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It was an absolute delight to welcome our future kindergarten students and their parents to Blue Heron Elementary for our annual Kindergarten Round-Up this past Thursday. As principal, I always look forward to this special event each year, when we get the chance to give our incoming Herons and their families a sneak peek into the warm and caring environment that awaits them at our school.

The smiles and excitement were contagious as our soon-to-be students led their proud parents around the school, showing off their knowledge from the orientation packets they'd received. They confidently pointed out important spots like the library, music room, and cafeteria, and some even stopped to give high-fives to teachers they recognized. Our beloved school mascot, Bluey, was on hand to greet each family, posing for pictures and giving out hugs and high-fives. The children were simply ecstatic to meet the big blue bird that embodies the spirit of Blue Heron Elementary.

In addition to touring the school, over 30 parents signed up to learn more about our wonderful PTO and serve the Blue Heron community. It was so encouraging to see many parents eager to volunteer their time and talents to support our students and enrich their educational experience. The enthusiasm and dedication from these parents proves that Blue Heron truly is a special place, where children are nurtured and encouraged by a village of caring families, teachers, and staff.

I can't wait for these bright young Herons to join us in the fall. I know without a doubt that their time at Blue Heron will help them spread their wings and take flight!

Order your yearbook today! Only 100 copies available for purchase - see below for ordering info.

Apr 22: Earth Day

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

May 13: BH PTO Meeting 6:30pm

May 16: Last day of library book checkout (E day)

May 17: BH Walk-A-Thon Family Night 5:30-8pm

May 24: BH Walk-A-Thon

May 22: 5th Grade Track and Field Day - CHS Track

May 29: 5th Grade Party 3:45-7:30pm

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

Our school community is fortunate to have a strong office team led by Tracy Wikstrom and Angie Palmsteen. On April 24 we will acknowledge their daily efforts of keeping us all pointed in the right direction and thriving. They have assisted families, students, and staff during some very emotional times. I appreciate their commitment to our school. Together we make Blue Heron an exceptional place to learn and work! If you get a chance please don't hesitate to to drop Tracy or Angie a message.

April 16th kicked off state testing for students in grades 3-5. I am so proud of our students and staff for how they approached the reading state tests this past week. At BHE we recognize these tests are a snapshot of how each student is preforming as compared to state standards, and in grades 4 and 5 how each student is demonstrating growth as compared to peers across the state. As a school community, students demonstrate academic and social growth through the course of a day in many ways outside of the state test. Research indicates that consistent attendance, parent participation, instilling a love of reading and ability to work through problems/conflict are important ingredients to being successful students.

Next week all our 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students will take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) in Math. 5th-graders will also take the Science MCA on April 25.

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.

• If you haven’t already, please sign up and provide T-Shirt sizes with THIS link!
• All students need a shirt for track/field event. The order will be submitted to arrive in time for the 5/22 Track/Field Event.

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. North Metro TV is recording the concert. A link will be set to families the following week. Your 4th graders have been working hard and are excited to see you there!

Skip the lines and order your 2024-2025 school supply kit ONLINE starting Monday, April 22nd. School supply shopping...ADDED SAVINGS MINUS THE HASSLE! All school supply kit orders for BHE will be done online - deadline is June 1st. To order our school supply kit, click the link below or scan the QR code to the right. The school code is 31897.

Please communicate with the school office by 2:00 if there is a change with your student's dismissal routine.

Planning for the next school year begins very soon. If you are moving or not returning to Blue Heron Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year, please call the office at 763-792-6200. Thank you!

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.

Register now for GRASP for summer! (entering gr. K-8)

GRASP is a summer academic correspondence program aimed at helping students maintain skills they learned this school year. Register for math or reading or both. The deadline to register for GRASP is April 26.

More activities happening soon:

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)

Intro to Canoeing on Rice Creek (entering gr. 6)

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

Summer Cougar Strength (entering gr. 6)

Next Step-Up Ninja (ages 6-13)

Jun. 6- It’s a Robot Party (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