Turtle Tracks

Monday, December 14-Thursday, December 17

No Scheduled Activities

Friday, December 18

8:00 am - 4:00 pm Materials Distribution Day

Even though this year has looked like no other year before it, as Principal Johnson says in his Principal Perspectives in the linked newsletter: “Snapper Pride is still alive and well at Turtle Lake!” This newsletter captures some of the highlights from the past few months. Click here or the image to view the newsletter.

On Friday, December 18, there will be a materials distribution for all families between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm; however, not all teachers will have materials to be distributed. *You will be contacted by your child’s individual teacher if your child has materials to be picked up on Friday. Please note: there will be bus traffic for Tier I Childcare between 8:45-9:05 am and 3:40-4:00 pm.

*New* Distribution will occur in a drive through format, in the BACK (gym location) of the building. Please have a note, ready to give to the staff, with your child's name and teacher. In order to maintain social distancing we ask that any items you are returning are placed in your trunk. We will take those items and replace them with a new bag.

Any items not picked up will again be available in the main vestibule on Monday, December 21. If you cannot pick up materials, please contact the office to make alternate arrangements.

Calling all 4th grade students! Are you still interested in joining the Orchestra this year, but missed the opportunity to join this past fall? Here's your chance! Fill out the Google Form to join the orchestra, starting just after Winter Break. You will have a 30 minute Zoom lesson each week during normal school hours with other beginners just like you!

You can join the TL Orchestra team by playing the violin, viola, or cello. Students may switch to the bass after their first year of playing. (We recommend that students who may want to play the bass start on the cello.) No previous experience is necessary.

• If you’re interested in signing up for orchestra, fill out this Google Form by Monday, January 4th. Mrs. Anderson will send you more information after receiving your submission.

It’s going to be another awesome year in orchestra!

Mrs. Anderson

emily.anderson@moundsviewschools.org"

If you have Turtle Lake library book returns, you can now return them at any time using our Turtle Lake Book Return located in the front of the building.

In addition, the Turtle Lake Library would appreciate it if families could search for books that have not been returned to the library since being checked out in the spring.

On Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 8:00-9:00 pm national child abuse prevention and education expert, Alison Feigh, will provide Turtle Lake Elementary School PTA members tools to help increase empathetic skills in their children as we work together to respect the safety and dignity of others.

Alison Feigh, MS, is the Director Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, a program of Zero Abuse Project. In this role, she works with students, parents, youth workers, faith leaders, law enforcement and the media to help prevent childhood abuse and abductions. Alison’s work also includes writing curriculum for youth-serving organizations, training professionals about the online challenges kids face and advocating for families of the missing.

Click here for flyer and zoom meeting link.

During this time of distance learning, we are encouraging both staff and students to continue reporting illnesses and positive COVID test results to the Turtle Lake Health Office: 651-621-7704. Although the Minnesota Department of Health does call the homes of those who test positive for COVID, they are currently backlogged given the rapid increase in cases recently. When you contact the Health Office, we will assist you with calculating quarantine and isolation dates, and provide information to help you with contact tracing and provide a connection with knowledgeable staff who can help answer questions you may have.

Minnesota has also enhanced testing availability. Here is some additional information about available testing:

At-home COVID-19 saliva testing

Minnesota offers free, at-home COVID-19 saliva testing for people who believe they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. Right now, families can order up to five test kits per household. Families will be asked if they have insurance, but the state will cover the costs for any uninsured or underinsured families. You should not receive a bill using this testing option. Order your at-home test here.

COVID-19 community testing sites

All COVID-19 testing is free at Minnesota Department of Health community testing events. We are always planning more community testing events across the state, working together with communities to make sure everyone can get tested. Tests are free for everyone, and no identification or insurance is required.

Find nasal swab community testing events

Find saliva community testing sites

Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative is hosting a ZOOM Resource Fair on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 3:00-4:30 pm.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/rQnt7eKsqjavpQTv9.

If you are looking for basic needs resources please find more information at this link. You can also find this resource guide and other information on our district website. We are here to help!

www.moundsviewschools.org

FREE meals will be available for all students for curbside pickup at the schools listed below. Meals will be available every Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Bel Air Elementary (1800 5th St NW, New Brighton)

• Island Lake Elementary (3555 Victoria St N, Shoreview)

• Pinewood Elementary (5500 Quincy St, Mounds View)

• Sunnyside Elementary (2070 County H, New Brighton)

• Turtle Lake Elementary (1141 Lepak Ct, Shoreview)

• Valentine Hills Elementary (1770 W County Road E2, Arden Hills)

• Chippewa Middle School (5000 Hodgson Road, North Oaks)

• Edgewood Middle School (5100 Edgewood Dr, Mounds View)

• Highview Middle School (2300 7th St NW, New Brighton)

• Irondale High School (2425 Long Lake Rd, New Brighton)

• Mounds View High School (1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills)

Each bag will contain five breakfasts and five lunches. Meals will be FREE to all those

who are under age 18. Families and students will not need to provide a name or PIN

number to pick up the meals. For more information, visit our website.

Monday, December 21-Tuesday, December 22

No Scheduled Activities

Wednesday, December 23 - Friday, January 1

Winter Break - No School

The 2020-2021 Student Directory is now available on the PTA website. The case sensitive password is: tlPTA2020.21

Periodic updates will be made to the directory throughout the school year. The information for the directory is supplied by the district office and provided as a service from the PTA. Please remember to be respectful and diligent with the data so we may continue to provide it to Turtle Lake families. Changes can be submitted at any time to: turtlelakeptadirectory@gmail.com.

Para asistencia en traducciones ó ayuda como intérprete, por favor llama 651-724-2854. Yog xa tau kev pab thiab hais ua lus Hmoob thov hu rau 651-724-0396. Haddi aad ubaahantahay faahfaahin dheerad ah ama turjumaad, fadlan kala 651-724-7482.