News from the Nest
September 29, 2023
News from Mr. Hartmann . . .
Can you believe that October 1 is on Sunday? I am proud of our staff and students for putting forth the necessary effort this past month. As we start our "What I Need" W.I.N. groups to support the academic and emotional growth of students, please know that we include as many kids as possible given our resources. If your child is identified to receive an extra scoop of support during W.I.N., please trust the process and know that your student is in good hands. If you have questions regarding a W.I.N. group, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Hartmann or Mrs. O'Shea in the office.
Important Dates:
Oct. 6: Fall Dance 6:30-8:30pm - VOLUNTEER LINK
Oct. 8: Conference Sign-Up Link CLOSES
Oct. 9: No school for Students / Staff Development
Oct. 12: Parent - Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
Oct. 17: Parent - Teacher Conferences 4-8pm
Oct. 19-20: No School / Professional Organization Meetings
Oct. 24: Lifetouch Picture Retake Day
Conference Sign-Up
Registration for Fall Conferences opened September 28 at 10 AM. Please note that both nights will be in-person conferences. Our goal is 100 percent participation, so please check out the dates listed below, and thank you in advance for making every effort to attend. If you have any difficulty signing up, please call our main office number at 763-792-6200 or email twikstrom@isd12.org.
As in the past, BHE is requesting families to honor our goal of having one conference per student unless it is legally necessary to have two conferences. We have found it beneficial for the parents to work together. If you need an accommodation, please contact Mr. Hartmann.
Conference Details:
- Thursday, October 12th
- Tuesday, October 17th
- Registration for conferences CLOSES on Sunday, October 8.
- Follow this link to the MyConferenceTime online platform to sign up for conferences.
Helpful Links:
- Sign-Up Link: https://www.myconferencetime.com/bhe
- Help with signing up: https://www.myconferencetime.com/info/help/video-how-to-sign-up/
- Canceling a conference: https://myconferencetime.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/48000236886-cancel-a-registration
IXL
One way we bridge programming is through the use of IXL Learning. The ability for students to not only practice specific standards, but to experience those standards via mini lessons, practice sessions, and assessments is critical in having students achieve understanding, success, and confidence. We are using IXL to support our curriculum, and your child has access to this online program at home. Throughout the school year, staff will review how IXL could best fit within our day as a strategic tool to meet the needs of learners within the school day. I am encouraging families to incorporate ways to use IXL outside of the day.
Homecoming Football Game Tonight!
Centennial High School Athletic & Activity Events:
Digital online tickets can be purchased at https://highschool.isd12.org/athletics-activities-at-chs/online-tickets-cougar-corner-apparel
Cash and/or checks will not be accepted at the door
Ticket Prices:
Students (1st grade – 12th grade): $5.00
Adults: $8.00
Senior Citizens (65+ with photo ID): FREE**
**Free to regular season home sporting events. This does not include post season games or fine arts and theater reserved seating.
Please be reminded of the following stadium policies and information:
- Elementary-aged children need to be accompanied and supervised by their parents/guardians.
- To maintain a safe environment, students are expected to be in the stands or with their parents at all times.
- Tickets need to be purchased online. Ticket Site
- Outside food, drinks and balls are not permitted into the stadium.
Fall Dance
Please join us for our Fall Dance on Friday, October 6th from 6:30pm-8:30pm. This dance is free and open to our Blue Heron students and their families. Pizza, snacks, and drinks available for
purchase.
Please consider helping out and signing up for a volunteer shift with the link below.
Field Trip Fees
- Log into the Parent Portal
- Click on the three lines in the upper left corner
- Click on Fees in the drop-down menu
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Optional Payments
- Pick which student you are paying for in the "Person" drop-down menu
- Scroll thru the list and choose the correct fieldtrip
Click Here for more information
Lifetouch Pictures
- If you preordered school pictures online or sent in your order form, your pictures will be sent to Blue Heron within a few weeks
- If you have not ordered pictures yet, you will get a new code for ordering when you receive your student's SmileSafe card. All students will get a SmileSafe card with their picture on it.
Important Notice from Transportation
Students are to ride their assigned bus to and from school. Thank you for your cooperation!
Blue Heron Elementary Yearbook
Make a Difference and Substitute in our Schools!
Don’t miss this chance to get involved and make a difference in the Centennial School District! No experience necessary; training provided!
This is a great opportunity to:
- Be involved in your child’s education and help out in the schools.
- Turn your volunteer hours into extra income.
- Work a schedule that fits with your student’s schedule.
- Get paid weekly and take advantage of bonus opportunities.
Available positions:
• Substitute Teachers (To qualify, you must have bachelor’s degree with MN Teaching or Substitute License; you can obtain a Short Call License if you have a bachelor’s degree.)
• Substitute Paraprofessionals (To qualify, you must have a HS Diploma/GED.)
Apply at teachersoncall.com; 800-713-4439
Substitutes are also needed for Kids Club, food service, custodial, administrative assistants, and nurses. More information can be found on the Centennial website.
District News
Character Strong
We are happy to announce the Centennial School District will be using Character Strong in grades Pre-K through 12 during the 2023-2024 school year.
Through the use of the Character Strong program, we have an opportunity to help our children learn the value of empathy, service, and connection. Along with strong academics, our goal is to teach students to be capable, compassionate people, and to empower them to become the best versions of themselves. When our students feel safe, supported, and part of a community, they perform better, act with more kindness, and want to show up to school each day. We believe this curriculum will have a powerful and positive impact on the climate and culture of our school, and it is our hope that families will join us in this work to build a kinder school culture and, ultimately, a kinder world.
How can parents support the Character Strong program at home?
When it comes to the well-being of our children, parents and school staff members are a team. Parents will still be the ones instilling their personal values; however, there are many skills and character traits that our children utilize in the school and work settings and there is a benefit to learning and practicing those skills with their peers. Families can join us in supporting the development of these traits by talking to their children about what they are learning in school and how they relate to their family's personal values.
Where can you learn more about Character Strong?
Learn more about Character Strong and look for them on social media. In addition to the sample lessons available on their website, families can sign up for "Family Access" to the Character Strong curriculum and will be given 30-day access to review content. Register here for family access.
Reminder: Immunization Information
Minnesota law requires children enrolled in childcare, early childhood education, or school to be immunized against certain diseases, unless the child is medically or non-medically exempt.
If proper documentation is not provided, students will be unable to attend school after November 1st, 2023. What you need to do:
- Contact your health care provider and review your student’s immunization status to make sure they are up to date.
- If you missed a required vaccination, make an appointment with a healthcare provider or local clinic as soon as possible.
- Follow up with your students’ school if they have reached out to you regarding your student’s immunization status.
- Turn in medical (must be signed by health care provider) and non-medical (must be notarized) exemption forms to your child’s school.
Visit the MDH website for vaccine schedules, exemption forms and more information including where to get free/low cost immunizations today. Please reach out to your student’s school for any questions. Please note, K-12 immunization status is available on Campus Parent Portal.
School Board Hosts Listening Session for the Public
In the District’s ongoing efforts to gather feedback from our stakeholders, the Centennial School Board is hosting a listening session for the public on October 16, 5:30pm-6:15pm. The session will be held in the District Board Room prior to the regularly scheduled School Board meeting.
Listening Sessions are held quarterly to provide the opportunity for community members, staff, parents, and students to meet informally with Board Representatives and the Superintendent to discuss topics in the schools. More information can be found on the Centennial website.
Community Education
Happening soon:
Oct. 6- Mini Cougar Cheer Clinic (gr. 1-5)
Oct. 8- Skyhawks Pickleball (ages 5-11)
Skyhawks Basketball Camp (ages 6-12)
Oct. 9- DASH Multi-Sport Non-School Day Camp (gr. K-5)
DASH After School Soccer (gr. 2-5)
Oct. 14- Canvas Fun: Pumpkins & Glow (gr. K-5)
Oct. 19- Ninja Day Camp (ages 6-13)
DASH Multi-Sport Non-School Day Camp (gr. K-5)
Oct. 28- Halloween Hustle 5K (all ages/family)
Skyhawks Flag Football (ages 5-10)
Oct. 29- Cougar Soccer Academy (gr. 6-8)
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.
Blue Heron Elementary
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