Tiger Tales

Stevenson Families,

February was an amazing month at Stevenson. Our scholars learned about historical leaders during Black History Month and we had multiple celebrations. Our Festival of Nations family event last week was the highest attended event we have ever had. We had the counter out and could not keep up. There were 900-1000 people in attendance! Thanks so much to all who attended.

This annual event is truly one where you FEEL the love of our school community. Our students and our families SHINE. The students' artwork, performances, and celebrations of their own culture AND of each others' culture were absolutely beautiful. There were so many families sharing their appreciation and love for our school. Thanks so much to the teachers who planned the event and to all of our families who shared their cultures.

March is College & Career Readiness Month! Students will learn about all the possible pathways following high school through class lessons, broadcasts, and our 4th graders will attend sessions based on their interest. See more details below.

Kindly,

Veronica Mathison

Stevenson Elementary Principal

763-502-5301

veronica.mathison@fridley.k12.mn.us

March 3-9-National School Social Worker Week

Thursday, March 7th-Kindergarten Round Up (2024-2025 Kindergarteners)

Wednesday, March 13th-Grade 2 Field Trip

Thursday, March 14th-Second Grade Concert (5:30 p.m. at RLS)

Wednesday, March 20th-Grade 3 Field Trip

Wednesday, March 20th-PTO Meeting (5 p.m. at RLS)

Friday March 22-Friday, March 29th-No School for Students Spring Break

As part of the month's activities, there will be classroom lessons, broadcast, and Stevenson's 4th grade will host a Career day on March 20th from 1:45-2:45. We are looking for a variety of careers to share with our students. They love hands-on activities and learning about a variety of careers!

If you would be willing to share your career with the 4th graders, please fill out this form.

Thank you for sharing and appreciating cultures of our school community.

Stevenson Elementary is now a drop off site through TerraCycle for juice pouches. Students can recycle theirs in the lunchroom and you can drop off juice pouches at the front office anytime! Our school does receive funds from TerraCycle based on how many we recycle. Please consider bringing us any Caprisun/KoolAid/Honest juice pouches.

Student arrival begins 8:55 a.m.

Free breakfast is served 8:55 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.

School day starts at 9:10 a.m.

Dismissal is 3:45 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/RLSElementary/

If you need any help with warm gear, please contact our school social worker, Cait Ostman, at 763-502-5310.

Our student resource room is in need of:

• Warm mittens
• Snow pants
• Boots

Items can be dropped off in our front office and will be available to our scholars in need of items.

This is just a reminder as the cold weather is here, we go outside everyday unless the temperature with wind chill is below 0 degrees. There is not an indoor recess option because it's important for students to get movement and fresh air. Please send your child with the appropriate winter gear every day. Here is what we call the Frosty Five that are required to keep kids safe and warm.

1. Winter Jacket
2. Hat
3. Gloves
4. Snow Pants
5. Boots

After the snow falls, without boots students need to be on the sidewalk to avoid wet and super cold feet.

WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

The safety of children on the school bus depends not only on the bus driver, but others on the road as well. Please pay attention to the following winter safety tips to students, parents and motorists:

• Don’t Rush to Catch the Bus. When roads and walkways are slippery, rushing to catch the bus or driving faster to make it to your destination can have disastrous results. Children need extra time to get to the bus stop in cold, windy or snowy conditions. Encouraging them to leave a few minutes early and take their time can reduce the number of falls on slick pavement.
• Bundle Up like Randy from “A Christmas Story.” Students need to keep warm at the bus stop, but they also must still be able to see and hear what’s going on around them. When bundling up your child in the morning, make sure he or she still has an adequate line of sight and can hear traffic and other noises. And make sure your student can put his arms down.
• Put Down the Phone. As highlighted by the “Pokémon Go” craze, not looking where you are walking can have disastrous results. When walking on snow or ice covered surfaces, watch where you are walking, take shorter, more deliberate steps or do the “penguin shuffle.”
• Get a Grip. Wear footwear appropriate for conditions. Avoid footwear with slick (no-tread) soles when walking on wet surfaces, snow or ice.
• Just a Little Patience. School bus drivers are very well trained on driving in inclement weather; however, snow and icy roads can slow down even the most experienced driver. Safety is each driver’s top priority and extra time may be needed to get from stop to stop.
• The Last Step. The seemingly simple task of getting on and off the bus can be taken for granted. Always use the handrails!
• Pay Attention to Weather Alerts and School Messages. As hectic as mornings can be, parents should be aware of weather alerts and school cancellations or delays. Bad weather also can lead to early dismissals or a change in bus routes. Make sure your school has your contact information to receive late-breaking alerts, and be sure to check your school website or local media when inclement weather is expected.

School attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunity for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student.

Examples of EXCUSED Absences

Illness (ex. strep throat, fever)

Please note: After 10 or more days of excused illness absences, students will be required to present a provider note for ongoing absences

Medical, dental or orthodontic treatment or counseling appointment

Physical emergency condition such as a fire or floor

Family Emergencies

Religious Holidays

Death or Funeral of immediate family member or close friend

Examples of UNEXCUSED Absences

Overslept / Alarm Failure

Missed the bus / Car trouble

Staying home to babysit

Needed at home

Shopping / Errands

Please contact our school social worker with any questions!

Cait Ostman, MSW, LICSW

Phone: 763.502.5310

Email: caitlin.ostman@fridley.k12.mn.us

Text: 612.424.0478

Campus Parent Portal is a required account for families to add money to your child's lunch account, apply for financial assistance, and access transportation information. You will also be using Parent Portal to update your phone number and any other personal information such as approved emergency contacts.

Thank you to everyone who has eaten meals with us. We look forward to seeing our students in the lunch line daily. We continue to provide some different meal entrees including Asian Noodle Bowls, Beef Sambusa, Chipotle Style Burrito Bowl, and School Made Mac & Cheese. All students must take at least ½ cup fruit or vegetable with their meal. Did you also know that you can come an eat school lunch with your student? The cost is $5.00 and includes the lunch entree, milk, fruits and vegetables. This is a great value, and you can taste what we are serving our customers. Reminder that students cannot just have a free milk if they are bringing a cold lunch from home, all students must take a reimbursable meal so if your student wants just a milk, we will also have them take fruits and vegetables along with the milk.

In January we will be providing some new fruits and vegetables for students to try as part of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program (snack served in the classroom). On January 11 we will be serving papaya, January 18th star fruit and on January 31 Romanesco. Please ask your children about these items and what they tasted like.

If you have any questions or menu questions, please contact Renee Arbogast RD SNS at 763-502-5022. Thank you,

Nutritional Services

Stevenson Elementary is an International Baccalaureate World School dedicated to nurturing students to show curiosity, be lifelong learners, and give back to their communities. Our exceptional teachers and support staff provide a welcoming environment where the classroom becomes a learning community!

Email: Veronica.mathison@fridley.k12.mn.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/isd14.org/stevensone-learning/home
Location: 6080 East River Road, Fridley, MN, USA
Phone: 7635025300