Big Woods Elementary School

What a start to the school year! Thank you for partnering with us. We are building our routines and watching students grow and learn.

Upcoming Events

September 23-27 is our annual Homecoming Week.

September 23 - PJ Day

September 24 - Crocks and/or Crazy Socks

September 25 - Flannel and/or Western Day

September 26 - Camo and/or Glitter Day

September 27 - STMA Spirit Day

Sept. 30- Oct. 3 - Grandparents Lunch

October 7 - PTO Meeting @ 6:00 (BW Media Center)

October 10 - Picture Retakes

October 17 - No School

October 18 - No School

October 24 - Early Release @ 12:00. Elementary Conferences begin at 1:15 PM

Sincerely,

Jesse Peterson

Principal

jessep@mystma.org

Reasons to notify the Health Office

• If your student will be absent from school, please call the Attendance Line and leave a detailed message including student name, grade, teacher, and reason for absence.
• If your student has had surgery, injury, or a new medical condition that requires accommodations or activity restrictions while at school, please notify the Health Office and provide a letter from the medical provider indicating what accommodations/restrictions are needed and the length of time.
• Reminders on when a student can return after illness: 1) Fever free (<100 degrees F) for at least 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medications (ibuprofen, tylenol) 2) If vomiting, at least 24 hours since last episode. 3) Well enough to attend a full day at school.

Please send provider letters directly to the following people

• (District Nurse) Chelsie Steffens, RN, LSN - chelsies@mystma.org (only for surgeries, injuries, or new medical conditions)
• (BW Health Para) Amanda Wolford, CMA - Amandawo@mystma.org (all letters including attendance)

As we begin another school year, we want to highlight an issue that significantly impacts our children’s education—chronic absenteeism. At STMA, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, and regular school attendance is a crucial part of this success.

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (about 17 days per year or two days per month) for any reason—excused or unexcused. This means that even just two days of missed school per month can add up to significant gaps in learning. Research shows that students who are chronically absent are more likely to fall behind in reading and math, struggle socially, and are less likely to graduate on time.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is vital for your child’s academic success. Each day, teachers build on the lessons from the previous day, and missing even a couple of days can disrupt a student’s learning process. Beyond academics, consistent attendance helps students build positive relationships with their peers and school staff, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

How You Can Help: Strategies for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers

You play a crucial role in ensuring that your child attends school regularly. Here are some strategies to help:

1. Set a Routine: Establish a consistent daily schedule that includes a regular bedtime and morning routine. This can help reduce the stress of getting ready for school each day.
2. Talk About the Importance of School: Discuss with your child why attending school is important. Encourage them to see school as a place where they can learn, make friends, and achieve their goals.
3. Monitor Attendance: Keep track of how many days your child has missed. If they start missing more than a couple of days, reach out to their teacher or school counselor for support.
4. Schedule Appointments Outside School Hours: Whenever possible, try to schedule doctor’s appointments, family trips, and other commitments outside of school hours.
5. Stay Engaged: Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and school staff. If your child is struggling with schoolwork or experiencing anxiety about attending school, communicate with us so we can work together to find solutions.
6. Address Health Issues: If your child is frequently ill, consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying health concerns. Ensure that your child is getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active to support their overall health.
7. Create a Positive School Experience: Encourage your child to get involved in school activities, clubs, or sports. When children are engaged and enjoy school, they are more likely to attend regularly.

We’re Here to Support You

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when your child has to miss school. If you are facing challenges that make it difficult for your child to attend school regularly, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you with resources and strategies to ensure your child stays on track.

Together, we can help all our students build a bright future. Thank you for your partnership in making sure every day counts for our students.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issues Air Quality Alerts when air conditions are forecasted to reach unhealthy levels on the Air Quality Index (AQI). The MPCA advises that sensitive groups, including individuals with lung or heart conditions, children, and the elderly, may be affected by these conditions.

During school hours, students participate in various outdoor activities such as recess, wellness breaks, and physical education, which are essential for their development and academic success. However, the safety and well-being of our students are paramount. Therefore, STMA Schools adhere to the following guideline regarding outdoor activities during air quality alerts:

• AQI 201-300 (Very Unhealthy - Purple): All students will remain indoors during recess, physical education, and wellness breaks.

Please contact the building principal or health office if you have any questions or need further information.

Find PTO on Facebook at Big Woods PTO and “like” them for updates.

Contact PTO at bigwoodspto@gmail.com

Volunteers at bigwoodsptovolunteers@gmail.com

Thank you for all your support Big Woods PTO!

PTO Meetings

October 7th - 6:00 PM @ Big Woods Media Center

Enrollment 652

School Hours: 7:45-2:15 PM

Office Hours: 7:00-3:30 PM

Website: https://bw.stma.k12.mn.us/
Location: 13470 Frankfort Parkway Northeast, Saint Michael, MN, USA
Phone: (763) 497-8025
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigwoodsknights/