don’t want your child to take the test, please fill out this form and return it to the classroom teacher by October 16.

If you have any questions about CogAT testing, please contact Trina Hira at trina.hira@isd623.org.

Todos los estudiantes en los grados 2 y 4 toman la Prueba de Habilidades Cognitivas™ (CogAT®). Esta prueba nos ayuda a identificar las fortalezas de los estudiantes en el razonamiento y la resolución de problemas, y si necesitan oportunidades académicas avanzadas.

Las pruebas se llevarán a cabo desde finales de octubre hasta noviembre, en tres días diferentes.

CogAT evalúa las habilidades de razonamiento de los estudiantes en tres áreas:

Verbal → Usar palabras para razonar y resolver problemas.

Cuantitativo → Usar números y patrones para razonar y resolver problemas

No verbal → Usar formas y figuras para razonar y resolver problemas

Los maestros guiarán a los estudiantes a través de problemas de práctica para prepararlos para las preguntas que verán en el examen. Las familias pueden apoyar a sus hijos asegurándose de que duerman lo suficiente y animándolos a hacer lo mejor que puedan.

Usaremos los resultados de las pruebas para comprender las fortalezas y necesidades de aprendizaje avanzado de su hijo. Las familias recibirán los resultados de CogAT en febrero.

Si no desea que su hijo tome el examen, complete este formulario y devuélvalo al maestro del salón de clases antes del 16 de octubre.

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre las pruebas CogAT, comuníquese con Trina Hira al trina.hira@isd623.org.

As we approach the Homecoming game on Friday night, please remember that all children 8th grade and younger are welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult at all Roseville Area High School athletics and activities events. No exceptions.

Looking for MEA Break activities for your child? Register them for this MEA opportunity: Drawing Baby Animals with Young Rembrandts! We'll begin with the heartwarming realism of nature's young, from a fawn to playful otters. Transition into Kawaii style, capturing those irresistibly cute, wide-eyed creatures. Add a twist as we imagine baby animals donning fashionable attire, blending humor with creativity, and dive into mythical baby creatures!

Thursday & Friday, Oct 17 & 18

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Grades K - 6

Aŋpétu Téča Education Center

CLICK HERE or call 651-604-3770 to register. 📲

DASH Sports Soccer Tykes camps provide players with an introductory experience to the game of soccer! Open to ages 3 to 6. Key elements of dribbling, passing, and shooting will be taught and practiced. Fun, skill-based games will be played to practice newly learned skills. Athletes should bring a water bottle (spikes and shin guards optional). Soccer balls are provided. Parent participation is recommended when needed for the younger players.

🗓️ Mondays, October 7 - 28

⏰ 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

📍 Aŋpétu Téča Education Center

CLICK HERE or call 651-604-3770 to register. 📲

What is it like to be part of Roseville Area Schools’ summer programming? Here’s a glimpse into student experiences from summer 2024! 🔍 Our district served students of all ages - from infants to adults - through a wide variety of programs. Watch this video to see why our families continue to #ChooseRoseville! 🎉 If you or your child participated in our summer programs, you may even see familiar faces in some clips. 😊

CLICK HERE to watch the video! 📲

Join the City of Little Canada and the Carpenter Nature Center for Animals of the St. Croix on Friday, October 18, at 2:00 PM (Spooner Park Lower Shelter.) The Carpenter Nature Center will be hosting a presentation about animals of the St. Croix, including Raptors, Wood Turtles, Map Turtles, Toad, Hognose, and Salamanders. This event is open to all ages!